Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsTo stream pre-recorded videos as a YouTube Live playlist with subtitles, use OBS Studio’s VLC Video Source to play and loop local media, then send OBS’s output to a YouTube Live event using its server URL and stream key. This can display subtitles embedded in the video files, but that does not automatically create a selectable YouTube live-caption track. For selectable live captions, send captions to YouTube through its supported caption workflow.
Choose which kind of subtitles viewers need
There are two different outcomes, and setting up one does not guarantee the other:
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- Subtitles visible in the video: OBS’s VLC Video Source can display an embedded subtitle track while it plays media. Viewers see the text as part of the outgoing picture.
- A selectable YouTube caption track: Captions must be sent to YouTube through a supported live-caption method. YouTube states, “To add captions to your live stream, you need to send captions to YouTube.” An OBS-rendered subtitle track is not established as a way to create that separate track.
If you need both, configure and test both delivery paths. YouTube’s documentation currently describes one embedded 608/708 caption track for a stream entry point; check Live Control Room for the current options before you go live.
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Prepare your videos and subtitle tracks
Put the videos in the order you want them to play and confirm each file has the intended subtitle track embedded. OBS’s documented VLC workflow lets you select an embedded subtitle track; it does not describe loading a separate SRT sidecar file into the VLC playlist.
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- Check that each file plays with sound and that its embedded subtitle track is available.
- Decide whether the playlist should repeat. If order matters, plan to leave shuffle off.
- If captions must be selectable in YouTube, arrange a separate supported caption-delivery path rather than relying on the subtitles shown in the video.
Set up the playlist in OBS Studio
- Install VLC. OBS requires VLC to make its VLC Video Source available. On a 64-bit system, use VLC and OBS builds with matching architecture.
- Add the source. In OBS, add a VLC Video Source to the scene that will feed the stream.
- Load the files. Add the video files to the source’s playlist in the intended playback order.
- Set playback behavior. Leave shuffle disabled if sequence matters. Enable Loop Playlist if you want the list to restart after the final item.
- Enable embedded subtitles. Turn on Subtitles Enabled and choose the intended Subtitle Track.
- Check the scene. Start playback in OBS and verify the sequence, loop behavior, subtitle appearance, and audio before connecting to YouTube.
Subtitle timing and appearance depend on the media and selected track. Inspect the actual OBS output; do not assume that selecting a track makes a separate caption option appear on the YouTube watch page.
Create a YouTube Live event and connect OBS
- In YouTube Studio, open Go Live and create a stream, or use the Manage tab to schedule one. Interface labels may change.
- Copy the event’s YouTube Live server URL and stream key into the encoder settings in OBS. YouTube’s encoder instructions say: “To start streaming, enter your YouTube Live server URL and stream key into your encoder.”
- Treat the stream key like a password: do not share it or expose it in a recording or screenshot. If it is compromised, replace it in YouTube Studio and update OBS.
- Start streaming from OBS. Check the Live Control Room preview and stream health. For a scheduled event, YouTube’s instructions say to wait for the preview and then click Go live.
Send selectable live captions separately
If the audience needs a YouTube caption control rather than text burned into the video image, set up YouTube’s supported live-caption delivery. YouTube documents embedded EIA 608/CEA 708 captions in an encoder or a captions ingestion URL used with supported software. The exact setup depends on the caption method and software you use.
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- Review YouTube’s current live-caption requirements and the options shown for your stream in Live Control Room.
- Configure the supported caption source and send its feed to YouTube. YouTube documents one caption feed per stream entry point and currently one embedded caption track.
- Test the caption feed on the watch page, including whether viewers can select captions and whether timing is synchronized.
Do not treat the VLC subtitle setting in OBS as a substitute for this step. It can put subtitle text into the outgoing video, but YouTube’s live-caption workflow requires captions to be sent to YouTube.
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
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Run a complete test using the same playlist, caption path, and YouTube event setup planned for the real stream. YouTube recommends testing encoder settings and monitoring stream health.
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- Confirm every playlist item plays in the intended order, with no unwanted shuffle or gaps.
- Confirm looping works if enabled, and check that audio and embedded subtitles remain visible throughout.
- Check the Live Control Room preview and stream health while OBS is sending the output.
- If using a separate caption feed, verify the selectable track on the watch page; a subtitle visible in the picture is not that verification.
- Streams shorter than 12 hours are automatically archived, according to YouTube’s encoder setup guidance. Do not assume the same archiving behavior for a stream lasting 12 hours or longer.
Troubleshoot common problems
VLC Video Source is missing
OBS needs VLC for this source. Install VLC and, on a 64-bit system, check that VLC and OBS have matching architecture. Reopen OBS after installation if the source still does not appear.
The playlist does not repeat or plays in the wrong order
Check the VLC Video Source playlist order, leave shuffle off when sequence matters, and confirm Loop Playlist is enabled if it should restart at the end.
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Subtitles do not appear in the OBS output
Confirm the media contains an embedded subtitle track, enable Subtitles Enabled, and choose the intended Subtitle Track. OBS’s documented playlist method does not establish a procedure for loading a separate SRT sidecar file.
Viewers cannot turn captions on in YouTube
Text visible in the video may be rendered into the picture rather than delivered as a caption feed. Configure a YouTube-supported live-caption method and verify the selectable track on the watch page.
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YouTube does not show a preview or the stream will not start
Check that OBS has the correct YouTube Live server URL and current stream key, that OBS is sending output, and that Live Control Room reports a healthy incoming stream. For scheduled streams, wait for the preview before selecting Go live.
The stream stops when the computer or connection goes offline
With the local OBS method, playback and streaming run on the computer and depend on its availability and upload connection. Keep both running for the duration, or use a cloud service that runs uploaded videos independently of your home computer.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Or let it run in the cloud
For a YouTube playlist that should keep running without OBS and a home computer staying on, StreamNeo runs uploaded videos from the cloud:
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →- Upload a recording or build a playlist.
- Add your YouTube stream key once.
- Go live; StreamNeo loops the uploaded videos from the cloud.
Nothing has to stay on at home. Every slot streams your upload as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot; there are no quality tiers or re-encoding. StreamNeo automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly access is $9.99 per month.
StreamNeo plays uploaded videos to YouTube; it is not a camera-live workflow. Its described features do not establish support for embedded subtitle tracks or selectable YouTube live captions, so confirm your subtitle requirements before switching from OBS. Start the free day with StreamNeo.
Quick Recap
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