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You can stream a playlist of local video files continuously from Linux Mint by using OBS Studio’s VLC Video Source, enabling Loop Playlist, and sending OBS’s output to YouTube Live with your stream URL and key. The setup is straightforward; keeping it live for 24 hours is not automatic: your computer, OBS, power and internet connection must keep working, and you should monitor the stream.
What you need before you start
- A Linux Mint computer capable of playing the files and encoding your chosen stream settings.
- OBS Studio and VLC installed. OBS’s VLC Video Source is available on Linux, but it requires VLC on the system. OBS Project’s media-source guide describes it as a source for making “a playlist of items, similar to an Image Slideshow.”
- A YouTube channel eligible to livestream. YouTube requires channel verification and no live-streaming restrictions within the previous 90 days. First-time live-streaming activation can take up to 24 hours. See YouTube’s live-streaming setup instructions.
- Video files you have permission to stream, plus a reliable internet connection with upload capacity above your chosen bitrate.
OBS and Linux Mint are updated over time. OBS’s installation guidance was published in 2021 and its media-source guidance in 2022, so consult the current upstream instructions if package names or interface labels differ from those below. OBS recommends Flathub for non-Ubuntu distributions; Mint releases can use different Ubuntu bases and package setups, so do not assume one Ubuntu PPA command applies to every Mint installation. Start with OBS Project’s Linux installation instructions.
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Build a playlist that repeats in OBS
- Install VLC using the package source appropriate to your Linux Mint release, then install OBS Studio using the current OBS Project Linux instructions. Open VLC once to confirm it launches.
- Start OBS and create a scene for the broadcast. Give it a clear name such as “24/7 playlist.”
- In the Sources panel, add a VLC Video Source. If that source is missing, close OBS, check that VLC is installed, then reopen OBS.
- In the source properties, add the video files you want to play. Arrange them in the order you want viewers to see them.
- Keep Loop Playlist enabled. Check the source preview and make sure the source is visible in the scene.
- Set up overlays, if needed, as separate OBS sources. Check that the scene canvas and video aspect ratio suit the output you intend to send; mismatches may leave unused space or crop content depending on your layout.
The VLC source plays files in sequence and loops the playlist. This means local media files, not a YouTube watch playlist: a YouTube watch playlist is a different workflow and is not what this OBS source setting controls.
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Test the scene and audio before going live
Make a local recording or a short unlisted test before committing to a long broadcast. Use representative files from the playlist, including any with different resolutions, frame rates or audio levels. Watch the transitions and listen for missing, clipped or unexpectedly quiet audio. A playlist that looks correct in the OBS preview can still have an audio or encoding issue in the actual YouTube feed.
#1 Best Overall
- 12th Intel Alder Lake N95 Processor – The GMKtec G3 S Mini PC is powered by the 12th Gen Intel N95 processor with 4 cores, 4 threads, 6MB cache and a burst frequency up to 3.4GHz. Compared with N100/N5105/N5100/N5095, the N95 delivers up to 36% overall performance improvement. Perfect for routine tasks, office work, and home entertainment, this compact mini desktop is more convenient than traditional bulky PCs.
- 8GB RAM & 256GB SSD Storage – Pre-installed with 8GB DDR4 memory and a fast 256GB M.2 2242 SSD, the G3 S mini desktop offers quicker startup, smoother multitasking, and faster file transfers. Enjoy seamless performance whether you’re working on multiple applications, browsing, or streaming content.
- Rich Interfaces & Connectivity – The G3 S mini computer comes equipped with USB 3.2 (up to 10Gbps), dual HDMI 2.0 (4K@60Hz), and a 3.5mm audio jack. With support for WiFi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, and Gigabit Ethernet (RJ45 1000MbE), it connects easily with monitors, projectors, printers, office equipment, and other peripherals, making it versatile for both home and business use.
