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If you replace a video but keep its filename and location, its OBS playlist entry still points to that path. However, OBS’s documentation does not promise that a VLC Video source will automatically reopen a file replaced outside OBS. Reload or recreate the source, then check playback in the OBS preview before going live. For a folder that changes often, use a folder-aware plugin or script whose refresh method and source requirements match your setup.
What happens when you replace a playlist video?
An OBS playlist entry identifies a media file by its path. Replacing the file at the same path and with the same filename preserves that entry, but it does not guarantee the source will immediately read the replacement. OBS documents playlist support, not automatic reloading after an external file change. Treat reloading the source as a practical step, not a guaranteed hot-reload feature. OBS media sources documentation.
If the replacement has a different name or location, update the playlist entry to point to the new file. A playlist cannot follow a file that has moved simply because it remains in the same folder.
Refresh an existing VLC Video playlist
- Replace the video. When possible, use the same filename and folder as the original. If the path changes, note the new path.
- Reload the source. In OBS, select the VLC Video source and reopen or recreate it so it can reopen the media. The exact refresh behavior after an external replacement is not specified in OBS’s documentation.
- Update changed paths. If the file moved or was renamed, edit the playlist entry to use its new path.
- Check the preview. Confirm the replacement plays and the playlist continues as intended before starting a live session.
- Check VLC installation and bitness. VLC Video relies on VLC libraries. OBS specifies 64-bit VLC for 64-bit OBS; confirm the matching installation if the source does not work.
OBS’s built-in VLC Video source supports playlists, with loop enabled by default and shuffle disabled by default. The official guide does not describe a continuous folder watcher. A regular playlist and a directory that automatically tracks additions or replacements are therefore different needs.
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Choose a refresh method for a changing folder
Manual refresh with Media Playlist Source
Media Playlist Source supports file and folder entries. Its resource page says folder contents refresh when a setting changes and gives saving the settings again as a temporary manual refresh method; automatic refreshing is not implemented in the described version. Version 0.1.0 and later require OBS 31 according to the resource listing. Version 0.1.3 is dated 2025-04-13. Check the current requirements and installation directions on the Media Playlist Source resource page before installing.
Event-driven updates with PlayFolder
PlayFolder 1.3 describes scanning a selected folder and dynamically updating a playlist on OBS events. Its instructions specify an OBS Media Source, not a VLC Video source, and say not to enable OBS’s internal looping because the script manages playback. These are the author’s listed features, not independent confirmation that the script will work in every setup. The resource lists an update date of 2026-09-24. See the PlayFolder resource page for its current instructions and requirements.
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Other Windows option: NowPlaylisting
The NowPlaylisting resource describes a Windows plugin for OBS 30 and later, with file and folder entries and editable playlists. The available description does not establish that it automatically refreshes folder contents. Check its current documentation before relying on that behavior: NowPlaylisting resource page.
Compare the options against your setup
| Approach | Refresh model | Source or compatibility notes |
|---|---|---|
| Built-in VLC Video | Reload or recreate the source after replacing media; no continuous folder watcher is documented. | Playlist source; 64-bit OBS requires 64-bit VLC, according to OBS documentation. |
| Media Playlist Source | Save settings again to refresh folder entries; automatic refresh is not implemented in the described version. | Folder entries supported. The resource listing says OBS 31 is required for versions 0.1.0 and later. |
| PlayFolder 1.3 | Claims event-driven dynamic folder scanning. | Requires an OBS Media Source, not VLC Video; its instructions say to leave OBS internal looping off. |
| NowPlaylisting | Refresh behavior for folder contents is not stated in the available resource description. | Resource describes Windows and OBS 30+; check current requirements. |
Before committing to a method, check that the source type matches the tool, that your OBS version and operating system meet the current requirements, and that the folder paths and file replacement timing work in your scene. Test in preview; do not assume a plugin or script has been verified in your particular setup.
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Troubleshoot a playlist that does not update
- The old video still plays: OBS may not have reopened the replaced file. Reload or recreate the source, then check the preview.
- The replacement is missing: Confirm the filename and path match the playlist entry, or edit the entry to the replacement’s actual path.
- The VLC Video source fails: Confirm VLC is installed and its bitness matches OBS. OBS specifies 64-bit VLC for 64-bit OBS.
- A folder plugin does not show new files: Use the refresh method its current documentation supports. For Media Playlist Source, the described manual workaround is to save settings again; automatic refresh is not implemented in that version.
- PlayFolder does not behave as expected: Confirm it is attached to an OBS Media Source and that OBS internal looping is off, as its instructions require.
- A plugin will not install or load: Recheck its current OBS-version and platform requirements before troubleshooting the playlist itself.
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