To stream multiple podcast episodes on YouTube with OBS, install VLC, add the episodes to an OBS VLC Video Source, choose whether to loop or shuffle, then connect OBS to a YouTube encoder stream. Start streaming from OBS and check YouTube’s preview before taking the event live.
Before you start
- Have the podcast audio or video files saved locally on the computer running OBS, and check that they play correctly.
- Install VLC. OBS’s VLC Video Source depends on VLC; if you use 64-bit OBS, install 64-bit VLC too. See the OBS Media Sources guide.
- Create or schedule an encoder stream in YouTube Studio. You will need its stream URL and stream key.
- Use only podcast episodes and music you are authorized to livestream. Downloading an episode or having permission to listen to it does not, by itself, establish permission to rebroadcast it.
Build the podcast playlist in OBS
- Create a scene: In OBS, add a scene for the broadcast. Prepare any visual elements—such as a still image, branding, or a camera—as separate sources. OBS scenes can combine media and other inputs; see the Sources Guide.
- Add the playlist source: In the Sources dock, select + and choose VLC Video Source. Add the locally stored episodes in the order you want them to play.
- Choose playback behavior: In the source properties, enable Loop Playlist to repeat the playlist continuously. Enable Shuffle Playlist only if you want randomized playback. OBS documents loop as on and shuffle as off by default, but check the properties rather than relying on defaults.
- Arrange the scene: Position and size the VLC source and any separate visual elements in the preview. If the episodes are audio-only, add an image or other visual to give the stream a picture.
For a single media file rather than a playlist, OBS’s Media Source is the simpler option and has its own loop control. The VLC Video Source is the playlist option described in OBS’s media-source documentation.
Connect OBS to YouTube Live
- In YouTube Studio, open the Live Control Room and create or schedule a stream using the encoder workflow. Follow YouTube’s encoder setup instructions.
- Copy the stream URL and stream key shown for that stream into OBS’s YouTube streaming configuration. Treat the stream key like a password: do not share it or show it on screen.
- Start streaming in OBS. Wait for the incoming feed to appear in YouTube’s Live Control Room preview and check the picture and sound.
- For a scheduled event, click Go live in Live Control Room only after checking the preview. Sending the feed from OBS and making the event live in YouTube are separate actions.
Set encoder video and audio options
YouTube recommends RTMPS for encoder streams. For general RTMP/RTMPS guidance, YouTube specifies H.264 video, constant bitrate (CBR), AAC or MP3 audio, and a recommended two-second keyframe interval; do not exceed four seconds. Select resolution and bitrate according to your upload connection and YouTube’s current settings table for that resolution. Consult YouTube’s encoder settings, bitrate, and resolution guidance rather than applying one bitrate to every format or connection.
HLS is a separate ingestion option for compatible encoders and certain HDR or codec scenarios. YouTube documents additional HLS configuration requirements and higher latency than RTMP; it is not needed for this basic OBS playlist workflow. See YouTube’s HLS setup guide.
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Test the playlist before the broadcast
Run the full playlist, or at minimum test representative playback, a transition between episodes, and the end-of-list behavior. Confirm that OBS audio meters move, the YouTube preview has the intended picture and sound, and stream health remains good. YouTube recommends testing and monitoring audio and video quality; see its live-streaming tips.
A microphone is optional when you are only playing prerecorded episodes. Add one if the host will speak live; headphones can help monitor the sound. YouTube’s hardware setup guidance describes common encoder-stream equipment and notes that expensive gear is not required to get started.
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Troubleshooting
- VLC Video Source is missing or does not load: Install VLC and make sure its bitness matches OBS (64-bit VLC for 64-bit OBS). Reopen the source properties after installation.
- Episodes do not play in the intended order: Check the playlist entries and their order in the VLC Video Source properties. Turn off Shuffle Playlist if you want a fixed sequence.
- The playlist stops after the last episode: Check that Loop Playlist is enabled. Test the end-of-list transition before the event.
- YouTube does not show the incoming feed: Verify that OBS is sending to the stream URL and key for the correct YouTube event, then check the Live Control Room. Keep the stream key private.
- The preview has no sound or picture: Check the OBS scene and source visibility, confirm the media files play locally, and watch OBS’s audio meters. Recheck the YouTube preview before taking a scheduled stream live.
- Stream health is poor: Use YouTube’s current bitrate and resolution guidance for your chosen format and available upload connection. Check the encoder settings and monitor the Live Control Room health indication.
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