Set VLC to stay in Playlist Mode when Video Comes Up

If you want to start it minimized:

1. Open Tools -> Preferences
2. Click on All settings (left bottom)
3. Interface
4. Main Interface
5. Select Qt interface from the Interface Module Drop-down (right side)
6. Now in the left hand page, expand Main Interface
7. Click Qt
8. Check Start VLC with only a system tray icon

At the bottom of the player where the controls are you'll see 9 control buttons (play, fast reverse, stop, fast forward, etc.). The 8th control button (2 opposite facing arrows) is the loop control toggle. First click is "loop all", second click is "loop 1", third click is "no loop"