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In OBS, add a looping Media Source for one audio file, or a VLC Video Source for a playlist of separate tracks. Keep that source active in the scenes used between videos, confirm it reaches the stream’s audio mix, and test before going live. Use music you are licensed to stream: YouTube scans live streams for third-party content and may interrupt them.
Choose how the music should play
| Option | Best for | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| OBS Media Source with one local file | A single music bed or a precompiled playlist | Simple playback and looping; you manage the track order and transitions in the audio file. |
| OBS VLC Video Source with a playlist | A collection of separate tracks | Supports playlist looping and shuffle, but requires VLC to be installed. |
Both methods play audio from files on your streaming computer. If you want a seamless sequence, you can compile the tracks into one file and use Media Source; if you want OBS to choose among separate tracks, use VLC Video Source.
Prepare music you have permission to stream
A practical starting point is the YouTube Audio Library. YouTube offers tracks for MP3 download and says Audio Library music and sound effects are the only music it knows to be copyright-safe. Check each track’s license: some Creative Commons tracks require attribution in your video description.
Do not assume that “free” or “royalty-free” labels mean a track is cleared for your use. YouTube advises checking the third-party license for permitted platforms and uses. Make sure it covers both the live transmission and any archived replay, and confirm any attribution requirements.
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Add and loop a single music file in OBS
- Save the audio file locally. Put it somewhere stable on the streaming computer so OBS can find it whenever you stream. OBS Media Source supports MP3, AAC, OGG, and WAV files.
- Open the scene where the music should play. In the Sources panel, select + and add Media Source.
- Select the file and enable looping. Choose the local audio file in the source properties and turn on Loop. OBS restarts the file after it finishes.
- Check the audio mix. Play the source and confirm its meter moves in the OBS audio mixer. Adjust its level so it sits behind dialogue or video audio rather than competing with it.
Use a playlist of separate tracks
- Install VLC. OBS requires VLC for VLC Video Source; OBS advises installing the 64-bit version when using 64-bit OBS.
- Add the source. In the scene’s Sources panel, select + and choose VLC Video Source.
- Build the playlist. Add the local audio tracks in the order you want them to play.
- Set playback behavior. Enable Loop Playlist to repeat the collection. Enable shuffle if you want randomized order instead.
- Verify playback and volume. Check the OBS audio mixer and set a level appropriate for the rest of the program audio.
Keep music playing during video changes
A source only helps while it is available in the active scene. Put the music source in every scene where it should continue, including transition scenes. If your scene layout supports it, a shared or nested music scene can make the source available across several scenes; otherwise, add it to each relevant scene.
Decide whether music should continue while its scene is hidden. OBS Media Source has settings for restarting or closing a file when inactive, and VLC source visibility behavior can be configured. Set those behaviors to match your scene changes, then test transitions: confirm the music neither disappears unexpectedly nor starts over when you do not want it to.
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Test before the live event
- Play through a scene change and confirm the music continues where intended.
- Watch the OBS audio mixer to make sure the music source is producing audio and is not overpowering speech or the video soundtrack.
- Test privately or with an unlisted stream before a public broadcast.
- Check the music license, required attribution, and whether the rights owner must allowlist your channel through Content ID.
Copyright: a license may not prevent an interruption
YouTube scans all live streams for third-party content. If it identifies a match, it may display a placeholder and warn you; if the content remains, the stream may be temporarily interrupted or terminated.
Even a license does not guarantee that a stream will continue uninterrupted. YouTube says that creators who have licensed third-party content should ask the rights owner to add their channel to the Content ID allowlist. Without that allowlisting, a stream may still be interrupted, even if the creator has a license and limits the stream to territories where they have rights.
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YouTube’s livestream terms and conditions make creators responsible for having the necessary rights for live content worldwide, including music rights involving artists, record labels, publishers, and other participants. For a third-party track, confirm the license covers your intended live use and replay, and ask the rights owner about Content ID allowlisting before relying on it.
Troubleshoot common problems
- No music in the stream: Play the source and check whether its meter moves in the OBS audio mixer. Confirm the file is selected and that the source is in the active scene.
- Music stops when scenes change: Add the source to the transition and destination scenes, or use a shared/nested music scene if your setup supports it. Review the source’s behavior when hidden or inactive.
- The file plays once and stops: For a single file, enable Loop in Media Source. For separate tracks, enable Loop Playlist in VLC Video Source.
- VLC Video Source is unavailable or does not play: Install VLC and, if OBS is 64-bit, use 64-bit VLC as OBS recommends.
- The stream is interrupted after music starts: YouTube may have detected third-party content. Review the track’s license and contact the rights owner about Content ID allowlisting; a license alone may not stop interruptions.
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