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- GMKTEC WARRANTY - GMKtec offers a 3-year limited warranty (1 year replacement + 2 years parts replacement) for each mini PC, starting from the date of the purchase effective on all sales starting Oct. 2026. All defects due to design and workmanship are covered. With a professional after sales team always ready to attend to your needs, you can simply relax and enjoy your mini PC
- Confirm video is visible and fills the intended canvas without unexpected cropping.
- Listen to the start and end of each file transition, and check that audio remains present.
- Check that overlays do not cover important parts of the video.
- Keep the test stream private or unlisted if you do not want it publicly discoverable; verify the event’s visibility in YouTube before starting.
YouTube recommends checking the preview and stream health and testing with representative content. Its guidance also recommends monitoring audio and video during a stream: YouTube streaming tips.
Connect OBS to YouTube Live
- Open YouTube Live Control Room and create or select the live event you intend to use. If live streaming has not been enabled on the channel, complete YouTube’s eligibility and activation steps first.
- Copy the event’s server URL and stream key from YouTube Live Control Room. YouTube recommends RTMPS, a secure extension to RTMP; use the RTMPS server URL supplied for the event.
- In OBS, open Settings and then Stream. Select YouTube if available, or choose the custom server option, and enter the server URL and stream key as appropriate for the selected service configuration.
- Keep the stream key private. Anyone who obtains it may be able to send a stream to your channel. Do not show it in screenshots, public configuration examples or screen recordings.
- Apply the settings and return to the main OBS window. Start streaming only when the scene, event and output settings are ready.
For YouTube’s current encoder requirements and setup guidance, see YouTube’s encoder setup guide and its live-streaming help.
Rank #2
- 【Powerful AMD Core Running Performance】Adopt AMD Ryzen 5 7430U processor with 6 cores 12 threads, clock speed reach up to 4.3GHz. This mini computer delivers steady running performance to match daily office operation, daily home entertainment and light gaming usage demands, stable output without frequent stutter, fit for long time daily use.
- 【Smooth 4K Multi-screen Display Output】Built-in AMD Radeon graphics card with 1800MHz working frequency, this mini gaming pc supports 4K 60Hz video output. Equipped with HDMI, DP 1.2 and Type-C three display interfaces, users can freely combine connection ways to realize triple screen linkage, convenient for multi-task work split screen operation and high-definition video playback, improve daily operation efficiency effectively.
- 【Rich Interfaces & Stable Dual LAN Transmission】This mini pc comes with complete daily mainstream ports, including multiple USB 3.2/USB2.0 ports, audio jack, DC power port and other common interfaces. Equipped with 2.5G dual RJ45 wired network port, support fast and stable data transmission, can stably connect with monitor, projector, office equipment and household audio-visual devices, meet diversified external connection needs.
- 【Dual High-speed Wireless Connection Mode】Equipped with WiFi6 wireless network module and upgraded Bluetooth 5.3 version on this micro pc. WiFi6 brings faster network access speed and smoother network signal transmission; Bluetooth 5.3 realizes low-delay stable connection with wireless keyboard, mouse, headset, printer and other peripheral devices, optimize daily wireless using experience.
- 【Large Expandable Memory & Reliable Heat Dissipation】Configured with 16GB 3200MHz DDR4 RAM and 512GB built-in SSD, users can expand memory up to 64GB and solid state storage up to 4TB through reserved expansion slots. Compact body structure adopts aluminum alloy shell and honeycomb heat dissipation holes, speed up internal air circulation, lower operating temperature, maintain long-term stable operation and extend service life.
Choose resolution, frame rate and bitrate
Choose settings that both the computer can encode and the connection can upload consistently. YouTube’s current published recommendations are guidance, not a measurement of your specific Mint computer or network. For H.264, the settings page accessed in 2026 lists:
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| Output | YouTube-listed minimum bitrate | YouTube-listed recommended bitrate |
|---|---|---|
| 720p at 30 fps | 3 Mbps | 8 Mbps |
| 1080p at 30 fps | 5 Mbps | 14 Mbps |
Use the full current table for other resolutions, frame rates and codecs at YouTube’s encoder settings page; do not treat the two examples above as the only valid outputs. YouTube recommends RTMPS, a constant bitrate (CBR), and a two-second keyframe interval (no more than four seconds). Match OBS’s output to the content and the capacity you can sustain rather than selecting the highest resolution by default.
