Schedule Video Changes in an OBS 24/7 Stream

To schedule video changes in an OBS 24/7 stream, you need a way to switch scenes automatically; OBS does not include a built-in clock-based scene scheduler. A practical approach is to use a compatible scheduling plugin, or run a small script that changes scenes at set times. Set up and test the changes before relying on them during a live broadcast.

What You’ll Need

• OBS Studio and a working stream setup.
• Two or more prepared scenes, with the video sources and audio configured in each.
• For the plugin method: a scene-scheduling plugin compatible with your operating system and installed OBS version. Check its documentation and download it from a trustworthy source.
• For the script method: a text editor and basic comfort editing a script. OBS scripting support and available languages vary by build and operating system; consult the documentation for your version.
• A computer that can stay on, a reliable network connection, and a plan to prevent sleep or unwanted restarts.

Step-by-Step

1. Plan the schedule and scenes. In OBS, create a scene for each video or program segment you want to show. Give each scene a clear name, such as “Morning Loop” or “Evening Update.” Add the appropriate media source to each scene and check its playback, audio, and transitions. Decide which scene should be active outside scheduled periods.
2. Confirm how the video should play. Select each media source and review its settings. Enable looping if the video should repeat, or leave it off if it should play once. If you are using a playlist or multiple clips, verify the order and behavior in a test recording. Avoid assuming that switching away and back will restart a clip; behavior can depend on source settings.
3. Choose one scheduling method. Do not configure two different tools to control scenes at the same time. A plugin is usually easiest when it provides a calendar or time-based rules. A script is more flexible, but requires careful setup and troubleshooting.
4. Install and check a plugin, if using one. Close OBS before installing, follow the plugin’s official installation instructions, then reopen OBS. Check its documentation for where its controls appear and which OBS builds it supports; plugin menus and interfaces differ. If OBS reports a loading error or the controls are missing, remove or update the plugin rather than continuing with an incompatible installation.
5. Create a rule for each scene change. In the scheduler, add the target scene, start time, and any end time or repeat pattern the tool supports. Specify the days of the week, and decide what happens when a scheduled period ends. Add separate rules for each change. Check that rules do not overlap unless the scheduler clearly explains which rule takes priority.
6. Set the time zone and clock assumptions. Make sure the computer’s date, time, and time zone are correct and set to update automatically if appropriate. Determine whether the scheduler uses local time or another time zone. Consider daylight-saving changes, reboots, and missed events; behavior after a computer is offline depends on the plugin.
7. Alternatively, use an OBS script. Open OBS’s scripting area (often under Tools, depending on the version), add a script supported by your OBS build, and follow its documented configuration steps. The script should use OBS’s supported API to select scenes at specified times. Use a maintained, reviewed script from a source you trust, and confirm that it handles time zones, repeated schedules, and errors as you need. Do not paste code you do not understand into a live setup.
8. Test without going live. Use a short test schedule a few minutes ahead and watch the OBS preview. Confirm the scene changes at the expected time, the correct video and audio play, and the transition looks right. Make a local recording to check what viewers would hear and see. Then remove the test rule and enter the real schedule.
9. Prepare for continuous operation. Keep OBS open and the computer awake. Set the operating system’s power options to avoid sleep during the stream, and make sure automatic updates or planned restarts will not interrupt it. Test recovery after closing and reopening OBS if your schedule must resume after a restart; not all tools restore schedules or reconnect to a stream automatically.
10. Monitor the first scheduled changes. Watch the stream or its preview at each early changeover. Check the active scene, audio levels, and stream status. Keep a manual fallback scene ready so you can switch to it if a rule fails.

Common Mistakes

• Expecting OBS itself to schedule scenes: OBS handles scenes and sources, but time-based switching generally needs an added plugin, script, or external automation.
• Ignoring time zones: A correct clock does not guarantee the scheduler interprets its times as local time. Check the tool’s documentation.
• Overlapping rules: Two changes at the same time can lead to an unexpected scene. Make the schedule unambiguous.
• Leaving media behavior untested: A clip may stop, restart, or continue in the background depending on its source settings and how it is switched.
• Letting the computer sleep: OBS cannot perform a scheduled change while the computer is asleep or shut down.
• Assuming a live connection is automatic: Scheduling scenes does not, by itself, start OBS, connect to a streaming service, or recover a dropped connection.

Tips

• Use descriptive scene names and keep a written schedule with times and intended content.
• Build a simple fallback scene with a stable image or loop, and test its audio before streaming.
• Keep transitions short and consistent unless the program calls for a different effect.
• Save a copy of your OBS profile and scene collection before changing plugins, scripts, or sources.
• For a 24/7 stream, check storage space if you are recording, and periodically verify stream status and source playback.
• Test changes locally first. A private or unlisted test stream, where available, can help confirm the full broadcast path.

Troubleshooting

The scene does not change: Confirm the scheduler or script is enabled, OBS is running, the rule is active for the current day, and the scene name still exists. Check the system clock and the tool’s logs or status messages. Temporarily set a test change a few minutes ahead.

The change happens at the wrong time: Check the computer’s time zone, daylight-saving settings, and whether the tool expects 24-hour time or a particular date format. Read its documentation for how it handles missed events and time changes.

The video is black or silent after switching: Open the target scene directly in OBS and inspect the source’s file path, visibility, playback settings, and audio routing. Test the source in a local recording. A moved or unavailable media file can leave a scene empty.

The plugin or script is missing: Confirm it supports your operating system and OBS build, then follow its installation instructions exactly. Check for startup errors. Remove incompatible additions and use a documented alternative rather than repeatedly installing unknown files.

OBS or the stream stops overnight: Check power and sleep settings, system update schedules, network stability, and OBS logs. Scene scheduling does not prevent a crash or restore a dropped stream; test any separate restart or reconnection process before depending on it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can OBS schedule scene changes without a plugin?
OBS does not provide a general built-in clock-based scene scheduler. You can use a compatible plugin, a supported script, or external automation.

Will a scheduled scene change start my stream?
No. It changes the scene while OBS is running; streaming must be started separately unless you configure and test a separate automation method.

Can I schedule a different video for every day?
Usually, if your scheduler supports day-of-week rules or the script is configured for them. Check the specific tool and test each day’s rule.

Does the schedule keep working if OBS is closed?
Generally, no. A scheduler running inside OBS needs OBS open. External automation has different requirements and should be tested independently.

What happens if the computer is asleep at a scheduled time?
The change may be missed or delayed; the exact behavior depends on the tool. Keep the computer awake and test its handling of missed events.

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