To loop several videos through OBS on YouTube Live, install VLC, add a VLC Video Source to an OBS scene, add the videos to its playlist, and enable Loop Playlist. Connect OBS to YouTube with the server URL and stream key from Live Control Room, then preview the feed before starting the broadcast. OBS’s documented workflow manages playlist items inside the source; its reviewed guidance does not explain how to import an existing .m3u or similar playlist file directly.
Choose the right OBS source
| What you want to play | OBS source | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| One local video file | Media Source | Plays an individual media file and can loop that file. |
| Several video files as a playlist | VLC Video Source | Plays multiple items and provides playlist-level loop and shuffle controls. |
OBS describes VLC Video Source as similar to Media Source, but with a playlist of items, like an image slideshow. For multiple clips, use VLC Video Source; for a single clip, Media Source is the simpler choice. The cited OBS documentation does not establish that either source guarantees uninterrupted playback in every system, file, or network condition.
Set up a looping playlist in OBS
- Install VLC. VLC Video Source requires VLC to be installed. Match the application bitness: 64-bit OBS requires 64-bit VLC. If the source is missing after installation, check that both applications have matching bitness.
- Add VLC Video Source to a scene. In OBS, select the scene you plan to stream. In the Sources panel, use the add control and choose VLC Video Source. Add the media items you want in the source’s playlist. OBS’s documented setup describes adding items this way; it does not specify supported extensions or steps for importing a pre-existing
.m3u,.pls, or other playlist document. - Set the playlist order and repeat behavior. Turn on Loop Playlist to restart the list when it reaches the end. Leave Shuffle Playlist off if you want the items to play in their listed order; turn it on only if randomized playback is wanted.
- Review visibility behavior. OBS documents the default as “Stop when not visible, restart when visible.” If another scene can hide the source, choose the visibility behavior that fits your intended playback and test scene changes. This setting controls whether playback continues while the source is not visible in the scene.
- Check the source properties and scene. VLC Video Source lists a 400 ms network-caching default. That is a source property, not a guarantee against every playback interruption. Confirm that the source appears in the intended scene and that the video and audio behave as expected in OBS’s preview.
Connect OBS to YouTube Live
- In YouTube Studio, create or select a stream in Live Control Room.
- Copy the stream’s server URL and stream key from YouTube and enter them in OBS’s streaming settings. YouTube’s encoder setup guidance says to enter the YouTube Live server URL and stream key into the encoder.
- Start the encoder from OBS, then check the incoming feed in Live Control Room’s preview before starting the public broadcast.
- Monitor audio and video during the stream. To end the broadcast, stop the event in YouTube and stop sending from the encoder.
YouTube requires a verified channel with no live-streaming restrictions in the preceding 90 days to get started with live streaming. Check channel eligibility before planning a broadcast.
Test the stream and plan for bandwidth
Test the setup before the event, check Live Control Room’s preview, and monitor both audio and video. YouTube recommends upload capacity with room above the total stream bitrate: its streaming tips specify 20% headroom. Treat this as platform guidance, not a guarantee that a connection will remain stable; other devices or uploads using the same connection can affect available capacity.
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Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Frequently Asked Questions
Does OBS support importing an M3U playlist file?
The OBS documentation reviewed describes adding playlist items within VLC Video Source, but does not document direct M3U import.
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Will the playlist keep playing if I switch scenes?
That depends on the VLC Video Source visibility behavior. Test scene changes with the selected behavior before broadcasting.
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