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How to Loop a Radio Playlist on YouTube Live Without Gaps

Use OBS VLC Video to repeat an ordered playlist, but do not mistake looping for gapless playback. Here’s how to set it up, test transitions, and avoid rights problems.

By VGSources Team 5 min read
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For an ordered playlist of local files, add OBS Studio’s VLC Video source, enable Loop Playlist, and keep the source active. That repeats the playlist; it does not guarantee gapless transitions between tracks or an inaudible restart. If seamless listening matters, prepare and audition the program as one continuous file, then loop that file in OBS.

Choose the playback method that fits your program

Method Best for What to know
OBS VLC Video source An ordered set of separate audio or video files Supports playlists and a Loop Playlist option. Requires VLC installed; for 64-bit OBS, install 64-bit VLC. OBS does not document guaranteed gapless transitions. OBS: Media Sources
OBS Media Source One prepared, continuous audio or video file Has a single-file Loop option and does not require the VLC Video playlist workflow. OBS does not promise an inaudible file restart. OBS: Media Sources

Set up a looping playlist in OBS

  1. Install VLC before opening OBS. Install the version matching OBS’s architecture; use 64-bit VLC with 64-bit OBS. If VLC Video is missing from the source list, close OBS, install the compatible VLC version, and reopen OBS. OBS: Media Sources
  2. Add the playlist source. In the OBS scene you will broadcast, select Sources → + → VLC Video. Name the source and confirm.
  3. Add files in playback order. In the source properties, add the local files in the sequence you want the station to play. Turn on Loop Playlist. Leave shuffle off if the sequence must stay fixed. Labels and exact placement can vary by OBS version. OBS: Media Sources
  4. Keep playback running when the source is hidden, if needed. If your broadcast changes scenes, check the source’s visibility behavior. OBS provides settings to continue, pause, or stop playback when a source is not visible; select the behavior that matches your scene workflow. Otherwise, a hidden source may not behave as you expect. OBS: Media Sources
  5. Test locally before going live. Listen through the entire playlist, including each track boundary and the transition from the last item back to the first. Confirm that playback continues in the scene and that your audio is reaching the intended OBS output. A short preview will not reveal problems that occur only at the end of the playlist.

What “without gaps” can—and cannot—mean

Loop Playlist means OBS restarts the playlist after it runs out of media files. The documentation does not describe it as a crossfade or promise sample-accurate, gapless handoffs. Separate files may have audible pauses or discontinuities; test the actual files and playback path rather than assuming the setting removes them. OBS: Media Sources

When track boundaries need to sound continuous, a practical approach is to assemble the tracks into one continuous audio or video program with appropriate editing or playout software. Then play and loop that file in OBS Media Source. This can give you control over internal transitions, but it is not an OBS guarantee: audition the prepared file and its end-to-start restart on the broadcast setup before relying on it.

Do not use HLS settings to fix song gaps

HLS is an encoder-to-YouTube delivery method, not a track-editing feature. YouTube describes HLS as higher latency than RTMP because it sends media in segments. Its HLS setup specifies segments lasting 1–4 seconds, TS segment format, and a rolling playlist with no more than five outstanding segments. Those are ingestion requirements; they do not crossfade tracks or repair gaps in the source playlist. YouTube lists OBS among encoders that support HLS output. YouTube Help: Use HLS for live streaming · YouTube Live Streaming API: HLS ingestion

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Keep the broadcast connection in mind

OBS looping addresses media playback, not every part of keeping a live broadcast online. OBS’s documentation does not promise automatic recovery if the computer, playback source, or internet connection fails. If any of those stop delivering, playlist repeat alone cannot keep the outgoing stream connected. Plan to monitor the broadcast and test recovery procedures rather than treating a loop setting as failover.

Clear the music rights before broadcasting

You are responsible for having the rights needed to broadcast every track. YouTube’s livestream terms say providers represent that they have the necessary rights, including music licensing rights from artists, record labels, publishers, and other royalty participants. YouTube scans live streams for third-party content; identified material can lead to interruption or termination. A rights owner may need to allowlist your channel through Content ID to avoid interruptions even when you have a license. YouTube Terms of Service · YouTube Help: Copyright issues with live streams

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  • A track being available online or marked “free” does not, by itself, establish permission for your live broadcast. YouTube’s safe-music guidance points to public-domain music or music used with permission and advises checking the terms for the intended use. YouTube Help: Copyright-safe music
  • YouTube Creator Music is not a general license for live radio: YouTube says it does not support licensing for live content. YouTube Help: Creator Music

Troubleshoot common playlist problems

Symptom Likely cause What to check
VLC Video is not available in Sources VLC is not installed, OBS was open during installation, or the installed architecture does not match. Install VLC matching OBS (64-bit VLC for 64-bit OBS), then restart OBS. OBS: Media Sources
Playlist stops after the last file Loop Playlist is off or the files were added to a different source than the one playing. Open the VLC Video source properties, confirm the intended files are listed, and enable Loop Playlist.
Tracks have a pause or click between them Looping repeats the list but does not guarantee gapless transitions between separate files. Audition the boundaries. If continuity matters, prepare a continuous program and test the file before broadcasting.
Playback pauses or stops after a scene change The source’s visibility behavior may pause or stop media while it is hidden. Check the source behavior for hidden scenes and select the option that matches your broadcast plan. OBS: Media Sources
YouTube interrupts the live stream Third-party content may have been detected, or the live output may have stopped for another reason. Check YouTube’s live status and copyright notices; verify your rights and whether the rights owner must allowlist your channel. Playlist looping does not provide connection failover. YouTube Help: Copyright issues with live streams
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

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