Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Use OBS Media Source to loop one local video; use VLC Video to loop a playlist of local files. Media Source is built into OBS and has a Loop option that is off by default. VLC Video adds playlist controls, including Loop Playlist, which is on by default, but requires VLC to be installed with the same architecture as OBS. Both sources play media inside your OBS scene; YouTube receives the finished OBS feed separately.
Which OBS source should you choose?
| Your setup | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| One local video file, repeated | Media Source | It is built into OBS and includes a Loop setting. |
| Several local files played as a playlist | VLC Video | It supports playlists, playlist looping, and shuffle. |
This is a choice about how OBS plays media in a scene—not a choice of YouTube destination or stream connection. The OBS documentation describes these controls in its Media Sources guide (dated January 11, 2022).
Looping one video with Media Source
- In OBS, add a Media Source to the scene and select the local video file.
- In the source properties, enable Loop. It is off by default, so playback otherwise ends when the file finishes.
- Review the other playback options according to how the scene is used. Restart playback when source becomes active is on by default; it restarts playback when the source becomes active. Show nothing when playback ends is also on by default. Close file when inactive is off by default.
- Start playback in the preview and check that the correct file and audio appear in the scene before going live.
Media Source supports local video formats including MP4, TS, MOV, FLV, MKV, AVI, GIF, and WebM, as well as audio formats including MP3, AAC, OGG, and WAV, according to OBS’s documentation.
Looping a playlist with VLC Video
- Install VLC before configuring the source. VLC Video appears in OBS only when VLC is installed; 64-bit OBS requires 64-bit VLC.
- Add VLC Video to the scene and add the local media files to its playlist.
- Leave Loop Playlist enabled to start the playlist again after it runs out of media. This setting is on by default.
- Enable Shuffle Playlist only if you want randomized playback; it is off by default.
- Choose the visibility behavior deliberately, then test the playlist in the scene before streaming.
VLC Video uses VLC libraries and supports playlist playback. Its properties also include visibility behavior, network caching, and audio and subtitle track settings. The OBS guide lists network caching at 400 ms; that is a documented setting, not a recommendation that every network or source needs adjustment.
#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.
What “stop when not visible” means
“Visible” refers to whether the source is shown in the OBS scene, not whether the OBS application window is on screen. You can hide or show an individual source using its eye control in the Sources dock, as explained in the OBS Sources Guide (dated January 11, 2022).
VLC Video’s documented default is to stop when the source is not visible and restart when it becomes visible. If your scene changes hide the source, decide whether playback should continue, pause, or stop and restart based on the behavior you want. Hiding a source and a file reaching the end are separate events; Loop controls what happens at playback completion.
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.
Connect the OBS production to YouTube separately
The media source determines what plays in the OBS production. The encoder connection sends that composed feed to YouTube. In OBS, configure YouTube’s stream URL and stream key separately from the source’s playback and loop settings. YouTube describes the URL and key in its Manage live stream settings help page.
- Choose and configure Media Source or VLC Video in the scene.
- In YouTube’s live-stream setup, obtain the encoder stream URL and stream key for the stream.
- Enter the YouTube connection details in OBS’s streaming settings, then check the preview and audio before starting the stream.
A looping source does not by itself establish that the stream is live or connected. Confirm the OBS-to-YouTube connection in the live setup as well as media playback in the scene.
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.
Limits to keep in mind
- The settings documentation explains looping and playlist controls, but does not establish that adding or editing playlist entries during a live stream avoids a playback reset, gap, or interruption. Prepare and test the playlist before going live rather than assuming live edits are seamless.
- The documented setup concerns local media played through OBS. The reviewed guidance does not establish whether a YouTube watch-page URL can be played directly as input to either source.
- The source guides describe available settings; they do not provide comparative reliability, performance, or popularity measurements for Media Source versus VLC Video.
Troubleshoot common problems
The video plays once and stops
For a single file, open Media Source properties and turn on Loop; it is off by default. For a playlist, check that Loop Playlist is enabled in VLC Video.
The playlist does not appear as an OBS source
Install VLC and make sure its architecture matches OBS. If you use 64-bit OBS, install 64-bit VLC.
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
Playback stops during a scene change
Check whether the source has been hidden in the scene and review VLC Video’s visibility behavior. Its default is to stop when hidden and restart when visible. The source’s eye control in the Sources dock changes scene visibility.
The media loops, but YouTube is not receiving the stream
Check the encoder connection separately: confirm the stream URL and key in OBS’s streaming settings and verify the live setup in YouTube. Loop settings affect source playback, not YouTube’s acceptance of the encoder feed.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →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.
The source is blank at the end of playback
For Media Source, check both Loop and Show nothing when playback ends. Loop should be enabled for repeated playback; the latter controls what is shown when playback ends.
Or let it run in the cloud
If your goal is a YouTube channel that keeps prerecorded video live around the clock, StreamNeo is an alternative to running OBS on a home computer. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live; StreamNeo loops the uploaded media from the cloud. Nothing has to stay on at home, and the stream keeps the uploaded quality up to 4K 60fps at one flat price per slot. It can automatically recover if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly service is $9.99 per month. StreamNeo is for YouTube and plays uploaded videos rather than a live camera feed. See StreamNeo, or start the free first day.
Quick Recap
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.
