To run a lofi playlist continuously, feed local tracks into OBS Studio with a VLC Video Source, turn on Loop Playlist, and connect OBS to YouTube Live with your stream URL and key. You can also enable Shuffle Playlist, but OBS does not document a no-repeat window or guarantee how long it will wait before playing a song again. To reduce frequent repeats, build a larger rotation and test its playback before going live.
How looping works in a 24/7 broadcast
A live encoder sends a continuous audio-and-video feed to YouTube. Its playback source—not YouTube’s viewer controls—determines what plays next. In OBS, that source can be a playlist of files on the computer running the stream.
YouTube’s Loop control repeats a video or playlist in the YouTube player for an individual viewer. It does not make a playlist feed an encoder broadcast. OBS needs its own media source, and the encoder sends that feed to YouTube using the stream URL and key from YouTube Studio (YouTube encoder setup).
Set up a looping playlist in OBS
- Prepare the media. Assemble the audio or video files you have permission to broadcast. Keep them accessible to the computer that will run OBS. A particular drive is not required; an external drive is optional.
- Install VLC. OBS’s VLC Video Source requires VLC to be installed. The OBS media-source documentation lists MP3, AAC, OGG, and WAV among supported audio formats. See OBS Media Sources.
- Add the playlist source. In OBS, add a VLC Video Source to the scene that will go live, then select the media files for its playlist.
- Choose the playback behavior. Enable Loop Playlist to repeat the list when it reaches the end. Enable Shuffle Playlist only if randomized order suits the channel. If you are using one long mix or a single visual-and-audio file, use OBS’s regular Media Source and its separate Loop setting instead.
- Connect OBS to YouTube. In YouTube Studio’s Live Control Room, create or schedule a stream and enter the server URL and stream key provided there in the encoder. Keep the key private; anyone with access to it may be able to stream to your channel.
- Preview the entire path. Check that the source plays, the picture and sound are correct, and YouTube receives the feed before relying on the setup for continuous broadcasting.
Reduce how often songs repeat
Shuffle can vary the order, but it is not an anti-repeat scheduler. OBS documents playlist shuffle and looping; it does not promise a minimum interval between plays, track history, or a no-repeat window across playlist cycles. Do not advertise a guaranteed repeat interval unless the playback tool actually supports one and you have configured it.
#1 Best Overall
- Pro performance with great pre-amps - Achieve a brighter recording thanks to the high performing mic pre-amps of the Scarlett 3rd Gen. A switchable Air mode will add extra clarity to your acoustic instruments when recording with your Solo 3rd Gen
- Get the perfect guitar and vocal take with - With two high-headroom instrument inputs to plug in your guitar or bass so that they shine through. Capture your voice and instruments without any unwanted clipping or distortion thanks to our Gain Halos
- Studio quality recording for your music & podcasts - Achieve pro sounding recordings with Scarlett 3rd Gen’s high-performance converters enabling you to record and mix at up to 24-bit/192kHz. Your recordings will retain all of their sonic qualities
- Low-noise for crystal clear listening - 2 low-noise balanced outputs provide clean audio playback with 3rd Gen. Hear all the nuances of your tracks or music from Spotify, Apple & Amazon Music. Plug-in headphones for private listening in high-fidelity
- Everything in the box: Includes Pro Tools Intro+, Ableton Live Lite, Cubase LE, and Hitmaker Expansion: a suite of essential effects, powerful software instruments, and easy-to-use mastering tools
Make the rotation less repetitive
- Add more distinct tracks you are authorized to broadcast. A larger rotation gives the playlist more material before it returns to earlier songs, though it does not guarantee a particular gap between repeats.
- Arrange tracks deliberately if you want a controlled sequence; use shuffle if variation matters more than a fixed order.
- Play through and inspect the playlist before going live. Confirm how your selected source behaves at the end of the list and when it starts another cycle.
- Use a playback tool with explicit history or repeat-spacing controls if a guaranteed minimum gap is essential. OBS’s documented controls alone do not establish that capability.
Check YouTube eligibility, network, and archives
Confirm the channel can go live
YouTube says live streaming requires a verified channel with no live-streaming restrictions in the previous 90 days. Check the channel’s status and follow YouTube’s live streaming tips before scheduling a long broadcast.
Leave upload bandwidth headroom
YouTube recommends leaving room between the stream’s total bitrate and available upload bandwidth; its guidance recommends 20% headroom. Monitor stream quality and connection stability, because network disruption can interrupt a live feed. See YouTube’s streaming tips.
Rank #2
- The new generation of the songwriter's interface: Plug in your mic and guitar and let Scarlett Solo 4th Gen bring big studio sound to wherever you make music
- Studio-quality sound: With a huge 120dB dynamic range, the newest generation of Scarlett uses the same converters as Focusrite’s flagship interfaces, found in the world's biggest studios
- Find your signature sound: Scarlett 4th Gen's improved Air mode lifts vocals and guitars to the front of the mix, adding musical presence and rich harmonic drive to your recordings
- All you need to record, mix and master your music: Includes industry-leading recording software and a full collection of record-making plugins
- Everything in the box: Includes Pro Tools Intro+, Ableton Live Lite, Cubase LE, and Hitmaker Expansion: a suite of essential effects, powerful software instruments, and easy-to-use mastering tools
Do not rely on YouTube as the only 24-hour recording
YouTube says streams under 12 hours will be automatically archived, and warns that a stream exceeding 12 hours may not be captured at all. A 24-hour broadcast is therefore not a guaranteed complete YouTube archive. If preserving the full program matters, keep a local recording as well. See YouTube’s archive guidance.
