Play Directory of Videos Sequentially in OBS Studio

This guide provides a straightforward, step-by-step walkthrough on how to use the “VLC Video Source” in OBS Studio to automatically play an entire directory of video files in sequential order. You will learn how to install the necessary prerequisites, add the VLC source to your scene, import a complete folder of clips, and configure the playback settings for a seamless broadcast.

Step 1: Install the Correct Version of VLC Media Player

Before OBS Studio can display the “VLC Video Source” option, you must have the VLC Media Player installed on your computer. * Bitness Match: You must install the version of VLC that matches your OBS Studio installation (almost always the 64-bit version). * If VLC is already installed but the source does not appear in OBS, download and install the latest 64-bit version of VLC from the official VideoLAN website, then restart OBS Studio.

Step 2: Add the VLC Video Source in OBS Studio

  1. Launch OBS Studio.
  2. Navigate to the Sources dock at the bottom of the screen.
  3. Click the + (Add) icon at the bottom of the Sources dock.
  4. Select VLC Video Source from the drop-down menu.
  5. In the pop-up window, name the source (e.g., “Sequential Video Folder”) and click OK.

Step 3: Add Your Video Directory to the Playlist

Once the properties window for the VLC Video Source opens, configure the folder import: 1. Locate the Playlist box in the properties window. 2. Click the + button on the right side of the Playlist box. 3. Select Add Directory from the options. 4. Browse your computer, select the folder containing the video clips you want to play, and click Select Folder. All video files inside this directory will be loaded into the playlist.

Step 4: Configure Playback Settings

To ensure the videos play sequentially and behave exactly as you want, adjust the following settings in the properties window: * Loop Playlist: Check this box if you want the playlist to start over from the first video after the last video finishes. Uncheck it if you want the playback to stop after running through the folder once. * Shuffle: Ensure this option is unchecked to play the video clips sequentially (alphabetically or numerically by file name). * Visibility Behavior: Choose how the playlist behaves when you switch scenes. “Stop when not visible, restart when visible” is ideal for restarting the playlist, while “Pause when not visible, unpause when visible” keeps your place in the sequence. * Audio Track: Select the appropriate audio track for your stream if you are using multi-track audio recording.

Click OK to save the settings. Your directory of videos will now play sequentially in OBS Studio.