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OBS Playlist Source Alternatives for a Nonstop YouTube Live Video Stream

Use OBS Media Source for one repeating file or VLC Video Source for a playlist. Learn the settings and the YouTube caveats that matter for long-running streams.
Opened Runtime3 min Written byDocumentaryTube Team
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For one video that should repeat, use OBS’s built-in Media Source and enable Loop. For a multi-file playlist, use VLC Video Source, which requires VLC installed. These settings repeat media inside OBS; they do not guarantee that OBS, your internet connection, or YouTube will stay live continuously.

Choose a source for your playlist

Source Best for What to know
Media Source Repeating one local file Enable Loop to restart the file after it finishes. OBS documents support for formats including MP4, TS, MOV, FLV, MKV, AVI, GIF, WebM, MP3, AAC, OGG and WAV. OBS Media Sources.
VLC Video Source Playing a sequence of media files Requires VLC installed. Loop Playlist is on by default and Shuffle Playlist is off by default. A 64-bit OBS installation requires 64-bit VLC. OBS Media Sources.
Media Playlist Source plugin An alternative playlist workflow The third-party plugin describes editing items during playback and shuffle behavior. Its resource page notes that folder contents do not refresh automatically; confirm compatibility and current limitations before relying on it unattended. Plugin resource page.

Set up a repeating video in OBS

Option 1: Loop a single file with Media Source

  1. In OBS, select the scene where the video should appear. In Sources, select + and choose Media Source.
  2. Name the source and select OK. In its properties, enable Local File and browse to the video you want to play.
  3. Enable Loop, then select OK. OBS restarts the file after playback completes.
  4. Check the scene preview to confirm the video and audio are playing as intended.

Option 2: Loop a playlist with VLC Video Source

  1. Install VLC before adding the source. If OBS is 64-bit, install 64-bit VLC. OBS documents VLC Video Source as dependent on VLC libraries. OBS Media Sources.
  2. In OBS, select the target scene. In Sources, select + and choose VLC Video Source.
  3. Name the source and select OK. In the source properties, add the files you want to the playlist and arrange them in the desired playback order.
  4. Keep Loop Playlist enabled to start over after the final item. Keep Shuffle Playlist disabled if you need a fixed order. These are the documented defaults, but check the properties before going live. OBS Media Sources.
  5. Select OK and verify playback in the preview, including transitions between items and their audio.

Account for scene visibility

OBS documents the VLC source’s Visibility Behaviour default as stopping playback when the source is hidden and restarting it when visible. If the playlist should continue while you switch scenes, review this setting and test scene changes before the broadcast. A looping playlist can otherwise stop or restart when its source is not visible. OBS Media Sources.

Keep a long-running YouTube stream operational

Looping handles the media sequence, not the full broadcast chain. OBS must remain operational, the connection must reach YouTube, and the ingest must remain active. Treat source looping as one part of the setup rather than an end-to-end uptime guarantee.

  • Check the YouTube Live Control Room preview before and during the stream.
  • Monitor audio and video quality and confirm the event is accessible to viewers.
  • Keep a local recording as a backup and confirm that the recording file is growing. YouTube recommends monitoring these items in its live streaming tips.

Plan for YouTube’s archive limit

YouTube says streams shorter than 12 hours can be automatically archived, but a stream exceeding 12 hours may not be captured at all. The shorter duration is not a guarantee that every stream will be retained. YouTube recommends: “We recommend recording a local archive as a backup.” Archive live streams (accessed October 3, 2026).

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Clear the rights for every playlist item

YouTube’s live-stream terms say creators represent and warrant that they have the rights necessary for the live content, including music licensing rights. Confirm permission for every video and audio item, including the relevant territories; owning a file or having permission to play it privately does not by itself establish livestream rights. YouTube Terms of Service.

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