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To loop a local video on YouTube Live from a Mac, copy the stream key from YouTube Studio, enter it in OBS under Settings > Stream, add the video as a looping Media Source, then verify the incoming preview in YouTube’s Live Control Room before you go live. Keep OBS and your internet connection running for the broadcast; the steps below also explain a cloud alternative.
Before you start
- YouTube live access: Your channel must be verified and must not have had a live-streaming restriction in the previous 90 days. Open YouTube Studio and select Create > Go Live to reach the Live Control Room. See YouTube’s live-streaming tips.
- OBS Studio: Install a version compatible with your macOS release. OBS lists its supported macOS versions in its macOS compatibility notes.
- A local video file: OBS Media Source supports common formats including MP4 and MOV. Check that the file plays correctly, including its audio, before setting up the stream.
- A stable upload connection: Your outgoing internet capacity must be sufficient for the resolution, frame rate, and bitrate you choose. There is no single bitrate that fits every video and connection.
Find and copy your YouTube stream key
- In YouTube Studio, choose Create > Go Live.
- In the Live Control Room, open the Stream tab and create a stream or select an existing one. YouTube supports custom stream keys for reuse; available controls can vary with the account and current interface.
- Copy the displayed stream key. Treat it as a password: YouTube says, “Stream keys are like your YouTube stream’s password and address.” Do not show it in a screenshot, recording, or public chat. The YouTube stream settings guide explains key management.
If someone else gets the key, reset it in the Live Control Room and replace the old value in OBS. You need channel owner or manager permission to reset a key.
Enter the key in OBS on macOS
- Open OBS Studio and select OBS Studio > Settings from the macOS menu bar, then open Stream.
- If YouTube is available in the service list, select it and enter the copied key in the Stream Key field. If OBS asks you to connect an account instead, you can use the account connection flow or configure the server and key manually.
- For manual setup, select the YouTube server shown by YouTube, then paste the key into OBS’s Stream Key field. Prefer an RTMPS server when available; RTMPS encrypts the stream between OBS and YouTube. Follow YouTube’s RTMPS instructions.
- Select Apply, then OK. OBS’s overview guide describes its service, server, and key settings.
Labels and options can differ between OBS releases and account setups. The important destination is Settings > Stream: choose YouTube or its server, and supply the correct key.
Add a video and make it loop
- In the OBS Scenes dock, select the scene for the broadcast or create one with the + button.
- In the Sources dock, choose +, then Media Source. Give the source a recognizable name and select OK.
- In the Media Source properties, enable Local File if shown, browse to your video, and turn on Loop. Select OK.
- Check the OBS preview. Resize or reposition the source if it does not fit the canvas. Play the scene and check that both picture and audio behave as intended.
OBS defines Loop as replaying the file when playback completes. For one file, Media Source is the simplest option. For a playlist of multiple files, OBS’s VLC Video source supports Loop Playlist and requires VLC to be installed. See the OBS Media Sources guide. Test your actual file and Mac: decoding, audio routing, or system load can affect playback, and looping is not a guarantee of a gapless transition.
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Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#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.
Choose stream quality settings
In OBS, open Settings > Output and review the streaming encoder options available for your setup; open Settings > Video to review the canvas and output resolution and frame rate. Exact controls depend on the selected encoder and OBS version. In general, configure the output to match the quality you can reliably upload and want viewers to receive.
- Rate control: YouTube recommends CBR for live encoder streams.
- Keyframe interval: YouTube recommends 2 seconds and says not to exceed 4 seconds.
- Bitrate: Choose a value appropriate to your resolution and frame rate, and ensure your upload connection can sustain it. YouTube publishes bitrate guidance by format in its encoder settings, bitrates, and resolutions guide; do not assume one bitrate is right for every setup.
After changing settings, run a representative test and check YouTube’s stream health rather than relying only on OBS’s local preview.
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.
Test the stream, then go live
- In OBS, confirm the correct scene is active and that the audio meters respond when the video has sound.
- Select Start Streaming in OBS. Return to YouTube’s Live Control Room and wait for the incoming stream preview.
- Check the preview, audio, and stream health. For a scheduled broadcast, select Go live in the Live Control Room when you are ready for viewers to see it.
- Monitor playback and audio during the broadcast. YouTube recommends testing and checking the preview before going live; OBS also recommends a short test stream or recording before your first broadcast. See YouTube’s live-streaming tips and the OBS Quick Start Guide.
End the broadcast cleanly
Stop sending content from OBS to end an encoder stream. For a scheduled event, use End Stream in the Live Control Room as appropriate, then confirm YouTube shows the broadcast as ended before closing OBS. YouTube says some streams shorter than 12 hours are automatically archived; archive behavior depends on the workflow and YouTube’s current policy, so verify the result in Studio rather than assuming every stream will be saved. See YouTube’s encoder streaming instructions.
Troubleshooting: OBS is not reaching YouTube
YouTube says it is not receiving a stream
- Confirm OBS is actively streaming and that the selected service or server matches the YouTube stream you opened.
- Check that the key was copied correctly and belongs to the selected stream. If it may have been exposed, reset it in YouTube Studio and update OBS.
- If using a manual server, check the server URL and try the RTMPS option YouTube provides.
- Check the Mac’s internet connection and whether a firewall or network restriction is blocking the connection.
The preview is black or the video does not play
- Confirm the Media Source points to the right file and that the file plays locally. Re-select it in the source properties if it was moved or renamed.
- Verify the source is visible in the active scene and fits within the canvas. Check the OBS preview before starting the stream.
- If playback stutters or fails, test a supported file and check Mac capacity and decoding behavior. A local Media Source does not require macOS Screen Capture; that is a separate screen-capture source.
Viewers cannot hear the video
- Check whether the source’s audio is visible on OBS’s audio meter during playback.
- Review OBS audio settings and mute states, then make a short test recording or test stream and listen to the result.
The stream disconnects or looks unstable
- Check YouTube’s stream health and reduce the output bitrate or resolution if the connection cannot sustain the current settings.
- Use CBR and the recommended 2-second keyframe interval, and confirm the upload connection remains stable.
- Test again before the scheduled broadcast; local machine load, file decoding, and network conditions can all affect the result.
Or let it run in the cloud
OBS is the do-it-yourself route: your Mac, OBS, and home connection need to stay on while the loop is live. StreamNeo is a cloud service for keeping a YouTube channel live from uploaded videos: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live.
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
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.
- Nothing has to stay on at home; the stream runs from the cloud.
- Each slot streams the uploaded file as made, up to 4K 60fps, 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. Monthly pricing is $9.99 per month.
StreamNeo streams to YouTube only and plays uploaded videos; it does not stream from a camera. Learn more at StreamNeo, or start the free first 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.
- 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
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