Add Multiple Videos to an OBS 24/7 Stream Playlist

To run several videos in a continuous OBS stream, put them in a playlist-capable media source and configure playback to loop. You will need OBS Studio, video files you have permission to stream, and a computer and internet connection able to keep the broadcast running.

What You’ll Need

• OBS Studio installed and configured with a working streaming destination and stream key.
• The video files you want to play, preferably stored together in a folder that will remain in place.
• Enough computer performance and upload bandwidth for your chosen video and stream settings.
• A way to keep the computer powered, connected, and awake for the intended streaming period.

Step-by-Step

1. Prepare the videos. Copy the clips into a dedicated folder on a local drive. Use a format OBS can play, such as MP4 with common video and audio codecs. Test each file in a media player first. Keep filenames simple and avoid moving or renaming the files after adding them to OBS. Make sure you have the rights and permissions needed to broadcast their audio and video.
2. Open the scene you want to use. In OBS, select an existing scene or click the plus button in the Scenes panel to create one. Scenes control the layout viewers see; a playlist source will be part of the selected scene.
3. Add a Media Source. In the Sources panel, click the plus button and select Media Source. Give it a recognizable name, such as “Video playlist,” and confirm. If the source properties show a playlist option, enable it. OBS 24 is an older release, and its available playlist controls can differ by operating system and build; if there is no playlist option, use the VLC Video Source method below.
4. Add every clip to the playlist. In the source properties, use the playlist controls to add files. Select multiple files in the file picker with the usual Shift-click or Ctrl-click (Command-click on macOS), or add them one at a time. Check that every intended file appears in the list. Arrange the entries in the order you want them to play, using the source’s move-up and move-down controls if available.
5. Set playback behavior. Turn on looping or repeat for the playlist so playback starts again after the last item. If there is a shuffle setting, leave it off for a fixed sequence; turn it on only if you want a changing order. Enable options such as “Restart playback when source becomes active” only if you want the playlist to start from the beginning whenever you switch to the scene. Option labels vary by source and version.
6. Check the picture and sound. Close the properties and look at the OBS preview. Select the source and resize or position it in the canvas; right-click it and use the transform options if needed. Watch the audio mixer while a clip plays. If the source is silent, confirm that its audio is not muted and that the correct audio output is enabled in the source or OBS audio settings.
7. Use VLC Video Source if Media Source has no playlist. Install VLC from its official source, then restart OBS so it can detect the installation. In Sources, click plus and choose VLC Video Source. Add the video files to its playlist, order them, and enable looping. This source depends on VLC being installed and available to OBS; if it does not appear, check that both applications are compatible with your system and that OBS was restarted after installation.
8. Test the full sequence before going live. Start playback and let at least one clip finish so you can confirm OBS advances to the next one. Check the final clip as well to see whether playback loops back to the beginning. Use Start Recording for a short local test if you want to inspect the output without broadcasting. Stop the recording and review both video and audio.
9. Start the stream and monitor it. Confirm the correct scene is selected, then click Start Streaming. Keep OBS open and check the preview, audio meters, dropped-frame indicator, and stream status periodically. A playlist does not keep broadcasting if the computer sleeps, OBS closes, or the internet connection fails.

Common Mistakes

• Expecting a playlist option in every Media Source. OBS 24 builds and platforms may not offer the same source controls. Use VLC Video Source when a playlist is not available in Media Source.
• Moving files after adding them. OBS may lose track of clips if their paths change. Keep them in their original folder or remove and re-add them after moving.
• Forgetting to enable looping. Without repeat enabled, playback can stop after the final clip instead of continuing.
• Using an unsupported or problematic file. A clip that plays in one application may still fail in OBS because of its codec or file damage. Test files and convert problem clips to a commonly supported format using a trusted tool.
• Assuming OBS provides a 24/7 hosting service. OBS plays and sends the stream from your computer; it does not keep a broadcast online if your computer, power, or connection goes down.
• Ignoring audio and rights. Check levels and permissions for music, footage, and other included material before broadcasting.

Tips

• Use a separate scene for the playlist so you can switch to a standby graphic or other content without rebuilding your layout.
• Store the playlist files locally rather than on a removable drive or a folder that may be unavailable after a restart.
• Use consistent frame sizes and frame rates where practical. Mixed formats can work, but may look less consistent or require more processing.
• Set your computer not to sleep during the planned stream, and prevent automatic restarts from interrupting it where possible.
• Save your OBS profile and scene collection, but remember that saving a scene does not necessarily copy the video files. Back up the media folder too.

Troubleshooting

The playlist source is missing: Check the Sources add menu for VLC Video Source. If it is absent, install VLC, close and reopen OBS, and check compatibility between the installed applications. If you cannot use VLC, check the exact OBS build and platform for playlist support or update to a suitable OBS release after backing up your scenes and settings.

A clip is black, skipped, or stops early: Confirm the file still exists at the saved path and plays outside OBS. Remove that entry and add it again. Test another file; if only one fails, suspect its format or damage and make a compatible copy. For network or removable-drive media, move a test copy to a local folder.

The next video does not start: Verify that all files are listed and that the source is configured for playlist playback, not just a single file. Check repeat and playlist controls, then test with a short sequence while watching the preview. Restart OBS if a source appears stuck.

There is no sound or the sound is too loud: Check the source’s audio options, OBS mute buttons, and mixer meters. Lower the source level if it is clipping. If the stream platform receives no audio, review OBS audio output settings and make a local recording to narrow down whether the issue is in OBS or the destination.

The stream keeps disconnecting or freezing: Check the internet connection, OBS stream status, and dropped frames. Reduce stream resolution or bitrate if the connection or computer cannot sustain the current settings. Disable sleep, keep the computer ventilated, and avoid running demanding tasks during the broadcast. OBS cannot guarantee uninterrupted service if the network or streaming destination goes offline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can OBS 24 play several videos one after another?
Yes, when you use a playlist-capable source. If Media Source does not show playlist controls in your installation, use VLC Video Source with VLC installed.

Will the playlist repeat automatically?
Only if looping or repeat is enabled in the source settings. Test the end of the list before relying on it for a long stream.

Can I add videos in a specific order?
Yes. Arrange the playlist entries with the source’s ordering controls, then preview the transitions to confirm the sequence.

Can I add videos while OBS is streaming?
Some source controls allow changes during playback, but behavior can vary. Make playlist changes before going live when possible, or test them in a private or local recording first.

Does OBS keep streaming if I turn off my computer?
No. OBS must remain open on a running computer with power and a working connection. A playlist alone does not provide cloud hosting.

Do all videos need the same format?
No, but using commonly supported formats and consistent dimensions can reduce playback problems. Test every clip in OBS before starting a long broadcast.

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