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To loop a 4K video on YouTube Live with OBS, add it as a looping Media Source, set OBS to a 3840×2160 output, connect OBS to a YouTube encoder stream with its stream URL and key, and start the stream after checking YouTube’s preview and stream health. A stable upload connection and codec-matched bitrate matter as much as the resolution.
Before you start
- A YouTube channel that is verified and has no live-stream restrictions in the preceding 90 days. First-time live-stream activation can take up to 24 hours, so enable it in advance. See YouTube’s live-streaming eligibility and setup information.
- OBS Studio installed on a computer capable of decoding the source video and encoding a 4K stream. Available encoder options depend on your computer and installed OBS version.
- A local 4K video file you have the right to broadcast, plus enough upload capacity to sustain the chosen bitrate.
- Access to YouTube Studio’s Live Control Room to create or schedule an encoder stream and retrieve its connection details.
Use content you own or are licensed to stream. A video being pre-recorded does not remove copyright obligations; music, game footage, or other material can still raise rights issues. Do not assume that a technically successful stream is cleared to broadcast.
Set up the YouTube encoder stream
- Open YouTube’s encoder-stream setup guide and follow the current YouTube Studio flow to create or schedule a live stream.
- In the stream setup, copy the stream URL and stream key. OBS needs both to send its feed to the correct YouTube stream. YouTube recommends RTMPS for standard RTMP-based streaming.
- Keep the stream key private, as you would a password: someone who has it can send a feed to your stream. If it is exposed, replace or reset it through YouTube Studio before broadcasting.
Add and loop the video in OBS
- In OBS, use the Sources panel to add a Media Source. Give the source a recognizable name, then select your local video file.
- Turn on Loop in the Media Source properties. OBS describes this control as specifying whether the file plays again once playback has completed. OBS documents common formats including MP4, TS, MOV, FLV, MKV, AVI, GIF, and WebM; support can still depend on the file’s codecs and the system.
- Arrange the source in the scene and inspect the preview. Check that the whole image is visible, the aspect ratio is correct, and there is no unintended crop, stretching, black border, or unwanted overlay.
- If you change files or scenes during a stream, test the transition first. OBS also documents a restart-on-activation control for Media Sources; it is distinct from Loop and affects what happens when the source is activated again.
Set OBS to 4K and choose encoder settings
Set the OBS video canvas and output to 3840×2160 for a 2160p presentation when the source and computer can support it. Match the output frame rate to the source or the intended broadcast. Upscaling lower-resolution footage to 4K does not create additional source detail.
YouTube’s current encoder guidance lists these 2160p ingestion recommendations. They are platform recommendations, not independent performance benchmarks. The bitrate depends on the codec: do not use the AV1/HEVC range as an H.264 target.
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#1 Best Overall
Elebase USB to USB C Adapter for iPhone 18 Pro Max,USBC Car Charger Adapter
- 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.
| Output | AV1 or H.265/HEVC bitrate range | H.264 recommended bitrate |
|---|---|---|
| 2160p at 30 fps | 8–35 Mbps | 30 Mbps |
| 2160p at 60 fps | 10–40 Mbps | 35 Mbps |
These figures are from YouTube’s encoder settings guidance; check the current settings page before going live because recommendations can change.
- Rate control: YouTube recommends CBR.
- Keyframes: Set a 2-second keyframe interval; YouTube says not to exceed 4 seconds.
- Codec: YouTube lists H.264, H.265/HEVC, and AV1 for RTMP/RTMPS. Choose only a codec your OBS installation and computer support, and use the corresponding bitrate guidance.
- Latency: YouTube says 2160p streams do not have the “improve for low latency” option and use normal latency.
- HDR: Treat HDR as a separate workflow, not a simple toggle on an SDR setup. YouTube documents additional requirements and an HLS workflow for HDR; see its HLS setup guide.
Connect OBS and start the broadcast
- In OBS, open Settings → Stream. Select YouTube if the installed OBS version offers it and enter or connect the stream key as prompted. If using a custom server option, enter the YouTube stream URL and key from Live Control Room. Exact labels can vary by OBS version.
- Apply the settings and return to the main OBS window. Confirm the correct scene is active and the preview shows the intended 4K composition.