Clear music rights before going live
Use only recordings for which you have the necessary rights to broadcast, including music licensing rights. YouTube scans live streams for third-party matches; a match can replace the stream with a placeholder, while unresolved third-party content can interrupt or terminate the broadcast. For licensed third-party content, YouTube says the rights owner may need to add your channel to its Content ID allowlist; having a license alone may not prevent an interruption. Review the YouTube livestream terms and copyright guidance for live streams.
Rank #3
- PLUG IN AND HEAR SOUND IN SECONDS - USB Type-A connector with a 3.5mm stereo headphone output and a separate 3.5mm mono microphone input. No drivers, no software, no external power - the adapter is USB bus-powered and is recognized as a standard USB audio device.
- WORKS ON WINDOWS, MAC AND LINUX - Driverless on Windows 98SE/ME/2000/XP/Server 2003/Vista/7/8, Linux and Mac OSX, and compliant with the USB Audio Device Class 1.0 specification, so any system that supports class-compliant USB audio will see it. Select it as the sound output and input device after plugging it in.
- TWO JACKS, TWO JOBS - The green jack is stereo OUT for headphones or powered speakers; the pink jack is mono microphone IN for a 3.5mm mic. It does NOT support 4-pole headsets on a single combo plug, it does NOT power passive speakers, and it does NOT add surround sound - it is a stereo 2-channel adapter.
- FOR LAPTOPS AND DESKTOPS THAT NEED AN AUDIO PORT BACK - Adds a headphone and mic port to a laptop, desktop, or mini PC whose onboard jack has failed or was never there. Managed and work-issued computers can block new USB audio devices by policy - check with your IT department before ordering for a company machine.
- SABRENT SUPPORT AND WARRANTY - What is in the box: one USB audio sound adapter. Backed by a 1-year limited warranty, extended to 2 years when you register within 90 days on the manufacturer's website.
Common problems and fixes
- The playlist does not appear as a source: confirm VLC is installed, then add a VLC Video Source rather than a regular Media Source when you need a playlist.
- The list stops at the last file: check that Loop Playlist is enabled on the VLC Video Source. For one file, check the regular Media Source’s Loop setting.
- Tracks repeat sooner than expected: shuffle does not promise repeat spacing. Expand or curate the rotation, test the sequence, or use a player that explicitly supports a no-repeat window.
- YouTube is not receiving the broadcast: verify that OBS has the correct server URL and stream key from the intended YouTube Studio live event, then preview the feed and inspect the channel’s live-stream eligibility.
- The stream is unstable: check the connection and available upload bandwidth, and leave the headroom YouTube recommends. A local 24/7 setup also depends on its computer, power, and internet connection remaining available.
- The stream is interrupted after a music match: review the rights for every recording and, where applicable, ask the rights owner about Content ID allowlisting. A license does not necessarily prevent automated interruption.
Or let it run in the cloud
StreamNeo is a cloud service for keeping a YouTube channel live from uploaded videos. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. It loops the uploaded material in the cloud, so your computer and home connection do not have to stay on. Its automatic recovery can resume the stream if YouTube drops it.
Every slot streams the upload as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot, with 10 GB storage per slot pooled across active slots, looping and playlists, and StreamNeo team support. The first day is free with no card, once per account. Monthly: $9.99 per month. See StreamNeo for details. Start your free first day with StreamNeo.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- The new generation of the artist's interface: Connect your mic to Scarlett's 4th Gen mic pres. Plug in your guitar. Fire up the included software. Start making your first big hit
- Studio-quality sound: With a huge 120dB dynamic range, the newest generation of Scarlett uses the same converters as Focusrite’s flagship interfaces, found in the world's biggest studios
- Never lose a great take: Scarlett 4th Gen's Auto Gain sets the perfect level for your mic or guitar, and Clip Safe prevents clipping, so you can focus on the music
- Find your signature sound: Air mode lifts vocals and guitars to the front of the mix, adding musical presence and rich harmonic drive to your recordings
- With Scarlett 4th Gen, you have all you need to record, mix and master your music: Includes industry-leading recording software and a full collection of record-making plugins
Rank #4
- Podcast, Record, Live Stream, This Portable Audio Interface Covers it All - USB sound card for Mac or PC delivers 48kHz audio resolution for pristine recording every time
- Be ready for anything with this versatile M-AUDIO interface - Record guitar, vocals or line input signals with two combo XLR / Line / Instrument Inputs with phantom power
- Everything you Demand from an Audio Interface for Fuss-Free Monitoring - 1/4" headphone output and stereo 1/4" outputs for total monitoring flexibility; USB/Direct switch for zero latency monitoring
- Get the best out of your Microphones - M-Track Duo’s transparent Crystal Preamps guarantee optimal sound from all your microphones including condenser mics
- The MPC Production Experience - Includes MPC Beats Software complete with the essential production tools from Akai Professional
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