The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →OBS can loop a video or playlist, but your computer must stay awake for the broadcast to continue. For one file, use OBS’s built-in Media Source and enable Loop; for a sequence of files, use VLC Video and enable Loop Playlist. Then prevent automatic sleep in your computer’s power settings and connect OBS to YouTube Live with the stream URL and key from YouTube Studio.
Choose the right OBS source for your video
OBS’s Media Sources guide, dated January 11, 2022, documents two ways to repeat local video. The controls may change in later OBS versions, so check the labels in your installed version if they differ. OBS: Media Sources
| What you want to play | OBS source | Setting and trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| One local video file | Media Source | Enable Loop. It is built into OBS and does not require VLC. |
| Multiple files in a sequence | VLC Video | Load a playlist and enable Loop Playlist. VLC must be installed; OBS says 64-bit OBS requires 64-bit VLC. Leave shuffle off if you need a fixed order. |
For VLC Video, check the source’s visibility behavior if it is hidden or on another scene. That setting determines whether playback continues, pauses, or stops when the source is not visible.
Set up the looping video or playlist
- For one file: add a Media Source, select the local video, and turn on Loop.
- For several files: install VLC if needed, then add VLC Video and load the playlist. If you use 64-bit OBS, install 64-bit VLC. Turn on Loop Playlist; leave shuffle off for a predictable order.
- Make sure the source is visible in the scene you intend to broadcast. For VLC Video, choose the visibility behavior that suits your scene setup.
Keep the computer awake during the stream
Playlist looping and computer power settings are separate: Loop keeps the media repeating, but it does not stop the operating system from sleeping. On Windows, adjust the system power settings so automatic sleep will not occur during the planned broadcast, and keep the computer connected to power for a long session. Check the configured actions for closing a laptop lid or pressing its power button; do not trigger sleep or hibernation while OBS is outputting.
#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.
Microsoft documents SetThreadExecutionState as a way for an application to request an awake or display state, but it cannot prevent a user from putting the computer to sleep. This is Windows-specific documentation, not a substitute for configuring the computer’s power settings. Microsoft Learn: SetThreadExecutionState
An OBS project issue discussion describes sleep during active output as destructive and unsupported, in the context of replay-buffer behavior. Treat it as a caution, not a universal statement about every platform or setup; close OBS before sleep or hibernation rather than forcing the computer to sleep mid-output. OBS Studio issue discussion
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.
Exact macOS and Linux power-setting steps are not established here. Use the current power controls for your installed operating system rather than applying Windows instructions to another platform.
Connect OBS to YouTube Live
- In YouTube Studio, create or manage the broadcast in the Live Control Room. Set the stream’s metadata and privacy as appropriate.
- Copy the server URL and stream key provided for the stream, then enter them in OBS’s stream configuration.
- Decide whether to use YouTube’s optional encoder controls for starting or stopping the stream. Auto-start and auto-stop are separate settings; they are not required for video looping.
Keep the stream key private: it is a credential that lets an encoder connect to your stream. If it is exposed, reset it in YouTube. YouTube’s interface and labels can change; consult its current help pages for the encoder and stream settings. YouTube Help: Set up your encoder for live streaming · YouTube Help: Create a live stream with an encoder
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
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.
Troubleshoot black video, sleep, and dropped frames
- The video is black or stops: confirm the source is visible in the active scene and that its file or VLC playlist is still loaded. Recheck Loop or Loop Playlist and the VLC visibility behavior.
- The computer sleeps: check the operating system’s automatic sleep setting, laptop lid action, and power-button behavior. Do not rely on OBS output to override a manual sleep or hibernate action.
- OBS stays open but frames drop or the stream disconnects: inspect OBS’s dropped-frame indicator and test whether the connection can sustain the configured bitrate. OBS identifies unstable connectivity or insufficient connection capacity for the configured bitrate as possible causes. OBS: Dropped Frames
- Rendering or encoding is overloaded: simplify the scene and avoid unnecessary source complexity. Performance strain is different from a network connection problem; OBS provides separate guidance for performance and connection troubleshooting. OBS: Common Streaming Issues · OBS: Encoding Performance Troubleshooting
Or let it run in the cloud
If you do not want a personal computer to stay on, StreamNeo keeps an uploaded video or playlist streaming to YouTube from the cloud. Upload your recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. The stream continues without your computer or home connection running.
- Nothing has to stay powered on at home.
- Your upload streams as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot—no quality tiers or re-encoding.
- StreamNeo automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free, with no card required; one free day is available per account.
Monthly: $9.99 per month. See StreamNeo for the service and current plan details. To try it, start your free day with StreamNeo.
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.
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
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.
