To rotate recorded gameplay on a YouTube livestream, add the files to an OBS Studio VLC Video source, then choose whether to loop or shuffle its playlist. Set the stream’s title and type in YouTube Studio’s Live Control Room. Do not assume YouTube will change the displayed game title when OBS moves to the next recording: the documented playlist and stream-metadata controls are separate.
What you need before setting up the stream
- Your gameplay recordings, with permission to rebroadcast them.
- OBS Studio and VLC installed on the computer that will run the stream. For 64-bit OBS, OBS documentation specifies matching 64-bit VLC.
- A YouTube stream URL and stream key from YouTube Studio.
Copyright and rebroadcast rights depend on the material and permissions for each recording. Make sure you have the rights needed to show every file on a livestream; having a copy of a VOD does not by itself establish permission to rebroadcast it.
Build a rotating VOD playlist in OBS
- Add the playlist source. In OBS, add a VLC Video source and add the gameplay files you want it to play. VLC must be installed for this source to be available.
- Choose the playback order. Enable Shuffle Playlist for randomized playback, or leave it off for the listed order.
- Choose what happens at the end. Enable Loop Playlist to restart playback after the final file. Looping and shuffling are separate controls, so select either or both to suit the stream.
- Check hidden-source behavior. If the VLC source appears in scenes that may be hidden, review its playback behavior. OBS documents options that can stop, pause, or continue playback while the source is hidden.
- Preview the result. Confirm that the intended video is visible and playing in the OBS preview before connecting or going live.
Set the stream title and game in YouTube Studio
In YouTube Studio’s Live Control Room, create or select the stream and set its title and type/category. YouTube Help advises choosing a type such as Gaming to reach the relevant audience. You can edit stream settings during setup or from the stream settings page.
These YouTube metadata controls and OBS’s VLC playlist controls are distinct. The documented workflow does not establish that the displayed title or game changes automatically when the playlist advances. If your playlist switches between games, either update the stream metadata yourself as appropriate or use an automation method only after verifying that it can reliably update YouTube’s metadata. Do not label a stream as a game that is no longer playing.
Recommended Free Tools
#1 Best Overall
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 14.1" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy ergonomic support with the integrated cushioned wrist rest.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a sleek black carbon color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.8 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
Connect OBS to YouTube and go live
- Get the stream connection details. In YouTube Studio, select the stream and obtain its stream URL and stream key.
- Connect the encoder. Enter the YouTube stream URL and key in OBS’s stream settings so OBS can send its output to YouTube.
- Check YouTube’s preview. Start the encoder output and confirm the preview in the Live Control Room before starting the public broadcast.
- Start the stream. Once the preview and metadata are correct, start the livestream through the YouTube workflow.
Keep the stream key private: anyone who can use it may be able to send video to the associated stream. If it is exposed, replace it in YouTube Studio and update OBS with the new key.
Plan for recording retention
YouTube says streams shorter than 12 hours can be automatically archived and recommends keeping a local archive backup. A stream longer than 12 hours may not be captured at all. If retaining the broadcast matters, record a local copy rather than relying only on YouTube’s archive.
Rank #2
- 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.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Common problems and fixes
- VLC Video is missing from OBS: Install VLC. If OBS is 64-bit, use the matching 64-bit VLC specified by OBS documentation.
- The playlist stops after the last file: Enable Loop Playlist if you want it to restart.
- The same files always play in order: Enable Shuffle Playlist for randomized playback.
- The source pauses or stops when you switch scenes: Review the VLC source’s behavior while hidden and choose whether it should stop, pause, or continue.
- The displayed game title does not match the current VOD: Playlist advancement does not establish an automatic metadata change. Edit the stream details in YouTube Studio or verify a separate integration before relying on it.
- YouTube does not show a preview: Check that OBS is using the stream URL and current stream key for the selected YouTube stream, then confirm the encoder output is running.
Or let it run in the cloud
If your goal is to keep uploaded gameplay videos looping on YouTube without leaving a home computer on, StreamNeo is a cloud option: upload your recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. It plays uploaded videos rather than broadcasting a camera feed, and it streams to YouTube only. It does not remove the need to keep the displayed game metadata accurate when the content changes.
- Nothing has to stay on at home; the stream runs from the cloud.
- Videos stream as uploaded, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot.
- It automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free with no card.
The Monthly price is $9.99 per month. Start your free day with StreamNeo.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 12" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy laptop support with the integrated device ledge.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a blush pink color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.14 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
Rank #4
- Anti-Slip Surface - Transform your laptop into a mobile workstation with the AboveTEK portable laptop lap desk. The anti-slip surface provides a strong grip for laptops up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), while the double rubber strip on the bottom ensures a stable display or typing experience on your lap, couch, or bed.
- Retractable Mouse Pad - Retractable laptop mouse pad extends on both directions for the left/right handed with elevation along the edges for stopping mouse from falling off. The size of laptop tray is 14" X 9.7" and the size of mouse pad is 7.4" X 6.1".
- Effective Heat Shield - The effective heat shield made of sturdy and thick material protects your laptop from overheating. Prioritizes your comfort and safety, an ideal lap pad or board for working anywhere.
- EASY to Carry and Store - With an ergonomic and simplistic design, the lap desk is portable to store in a backpack. Only 15" in size, 2.2 lb of weight and with slim 0.6 inch thickness, it is ready to be easily carried around.
- Widely Applicable - The smooth platform accommodates laptops and tablets up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), making it a versatile accessory and one of the best gifts for mom, dad, students and professionals. Perfect for use as a laptop bed tray or tablet holder anywhere at home, library, or park.
Rank #3
- Note: Not suitable for MacBooks released after 2023 or devices with a protruding front camera; Not applicable to full-screen or notch-style tempered glass screen protectors; Do not use on the rear camera of the phone.
- 💻 Why Do You Need a Webcam Cover Slide? — Safeguard your privacy by covering your webcam with our reliable webcam cover when not in use. Don't let anyone secretly watch you. Stay protected!
- ✅ Thin & Stylish — Enhance your laptop's functionality and aesthetics with our 0.027" ultra-thin webcam covers. Seamlessly close your laptop while adding a touch of sophistication.
- ✅ Fits Most Devices — Compatible with laptops, phones, tablets, desktops! Keep your privacy intact on Ap/ple, Mac/Book, iPh/one, iP/ad, H/P, L/novo, De/ll, Ac/er, As/us, Sa/msung devices.
- ✅ 365 Days Protection — Our upgraded 3.0 adhesive ensures a strong hold that won't damage your equipment. Experience reliable, long-term privacy protection day in and day out.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
