To stream a playlist of local video files from a Linux desktop to YouTube Live, use OBS Studio’s VLC Video source. Add the files in playback order, connect OBS to a YouTube Live event with its stream URL and key, then check the preview and stream health before you go live. This is a playlist inside OBS—not a YouTube playlist URL that OBS automatically imports.
What you need before you start
- A Linux computer with OBS Studio and VLC installed. OBS’s VLC Video source depends on VLC libraries, and 64-bit OBS requires 64-bit VLC. Follow the OBS Project’s Linux installation instructions for your distribution, then install VLC using the package method supported by that distribution.
- Local media files that the Linux account running OBS can access.
- A YouTube channel eligible to live stream. YouTube requires channel verification and no live-streaming restrictions during the previous 90 days. First-time activation can take up to 24 hours, so enable it well before your planned broadcast. See YouTube’s live streaming tips.
- A reliable internet connection with enough upload capacity for your chosen video settings.
You do not need dedicated streaming hardware for this software workflow; YouTube says expensive equipment is not required.
Choose the right OBS source for a playlist
In OBS, Media Source is intended for a single media file, including basic looping. For multiple files in a defined order, use VLC Video: it supports a playlist, loop, and shuffle controls on Linux when VLC is installed. The OBS Project documents these sources and their behavior in Media Sources.
This process sends files from your computer through OBS. It does not make OBS fetch or rebroadcast a YouTube-hosted playlist URL, and the official source documentation does not establish support for arbitrary online playlist links or DRM-protected media.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Set up the playlist in OBS
- Open OBS and create a scene. In the Scenes panel, add a scene for the broadcast and give it a recognizable name.
- Add the playlist source. In Sources, select the add button, choose VLC Video, and create a new source. If VLC Video is missing, check that VLC is installed and that its architecture matches OBS (64-bit OBS needs 64-bit VLC).
- Add and order files. In the source properties, add the local media files and arrange them in the intended playback order. Confirm that each path is reachable by the user account running OBS.
- Set playback behavior. Enable looping if the playlist should repeat. Leave shuffle off for a fixed sequence; enable it only if a changing order is intended. The OBS documentation lists loop on and shuffle off as the defaults. Check the source’s visibility behavior too: depending on the selected behavior, playback can stop and restart, pause and resume, or continue when the source is hidden.
- Fit the video to the scene. Select the source in the preview and size or position it to match your canvas. Check for cropping, black bars, or an unexpected aspect ratio before streaming.
- Verify audio routing. Confirm the playlist audio appears in the OBS mixer and is included in the scene output. Listen to the preview rather than assuming that video playback means audio is being sent.
Create or schedule the YouTube Live event
You can create an event for immediate use or schedule it in advance. In YouTube Studio, open Live Control Room to create a stream, or use Manage to schedule one. Enter the event title, visibility, and other metadata in Studio. Scheduling lets you promote the event ahead of time and viewers may set reminders. YouTube’s instructions are in Create a YouTube live stream with an encoder.
For a scheduled event, make sure you select the correct event in Studio before connecting OBS. Its visibility setting determines who can watch; verify it before sharing the link.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Connect OBS to YouTube
- Get the event’s stream details. In YouTube Live Control Room, open the event’s encoder settings and copy the stream URL and stream key.
- Open OBS stream settings. Go to Settings → Stream. Select YouTube if it is offered, or choose the option to use a custom server and enter YouTube’s stream URL. Paste the stream key into the key field.
- Protect the stream key. Treat it like a password: anyone with it may be able to send a stream to your event. Do not publish it or include it in a screenshot. If it is exposed, use YouTube’s reset flow to replace it.
- Save and connect. Apply the settings, then start streaming from OBS when you are ready for YouTube to receive the signal. For a scheduled stream, wait until the preview appears in Live Control Room and use YouTube’s Go live control when you intend to begin the public event.
