To loop a folder of videos in OBS, add them as entries in a VLC Video source and leave Loop Playlist enabled. OBS will restart the playlist after its final file. That repeats the videos; it does not guarantee a 24/7 broadcast, which also depends on OBS staying open, the computer and network remaining available, and YouTube continuing to receive the stream.
Use VLC Video for a playlist, not Media Source
OBS has two relevant media options. Choose VLC Video when you want to play several files as a playlist. Choose the standard Media Source when you want to repeat one selected file.
| OBS source | Use it for | Loop setting | Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| VLC Video | A playlist of multiple video files | Loop Playlist restarts the source when it runs out of media files. | Install VLC Media Player. If you use 64-bit OBS, OBS Project says to use 64-bit VLC. |
| Media Source | One selected media file | Enable the source’s Loop property. | Use this when a playlist is not needed. |
These playback controls are separate: enabling Loop on a Media Source does not create a looping folder playlist. See the OBS Project’s Media Sources guide and Sources guide.
Set up a folder playlist in OBS
- Install VLC Media Player. OBS’s VLC Video source depends on VLC libraries. Match VLC’s architecture to OBS; for 64-bit OBS, install 64-bit VLC.
- Open your OBS scene and add the playlist source. In the Sources dock, click the add control and choose VLC Video.
- Add the files. In the source properties, add each video as a playlist entry. Arrange the entries in the order you want them played.
- Enable Loop Playlist. When playback reaches the end of the last entry, the source starts the playlist again. Leave Shuffle Playlist off to retain the listed order; enable it if you want randomized playback.
- Check source visibility behavior. A VLC Video source can pause or stop while it is not visible. Keep it visible in the live scene, or choose an appropriate behavior in the source properties if your scenes change.
- Position the video. Resize and place it in the preview. In the Sources list, items higher in the list render above items below them, so place titles, logos, and overlays accordingly.
- Check the full playlist before broadcasting. Confirm that the files play, the loop returns to the first entry, and the intended audio and overlays are present.
If you only need one video to repeat, add Media Source instead and enable its Loop property. The OBS Project documents both source types in its media sources guide.
#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.
Connect OBS to YouTube Live
- Confirm your channel can go live. YouTube’s encoder guidance lists channel verification and no live-streaming restriction in the previous 90 days among the prerequisites. See YouTube’s live-streaming tips.
- Get the stream URL and key. In YouTube Live Control Room, obtain the stream URL and stream key, then enter them in OBS’s streaming settings. Treat the key as a password: anyone with it may be able to stream to your channel.
- Choose output settings your upload can sustain. Select a resolution, frame rate, codec, and bitrate appropriate for both your content and your connection. There is no single bitrate that suits every stream; YouTube’s recommendations vary by codec, resolution, and frame rate.
- Start the OBS stream and check YouTube’s preview. Make sure the image, sound, and overlays are correct in Live Control Room before relying on the broadcast. YouTube’s encoder instructions cover entering the stream URL and key and checking the live preview: Set up your encoder for live streaming.
Bitrate example: 1080p at 30 fps
YouTube’s current settings table recommends 10 Mbps for H.264 or 14 Mbps for AV1/H.265 at 1080p and 30 fps. These are YouTube’s recommended ingestion bitrates for those specific codec and video settings, not a universal requirement or a guarantee that your connection can sustain them. Check YouTube’s live encoder settings, bitrates, and resolutions for the settings that match your chosen codec and frame rate. Test before going live and monitor stream health during the broadcast.
What a 24/7 loop can—and cannot—do
Loop Playlist controls media playback, not uptime. It cannot keep OBS open, prevent the computer from sleeping or restarting, repair an unreadable video or disconnected drive, restore a failed internet connection, or guarantee that YouTube keeps ingesting the stream. Those are separate parts of operating a long broadcast. Plan to test the complete setup and monitor both OBS and YouTube while it is live.
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.
- Prevent the computer from sleeping during the broadcast, and account for operating-system restarts and power interruptions.
- Keep the playlist files on storage that remains connected and available to OBS.
- Use a stable upload connection with enough capacity for the selected stream settings.
- Have a way to notice and respond if OBS stops, YouTube loses the feed, or playback stalls.
Plan separately for YouTube’s replay and DVR
A live feed and its saved replay are different outcomes. YouTube Help says, “If your live stream is less than 12 hours, YouTube can automatically archive it for you,” and warns, “If your stream exceeds 12 hours, it may not be captured at all.” YouTube also says DVR rewind capabilities may be limited or unavailable for streams longer than 12 hours. A continuous 24-hour transmission therefore should not be treated as a guaranteed complete YouTube replay.
If you need a recording, record a local archive as a backup or divide the broadcast into planned sessions. YouTube’s guidance is in Archive live streams and Use DVR controls on live streams.
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.
Check rights and channel policies before looping videos
Looping a file does not grant permission to broadcast it. Use video and audio you own or are authorized to use, and review YouTube’s copyright rules and live-stream policies before going live. Repeated or reused material can also affect a channel’s monetization eligibility; permission to use a work and eligibility for monetization are separate questions. Avoid assuming that crediting an owner, using a short excerpt, or leaving a stream running makes content permissible.
- Confirm that you have the rights needed for both the video and its audio.
- Check any license terms for livestreaming, repeated use, and commercial use.
- Review YouTube’s current channel and monetization policies rather than relying on the fact that a file plays successfully in OBS.
Or let it run in the cloud
If keeping a computer and home connection running is the part you want to avoid, StreamNeo runs an uploaded-video YouTube stream from the cloud. The basic setup is: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. It plays uploaded videos; it does not broadcast from a camera.
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
- Nothing has to stay on at home for the cloud stream to continue.
- Any quality up to 4K 60fps streams as uploaded, at one flat price per slot, with no re-encode or quality tiers.
- It automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free, with no card required.
Monthly service costs $9.99 per month. Each slot includes one always-on stream, 10 GB of storage per slot pooled across active slots, looping and playlists, and StreamNeo team support; the product is the same across plans, which differ by billing length. See StreamNeo for details, then start your free first day.
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.
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.