Rank #3
- 【AMD Ryzen 3 5300U CPU: Outperforms N150 & 3500U】 BOSGAME E5 mini PC is powered by the TSMC 7nm FinFET architecture AMD Ryzen 3 5300U processor (4 Cores, 8 Threads, up to 3.8GHz boost, 6MB total cache). Compared to low-end Intel N150 or 3500U chips which only have 4 single threads and throttle under load, the 5300U delivers over 30% faster multi-core speed. Run 30+ browser tabs, large Excel sheets, and Zoom meetings simultaneously without system lag.
- 【8GB DDR4 RAM & 256GB NVMe SSD Storage】 Installed with high-speed 8GB DDR4 dual-channel memory and a fast 256GB M.2 2280 SSD, eliminating slow boot times and application loading delays. To accommodate growing data requirements, the upgradeable hardware design features dual SODIMM slots that allow you to expand memory up to 64GB RAM, ensuring smooth operation during heavy multitasking.
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YouTube recommends keeping 20% upload headroom. For example, if your chosen stream bitrate is 8 Mbps, aim for at least 9.6 Mbps of stable upload capacity under the conditions in which you will stream, rather than relying on a best-case speed-test result. Other household or office traffic can use the same connection, so test while the network is being used as it normally will be.
Start the stream and keep it running
- In OBS, confirm the intended scene is selected and the VLC playlist source is visible.
- Start streaming in OBS. Check YouTube Live Control Room’s preview and stream-health indicators before treating the broadcast as ready for viewers.
- Monitor the stream and the computer during the run. Watch for dropped frames, loss of audio, a stalled playlist, overheating, power interruptions or network problems.
- Arrange an operator or another monitoring method for a 24-hour run. Decide in advance how you will respond if the computer, OBS or the network fails.
A local OBS setup depends on the local computer, power and network. YouTube warns that network disruption can break a stream; the official guidance reviewed here does not establish that OBS or YouTube will restart a failed local OBS process automatically. Treat recovery as an operational plan, not a loop-playlist setting.
Rank #4
- 【Powerful & Efficient Performance】Powered by the Intel Celeron J3355 Processor (up to 2.5GHz), this Mini PC delivers a 25% performance boost over previous generations. Pre-installed with Windows 11 Home and supporting Linux/Ubuntu, it’s the ideal micro desktop for seamless web browsing, document editing, and efficient daily office tasks.
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Plan the replay separately
YouTube says streams under 12 hours are automatically archived. Its cited guidance does not establish what will happen to the archive for a single 24-hour broadcast, so do not promise viewers one complete replay of the entire day. If having a replay matters, plan around this limit and verify YouTube’s current archive behavior before the event.
Copyright and channel rules still apply
Looping files does not grant permission to broadcast them. Use your own material or content you are authorized to stream, including music, artwork and footage within each file. YouTube’s live-streaming eligibility and restrictions also apply to the channel running the event. For an additional preflight check, use StreamNeo’s copyright safety checklist; it does not replace permission or YouTube’s rules.
Best Value
- WHY CHOOSE G3 ULTRA MINI PC PENTIUM GOLD 7505 - Choose the Intel Pentium Gold 7505 for snappier everyday responsiveness: It delivers up to 30% faster single-core performance than the Ryzen 5 3500U, making office apps and web browsing feel noticeably quicker, while its Intel UHD Graphics (48 EUs) provides 2.4x the GPU performance of the N100 & N150's 24-EU graphics, ensuring smoother 4K streaming and light photo editing.
