OBS can reopen a VLC Video playlist and start playback again after a power outage, provided the computer and OBS launch when power returns. But OBS’s documented settings do not promise to restore the exact playlist item and timestamp that were playing before the outage. Plan for a restart, not a precise resume, and test the whole recovery sequence before relying on it at an event.
What OBS can—and cannot—recover
OBS’s VLC Video source supports a multi-file playlist, looping, and playback behavior when the source is hidden or shown. Those controls do not establish that OBS saves a playlist’s position through a full power loss. OBS’s launch parameters can help start the application or automate actions such as streaming and recording, but the documented options do not include restoring a VLC playlist’s former position. See the OBS Project’s Media Sources and Launch Parameters documentation.
That distinction matters at an event: a playlist beginning again at item one may be acceptable for a looping background, but not if the program must continue from a specific point. If exact continuity is essential, do not assume that a configured loop or visibility option provides it.
Set up a multi-file replay playlist in OBS
- Install VLC with the matching architecture. OBS’s VLC Video source relies on VLC libraries, so VLC must be installed for the source type to appear. OBS notes that 64-bit OBS requires 64-bit VLC.
- Add the playlist source. In the desired scene, use the Sources panel’s add control and choose VLC Video. In its properties, add the video files in the order you want them played. OBS describes VLC Video as supporting a playlist of items, unlike the regular Media Source.
- Set looping and shuffle deliberately. Enable Loop Playlist if the list should start over after its final item. Shuffle is optional and off by default; leave it off when event order matters.
- Choose how the source behaves when hidden. The documented default is Stop when not visible, restart when visible. The alternatives are to pause while hidden and resume when visible, or to keep playing while hidden. These options respond to scene visibility, not a computer losing power.
- Save the scene collection and verify every media path. Confirm that the selected scene contains the intended source and that each file loads. Keep media files in a stable location so OBS can find them after a restart.
Make the computer and OBS start after power returns
Playlist settings alone cannot restart a powered-off computer. Use the startup mechanism available in your operating system and hardware to have the computer boot after power is restored, then arrange for OBS to launch. The details vary by computer and operating system, so verify the actual startup controls for your system rather than assuming OBS can turn the computer on.
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OBS supports launch parameters for automated actions including starting streaming, recording, the virtual camera, or Replay Buffer. Its documentation does not list a launch parameter for restoring a VLC playlist’s saved position. For scheduled or other automated launches on Windows, OBS advises setting the working directory to the folder containing obs64.exe. Consult the current OBS Launch Parameters guidance for the available options.
Test recovery before the event
Run a controlled restart when the setup is not live. A normal application restart is useful, but it does not fully test recovery from a power interruption; rehearse the complete sequence your hardware and operating system will use after power returns. OBS also recommends testing settings before streaming or recording in its streaming setup guidance.
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- Does the computer start after power is restored, if that is required by your setup?
- Does OBS open the intended scene collection and scene?
- Does the VLC Video source load every playlist file without missing-path errors?
- Do playback and audio start as expected?
- Does playback restart at a point acceptable for the event, rather than an assumed interrupted timestamp?
- If the playlist should loop, does it return to the beginning after its final item?
Single video or multi-file playlist?
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|---|---|---|
| Play one video file | Media Source | Offers a Loop option and Restart playback when source becomes active, which is on by default. |
| Play a list of video files | VLC Video | Supports multiple playlist entries, playlist looping, and visibility behavior options. |
These settings describe normal source playback and visibility. Neither should be treated as a documented guarantee that an interrupted playlist resumes at its former item and timestamp after a full power loss. The OBS documentation pages cited here are dated 2021–2022 and can change; confirm the controls in your installed version and test the setup you will use.
Troubleshoot common restart problems
- VLC Video is missing from the source menu: install VLC; if you use 64-bit OBS, install 64-bit VLC.
- The playlist opens but files are missing: check the media paths in the VLC Video properties and confirm that the files are still in those locations.
- The list stops after the last file: check that Loop Playlist is enabled.
- The source starts over after switching scenes: review its visibility behavior. The default stops when hidden and restarts when visible; choose pause/resume or always play while hidden if that better fits your scene workflow.
- OBS launches but does not perform the expected automated action: check the launch parameters and, for scheduled or automated launches on Windows, the working directory specified in OBS’s documentation. Launch parameters do not restore the VLC playlist timestamp.
- The event needs the exact interrupted position: OBS’s cited documentation does not establish power-loss position recovery. Treat a restart as the available documented behavior and choose an event workflow that can tolerate it, or use a separate continuity plan.
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