The Tool Desk
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Check that you are using the right OBS source
OBS has separate sources for a single media file and for a playlist. A single-file Media Source has its own Loop control. For multiple videos, use VLC Video and its Loop Playlist setting. These controls are not interchangeable. OBS Media Sources documentation.
Fix the playlist in VLC Video
- In OBS, select the scene containing the playlist and open the VLC Video source’s properties.
- Check that the intended video files appear in the source’s media list and can be played. Do not assume a playlist open in the VLC desktop application automatically populates the OBS source.
- Enable Loop Playlist. OBS defines this option as restarting the source after it runs out of media files; the documented default is enabled.
- Leave Shuffle off while testing. This keeps playback order predictable and makes it easier to tell whether OBS advances to the next item.
- Apply the settings and run a controlled test with the source visible. Watch whether it advances between files and whether it restarts after the final file.
Check visibility and VLC installation
Keep the source visible during the test
OBS documents the default visibility behavior as stopping playback when a source is not visible and restarting it when it becomes visible. If a scene hides the source or you switch to another scene, playback may stop and restart on return; that can look like a playlist or looping failure. For diagnosis, keep the source visible. If the scene needs different behavior, review the source’s visibility options and choose what fits that scene. OBS Media Sources documentation.
Match OBS and VLC architecture
VLC Video relies on VLC libraries. VLC must be installed for the source to be available, and OBS says 64-bit OBS requires 64-bit VLC. If VLC Video is missing or behaves unexpectedly, confirm both installation and architecture before changing versions. OBS Media Sources documentation.
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Pinpoint where playback fails
- Only one file plays: Verify that the other intended items are listed in the VLC Video source properties and are playable.
- Playback stops on the last frame: Determine whether the source failed to advance to the next item or played the whole list but did not restart. Those are different failures.
- The list plays but does not start over: Recheck Loop Playlist in the VLC Video source.
- Playback stops after changing scenes: Test with the source continuously visible, then review its visibility behavior.
- A playlist file or folder behaves oddly: Record the playlist file type, the items and paths listed, and whether the source is loading a playlist file or individual videos. Reports about particular arrangements do not establish that all playlist files or folders fail.
When the basic checks do not solve it
Record your OBS and VLC versions, operating system, playlist format, number and paths of listed files, exact point of failure, and an OBS log. This information can help distinguish a source configuration issue from a version-specific problem.
There are historical reports of VLC Video playlists stopping after one file and of a particular directory of .xspf files repeating one playlist file. One forum participant said trying VLC 2.2.4 resolved a case involving OBS 21.0.1 and VLC 3.0.0; that is an old, setup-specific anecdote, not a current compatibility recommendation. An issue report involving OBS 27.2.4 on Windows 10 and a directory of .xspf files was closed as not planned. Neither report establishes a universal cause or fix. Do not downgrade based on those reports alone. OBS forum report; OBS issue report.
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Consider another playlist source only if its workflow fits
If you need playlist management or folder updates beyond the VLC Video source, you can evaluate the Media Playlist Source. Its update history describes fixes for playlist progression, including when the same video path appears again, a case also described as affecting looping a single file. Version 0.1.0 and later requires OBS 31. Check the current release notes and platform instructions against your OBS version before installing; those fixes do not guarantee a solution for every VLC Video problem. There has been no controlled head-to-head test establishing that one source is generally more reliable.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Or let it run in the cloud
If your actual goal is keeping uploaded videos playing as a YouTube live stream, StreamNeo is a separate option from fixing playback in OBS: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. The cloud keeps the stream running, so your computer and home connection do not have to stay on. It plays uploaded videos, not a live camera feed, and streams to YouTube only.
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