For several local videos that should play in order and repeat, use OBS’s VLC Video source: add the files to its playlist, turn Loop Playlist on, and leave Shuffle Playlist off. For one repeating file, use Media Source and enable its Loop option. A playlist loop keeps media playback cycling; it does not guarantee a 24/7 YouTube broadcast.
Choose the right OBS source
| What you want to play | Use | Important setting or requirement |
|---|---|---|
| One local video file, repeated | Media Source | Enable Loop in the source properties. |
| Several local files, in a fixed order, repeated | VLC Video | Enable Loop Playlist and disable Shuffle Playlist. |
| Several files, but you do not want to install VLC | Media Source, if separate sources and scene setup suit your use | VLC Video requires VLC installed; Media Source does not require that VLC dependency. |
This is a feature-based choice, not a reliability comparison. OBS documents Media Source for individual media files and VLC Video for playlists. VLC Video is available on Windows, macOS, and Linux when VLC is installed. For 64-bit OBS, install 64-bit VLC. OBS Media Sources documentation
Set up a repeating playlist with VLC Video
- Install VLC if needed. Match the architecture: 64-bit OBS requires 64-bit VLC.
- Choose or create a scene in OBS, then use the Sources dock’s + control to add VLC Video. Give the source a recognizable name.
- Add the videos to the VLC source’s playlist in the order you want them to play. The playlist is the set of media items for this source.
- Check the playback controls in the source properties: set Loop Playlist to on and Shuffle Playlist to off. OBS documents those as the default settings, but verify them in your installed version rather than relying on defaults.
- Check Visibility Behaviour. OBS documents options that determine whether playback continues, pauses, or stops when the source is hidden. Its listed default is to stop when hidden and restart when visible. Choose the behavior that fits your scene setup.
- Preview the scene and confirm that the videos appear in order, transition as expected, and return to the first item at the end of the playlist.
In OBS, sources belong to scenes. Their order in the Sources dock determines which source is layered above another; the eye icon hides or shows a source. Hiding a source is about its visibility in the OBS scene, not whether the OBS application window is on screen. If this source is hidden, its Visibility Behaviour setting can affect playback.
Set up one repeating file with Media Source
- Add a Media Source in the scene using the Sources dock’s + control.
- Select the local file in the source properties and enable Loop.
- Preview playback to confirm the file restarts after it reaches the end.
OBS documents support for local video formats including MP4, TS, MOV, FLV, MKV, AVI, GIF, and WebM, as well as audio formats including MP3, AAC, OGG, and WAV. The source’s Loop property controls whether a file plays again after completing. OBS Media Sources documentation
#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.
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- 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 and check the stream
- Prepare a YouTube live stream and copy its stream URL and stream key from YouTube’s live-stream setup.
- In OBS, open Settings > Stream and enter the YouTube stream URL and stream key, following YouTube’s encoder setup guidance. Keep the key private; anyone who has it may be able to broadcast to your channel.
- Start streaming from OBS and confirm in YouTube Studio that the broadcast is receiving video and audio and is live.
- Monitor the broadcast and upload connection. YouTube says the total streaming bitrate should not exceed the available upload bandwidth and recommends leaving headroom. Monitor audio and video quality during the stream; adequate bandwidth and a looping playlist do not guarantee uninterrupted streaming. YouTube encoder setup · YouTube live-streaming tips
What a 24/7 loop does not guarantee
OBS can repeat local media, but the broadcast still depends on OBS, the computer, and the network connection continuing to work. YouTube’s guidance says streams under 12 hours are automatically archived; streams exceeding 12 hours may not be captured at all. YouTube also warns that DVR pause and rewind may be limited or unavailable for streams longer than 12 hours. Do not promise viewers a complete replay or the ability to rewind the full duration of a continuous broadcast. Keep a separate local recording or archive backup and monitor the live stream. YouTube live-stream archiving · YouTube DVR
Common problems and fixes
- VLC Video is missing from the source list: install VLC, then reopen OBS. If OBS is 64-bit, install 64-bit VLC.
- The playlist stops at the last item: open the VLC Video source properties and turn on Loop Playlist.
- The videos play in an unexpected order: turn off Shuffle Playlist and check the order of items in the playlist.
- Playback stops or restarts when you switch scenes: inspect Visibility Behaviour. A source may stop when hidden and restart when it becomes visible, depending on the selected behavior.
- The video is hidden behind another source: check the Sources dock order and move it above sources that cover it; use the eye icon to confirm it is visible.
- YouTube shows poor quality or the stream drops: check the available upload bandwidth, leave headroom below it for the total bitrate, and monitor audio and video quality. A playlist setting cannot fix an unstable connection.
- The broadcast has no complete YouTube archive or full-length rewind: YouTube says streams exceeding 12 hours may not be captured and DVR rewind may be limited or unavailable beyond that duration. Maintain a local recording if you need a dependable copy.
Copyright and channel considerations
Looping media in OBS does not grant permission to stream it. Use videos and audio you own or are authorized to broadcast, and review YouTube’s copyright and live-stream requirements before going live. Repeated playback itself does not establish rights to the material or guarantee that a channel will meet YouTube’s monetization rules.
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.)
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- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Or let it run in the cloud
If your goal is an always-on YouTube stream without leaving a computer running at home, StreamNeo is a cloud option: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. It loops uploaded videos from the cloud; it does not stream from a camera. Nothing has to stay on at home. Every slot streams the uploaded video as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one price per slot regardless of quality; it can automatically recover if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly billing is $9.99 per month. StreamNeo is for YouTube only. See StreamNeo, then start the 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.
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- 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
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Rank #3
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- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our 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.
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