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To schedule a prerecorded playlist as a YouTube Live broadcast, schedule an encoder-based stream in YouTube Studio, then use OBS Studio with its VLC Video source to send and loop your files. YouTube schedules the event; OBS supplies the repeating playlist. A scheduled watch page alone does not start the broadcast.
What you need to know first
YouTube’s loop control repeats playback for people watching a video or playlist. It is not a way to broadcast that playlist as a live stream. For a scheduled live broadcast, YouTube Studio creates the event and an encoder sends the video feed. OBS Studio can provide that feed and loop a playlist through its VLC Video source.
- A verified YouTube channel with no live-streaming restrictions in the preceding 90 days is required, according to YouTube’s eligibility guidance. YouTube’s general guidance says streamers must be at least 16.
- Have the necessary rights for every video and audio track, including music, and follow YouTube’s Community Guidelines.
- Install OBS Studio and VLC. OBS requires VLC for the VLC Video source; if you use 64-bit OBS, install 64-bit VLC.
- Keep the computer running and connected to the internet while OBS sends the stream. This workflow uses a local software encoder.
Schedule the YouTube Live event
- In YouTube Studio, open Create → Go Live, choose Manage, then select Schedule stream.
- Enter the event details and choose its privacy setting. YouTube says a scheduled stream may appear as upcoming in the subscriber feed, where viewers can choose to be notified.
- Open the scheduled event in Live Control Room and locate its stream URL and stream key. The key authorizes the encoder to send its feed to that stream. Treat it like a password: do not share it publicly.
Build and loop the playlist in OBS
- Open OBS and add a VLC Video source to the scene you will use for the broadcast.
- In the source properties, add the video files in the order you want them to play. Check that the files are available on the computer and play correctly in VLC.
- Turn on Loop Playlist. This is the setting that repeats the playlist after its final file.
- For a single video rather than a playlist, use OBS’s standard Media Source and enable its separate Loop setting.
- Check the OBS canvas and audio meters. Confirm the correct scene and playlist are active before sending the feed.
Connect OBS, preview, and start the scheduled stream
- In OBS, open Settings → Stream. Choose YouTube as the service if available, or use the stream URL and stream key from the scheduled event.
- Start streaming from OBS. This sends the encoder feed; it does not by itself mean the scheduled event is live to viewers.
- Return to the event in YouTube Live Control Room and wait for the preview to appear. Check that the image and sound are correct.
- Select Go live in Live Control Room when you are ready to start the broadcast.
- When the broadcast is over, end the event in YouTube and stop streaming in OBS. YouTube says streams under 12 hours are automatically archived.
Choose the right approach
For an unattended YouTube stream, StreamNeo is the cloud option to consider first: it keeps an uploaded playlist running without a home computer, supports any uploaded quality up to 4K 60fps at one flat price per slot, and includes a free first day.
| Approach | Playlist loop evidence | Computer required | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| StreamNeo | 24/7 looping and playlists are included. | No; it runs in the cloud. | Keeping uploaded videos live on YouTube without leaving a computer running. |
| OBS Studio with VLC Video | OBS documents playlist support and a Loop Playlist control. | Yes, to run the software encoder. | A flexible, documented software workflow you operate locally. |
| AJA HELO Plus | YouTube documents scheduling prerecorded media with PlayToStream, but its description does not confirm playlist looping. | The documented feature is described as working without a computer. | Consider only after confirming repeat or playlist behavior with AJA. |
| YouTube viewer loop control | Repeats playback for viewers; it is not documented as an encoder feed for a live broadcast. | Not applicable to scheduling a live broadcast. | Ordinary watch-page playback, not this workflow. |
Or let it run in the cloud
With StreamNeo, upload your recording or playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. The stream runs from the cloud, so nothing has to stay on at home. Videos stream as uploaded, up to 4K 60fps, at one price per slot; automatic recovery is included if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card required. Monthly billing is $9.99 per month.
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Troubleshoot common problems
The VLC Video source is missing
Install VLC and restart OBS. If OBS is 64-bit, install the 64-bit VLC version so OBS can use the source.
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The playlist does not repeat
Open the VLC Video source properties and check Loop Playlist. If you added only one file as a Media Source, enable that source’s separate Loop setting instead.
The scheduled event has no preview
Confirm OBS is streaming to the URL and key for the same scheduled event, then check that OBS is actively sending and the correct scene is selected. Wait for the Live Control Room preview before selecting Go live.
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The event is scheduled but viewers do not see a live broadcast
Scheduling creates the event page; it does not supply video or automatically begin the broadcast. Start the encoder feed in OBS, verify the preview in Live Control Room, and select Go live.
The stream ends or cannot be started
Check the channel’s live-streaming eligibility and any restrictions, then verify the encoder connection and stream key. If you suspect the key has been exposed, replace it in YouTube Studio and update OBS to use the new key.
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Rights and YouTube policy checks
Review permissions for every video and audio track before scheduling, including music embedded in a recording. YouTube’s terms say live content must comply with the Community Guidelines. A long loop does not change the rights or policy status of the material, so resolve any uncertainty before leaving it unattended.
Quick Recap
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