How to Add Video, Audio and Playlists to OBS
A Media Source plays a video or audio file inside an OBS scene. Use it for permitted production elements such as an intro, background clip, or prerecorded content you are editing or recording.
Playing a file through OBS does not make it a live performance. Check your destination's rules before using prerecorded material during a live broadcast.
Add a local media file
- 1.Select the scene where you want the media.
- 2.Click + under Sources and choose Media Source.
- 3.Give it a clear name.
- 4.Select Local File and browse to the file.
- 5.Review its playback behavior before confirming.
Position a video source in the preview and check its place in the source list. For audio, watch the corresponding mixer meter and check that it is not muted.
Choose how playback behaves
Loop repeats a file when it reaches the end. Restart playback when source becomes active starts it again when the source is activated.
Show nothing when playback ends prevents a video from remaining on its final frame. This can matter when a camera or graphic should become visible underneath.
Close file when inactive can release resources, but the file may need a moment to load again when shown. Test the transition instead of assuming it will be instant.
Hardware decoding, where available, changes how the video is decoded. It is not a guarantee that every file will play smoothly.
Use a VLC source for a playlist
A VLC Video Source can play a list of media files rather than one file. It requires a compatible VLC installation; OBS's documentation notes that 64-bit OBS needs 64-bit VLC for that integration.
After adding the source, build the playlist and set looping, shuffle, and visibility behavior. If it is not offered in OBS, check the supported VLC integration for your OS and architecture before installing unrelated plugins.
Check audio and timing
Make a short recording, including switching away from and back to the scene. Confirm that the file starts where expected, does not repeat unexpectedly, and does not leave unwanted sound playing.
Keep files in a stable location. A scene collection references those media files; it does not automatically turn them into a self-contained portable package.
Use material you have the rights and permission to include in the intended recording or broadcast.