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VGSources
Media Source

Streamlabs Desktop Media Source Restarts Instead of Playing the Next Video: How to Fix It

A repeating clip usually means the source is looping one file, not playing a playlist. Learn what to check in Streamlabs Desktop and how to diagnose order and activation behavior.

By VGSources Team 4 min read
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If the same video starts again, first check whether your source contains one file with looping enabled or a playlist with multiple files. A single-file source repeats that file; it will not advance to another video. For a sequence, use a playlist-capable source, add each video to its playlist, and check playlist looping, shuffle, and visibility settings. Streamlabs Desktop controls can vary by version, so verify the source type and labels in your installation.

Why the video starts over

A single-file media source and a playlist source do different jobs. In OBS documentation, a Media Source selects a media file, and its Loop setting repeats that file after it finishes. A VLC Video Source can hold multiple playlist items; the OBS Project describes it this way: “Unlike Media Source, you can create a playlist of items, similar to an Image Slideshow.” OBS Project: Media Sources

That distinction explains the common symptom: if the source is configured with one file and that file loops, playback returns to the beginning rather than moving to a next item. Several separate Media Sources in a scene do not automatically form one ordered playlist.

The cited controls are documented for OBS, not confirmed as identical in every Streamlabs Desktop release. Treat them as a diagnostic guide: inspect the actual source type and properties in your version rather than relying on exact matching labels.

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Check and correct the source settings

  1. Open the source properties. In Streamlabs Desktop, select the relevant source in the Sources list and open its properties. Identify whether it points to one file or offers a playlist of items. If the controls differ from those described here, note your exact app version and source type.
  2. For one video that should play once, turn off looping. OBS documents Loop as repeating the selected file. It also documents Restart playback when source becomes active, which restarts playback when the source becomes active in a visible scene. If your goal is for a clip to play once, check both looping and what happens when the source becomes active.
  3. For consecutive videos, use a playlist-capable source. Add every intended video to that source’s playlist. Confirm that all the files appear in the playlist; multiple single-file sources are not the same thing as one playlist.
  4. Set order and repeat behavior deliberately. For a fixed sequence, turn shuffle off. Decide separately whether the playlist should stop after its last item or repeat the full playlist; OBS names the related controls Shuffle Playlist and Loop Playlist. Test with the source visible, then hide and show it to see how activation affects playback.
  5. Test with a short sequence. Use two clips with distinct content, start playback, and observe whether the second begins. Then test what happens when you hide and reactivate the source. This separates playlist order from source-activation restart behavior.

Do not confuse these features with a local playlist

Cloudbot Media Share

Streamlabs Cloudbot Media Share is described as a way for viewers to request videos. That is a separate workflow from configuring a local media source to advance through your own playlist. Streamlabs: Media Share

Browser Source refresh and shutdown options

Browser Source settings apply to web content loaded in a browser source. They are not controls for advancing a local video playlist. Streamlabs: Browser Source

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Troubleshoot when it still restarts

  • It repeats the same clip: Check that the selected source actually contains multiple playlist items, not just one file, and disable single-file looping if you want one-time playback.
  • It restarts after you switch scenes or hide and show the source: Check for a restart-on-activation option. OBS documents this behavior for Media Source; confirm whether your Streamlabs source has an equivalent control.
  • It plays items, but not in the expected order: Turn shuffle off and verify the playlist item order. Playlist looping determines whether the sequence begins again after its final item; it does not choose the order.
  • The source type or settings are missing: Do not assume your Streamlabs Desktop release has the same source choices or labels as OBS. Record the exact app version, source type, and settings panel, then consult Streamlabs support or its community Discord. Streamlabs Support
  • You are using VLC Video Source in OBS and cannot add it: The OBS guide says VLC must be installed for VLC Video Source to appear in OBS. This is an OBS-specific requirement; it does not establish a Streamlabs Desktop requirement.
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