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To play a sequence of recorded event sessions as one YouTube Live broadcast, load the replay files into OBS Studio’s VLC Video source, connect OBS to a scheduled YouTube stream with its server URL and stream key, then test the full sequence before going live. This creates one continuous live broadcast from local files—not a queue of videos already on YouTube.
Know which playlist you need
There are three different YouTube-related features that can sound like a “playlist” workflow:
- An OBS playlist source plays local replay files, in sequence, into the encoder output. This is the method for broadcasting several files as one live stream. OBS’s VLC Video source supports a playlist of items and can preserve their order when shuffle is off. OBS Media Sources
- A YouTube channel playlist organizes videos and completed live archives on your channel. It does not feed existing YouTube videos into a new live broadcast. YouTube’s archive and promotion guidance
- Live Redirect hands viewers off at the end of a stream to a Premiere or another live stream. It is not a way to queue local files. Sending viewers to another channel’s live stream also requires that channel’s permission. YouTube Live Redirect
For event replays stored on your computer, use OBS and a local media playlist. If the recordings are already published on YouTube and you only want to group them for viewers, create a channel playlist instead.
Before you set up the broadcast
Confirm live-stream eligibility
YouTube’s current guidance says a channel needs to be verified, must have had no live-streaming restrictions in the past 90 days, and the streamer must be at least 16. Eligibility is account-specific, so check your channel’s status in YouTube Studio before planning the event. YouTube live streaming tips · Get started with live streaming
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Check rights and replay files
Get authorization for every replay and for the video, music, graphics, and other material embedded in it. A recording being available to your event team does not by itself establish permission to rebroadcast it. YouTube’s stream settings guidance warns creators to respect audio and video rights. Manage live stream settings
- Play each file from start to finish and check that both picture and audio work.
- Confirm the order, resolution, aspect ratio, and clean start and end points.
- Decide whether to play a holding slate between sessions or transition directly from one replay to the next.
Build the replay playlist in OBS
- Install VLC. OBS requires VLC for its VLC Video source to appear. Install it before configuring the scene if the source is missing. OBS Media Sources
- Create a scene for the broadcast. In OBS, use the Scenes panel to add a scene for the event. A scene can contain the playlist source and any additional elements, such as a title card or holding slate. OBS explains scenes and sources in its Sources Guide.
- Add the playlist source. In the Sources panel, select + and choose VLC Video Source. Add the replay files in their intended sequence using the source’s playlist controls.
- Preserve the intended order. Turn shuffle off. Choose whether the playlist should loop or stop at the end; for a scheduled event, stopping after the final session is usually the expected behavior unless you intend to repeat the program.
- Fit the image and check audio. Preview each file in the OBS canvas. Check for cropping, black bars, unexpected aspect-ratio changes, and audio that is too quiet or distorted. If you use a holding slate or overlay, verify it does not cover important content.
The playlist source controls playback of local files inside the encoder; it does not create separate YouTube videos or a YouTube channel playlist.
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Schedule the YouTube Live event and connect OBS
- Schedule the event. In YouTube Studio, open Live Control Room and schedule the stream. A scheduled event can have an upcoming watch page where viewers can opt in to a reminder. YouTube recommends sharing the stream link at least 48 hours before the event. Create a YouTube live stream with an encoder · Promote your live stream
- Copy the ingest details. From the event’s stream settings in YouTube Studio, copy the YouTube Live server URL and stream key. Treat the key like a password; anyone with access may be able to send video to your stream. Manage live stream settings
- Enter them in OBS. Open OBS stream settings, choose YouTube as the service if available, and enter or select the matching server and stream key. YouTube’s encoder instructions identify these as the details the encoder needs to start streaming. YouTube encoder guide
- Check the event in Live Control Room. Start the encoder and confirm that YouTube receives the picture and sound in its preview before the scheduled start. Do not assume the broadcast is ready just because OBS shows that it is sending.
Test the whole event before viewers arrive
Test every replay in playlist order, not just the first file. Confirm that each item advances correctly, the transitions are acceptable, the sound remains audible, and the YouTube preview stays healthy. YouTube recommends setting up encoders at least two hours ahead and starting them at least 15 minutes before the scheduled event; these are recommendations, not guaranteed technical requirements. YouTube live streaming tips
- Check the stream preview and listen for sound in YouTube Live Control Room.
- Verify that the next file starts after each replay and that the final item behaves as intended.
- Keep OBS and the computer running throughout the broadcast; this workflow depends on the local encoder playing and sending the files.
- Monitor the stream during the event so you can respond if playback or the connection stops.
YouTube recommends professional-grade hardware encoders for some higher-production-value events, but that is optional production guidance; the local replay method here uses encoder software on a capable computer. YouTube live streaming tips
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End the stream and organize the replay
After the final session, stop the broadcast cleanly in the encoder and confirm the event has ended in Live Control Room. YouTube says streams under 12 hours are automatically archived. Check the channel’s Live tab for the replay, then organize it with other event archives or highlight clips in a YouTube playlist. YouTube encoder guide · YouTube promotion guidance
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VLC Video Source is missing in OBS
Install VLC, then reopen OBS and check the Sources menu again. OBS lists VLC installation as a requirement for the VLC Video source. OBS Media Sources
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The files play in the wrong order or repeat
Reorder the items in the VLC source playlist and turn shuffle off. Check the loop setting: if the list is set to loop, it will continue again after the last file rather than stopping.
YouTube does not receive the stream
Check that OBS is using the server URL and stream key for the scheduled event you intend to broadcast. If you changed or replaced the key in YouTube Studio, update the encoder settings to match, then check Live Control Room again. YouTube encoder guide
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The picture appears cropped or the sound is wrong
Inspect the file in the OBS preview and compare it with the original. Check the source’s fit in the canvas and listen to the audio before going live; different replay files can have different picture proportions or sound levels.
The archive is not available afterward
Check the channel’s Live tab and allow for processing. The automatic archive guidance applies to streams under 12 hours; it does not establish that every longer stream will be archived automatically. YouTube encoder guide
Or let it run in the cloud
If the replays should keep a YouTube channel live without leaving a computer running at the event venue or at home, StreamNeo runs uploaded videos and playlists from the cloud. Upload the replay files, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. Your computer and home connection do not have to stay on; StreamNeo offers one flat price per slot for any uploaded quality up to 4K 60fps, with automatic recovery if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card required. Monthly pricing is $9.99 per month.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add a YouTube playlist directly as the source for one YouTube Live broadcast?
No. A YouTube channel playlist organizes published videos and archives; the local OBS VLC Video source is the workflow for sequencing replay files into an encoder broadcast.
Does Live Redirect play the next replay in my playlist?
No. Live Redirect hands viewers off to a Premiere or another live stream at the end of a stream; it does not play a queue of local replay files.
Quick Recap
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