OBS does not document a “select a folder and keep watching it” workflow. To play several local videos continuously, add the files individually as playlist items in OBS’s VLC Video source, turn on Loop Playlist, and leave Shuffle Playlist off for the listed order. For one repeating clip, use Media Source and enable Loop.
What “add a folder” means in OBS
OBS’s documented method is to create a playlist of media items, not to point OBS at a directory and have it automatically import every file or monitor later folder changes. Add the specific videos you want to play to the VLC Video playlist, then verify their order. If you add, remove, or rename files later, check and update the playlist yourself.
For the official playlist method, install VLC. The OBS Project documentation says that if OBS is 64-bit, you should install 64-bit VLC. The built-in Media Source supports common formats including MP4, MOV, MKV, AVI, and WebM. See the OBS Project’s Media Sources documentation.
Choose the right OBS source
| What you want | OBS source | Settings and caveats |
|---|---|---|
| Repeat one video | Media Source | Enable Loop. |
| Play multiple videos in a set order, then start again | VLC Video | Add each file as a playlist item, enable Loop Playlist, and leave Shuffle Playlist off. VLC must be installed. |
| Keep playlist playback advancing when its source is hidden | VLC Video | Change the source’s visibility behavior from its documented default, then test scene changes. |
Set up a continuous video playlist in OBS
- Prepare the video files. Put the files in a stable local location, confirm they play, and use formats supported by OBS Media Sources, such as MP4, MOV, MKV, AVI, or WebM. Install VLC; match its 64-bit build to 64-bit OBS.
- Add a VLC Video source. In the OBS Sources dock, click + and choose VLC Video for the active scene. Add the desired video files as playlist items and check that all the intended clips appear in the list.
- Set the sequence and repeat behavior. Leave Shuffle Playlist off to play items in the order shown. Enable Loop Playlist so the source restarts after it reaches the end of the list. The OBS Project’s Media Sources documentation, dated January 11, 2022, describes this control as specifying whether the source restarts when it has run out of media files.
- Decide what happens when the source is hidden. VLC Video’s documented default is “Stop when not visible, restart when visible.” That affects the media source, not whether the YouTube broadcast itself stops. If clips should continue advancing while you switch to a scene where the source is hidden, select an appropriate continuing behavior in the source settings and test it before going live.
- Fit the video in the scene. Select the source in the preview or Sources dock. Use the transform controls to position or size it; OBS documents Fit to Screen as Ctrl-F on Windows and Cmd-F on macOS. Check the preview for cropped edges or unwanted letterboxing. See the OBS Project’s Sources Guide, dated January 11, 2022.
- Check the audio signal. Watch the Audio Mixer meters during playback. If the expected audio is missing, check the source’s audio settings and Settings → Audio device choices. OBS’s Quick Start Guide, dated August 25, 2021, recommends checking audio before streaming.
- Test before broadcasting. Use Start Recording to review playback locally, or run a short test stream. Check clip order, looping, visibility behavior, framing, and audio in the resulting output. A test checks the setup; it does not demonstrate that a local computer, OBS process, or network will operate unattended without interruption.
Send the OBS output to YouTube Live
OBS is encoder software: it sends the scene you have built, including the playing video and its audio, to YouTube. YouTube’s encoder guidance says first-time live-stream enablement may take up to 24 hours, so enable live streaming in advance if the channel has never streamed.
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#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
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- In YouTube Studio, create or open the live stream and locate its stream key and connection details.
- In OBS, open Settings → Stream, select YouTube as the service, and enter the stream key using the available connection method.
- Confirm the OBS preview and audio meters, then click Start Streaming. Monitor the YouTube live control room for the incoming stream and any warnings before sharing the live broadcast.
Use the key only in OBS or another trusted encoder; treat it like a password. YouTube’s live-stream procedure and encoder options are in Create a YouTube live stream with an encoder. YouTube lists OBS as free, open-source software. Settings and interface details can change, so follow the labels currently shown in OBS and YouTube Studio.
Keep a prerecorded YouTube stream running: StreamNeo
If your goal is continuous prerecorded playback but you do not want an OBS computer and home connection to stay on, StreamNeo is the cloud alternative to try first: upload a video or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. It loops uploaded videos on YouTube from the cloud; it does not broadcast a camera feed.
Rank #2
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- Nothing has to stay powered on at home for the cloud stream to keep running.
- Uploaded video streams as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot rather than quality-based tiers.
- It can automatically recover if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free, with no card required; each account gets one free day.
A slot includes one always-on YouTube stream, 10 GB of storage per slot pooled across active slots, looping and playlists, automatic recovery if YouTube drops the stream, and support from the StreamNeo team. Plans offer different billing lengths, while the included product is the same. Monthly: $9.99 per month. India-based customers can pay by UPI or card; card checkout is available worldwide. For five or more slots, contact support.
See StreamNeo, or start the free first day with no card.
Rank #3
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Troubleshooting OBS playlist playback
- VLC Video is missing or will not play files: Install VLC and check that its architecture matches OBS; the OBS documentation specifically calls for 64-bit VLC with 64-bit OBS. Reopen OBS after installing if the source is still unavailable.
- Only one clip repeats: Check that you added the files as separate VLC Video playlist items rather than setting up a single Media Source. Media Source is intended for one file at a time.
- The list ends instead of starting again: Enable Loop Playlist on VLC Video. For a single clip in Media Source, enable its separate Loop option.
- Clips play in an unexpected order: Turn off Shuffle Playlist and review the displayed playlist order.
- Playback stops or restarts after changing scenes: Check VLC Video’s visibility behavior. Its documented default stops when hidden and restarts when visible; choose a continuing behavior if needed and test the scene change.
- The video is cropped, too small, or framed oddly: Select the source and use Fit to Screen or adjust its transform, then inspect the preview for cut-off edges and letterboxing.
- The live output has no expected audio: Check the Audio Mixer meters during playback and review the source and Settings → Audio device configuration.
- YouTube does not receive the stream: Verify live streaming is enabled for the channel, OBS has the correct stream key, and YouTube Studio is open to the intended stream. First-time enablement may take up to 24 hours.
Copyright and channel-policy checks
Having permission to play a video locally does not by itself establish that you may rebroadcast it on YouTube. Before streaming, confirm that you own or have the necessary rights to the video, music, and other included material, and review YouTube’s current copyright and live-stream rules. A playlist loop setting only controls playback; it does not grant rights, prevent claims, or guarantee monetization. Repeated prerecorded content should also provide a clear reason for viewers to watch and should comply with YouTube’s current channel monetization policies if you intend to monetize.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
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Rank #4
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