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To stream a video from an external SSD as a repeating YouTube Live broadcast, connect the drive to the computer running OBS, add the video as a Media Source, and turn on Loop in that source’s properties. OBS repeats the file; YouTube receives the live feed from OBS through the stream URL and key in YouTube Studio’s Live Control Room. Keep the SSD connected while the source is in use, and test the feed before broadcasting.
Before you start
- YouTube channel: Your channel must be verified and must not have live-streaming restrictions in the prior 90 days. First-time live-streaming enablement can take up to 24 hours, so check eligibility well ahead of your planned broadcast. YouTube Help: Get started with live streaming.
- Computer and OBS: OBS must be running on a computer that can access the video file and maintain an internet connection while you stream. OBS is free and open-source software. OBS Project.
- External SSD: The video needs to be available as a local file to OBS. The official OBS guidance does not require an SSD or specify a minimum drive speed, filesystem, or connection type for this workflow. Compatibility depends on the file, computer, and drive configuration, so test the setup you intend to use.
Set up a single repeating video in OBS
- Connect the SSD and locate the file. Plug the drive into the computer running OBS and confirm that the intended video is accessible. Keep the drive connected, and do not move or rename the file while OBS is using it.
- Create or select a scene. In OBS, use the scene where you want the video to appear. Under Sources, add a Media Source.
- Choose the video file. In the Media Source properties, select the local video stored on the SSD. OBS documents support for formats including MP4, TS, MOV, FLV, MKV, AVI, GIF, and WebM. An extension in that list is not a guarantee that every file encoded with it will play correctly, so confirm playback in OBS.
- Enable repetition. In the Media Source properties, check Loop, then confirm the source plays in the preview. OBS documents Loop as the setting that specifies whether the file plays again after playback completes; its default is Off. OBS Project: Media Sources.
- Check audio and framing. Make sure the video fits the scene as intended and that its audio is present at a usable level. Let playback reach the end and confirm it starts again before proceeding.
Use a playlist instead of repeating one file
If you want several files to play in sequence, use OBS’s VLC Video source and enable Loop Playlist rather than adding one Media Source for a single repeating file. OBS says VLC must also be installed for the VLC Video source to appear. This option offers playlist flexibility but adds a software dependency; for one file, Media Source with Loop is the simpler setup. OBS Project: Media Sources.
Connect OBS to YouTube Live
- Create or select your broadcast. Open YouTube Studio and go to the Live Control Room to create a stream or select the one you intend to use.
- Copy the current stream details. Get the stream URL and stream key from the Live Control Room, then enter them in OBS’s stream settings. Use the current details shown in Studio rather than relying on an old saved key. Treat the key as sensitive account access information; YouTube lets channel owners or managers reset a compromised key. YouTube Help: Encoder settings and YouTube Help: Reuse a stream key.
- Wait for the preview. Start the OBS output when you are ready to send the feed, then check that the Live Control Room receives it and displays the expected video and audio. Do not start the public broadcast until you have reviewed the preview and stream health.
Choose encoder settings and test the feed
YouTube recommends RTMPS for an encoder connection. Its guidance lists H.264, H.265/HEVC, and AV1 video encoding options, CBR bitrate encoding, and AAC or MP3 audio for RTMP/RTMPS. Use settings supported by your computer and workflow, and choose a resolution and bitrate your upload connection can sustain. YouTube recommends a keyframe frequency of two seconds, which should not exceed four seconds. YouTube Help: Live encoder settings.
- Run a representative test. Play footage with motion and audio similar to the planned broadcast. Check the incoming preview, stream-health feedback, framing, and sound before going live.
- Leave upload headroom. YouTube advises that the total streaming bitrate must fit within available upload bandwidth and recommends leaving 20% room. Actual sustainable bitrate depends on your connection; do not assume that a speed test’s peak result is a safe continuous rate. YouTube Help: Live encoder settings and YouTube Help: Streaming tips.
- Monitor while live. Watch the Live Control Room’s stream health and check audio and video quality during the broadcast. If you are also recording a local archive, YouTube’s streaming tips advise checking that the archive is intact and its file size is growing. YouTube Help: Streaming tips.
What can interrupt an SSD-based loop?
- The video stops or cannot be found: Check that the SSD is still connected and mounted and that the file remains at the location selected in the Media Source. Select the file again if its location changed.
- The video plays once and stops: Open the Media Source properties and check Loop. OBS lists this setting’s default as Off.
- The VLC playlist option is missing: OBS requires VLC to be installed for its VLC Video source to appear. For a single file, use Media Source with Loop instead.
- YouTube does not receive the OBS feed: Confirm that OBS has the current stream URL and key from YouTube Studio and that the correct broadcast is selected in the Live Control Room. If a key may have been compromised, reset it in Studio and update OBS.
- The preview reports poor stream health: Check the encoder output and reduce the bitrate or other demands if the connection cannot sustain them. Leave the bandwidth headroom YouTube recommends, then test again.
- Live streaming is not available yet: Check channel verification and restrictions. Initial enablement may take up to 24 hours, so it may not be ready immediately after you request access.
- The file extension looks supported but playback fails: OBS’s format list does not guarantee compatibility with every file encoding. Try another compatible export or playback configuration and verify it in OBS before broadcasting.
Copyright and replayed content
Having a video file on your SSD does not establish that you have the rights to stream its contents. Use material you own or have permission to broadcast, and check YouTube’s applicable copyright rules before going live. Repeating a file also does not itself resolve whether the content complies with YouTube’s rules or whether a particular channel is eligible for monetization. Review the current requirements in YouTube Help and use the copyright safety checklist before scheduling a long-running stream.
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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.
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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.
Or let it run in the cloud
If the goal is a YouTube channel that stays live without leaving your home computer on, StreamNeo is a cloud option for uploaded videos and playlists:
- Upload the recording or build a playlist.
- Add your YouTube stream key once.
- Go live; StreamNeo loops the uploaded video from the cloud.
Your computer and home connection do not have to stay on. Every slot streams your upload as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot; there are no quality tiers or re-encoding. StreamNeo automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card, one free day per account. Monthly pricing is $9.99 per month. StreamNeo is for YouTube streaming only. Learn more at StreamNeo, or start your free day.
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.
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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
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- 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
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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.
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.
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