Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesOBS has three separate features people often mean by “replay”: Replay Buffer saves recent footage locally; a Media Source or VLC Video source loops media into your broadcast; and YouTube DVR lets viewers pause and rewind a live stream. For an always-on broadcast built from video files, use Media Source with Loop for one file or VLC Video with Loop Playlist for several. Replay Buffer is optional and does not create or loop the stream.
Choose the setting that matches what you mean by replay
| What you want | Use | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Save the last moments of your local OBS session | OBS Replay Buffer | Captures recent footage locally so you can save a replay with a hotkey. |
| Repeat one video in the outgoing broadcast | Media Source with Loop enabled | Plays the same file again when it reaches the end. |
| Cycle through several videos | VLC Video source with Loop Playlist enabled | Restarts the list after its final item; shuffle is a separate option. |
| Let viewers pause or rewind the live broadcast | YouTube DVR | A viewer-side playback feature, not an OBS source or playlist setting. |
These controls operate at different points in the workflow. OBS’s Replay Buffer is local recording, OBS media sources feed content into the stream, and YouTube DVR affects playback for viewers. YouTube’s own repeat controls for videos and playlists likewise do not change what OBS sends to a live broadcast.
Set up Replay Buffer to save recent OBS footage
Replay Buffer is useful for capturing a recent gameplay moment or other footage from your OBS session. It does not save clips automatically just because it is enabled: configure a hotkey to save the buffer.
- In OBS, open Settings and go to Output. Enable Replay Buffer in the recording output area. Labels and placement can vary by OBS version, so check the controls in the build you have installed.
- Open Settings > Hotkeys and assign a key to save the replay buffer. OBS’s overview also lists hotkeys for starting, stopping, and saving Replay Buffer.
- Apply the settings, start the Replay Buffer, and use your save hotkey when you want to keep the recent footage.
The official OBS overview does not prescribe a universal replay duration or memory limit. Choose settings appropriate to your available system resources and storage, and verify the behavior in your installed version rather than assuming a particular duration or automatic save.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Loop one video with a Media Source
- In your scene’s Sources panel, add a Media Source.
- Select the local video file you want to broadcast.
- Enable Loop in the source properties. OBS documents this control as replaying the file after playback completes.
- Confirm the source is visible in the scene and check that the video reaches its end and starts again as expected.
Use this route when the stream should repeat one file. It is separate from Replay Buffer: the source plays content into the broadcast, while Replay Buffer captures recent OBS output for local saving.
Loop a playlist with VLC Video
For a sequence of files, add the OBS VLC Video source and point it to a playlist or list of media files. The official OBS guide documents Loop Playlist as on by default and Shuffle Playlist as off by default. With shuffle off, items follow the listed order; with it on, playback is randomized.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
- Install VLC if it is not already installed. OBS’s VLC Video source depends on VLC; 64-bit OBS requires 64-bit VLC.
- Add VLC Video from the Sources panel and configure the files or playlist you want to play.
- In the source properties, check Loop Playlist to have the list start over at the end. Enable Shuffle Playlist only if you want items randomized rather than played in list order.
- Review the visibility behavior. OBS lists Stop when not visible, restart when visible as the default behavior for VLC Video. If your scene hides the source during a transition or scene change, confirm that this behavior will not interrupt playback in the way you intend to use the source.
- Preview the full sequence, including the final item and restart, before relying on it for an extended stream.
Start OBS with streaming or Replay Buffer options
OBS documents launch parameters including --startreplaybuffer and --startstreaming. These can be used when launching OBS through a scheduled or automated process; they do not guarantee uninterrupted operation, restart OBS after every crash, or recover every YouTube event.
For scheduled or automated launches, OBS guidance says to set the working directory to the folder containing OBS. On Windows, that is the Start in field; for a 64-bit installation, the relevant executable is typically obs64.exe. Confirm the executable and path on the machine where OBS is installed.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Understand YouTube DVR on a long-running stream
YouTube DVR lets viewers pause and rewind during a live stream, but YouTube warns DVR capabilities may be limited or unavailable when a stream runs longer than 12 hours. Do not promise viewers that an always-on broadcast will provide a full rewind window. DVR is not the same as OBS Replay Buffer: DVR is viewer-side access to the live broadcast, while Replay Buffer saves recent footage on the streaming computer.
YouTube’s repeat controls for videos and playlists are also viewer playback controls. They do not loop files into the outgoing broadcast; configure that in OBS with Media Source or VLC Video.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Copyright and channel considerations
Looping a file technically does not establish that you have the right to stream its audio or video. Use media you created or are authorized to broadcast, and consider whether a repeated or largely reused broadcast meets YouTube’s applicable policies. Review YouTube’s current terms and channel guidance before running a long-lived stream, especially if the content includes third-party gameplay, music, or clips.
Troubleshoot common problems
- The video plays once and stops: For one file, check that Loop is enabled on Media Source. For multiple files, check Loop Playlist on VLC Video.
- VLC Video is unavailable or does not play: Install VLC and match its architecture to OBS; a 64-bit OBS installation requires 64-bit VLC.
- The playlist stops after a scene change: Inspect VLC Video’s visibility setting. The documented default can stop the source when hidden and restart it when visible.
- A replay clip is not saved: Confirm Replay Buffer is enabled and running, and that a save hotkey is assigned under Settings > Hotkeys.
- Viewers cannot rewind far back: YouTube DVR may be limited or unavailable on streams longer than 12 hours; that limitation is independent of OBS’s local Replay Buffer.
- OBS launches but does not start the intended function: Check the command-line parameter and the scheduled task’s working directory. Startup parameters do not provide crash recovery or guarantee a continuing broadcast.
Or let it run in the cloud
If the goal is a YouTube channel that keeps looping uploaded videos without leaving a home computer running, StreamNeo runs the stream from the cloud. Upload your recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. Nothing has to stay on at home; uploads stream as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one price per slot; and StreamNeo automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly: $9.99 per month.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Start your free day with StreamNeo.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
