To show a holding screen between videos in an OBS loop stream, create a separate Holding scene with an Image Source, then switch to it between clips. This built-in manual method is the simplest and most dependable. For automatic switching, Advanced Scene Switcher can react to media playback conditions, but the exact setup depends on your source arrangement and should be tested before going live.
Set up a holding screen with OBS scenes
A scene is a collection of sources. Put your video or playlist in one scene and the holding graphic in another; then switch scenes when you want the interstitial to appear. This avoids relying on a playlist loop to create a pause it does not provide.
- Create the video scene: In OBS, add a scene named Video. Add the video source or VLC Video Source playlist you want to play.
- Create the holding scene: Add a scene named Holding, then add an Image Source and select your holding-screen graphic. Add text or other visual elements only if they help viewers.
- Choose a transition: Select a scene transition such as Cut or Fade and set its duration in OBS.
- Switch between scenes: Select Holding between clips, then return to Video when you are ready to continue.
OBS also lets you put the image over the video in a single scene and toggle its visibility. The separate-scene method is easier to manage and reduces the risk of leaving the graphic visible over a playing clip.
Understand what OBS loop settings do
OBS Media Source can play local audio or video files and has a Loop option to repeat a file after it finishes. It also offers settings such as Restart playback when source becomes active and Show nothing when playback ends. Those affect playback behavior; they do not create a holding screen between playlist items. See the OBS Project’s Media Sources documentation.
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VLC Video Source can play a list of media items and repeat that list with Loop Playlist. That repeats the playlist; it does not insert a holding screen between entries. VLC must be installed for the VLC source to be available. OBS describes VLC playlists as allowing a “playlist of items, similar to an Image Slideshow.”
Automate the interstitial between clips
For unattended switching, the Advanced Scene Switcher plugin supports macros, media conditions, and scene-switch actions. A conceptual workflow is to detect that a video item has ended, switch to Holding, wait for the desired interval, then start or reveal the next clip and switch back to Video.
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- Check the plugin listing and confirm your OBS version meets its stated minimum. The listing reports Advanced Scene Switcher version 1.36.1 and a minimum OBS Studio version of 31.1.1, with Windows, macOS, and Linux support; releases and compatibility can change. See the official plugin listing.
- In the plugin’s macro configuration, use a media condition and a Switch scene action to implement your desired sequence. The exact macro depends on whether you use individual Media Sources or a VLC playlist.
- If the trigger should run after each VLC playlist item, choose the individual item’s ended condition, not Ended(Playlist), which refers to the end of the full playlist. The plugin’s update notes describe this distinction: Advanced Scene Switcher releases.
- Test the sequence with your installed OBS and plugin versions. Check whether clips restart, resume, remain hidden, or display a loading gap as scenes change; Media Source restart and visibility settings affect that behavior.
The plugin provides the needed trigger and action capabilities, but the macro sequence still requires configuration and testing for your source and scene arrangement. For the most direct per-clip control, configure individual Media Sources and explicit actions. A VLC playlist is more convenient for ordered playback, but item-end automation needs careful verification.
Choose manual or automatic switching
- Use manual scene switching for a small number of clips, occasional breaks, or when you want the least setup and no plugin dependency.
- Consider Advanced Scene Switcher when the sequence should run unattended and you are prepared to configure and test a macro.
- Use a VLC playlist for convenient ordered playback when VLC is installed; use separate Media Sources when you need more direct control per clip.
Troubleshoot a missing or mistimed holding screen
- The screen never appears between playlist entries: Loop Playlist repeats the list but does not add an interstitial. Switch to a Holding scene manually or configure a media-condition macro.
- The VLC source is missing: Confirm VLC is installed and check installation and architecture compatibility with OBS.
- A clip restarts or behaves unexpectedly after switching scenes: Review the Media Source options for restarting playback when active and what happens when playback ends.
- The automation does not run after each playlist item: Check that the macro uses the item-ended state rather than the playlist-ended state, and verify it against your installed plugin version.
- The plugin is unavailable or incompatible: Check the plugin listing’s current minimum OBS version and release information before installing or updating.
Keep the loop suitable for a live audience
Use only video, music, and images you have permission to stream. A holding screen does not change the rights status of the content in the surrounding videos. Review YouTube’s current copyright and live-stream requirements before broadcasting, particularly if the loop includes third-party material.
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