- 16GB RAM MEMORY & 512GB STORAGE - GMKtec Nucbox G3 Ultra mini computer is prebuilt with 16GB LPDDR4 RAM at 3200 MT/s, you will enjoy a speedier experience with Built-in 512GB M.2 SATA Hard Drive. Our mini desktop pc boots up in seconds, work on multiple browser tabs, software applications and quickly transfers files. There is a primary slot and secondary expansion storage. Primary slot is M.2 2280 PCIE and secondary slot is M.2 2280 SATA.
- RICH INTERFACE - Nucbox pentium mini computer is equipped with 3* USB 3.2 Gen2 ports, up to 10Gbps/S, 1*USB 2.0, HDMI(4K@60Hz)*2, 3.5mm Audio Jack. Supports WiFi 6, and Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 2.5GbE network connectivity, Bluetooth 5.2. This Mini PC supports multiple device connection and can be used with servers, monitoring equipment, office equipment, displays, projectors, televisions, etc.
- 4K DUAL SCREEN DISPLAY - Mini desktop computer is equipped with upgraded Intel Graphics(max 1000MHz), supports 4K video playback and AV1 decoding, connect the pc with a projector as a home theatre, enjoy a variety of entertainments. Two HDMI 2.0 ports allows you to multi-task efficiently on two 4K@60Hz displays.
- UPGRADED COOLING FAN - The G3 Ultra has upgraded the cooling fan to reduce fan noise and thermals. We are using an upgraded thermal paste as well to help reduce heat on the CPU.
Troubleshooting common problems
| Symptom | Likely cause | What to check or do |
|---|---|---|
| VLC Video Source is not available | VLC is not installed, or OBS was open before VLC was installed. | Install VLC through the package source appropriate to your Mint release, close and reopen OBS, and check the Sources menu again. |
| The playlist ends instead of repeating | Loop Playlist is disabled, or the wrong source is being used. | Open the VLC Video Source properties, confirm the intended files are listed in order, and enable Loop Playlist. |
| YouTube does not receive the stream | The event URL or stream key is wrong, the channel is not yet eligible, or the stream has not been activated. | Recheck the event’s server URL and key in Live Control Room and OBS. Confirm channel verification and activation; first-time enablement may take up to 24 hours. |
| Stream health reports instability or viewers see buffering | Upload capacity is inconsistent, bitrate is too high for the connection, or other network traffic is competing. | Test sustained upload capacity, leave the recommended 20% headroom, reduce output bitrate or resolution if necessary, and test again. |
| Video appears but audio is missing or inconsistent | A source file may lack an audio track, levels may differ, or the wrong scene/source audio is active. | Test every file and transition locally, inspect OBS audio meters, and listen to a short test stream. |
| The broadcast stops after a power or process failure | The local computer or OBS stopped running; a playlist loop cannot keep the process alive. | Restore power or restart the computer and OBS, then reconnect using the event’s current settings. For future runs, arrange monitoring and a recovery plan, or use a cloud-hosted option. |
Or let it run in the cloud
For a YouTube channel that needs prerecorded video to stay live without keeping the Mint computer on, StreamNeo is a cloud service made by Yorker Media. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. It loops uploaded videos to YouTube; it does not broadcast a camera feed.
- Nothing has to stay running at home: the stream runs from the cloud, not your computer or home connection.
- Any quality up to 4K 60fps as uploaded is included at one flat price per slot, without re-encoding or quality tiers.
- Automatic recovery is included if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free with no card required. The monthly option is $9.99 per month.
Every slot includes one always-on stream, 10 GB of storage per slot pooled across active slots, 24/7 looping and playlists, automatic recovery if YouTube drops, and StreamNeo team support. Plans differ by billing length; UPI and cards are accepted in India, while card checkout is available worldwide. See StreamNeo for details, or start the free first day.
For another cloud approach, YouTube’s encoder guide names Gyre as a service for 24/7 streams of prerecorded videos. That listing establishes its relevance to this use case, but does not establish current pricing, uptime, feature details or comparative performance. Check YouTube’s guide and verify any provider’s current terms directly before choosing it.
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