To switch recorded podcast episodes during a YouTube live stream, put each episode in its own OBS scene and assign a hotkey to each scene. For hands-off sequential playback, use an OBS VLC Video source with the episode files in a playlist. Studio Mode lets you prepare a scene change before viewers see it.
Choose how you want episodes to play
| Method | Best for | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Separate scenes with hotkeys | Choosing when each episode starts | Requires a scene and key assignment for each episode. |
| VLC Video playlist | Playing several episodes in a set sequence | Requires VLC and careful playlist ordering and loop settings. |
| Native Media Source | Playing one local episode file in a scene | It is a single media source, rather than the playlist option described in OBS’s media guide. |
OBS scenes combine sources into the composition viewers see. OBS documents hotkeys for switching to a specific scene, while its VLC Video source can play a playlist. OBS’s guides are dated 2021 and 2022, so control names or supported formats may differ in your installed version.
Set up one scene per episode and switch with hotkeys
- Create the scenes. In OBS, add a scene for each episode. You can make each scene a full episode layout or include episode-specific artwork and title elements.
- Add the episode media. In the relevant scene, add a Media Source for a single file. OBS’s media guide lists common video types including MP4, TS, MOV, FLV, MKV, AVI, GIF, and WebM, and audio types including MP3, AAC, OGG, and WAV. Supported formats can change; check the guide for your installed version at OBS Media Sources.
- Assign scene hotkeys. Open Settings → Hotkeys and bind an unused key to each scene’s switch action. OBS documents hotkeys for switching to a specific scene; exact labels can vary by version.
- Switch during the broadcast. Press the key assigned to the episode scene you want to show. Switching scenes changes the visible composition to that episode.
Use Studio Mode to prepare a change privately
Enable Studio Mode when you want to inspect or edit the next scene without exposing those changes on the live output. OBS separates the live scene from the edit/preview scene; when ready, press Transition or use a configured Quick Transition. OBS describes Studio Mode as a way to change scenes in the background without viewers seeing the changes. See the OBS Studio Overview Guide.
Play episodes sequentially from a VLC playlist
- Add a VLC Video source. Create or select a scene, add a VLC Video source, and populate its playlist with the episode files in the order you want them to play.
- Set the playlist behavior. Leave Shuffle Playlist off for a fixed episode order. Choose whether Loop Playlist should be on; OBS’s guide documents on as the default.
- Check visibility and end behavior. OBS documents stopping playback while the source is not visible and restarting it when visible as the default behavior. Check these controls and the playlist’s end behavior in your setup, particularly if you expect playback to continue across scene changes.
- Install VLC if the source is unavailable. OBS requires VLC for the VLC Video source. For 64-bit OBS, the OBS guide specifies 64-bit VLC.
- Rehearse playback and audio routing. Play through the intended transitions and confirm that the episodes appear in order and their audio is routed as expected.
Play one episode with OBS Media Source
For a scene with a single local recording, use OBS’s native Media Source. Its controls include restarting playback when the source becomes active and hiding the source after playback ends. Set those behaviors to match whether you want a clip to restart on a scene change or disappear when it finishes. Consult the OBS Media Sources guide for the control details.
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Connect OBS to the YouTube live stream
YouTube documents encoder streaming for productions such as those using multiple cameras and microphones, and lists OBS as open-source encoder software available at no charge. Episode switching happens in OBS; YouTube is the destination. Follow YouTube’s current instructions for creating a live stream with an encoder to connect the broadcast. The episode-switching workflow itself does not require buying a physical microphone, capture card, controller, or other equipment.
Test before the public broadcast
- Open every episode file and confirm it plays from the intended scene or playlist.
- Check the order, shuffle and loop settings, and what happens when playback ends or a source becomes hidden.
- Test each scene hotkey and, if using Studio Mode, verify the preview-to-live transition.
- Check audio routing and listen for unintended silence or overlapping audio during scene changes.
- Run a test of the stream and scenes before broadcasting publicly, as OBS recommends testing scenes and stream operation before a first live stream.
- Confirm that you have the rights and permissions needed to rebroadcast each recorded episode. Permission to use an episode is separate from the technical setup.
Troubleshoot common switching problems
The VLC Video source is missing
Install VLC, then check that its architecture matches OBS. OBS’s media guide specifically requires 64-bit VLC when using 64-bit OBS.
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The playlist plays episodes in the wrong order
Check the order of files in the VLC source playlist and turn off Shuffle Playlist if you need a fixed sequence.
An episode restarts or stops after a scene change
Review the source’s visibility behavior. OBS documents that VLC Video stops when not visible and restarts when visible by default. Check whether the source is hidden during the scene change and adjust the relevant behavior in your installed version.
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The playlist stops at the end or starts over unexpectedly
Check Loop Playlist and the playlist end behavior. The documented default for Loop Playlist is on; turn it off if the sequence should end rather than repeat.
A hotkey does not switch to the expected scene
Return to Settings → Hotkeys and confirm that the intended key is assigned to the correct scene’s switch action and is not conflicting with another binding. Exact labels vary by OBS version.
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Viewers see changes before you are ready
Use Studio Mode to work in the preview scene, then press Transition when you are ready to put it on the live output.
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