For a portrait-only playlist, set OBS’s canvas and output to portrait, add a local clip or VLC playlist, crop the source with Alt-drag (Windows/Linux) or Option-drag (macOS), then reposition and resize it to fill the frame. Test the crop, playlist order, looping, audio, and YouTube preview before leaving the stream running. A 24/7 broadcast is not necessarily a 24/7 archive: YouTube says streams longer than 12 hours may not be captured.
Set up a portrait scene in OBS
Choose the canvas and output shape
For a show intended to be vertical from end to end, configure OBS’s base canvas and output as portrait, then compose the scene for that tall frame. The OBS crop documentation does not prescribe a resolution for this project. Choose a resolution and frame rate compatible with YouTube’s current encoder recommendations and your computer and network capacity; consult YouTube’s current encoder settings guidance rather than relying on an old generic bitrate figure.
Add one clip or a playlist
For a single local file, add a Media Source and enable its Loop option if you want that clip repeated. For multiple files, add a VLC Video source, add the files in the desired order, leave Shuffle Playlist off for sequential playback, and enable Loop Playlist. VLC must be installed, and its architecture must match OBS: for example, 64-bit OBS needs 64-bit VLC. OBS documents these controls in its Media Sources guide.
- In the Sources dock, click + and choose VLC Video for a multi-file playlist, or Media Source for one file.
- For VLC Video, add the local files and arrange their order. Confirm Shuffle is off and Loop Playlist is on if you want the same sequence to repeat.
- Check the source’s visibility behavior. If it is configured to stop when not visible, switching scenes or hiding it can affect playback.
Crop and frame the source
- Select the video source in the OBS preview so its bounding box appears.
- Hold Alt on Windows or Linux, or Option on macOS, and drag an edge inward to crop unwanted material. OBS also provides numeric controls under Edit menu → Transform → Edit Transform. See the OBS Sources Guide.
- Move and resize the cropped source so the visible picture fills the portrait canvas. OBS offers Fit to Screen, Stretch to Screen, and Center to Screen transforms; stretching a mismatched aspect ratio can distort faces, text, and other details.
- Inspect the full composition in preview, including important content near the edges. A fixed crop works best when playlist clips share similar framing. If their framing differs, use separate sources or scenes, or edit the clips to consistent framing; OBS does not automatically reframe each file based on its content.
Choose where the vertical version is created
| Route | What it does | Best fit and check |
|---|---|---|
| Portrait scene in OBS | Composes and sends one portrait output from OBS. | For a portrait-only program. Check canvas/output dimensions and crop framing. |
| YouTube Live Control Room layout | Can create a vertical version from a horizontal stream. Layout options include center crop, fit-to-phone-width, and stacked. | For serving horizontal and vertical viewing from one source. A center crop can cut off content at the sides. YouTube says the vertical format cannot be added after the stream has started. |
| Third-party encoder dual output | Sends separate horizontal and vertical outputs using RTMP(S), with a second stream key for the vertical stream. | For separately composed formats. Route each format to its matching key and inspect both previews. |
YouTube’s vertical live experience is discoverable in the Shorts feed and opens vertically in the YouTube mobile app; available viewing features differ from horizontal live viewing. Check the current vertical live-stream setup and vertical live viewing guidance before choosing a route, because Studio controls and features can change.
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Connect OBS to YouTube and test the playlist
- Confirm the channel is eligible for live streaming: YouTube requires a verified channel with no live-stream restriction in the preceding 90 days, and first-time activation can take up to 24 hours. The creator must be at least 16. See YouTube’s live-streaming eligibility guidance.
- In YouTube Live Control Room, create or select the stream and copy its server URL and stream key into OBS’s stream settings. Use RTMPS where available. Keep the key private; anyone who obtains it may be able to send a stream to the channel.
- Use YouTube’s current recommendations for resolution, frame rate, bitrate, and keyframe interval for the chosen output. The published recommendations vary with output settings, so do not assume one bitrate suits every portrait resolution or frame rate.
- Run an unlisted or otherwise suitable test before a long broadcast. Check the Live Control Room preview, watch-page access, playback on a phone, audio/video quality, clip order, loop behavior, and whether the framing survives every item.
- If recording locally, confirm the recording file is growing and can be played back. YouTube’s live-streaming tips recommend checking stream quality and local archive integrity.
Plan for interruptions and archive limits
Do not treat a live stream as a guaranteed archive
YouTube says, “If your live stream is less than 12 hours, YouTube can automatically archive it for you.” Streams longer than 12 hours may not be captured at all. YouTube recommends keeping a local recording backup; plan storage and file rotation around your recording settings and how long you need to retain footage. A 24/7 broadcast should not be treated as a single dependable archive.
Expect operational failure modes
A restart, power or network interruption, failed source, or other incident can stop an OBS-based broadcast. Monitoring and a recovery plan matter; no single OBS setting guarantees uninterrupted operation. Check the preview and stream status during operation, and have a way to restore the stream and playlist if the computer or connection fails.
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Check rights before looping footage
A playlist source does not grant rebroadcast rights. Use only videos, music, and other material for which you have the rights needed for livestreaming and any resulting archive. YouTube scans live streams for third-party content; it may replace the stream with a placeholder and warn the creator, then interrupt or terminate the broadcast if the material continues. Even licensed material may require the rightsholder to add your channel to its Content ID allowlist. YouTube’s copyright guidance for live streams and livestream terms explain the platform’s requirements, including music rights.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Or let it run in the cloud
If you want the YouTube playlist to keep running without leaving OBS and a computer on at home, StreamNeo plays uploaded videos from the cloud. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. Nothing has to stay on at home; automatic recovery can restart the stream if YouTube drops it. Any quality up to 4K 60fps streams as uploaded at one flat price per slot, with no re-encode or quality tiers. The first day is free with no card. Monthly is $9.99 per month. Start your free day on StreamNeo.
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Common problems and fixes
- The portrait frame has black bars or cuts off the subject: verify the OBS canvas and output shape, then adjust the source crop and position. Do not stretch a mismatched image unless distortion is acceptable.
- A clip plays, but the playlist does not advance or repeat: check that the source is VLC Video, the files are present and ordered, and Loop Playlist is enabled. Confirm VLC is installed with the same architecture as OBS.
- The crop works on one clip but not the next: the crop is applied to the source, not intelligently adjusted per file. Use clips with consistent framing, separate sources/scenes, or pre-edit the footage.
- YouTube shows no picture or rejects the stream: check channel eligibility, activation status, stream URL and key, output settings, and the correct format-to-key pairing if using dual output. Inspect the Control Room preview.
- The vertical version misses content at the sides: YouTube’s default center crop can omit edge content. Adjust the vertical layout in Control Room before starting, or compose a separate portrait output.
- The stream is interrupted after starting: check for network or computer interruption, source failure, and third-party-content warnings. Restore the encoder or source as appropriate and confirm the channel has the necessary content rights.
- The broadcast is live but the archive is missing or incomplete: do not rely on automatic archiving for runs longer than 12 hours. Use a local recording backup and check its file growth and playback.
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