In OBS, create a scene for each distinct part of your prerecorded program—such as an opening slate, the main video, an intermission, and an ending—then add and layer the appropriate sources in each scene. Save the scenes in a Scene Collection, keep stream and output settings in a Profile, and test the full setup before going live. For multiple prerecorded files, OBS’s VLC Video source can play a playlist if VLC is installed and matches OBS’s architecture.
Plan scenes around the parts of your program
A scene is an output layout; sources inside it provide the video, text, images, and other visible or audible elements. Rather than making a separate scene for every small change, create one for each genuinely distinct segment of the program.
- Opening: a title card or introductory video.
- Main program: the prerecorded presentation or playlist.
- Intermission: a holding screen or other break segment, if your program needs one.
- Ending: an end card or final segment.
You can keep this simple: one scene with the entire prerecorded program may be enough if its visual layout never changes. Add scenes when you need a different layout, source combination, or segment transition.
Create scenes and add sources
- Add a scene. In OBS, use the Scenes dock to create a scene for each planned segment. Give each a descriptive name so it is easy to identify during a broadcast.
- Add the visual elements. Select a scene, then add its media and other elements from the Sources dock. For a title over a video, add both sources to the same scene.
- Check the layer order. Sources higher in the Sources list appear over sources lower in the list. Put titles, logos, and other overlays above the video they should cover; move the video lower if it obscures those elements.
- Repeat for the other segments. A source belongs to the scene where you add it. Check each scene independently to make sure it contains the right media and overlays.
Choose a source for prerecorded video
One local video: Media Source
For a single local file, add a Media Source to the scene and select the file. OBS documents video support for MP4, TS, MOV, FLV, MKV, AVI, GIF, and WebM, and audio support for MP3, AAC, OGG, and WAV.
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Set the Media Source options to match the segment’s role:
- Loop: use this if the file should repeat while its scene is active.
- Restart playback when the source becomes active: use this when returning to the scene should start the file from the beginning rather than continue from its prior position.
- Hide source when playback ends: consider whether the scene should become empty when the file finishes or whether an ending element should remain visible.
- Close file when inactive: choose whether OBS should close the media file while its source is inactive.
These options affect what happens when a source is activated or reaches its end; choose them according to the intended behavior rather than enabling every option by default.
Several files: VLC Video source
For a program made from several files, OBS’s VLC Video source supports a playlist with loop and shuffle controls. VLC must be installed for the source to appear in OBS. Match the VLC architecture to OBS: the OBS documentation specifies that 64-bit OBS requires 64-bit VLC.
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Use a playlist when you want the files handled as one source. Use separate scenes instead when you need distinct layouts or want to switch manually between segments. Confirm the playlist order and playback behavior in a test before relying on it for a live broadcast.
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OBS keeps scene layouts and stream configuration in different places. A Scene Collection saves scenes and sources, while a Profile saves stream, video, and output settings. Profiles do not save scenes.
| OBS item | What it saves | Use it for |
|---|---|---|
| Scene Collection | Scenes and sources; it also contains global audio sources. | Keeping this channel’s layouts and media sources together, separate from other setups. |
| Profile | Stream, video, and output settings. | Keeping the relevant streaming and output configuration together. |
For a dedicated channel setup, save a Scene Collection for its layouts and pair it with the Profile containing the appropriate stream and output settings. Switching Profiles alone will not restore the corresponding scenes.
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Choose how scene changes will happen
OBS supports hotkeys for switching to a specific scene. Assign a scene-switch hotkey if an operator will advance the program manually, and make sure the chosen keys are practical for the person running the broadcast.
Studio Mode can help you prepare a scene change before it appears in the output. The cited OBS overview does not establish a built-in timed automation sequence, so do not assume that creating several scenes will automatically schedule transitions at particular times. If your program needs timed changes, verify the current OBS capabilities and any workflow you plan to use, then test it end to end.
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- Review every scene. Confirm the correct sources are present and that overlays sit above the video in the Sources list.
- Check playback behavior. Verify whether each video should loop, restart when its scene becomes active, hide at the end, or close while inactive.
- Watch the audio meters. Play the prerecorded material and check that OBS registers the intended audio. Confirm that the sound is neither missing nor coming from an unintended source.
- Review output settings. Check the Profile and the stream and output settings selected for this broadcast. The appropriate settings depend on your setup; do not rely on a generic value without verifying it for your stream.
- Make a short test recording or stream. Test the complete path—including media playback, audio, scene changes, and output—before the scheduled program. OBS recommends testing for a few minutes before the first stream.
Platform-specific steps for scheduling a YouTube live event, channel eligibility, and ingest settings are not established here. Check current YouTube Help for those requirements rather than assuming OBS scene setup determines them.
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Troubleshoot common scene and playback problems
The title or logo is hidden behind the video
Cause: the video source is above the overlay in the Sources list. Fix: move the title or logo higher, or move the video lower, then check the scene again.
The VLC playlist source is missing
Cause: VLC may not be installed, or its architecture may not match OBS. Fix: install the VLC version that matches OBS; the OBS documentation specifically requires 64-bit VLC for 64-bit OBS.
A video does not repeat or starts at the wrong point
Cause: the Media Source’s loop or restart behavior does not match the intended segment. Fix: review its playback options and test what happens when the source becomes active and when playback reaches the end.
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A scene change requires manual operation
Cause: scenes organize layouts but do not, by themselves, establish a timed sequence. Fix: use a scene-switch hotkey for manual advancement, or verify and test a separate automation approach if timed transitions are essential.
OBS struggles with a complex setup
Cause: many complex or hidden sources, filters, or browser sources can consume resources. Fix: simplify scenes and collections, use appropriately sized media, and reduce expensive filters or browser sources. If a large general collection is sluggish, consider a separate Scene Collection for this program.
Or let it run in the cloud
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