If an OBS playlist points to a video at a stable path, keep the replacement file at the same location with the same filename, then reload or recreate the source and confirm playback in the OBS preview. OBS documents playlist support, but does not promise that it will automatically reread a file replaced externally. For folders that change often, use a folder-aware plugin or script whose refresh method and source requirements match your setup.
Why replacing a video may not update OBS playback
A playlist entry refers to a media file. Keeping the path and filename unchanged preserves the entry, but that does not guarantee OBS or VLC will reopen the replaced file automatically. OBS’s documentation describes the VLC Video playlist feature, not a continuous watcher for externally changed files. OBS: VLC Video Source
Also distinguish OBS’s built-in Media Source from its VLC Video source. Media Source plays a media file; VLC Video supports playlists and relies on VLC libraries being installed. OBS specifies 64-bit VLC for 64-bit OBS.
Refresh an existing VLC Video playlist
- Replace the file at the same path. Use the same filename and folder wherever possible. If the file moved or was renamed, edit the playlist entry to point to its new path.
- Reload or recreate the VLC Video source. This is a cautious practical step to have the source reopen the media; OBS does not document exact hot-reload behavior after an external file replacement.
- Check the source in preview. Confirm the replacement plays and that the rest of the playlist behaves as expected before starting a live session.
- Check VLC installation and bitness. If the source does not work, make sure VLC is installed and its bitness matches OBS. OBS calls for 64-bit VLC with 64-bit OBS.
The built-in VLC playlist offers loop and shuffle controls. OBS’s guide lists loop as on by default and shuffle as off by default; it does not describe an automatic directory watcher.
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Keep a frequently changing folder in sync
If you routinely add, remove, or replace videos, a folder-aware method can reduce manual playlist editing. Check the tool’s current compatibility and instructions against your OBS version and operating system before relying on it.
Manual folder refresh with Media Playlist Source
Media Playlist Source 0.1.3 supports file and folder entries. Its resource page says folder contents refresh when a setting changes and gives saving the settings again as the manual workaround; automatic refresh is not implemented in the described version. Versions 0.1.0 and later require OBS 31 according to the listing. Version 0.1.3 is dated 2025-04-13. See the Media Playlist Source resource page and its update history for current details.
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- Add the folder through the plugin’s folder-entry option.
- When folder contents change, open the source settings and save them again to trigger the documented manual refresh.
- Verify the updated playlist and playback in preview.
Event-driven folder scanning with PlayFolder
PlayFolder 1.3 describes scanning a selected folder and dynamically updating its playlist on OBS events. Its instructions specify an OBS Media Source, not VLC Video, and say not to enable OBS’s internal looping because the script manages playback. The resource lists an update date of 2026-09-24. These are the author’s stated features, not independent confirmation for every system. Check the PlayFolder resource page for its current requirements and setup.
Windows option: NowPlaylisting
NowPlaylisting’s resource describes a plugin for Windows and OBS 30 or later, with file and folder entries and editable playlists. The listing does not establish that it automatically refreshes folder contents, so check its current documentation before choosing it for that purpose. NowPlaylisting resource page
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Choose a refresh method that fits your setup
| Method | Refresh approach | Source or compatibility notes |
|---|---|---|
| Existing VLC Video playlist | Reload or recreate the source after replacing a file; edit the entry if its path changes. | Requires VLC libraries; OBS specifies 64-bit VLC for 64-bit OBS. Automatic rereading after external replacement is not promised in the OBS guide. OBS documentation |
| Media Playlist Source | Save settings again to refresh folder entries; automatic refresh is not implemented in the described version. | Supports folder entries. Resource listing says OBS 31 is required for versions 0.1.0 and later. Resource page |
| PlayFolder 1.3 | Claims event-driven dynamic playlist updates. | Requires an OBS Media Source, not VLC Video; its instructions say not to enable OBS internal looping. Resource page |
| NowPlaylisting | Folder and file playlist management; automatic folder refresh is not established by the listing. | Resource describes Windows and OBS 30+. Resource page |
Troubleshoot playlist updates
- The old video still appears: ensure the replacement has the same path and filename, then reload or recreate the source and test again in preview.
- A playlist entry is missing or broken: check whether the file was moved or renamed. Edit the entry to its current path.
- VLC Video is unavailable or fails to play: install VLC and match its bitness to OBS; OBS requires 64-bit VLC when using 64-bit OBS.
- A folder-based playlist does not reflect new files: use the documented manual refresh for the plugin, or confirm that the selected tool actually supports automatic scanning. Do not assume a folder entry means a live directory watcher.
- A script’s playlist does not loop as expected: for PlayFolder, follow its instruction to leave OBS internal looping off, since the script manages playback.
- Playback fails after a plugin or script change: verify source type, OBS version, platform, file paths, and the tool’s current installation notes, then test visibility and playback in preview before going live.
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