Choose encoder settings and test the signal
YouTube’s published encoder guidance recommends RTMPS for general encoder use, constant bitrate (CBR), and a two-second keyframe frequency; its recommendation says the interval should not exceed four seconds. The supported codec options depend on protocol and use case and include H.264, H.265, or AV1. For a typical OBS-to-YouTube event, use RTMPS unless you have a specific reason to configure another ingestion method. HLS has its own segment constraints and higher latency, and is not needed for the playlist workflow here. See YouTube’s encoder settings, bitrates, and resolutions and HLS setup guidance.
Choose resolution and frame rate based on the files, the visual quality you need, and your tested upload capacity. Then consult YouTube’s bitrate table for that combination instead of guessing a bitrate or choosing the highest setting by default. The right target is one your connection can sustain consistently.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
- Test with the actual playlist. Use representative files and let playback run long enough to confirm transitions, loop behavior, and audio. Test the exact media and Linux setup; the official guidance does not guarantee every codec or distribution package combination.
- Check the YouTube preview. Confirm the correct event, expected video, and audible sound in Live Control Room. YouTube advises testing beforehand and checking stream-health messages.
- Allow setup time. YouTube recommends setting up the encoder at least two hours before the event and starting it at least 15 minutes before the scheduled time. These are YouTube’s published preparation recommendations, not performance guarantees.
- Monitor the broadcast. Keep Live Control Room and OBS visible so you can watch stream health, picture, and audio during the event.
More guidance on testing and monitoring is available in YouTube’s streaming tips.
End the stream and check the replay
When the playlist is finished, stop sending content from the encoder and end the stream in YouTube Studio as appropriate for the event. Check the event status and final replay in Studio. YouTube says streams under 12 hours are automatically archived; do not assume a longer stream will be archived, so verify the outcome.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Why is VLC Video Source missing in OBS on Linux?
- VLC is not installed: install VLC using the package method for your Linux distribution, then restart OBS.
- OBS and VLC architectures do not match: OBS’s documentation cautions that 64-bit OBS requires 64-bit VLC.
- The source still does not appear: check the installation instructions for your distribution and confirm VLC libraries are available to OBS. Packaging varies, so the official material does not guarantee identical behavior across every Linux distribution.
Common playlist and stream problems
- A file will not play: confirm its path is valid and readable by the account running OBS. Test that specific file locally and in the OBS source.
- Files play in the wrong order or repeat unexpectedly: review the playlist order, shuffle, and loop settings in VLC Video.
- Playback changes when you switch scenes: check the source visibility behavior; hiding a source can stop and restart, pause and resume, or leave playback running, depending on its setting.
- Video is present but there is no sound: inspect the OBS mixer and scene output, then listen to the YouTube preview during a private or unlisted test.
- YouTube does not receive the stream: confirm the event, stream URL, and key are the intended ones, then check the Live Control Room preview and stream-health messages.
- The stream stops or shows a notice: check YouTube Studio for copyright or Community Guidelines notices. A live stream can be terminated for these issues; YouTube explains how to check in Copyright issues with live streams.
Use only content you have the right to broadcast
A video being publicly viewable does not mean you have permission to rebroadcast it. Use media you own or are authorized to stream, including the music and other material embedded in each file. YouTube may terminate a live stream over copyright or Community Guidelines issues, and Studio is where to check for related notices.
Or let it run in the cloud
If your goal is to keep a YouTube channel live around the clock, StreamNeo is an alternative to running OBS on a Linux desktop. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live; StreamNeo loops uploaded videos from the cloud. Your computer and home connection do not have to stay on, and StreamNeo automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesBest Value
- 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.
Every slot streams your upload as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot, with 10 GB of storage per slot pooled across active slots, 24/7 looping and playlists, and support from the StreamNeo team. The first day is free with no card (one free day per account). Billing options are a day, a week, a month, six months, or a year, and you can cancel any time. UPI and cards are available in India; card checkout is available worldwide. Contact support for five or more slots.
Monthly: $9.99 per month. See StreamNeo for details, or start your free first day.
Quick Recap
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.
