Use a nested scene when you want to reuse a composed set of sources—such as a shared overlay or media layout—in multiple OBS scenes. Add it as a source in each viewer-facing scene, arrange its position in the source list, and avoid circular references. For repeating video, enable Loop in a Media Source or use a VLC Video playlist with Loop Playlist. These steps organize and repeat content; they do not guarantee OBS, your computer, your connection, or YouTube will stay online continuously.
Plan the scene collection
OBS scenes are compositions of sources, and a scene can itself be added as a source inside another scene. That makes a nested scene useful when a group of sources should stay together as a reusable composition.
For example, create an Overlay - Shared scene containing a logo and title graphics. Add it to your Starting Soon, Main Program, and Break scenes. Update the overlay once, and the same scene source can be used wherever it is included.
Keep reusable building blocks distinct from the scenes intended to go live. Names such as Camera - Host, Overlay - Shared, and Main Program make the scene list easier to navigate. OBS’s Sources Guide covers adding, ordering, hiding, positioning, and sizing sources.
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Choose a nested scene or a source group
| Choose | When it fits | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Nested scene | You want a reusable composition to remain a scene and appear in several output scenes. | Keep track of which scenes include one another, and avoid references that eventually return to the parent scene. |
| Source group | You only need to bundle or organize sources within one scene. | A group and a nested scene serve different workflows; use a scene when the composition itself needs to be reused as a scene. |
Add a nested scene to an output scene
- Create the reusable scene. In the Scenes panel, add a scene and give it a functional name, such as
Overlay - Shared. Add the sources that make up the composition. - Open the viewer-facing scene. Select the scene that should display the composition, such as
Main Program. - Add the reusable scene as a source. In the Sources panel, use the add-source control and select the scene source option, then choose the reusable scene. The exact menu presentation can vary by OBS version.
- Set its stacking order. In the Sources list, move the nested scene above or below other sources as needed. Higher sources appear over lower sources and can cover them.
- Position and size it. Select the nested scene source in the preview and use its transform handles, or open its transform options, to place and size the composition.
- Repeat where needed. Add the same reusable scene source to other output scenes that need it, then test visibility and scene changes in the actual output.
Prevent infinite source recursion
A scene graph must not loop back to itself. If scene A includes scene B, B must not include A, either directly or through another nested scene. Such a cycle can trigger an “infinite source recursion” error when you try to add the source. An OBS Project Community Forum reply describes the same rule for nested references in its scene recursion discussion.
- Trace the chain of scene sources from the scene you are editing before adding another scene.
- If OBS rejects the source, inspect the referenced scenes for a path back to the current scene and remove or reorganize the cyclic reference.
- Use a group instead if you only need to bundle sources locally and do not need a reusable scene composition.
Loop a video or playlist
Repeat one video file with Media Source
- In the output scene, add a Media Source and select or browse to the local video file.
- Enable the source’s Loop property.
- Check the file’s start, end, audio, and transition behavior in the scene where it will play.
The OBS Media Sources guide lists supported media examples including MP4, MOV, MKV, and WebM video, and MP3 and WAV audio.
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Repeat a playlist with VLC Video
- Install VLC on the same computer as OBS. The OBS guide notes that 64-bit OBS requires 64-bit VLC.
- Add a VLC Video source and build its playlist from the files you want to play.
- Enable Loop Playlist, then confirm that the source appears and plays correctly in your OBS installation.
The VLC Video source’s documented default for Loop Playlist is on, but verify the setting rather than relying on a default. If VLC Video is unavailable, check that VLC is installed with the matching 32-bit or 64-bit architecture.
Prepare OBS for a continuous stream
Organizing scenes and looping files are only parts of an always-on setup. OBS still needs a configured streaming service or custom server, a valid stream key, appropriate output settings, a running computer, and a working network connection. The OBS Studio Overview Guide describes service or server selection, stream key, bitrate, and advanced settings, including Automatic Reconnect. It advises against changing advanced options without understanding them.
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- Check the destination and key. Confirm the selected service or custom server and use the stream key for the intended broadcast. Treat the key as a credential; do not share it publicly.
- Review output settings. Confirm bitrate and other output options are appropriate for your connection and destination. The cited OBS guide does not establish one universally correct bitrate for every stream.
- Review reconnect behavior. Automatic Reconnect is an advanced setting in OBS, not a guarantee that every failure will recover or that a broadcast will remain live unattended.
- Run a short test. Check media playback, audio, source visibility, scene changes, and the stream reaching its destination before relying on the arrangement. The OBS Quick Start Guide strongly encourages testing for a few minutes before a first stream or recording.
OBS also supports launch parameters such as --startstreaming, --collection "name", and --scene "name" to open a prepared collection, scene, or streaming workflow. These can help start a configured setup, but they do not supervise the OBS process or guarantee recovery after every failure; see the Launch Parameters reference.
Troubleshoot common setup problems
| Symptom | Likely cause | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| OBS refuses to add a scene source and reports infinite source recursion. | The scene being added leads back to the scene currently being edited, directly or through other nested scenes. | Trace the scene-source chain and remove the cycle, or use a group if the sources only need local organization. |
| The overlay or nested composition is hidden. | Its source order places it underneath an opaque source, or the source is hidden. | Check visibility and move it higher in the Sources list if it should appear over the other source. |
| The composition is in the wrong place or is too large. | The nested scene source has an unsuitable transform in the output scene. | Select that source and adjust its position and size in the preview or transform options. |
| A video stops after one play. | Loop is not enabled on the Media Source. | Open the Media Source properties, enable Loop, and test the start and end of playback. |
| VLC Video is missing from the source list. | VLC may not be installed, or its architecture may not match OBS. | Install VLC that matches the OBS architecture; the OBS guide specifies 64-bit VLC for 64-bit OBS. |
| The stream disconnects even though media is looping. | Looping governs media playback, not the availability of OBS, the computer, the network, or the destination platform. | Check the stream setup and connection, and test reconnect behavior. Do not treat the loop setting as an uptime mechanism. |
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