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Use OBS Media Source to repeat one local video file; enable its Loop option. Use VLC Video Source when you need a playlist of multiple files. Neither source, by itself, keeps OBS running or guarantees a continuous YouTube connection: the loop setting controls media playback, not the encoder, computer, network, or broadcast.
Which OBS source should you choose?
| Your playback need | Choose | Key setting or dependency |
|---|---|---|
| Repeat one local video | Media Source | Turn on Loop; it is off by default. |
| Play multiple items as a playlist | VLC Video Source | Install VLC. Loop Playlist is on by default, and Shuffle Playlist is off by default. |
This is a choice about how OBS plays media, not evidence that one source is more reliable for a 24/7 broadcast. The OBS Project documents the playlist distinction, but does not publish a comparative extended-uptime test for these sources (OBS Media Sources).
Set up a looping video or playlist in OBS
Repeat a single video with Media Source
- In OBS, select the scene that should show the video.
- In the Sources panel, select + and choose Media Source. Create a new source or select an existing one.
- In the source properties, choose the local media file.
- Enable Loop, then apply the settings. Loop is off by default, so without this change playback will not repeat when the file ends.
- Check the scene preview and confirm that the source remains visible in the scene used for the stream.
OBS Media Source supports common video formats including MP4, TS, MOV, FLV, MKV, AVI, GIF, and WebM, as well as audio formats including MP3, AAC, OGG, and WAV. Other available controls include restart on activation, hardware decoding when available, hide at end, close when inactive, playback speed, and color range. The exact controls and defaults can vary by installed OBS version, so confirm them in the source properties.
Repeat a playlist with VLC Video Source
- Install VLC before adding the source. If you use 64-bit OBS, install 64-bit VLC; OBS documents that matching architecture requirement.
- In the Sources panel, select + and choose VLC Video Source.
- Add the media items to the playlist in the source properties and arrange them in the desired order.
- Check Loop Playlist if you want playback to start again after the last item. It is on by default.
- Check Shuffle Playlist only if you want OBS to play the playlist in a shuffled order. It is off by default.
- Verify visibility behavior in the scene. VLC Video Source also exposes settings for visibility, network caching, audio track, and subtitles.
Connect OBS to a YouTube live event
- Check channel eligibility. YouTube’s live-streaming guidance says the channel must be verified and must not have had a live-streaming restriction in the previous 90 days. Check YouTube’s current requirements for your channel in YouTube live-streaming tips.
- Create or select the live event. In YouTube Live Control Room, set up the broadcast you intend to use.
- Enter the connection details in OBS. YouTube instructs creators to put the YouTube stream URL and stream key into their encoder. Treat the stream key as private; do not display or share it. Follow the current YouTube encoder setup instructions.
- Test the full output. Confirm the intended scene and looping behavior, start the encoder, and check YouTube’s stream-health indicators. YouTube recommends testing and monitoring stream health during the event.
A looping source only restarts media when playback reaches its end. It does not restart OBS if the application or computer stops, restore a failed home connection, or ensure YouTube remains connected. YouTube’s encoder guidance covers sending the feed and monitoring its health; OBS’s source documentation covers playback controls. Neither establishes that Media Source or VLC Video Source has better 24/7 endurance.
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Plan separately for a complete archive
YouTube says a stream under 12 hours can be automatically archived, but warns that a stream exceeding 12 hours may not be captured at all. A 24/7 event therefore should not be treated as a guaranteed complete archive. If retaining the whole broadcast matters, plan a separate local recording or another archive workflow, then verify the integrity of any local archive files as YouTube recommends. See YouTube’s archive live streams guidance.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Keep the YouTube stream running without leaving a PC on
For a hands-on OBS setup, the two sources above let you loop a file or playlist from your own machine, but OBS still has to run and send the encoder feed. If you would rather have uploaded recordings loop from the cloud, StreamNeo is a YouTube-only service that keeps a channel live from uploaded videos:
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- Upload a recording or build a playlist.
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Your computer and home connection do not have to stay on. Each slot streams uploaded media as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one price per slot without quality tiers; StreamNeo automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly pricing is $9.99 per month. Start your free day on StreamNeo.
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