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You can automate a YouTube loop stream by saving an OBS scene with a looping Media Source, configuring OBS to connect to the right YouTube broadcast, and launching OBS with the --startstreaming argument when Windows starts. The important caveat: starting OBS and sending video does not always make the YouTube event visible to viewers. Test the complete boot-to-live sequence on your installed versions before relying on it.
What happens automatically—and what still needs checking
There are three separate stages: OBS repeats the video file, OBS sends the encoder feed to YouTube, and YouTube makes the selected broadcast live to viewers. A successful OBS launch does not prove that the broadcast is live. For a scheduled event, check that the correct event is selected and that Auto-start is enabled if you want the encoder connection to start the broadcast. If Auto-start is off, a separate Go Live action may be needed. OBS’s YouTube guide describes that distinction.
Prepare the OBS scene and loop
- Create or open the scene you want to stream. In OBS, add a Media Source and choose the local video file. OBS documents Media Source for Windows and common video formats in its Media Sources guide.
- Enable Loop. In the Media Source properties, turn on Loop so playback repeats when the file ends. Restart playback when source becomes active is a separate property: it controls playback when the source becomes active, not continuous repetition.
- Check the preview and save the scene collection. Confirm the video appears and plays as expected before enabling startup automation. OBS’s Sources Guide explains how sources work within scenes.
Connect OBS to the intended YouTube broadcast
- Choose the connection method. Connect your YouTube account through OBS, or configure the YouTube Live server URL and stream key in OBS. YouTube’s encoder setup instructions cover the server URL and stream key workflow.
- Protect the stream key. Treat it like a password. Do not put it in a public screenshot, recording, or shared shortcut; if it is exposed, replace it in YouTube and update OBS.
- Select the right event and decide how it starts. For a scheduled broadcast, verify that OBS is connected to the intended event. Enable Auto-start if connecting the encoder should take that event live automatically. Otherwise, expect to start the broadcast separately in YouTube.
Make OBS launch and start streaming with Windows
The simplest approach is a Windows startup shortcut that launches OBS with the documented community-used --startstreaming argument. The examples documenting this argument are older, so confirm the executable location for your installation and test the behavior rather than assuming it is identical across OBS versions. The OBS forum startup example and restart-after-reboot discussion describe startup-folder and scheduled-task approaches.
- Locate the installed OBS executable. Use the actual path on your PC; do not copy an old forum example’s path as if it were universal.
- Create a shortcut for OBS. Open the shortcut’s properties and append
--startstreamingto the end of its target command, after the executable path. Preserve any quotation marks around a path containing spaces, and keep the argument outside those quotes. - Place the shortcut in the Windows startup location. This starts OBS when the relevant Windows account signs in. If you need a different trigger or launch context, Windows Task Scheduler can offer more control, but the appropriate task settings depend on your Windows setup; validate them locally rather than relying on dated examples.
- Save your work and do a manual test first. Launch the shortcut and check that OBS opens, the video plays, OBS connects, and the intended YouTube event is live. Do not treat the appearance of the OBS window alone as success.
- Restart Windows and test again. After sign-in, confirm that OBS started, playback is looping, the encoder is connected, and viewers can see the broadcast. OBS recommends testing output before relying on a stream in its Quick Start Guide.
Check YouTube content rights before leaving a loop running
Only stream video and audio you have permission to use, including music, game footage, and other creators’ material. A loop does not create new rights to the underlying content. Also review YouTube’s current live-stream and monetization rules for your channel: technical automation does not guarantee a broadcast will be eligible for monetization or remain available. Avoid assuming that a stream is compliant simply because OBS can send it.
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Troubleshoot the boot-to-live sequence
- OBS does not open after restart: Confirm the shortcut is in the intended account’s startup location, that Windows has signed in, and that the shortcut points to the installed OBS executable.
- OBS opens but does not begin streaming: Check that
--startstreamingis appended to the shortcut target correctly. Test the shortcut manually; community examples are older and may not match your setup. - The video stops at the end: Reopen the Media Source properties and verify Loop is enabled. Do not confuse it with Restart playback when source becomes active.
- OBS says it is streaming, but viewers do not see a live broadcast: Check YouTube’s selected event and Auto-start. Encoder connection and the public live state are separate stages.
- OBS cannot connect to YouTube: Check the selected account or the server URL and stream key. If the key was exposed or replaced, update OBS with the current key.
- It worked manually but not after a reboot: Repeat the full restart test and check each stage in order—Windows sign-in, OBS launch, Media Source playback, encoder connection, and YouTube event state. A Windows update or restart can expose a failure that a manual launch does not.
Or let it run in the cloud
If you want a YouTube loop without keeping this Windows PC running, StreamNeo runs uploaded videos from the cloud. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. Nothing has to stay on at home; it streams the file as uploaded up to 4K 60fps at one flat price per slot, with automatic recovery if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly: $9.99 per month. For Indian users, UPI is supported. Start your free day with StreamNeo.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Frequently Asked Questions
Does this start OBS before anyone signs in to Windows?
A startup shortcut launches after the relevant Windows account signs in. A scheduled task can use a different trigger, but its correct configuration depends on the PC.
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Does OBS’s Loop setting restart the video when Windows restarts?
Loop repeats playback during the OBS session. Windows startup and OBS launch automation are separate settings.
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