- Start streaming in OBS. In YouTube Studio’s Live Control Room, wait for the incoming preview and check the stream health indicator before making the broadcast public or beginning the scheduled event.
- When finished, stop the stream from OBS and end the broadcast in YouTube Studio if the Live Control Room indicates that further action is needed. Confirm the stream has ended rather than leaving the encoder running unintentionally.
Test the loop and protect the broadcast
Start the encoder early enough to inspect the actual incoming feed. Check the preview, motion, audio, framing, and stream health under conditions close to the planned broadcast. YouTube recommends a reliable connection, upload bandwidth with headroom, advance setup, and testing before the live event. Its streaming tips explain these checks.
Rank #2
Anker USB-C Hub, 5-in-1 USB Hub for Laptops, 4K HDMI Multiport Adapter
- 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.
- Watch the end of the file and its return to the beginning. Confirm that the loop resumes cleanly and that audio does not cut, spike, or fall out of sync.
- Check the video at its intended frame rate and resolution. A 4K label in OBS alone does not prove the received stream is stable at 2160p.
- Test while other expected network traffic is active. If the feed drops frames or loses connection, reduce competing upload traffic, use a more reliable connection, or lower the output bitrate within YouTube’s guidance.
- Do not share screenshots or recordings that reveal the stream key. If it leaks, rotate it in YouTube Studio and update OBS.
Recording and YouTube archives
A local OBS recording can serve as a backup, but it uses computer resources and disk space. If you enable local recording, check the recording path, available storage, and a sample recording before relying on it. YouTube recommends keeping a local archive backup. Its archive guidance says streams under 12 hours can be automatically archived, while streams exceeding 12 hours may not be captured at all; the 12-hour figure is YouTube’s stated threshold, not a guarantee that every shorter stream will be archived. See YouTube’s archive guidance.
Troubleshooting common problems
| Symptom | Likely cause | What to check or do |
|---|---|---|
| YouTube receives no signal | Wrong stream URL or key, incorrect OBS connection, or live streaming is not yet enabled for the channel. | Recheck the current encoder details in Live Control Room, reconnect OBS, and confirm channel eligibility and activation status. |
| The video does not repeat | Loop is off, the wrong Media Source is active, or the file cannot play correctly. | Open the Media Source properties, enable Loop, verify the selected file, and test playback through the end. |
| Image is cropped, stretched, or not actually 4K | Canvas/output dimensions do not match the intended presentation, or the source aspect ratio differs from the canvas. | Set the intended 3840×2160 output, inspect the scene preview, and correct source scaling without distorting its aspect ratio. Remember that upscaling does not restore detail. |
| Stream health reports instability or dropped frames | Upload capacity is insufficient or inconsistent, the selected bitrate is too high for the connection, or the computer cannot encode reliably. | Test under realistic network load, leave upload headroom, reduce competing traffic, and select a supported encoder and bitrate from YouTube’s guidance. |
| Playback looks soft or motion is uneven | Output frame rate or bitrate does not suit the source, codec, or upload connection. | Match frame rate to the source where appropriate; verify the codec-specific bitrate and check YouTube’s received preview rather than relying only on OBS’s local preview. |
| The stream ends but there is no reliable archive | The broadcast exceeded YouTube’s archive capture limit, or local recording was not enabled or saved successfully. | For a needed backup, configure and test local recording with adequate disk space; do not rely on YouTube capture for broadcasts longer than 12 hours. |
Or let it run in the cloud
With StreamNeo, upload the recording, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. StreamNeo loops uploaded videos from the cloud, so your computer and home connection do not have to stay on. It is for YouTube streams, not camera-based live video.
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Quick Recap
Bestseller No. 5
Best Value
Anker USB C Hub, 5-in-1 USBC to HDMI Splitter with 4K Display
- 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
Sale
UGREEN USB to USB C Adapter Combo 4-Pack, 10Gbps USB C Converter Space Gray
- 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
Rank #3
Sale
Anker USB C Hub, 7in1 Multi-Port USB Adapter, 4K@60Hz USBC to HDMI Splitter
- 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.
- Any quality up to 4K 60fps as uploaded, at one flat price per slot, with no re-encode or quality tiers.
- Automatic recovery if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free with no card, one free day per account.
- Monthly: $9.99 per month.
Start your free StreamNeo day.
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