Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallCrashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteThere is no published maximum local-file size for playing a pre-recorded video in OBS and sending it to YouTube Live. OBS reads the file on your computer and sends YouTube an encoded live stream; the size of that outgoing stream is governed by its bitrate and duration, not by the local source file’s file size. That distinction follows from the documented workflow, rather than an explicit YouTube file-size guarantee.
Why the source file’s size is not the live-stream limit
When you add a video as an OBS Media Source, OBS reads and decodes that local file, then encodes the program for live transmission. YouTube receives the live stream—not the original source file as an upload. Accordingly, the official OBS and YouTube pages reviewed do not give a numeric maximum size or duration for a local Media Source file.
In practice, the file must fit on your storage and your computer must be able to read and decode it. The outgoing stream must also run for the intended duration and stay within the capacity of your internet connection. These are practical constraints, not a published local-file cap.
What can limit your OBS-to-YouTube stream
Computer storage and playback
OBS documents Media Source support for MP4, TS, MOV, FLV, MKV, AVI, GIF, and WebM. Its Media Sources documentation describes looping, restarting when active, and hiding the source when playback ends, but does not specify a maximum file size. See the OBS Media Sources guide.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →#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.
A large file can still be impractical if the drive lacks space or the computer cannot decode it smoothly. Test the actual file in OBS before scheduling a long broadcast; playback stutters or a source that ends unexpectedly are local playback problems, not evidence that YouTube rejected the file for being too large.
Outgoing stream settings and upload capacity
YouTube’s live encoder guidance covers the stream OBS sends. For H.264, YouTube recommends 14 Mbps for 1080p at 30 fps and 17 Mbps for 1080p at 60 fps. These are live-ingest bitrate recommendations, not source-file size limits. The same guidance recommends CBR for RTMP/RTMPS, a 2-second keyframe interval (not over 4 seconds), and supports frame rates up to 60 fps. Codec options listed include H.264, H.265 (HEVC), and AV1. Check the current YouTube live encoder settings and bitrate guidance for the resolution and codec you intend to use.
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.
Your internet upload capacity needs headroom beyond the stream bitrate. YouTube’s streaming tips recommend 20% beyond the stream bitrate and note that other users or devices on a shared connection can reduce the bandwidth available to the stream. YouTube also recommends testing in advance and monitoring stream health; it says, “We recommend running a speed test to test your upload bitrate.”
Broadcast duration and automatic archives
YouTube says a live stream can be automatically archived if it is less than 12 hours; streams longer than 12 hours may not be captured at all. This concerns the archived broadcast, not the size of the local video playing in OBS. If an archive matters, keep the stream under 12 hours or make and verify a separate local recording. YouTube’s guidance also recommends checking that a local archive is intact and its file size is growing.
Recommended Free Tools
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.
Do not confuse a live source with a YouTube video upload
YouTube’s recommended encoding settings for videos uploaded directly through YouTube Studio describe a separate workflow. They do not establish a maximum file size for an OBS Media Source sent as a live broadcast. See YouTube’s recommended upload encoding settings for direct uploads.
Set up and test the workflow
- Confirm channel eligibility. YouTube requires a verified channel with no live-streaming restrictions in the previous 90 days. Review YouTube’s live-streaming eligibility steps.
- Add the local video in OBS. Add a Media Source, select the file, and choose whether it should loop or restart when active, depending on the broadcast you want.
- Configure the outgoing stream. Set a supported codec, resolution and frame rate, then use YouTube’s bitrate guidance for that combination. For RTMP/RTMPS, YouTube recommends CBR and a 2-second keyframe interval, not over 4 seconds.
- Check the connection. Test upload speed and leave the recommended 20% headroom beyond the stream bitrate, allowing for other traffic on the network.
- Run a test broadcast. Confirm that the source plays as expected and monitor YouTube’s stream health before relying on a long session.
- Plan for the archive separately. If you need YouTube’s automatic archive, note its under-12-hour guidance; also verify any local recording you rely on.
Common problems and what to check
- OBS cannot play the file reliably: Check that the file is in a documented Media Source format and that the computer and drive can read and decode it smoothly. Test playback locally in OBS.
- YouTube reports unstable stream health: Check the outgoing bitrate against YouTube’s recommendation, test upload speed, and reduce competing network use so the connection has headroom.
- The video stops before the live broadcast ends: Review the Media Source playback and loop settings; YouTube does not receive the source file itself and cannot make OBS continue local playback.
- No automatic archive appears: Check whether the live broadcast exceeded 12 hours. YouTube warns that longer streams may not be captured.
- A direct-upload limit seems relevant: Confirm whether you are uploading a finished video in Studio or streaming OBS output live; the upload encoding guidance is for the former.
Or let it run in the cloud
If the goal is to keep a YouTube channel live with pre-recorded videos, StreamNeo runs the uploaded video or playlist from the cloud. Upload your video, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. Nothing has to stay on at home; StreamNeo sends your upload as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one price per slot, with automatic recovery if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly pricing is $9.99 per month. See StreamNeo or start the free 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.
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.
