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DocumentaryTube
livestreaming

How to Switch Between Video Playlists in an OBS YouTube Stream

Use a separate OBS VLC Video Source and scene for each local video playlist, then switch scenes during your YouTube livestream.

By DocumentaryTube Team 4 min read

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To switch between separate video playlists during an OBS YouTube livestream, put each local playlist in its own OBS VLC Video Source, place each source in a clearly named scene, and switch scenes while the stream is live. To move to the next or previous video within the selected playlist, use that source’s playlist controls or configure its hotkeys.

Choose the right kind of switch

What you want to do Method Best fit Trade-off
Change to a different collection of videos Create a VLC Video Source for each collection and put each in a separate scene. Switch scenes to select the collection. Distinct segments such as an introduction, intermission, and main playlist. You need to prepare and clearly name each scene and source.
Advance within the current collection Use that VLC source’s next/previous playlist controls or hotkeys. One collection played in sequence. This navigates the selected source’s playlist; it does not select another collection.

OBS documents VLC playlists and scene switching as separate features; organizing one playlist per scene is a practical way to combine them. This workflow uses local media files. A VLC Video Source is not a YouTube playlist importer.

Set up one OBS scene per playlist

  1. Install VLC to match OBS

    Install VLC before adding the source. OBS says its VLC Video Source requires VLC; if you use 64-bit OBS, install 64-bit VLC. See the OBS Media Sources documentation.

  2. Create a source for each collection

    In OBS, add a VLC Video Source and add the local video files for the first collection to its playlist. Repeat with a distinct source for each additional collection. Give sources recognizable names, such as “Main playlist” and “Intermission.”

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  3. Set playback order and looping

    Turn shuffle off if the videos need to play in a particular order; OBS documents shuffle as an option and lists it off by default. Set loop based on whether that collection should restart after its final file. Check visibility behavior for the source so its playback behaves as intended when its scene is not active. The available properties are described in the OBS Media Sources documentation.

  4. Put each source in a named scene

    Create a separate scene for each collection and add the corresponding VLC Video Source. Name scenes so you can identify them quickly during a live show. This scene-per-collection arrangement is a practical setup based on OBS’s source and scene features, rather than a required OBS layout.

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  5. Check the stream before going live

    Preview each scene and confirm that the intended video is visible and framed correctly. If using Studio Mode, OBS displays the live scene separately from the editable scene, and lets you choose a transition and duration before sending the selected scene live. See the OBS Studio Overview Guide.

Switch playlists while the YouTube stream stays connected

  1. Start the broadcast through your existing OBS-to-YouTube encoder setup. YouTube’s encoder workflow uses a stream URL and stream key, with broadcast management in Live Control Room; follow the current steps in YouTube Help: Create a YouTube live stream with an encoder.

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  2. In OBS, select the scene for the collection you want viewers to see. If you use Studio Mode, select it in the preview and trigger the chosen transition; otherwise, selecting the scene makes it active.

  3. To change collections again, select the other playlist’s scene. This changes the content OBS sends through the encoder; it is not a new YouTube broadcast command and does not require changing the stream key.

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Advance or go back within a playlist

If you only need to move among files in the active VLC Video Source, use its playlist next/previous controls or assign hotkeys. OBS’s VLC source implementation registers next- and previous-playlist hotkeys, but default bindings can differ by installed version. Open Settings → Hotkeys in your OBS version and inspect the VLC source entries rather than assuming a particular keyboard shortcut. The controls are visible in the OBS VLC source implementation.

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Troubleshoot common switching problems

  • The VLC Video Source is missing or does not load: Confirm VLC is installed and that its architecture matches OBS. OBS specifically notes that 64-bit OBS needs 64-bit VLC.
  • The wrong playlist appears after a scene change: Check that each named scene contains the intended VLC source, then preview the scene before putting it live.
  • A playlist plays in an unexpected order: Check the source’s shuffle setting. Turn it off when the listed order matters.
  • The playlist stops after its last file: Check the source’s loop setting and enable looping if the collection should restart.
  • A hotkey does not advance the playlist: Check Settings → Hotkeys for the current OBS version and verify that the binding is assigned to the intended VLC source.
  • You expected to select a YouTube playlist: OBS’s VLC Video Source uses local media files; it does not import or switch among YouTube playlists.

Or let it run in the cloud

If your goal is to keep uploaded videos streaming on a YouTube channel without leaving OBS or a computer running, StreamNeo is a cloud option. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. The cloud keeps the stream running without a home computer, supports the uploaded quality up to 4K 60fps at one price per slot, and automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card required. Monthly: $9.99 per month.

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