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OBS Studio is the best free Windows option for looping gaming VODs on YouTube Live. For one video, add an OBS Media Source and enable Loop. For a rotating set of videos, use the VLC Video source, create a playlist, and enable Loop Playlist; VLC must be installed first.
Choose the right OBS source
| Need | OBS source | Repeat setting | Extra requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Repeat one gaming VOD | Media Source | Loop | None beyond OBS |
| Cycle through multiple VODs | VLC Video | Loop Playlist | Install VLC with the same architecture as OBS; 64-bit OBS requires 64-bit VLC |
Both options are OBS source settings: they control local playback in your scene, not YouTube’s player. OBS Media Source supports local formats including MP4, TS, MOV, FLV, MKV, AVI, and WebM. Its Loop option is off by default. VLC Video relies on VLC libraries for extended media support and appears in OBS only when VLC is installed. OBS Media Sources documentation
Set up a single looping VOD
- Install OBS Studio. Get it from the official OBS Help Portal. OBS describes the software as free and open source, without a watermark or commercial-use restriction; its official download does not bundle adware.
- Create a scene. In OBS, add a new scene for the VOD and any other elements you intend to include in the broadcast.
- Add the file. In the Sources panel, select + > Media Source, create or select a source, then browse to the local video file.
- Enable repetition. In the Media Source properties, check Loop. This setting is off by default. Confirm the video plays again after reaching its end.
- Check the preview and sound. Verify that the video is framed as intended and that its audio is audible and at an appropriate level before going live.
- Connect OBS to YouTube. In YouTube Live Control Room, set up an encoder stream and use YouTube’s provided stream configuration in OBS. Follow YouTube’s encoder setup instructions. First-time live-stream enablement may take up to 24 hours.
- Start the broadcast. Confirm the stream preview and settings in YouTube Live Control Room, then start streaming from OBS and verify that YouTube receives the live output.
Set up a playlist of VODs
- Install VLC before configuring the source. Match VLC’s architecture to OBS; for 64-bit OBS, install 64-bit VLC.
- Add the source. In your OBS scene, use Sources > + > VLC Video. If that source is missing, check that VLC is installed and that its architecture matches OBS.
- Build the playlist. Add the local VOD files in the order you want them to play. Review the list for missing or incorrectly ordered files.
- Enable Loop Playlist. Turn on the playlist repeat option in the VLC Video source properties, then preview playback to confirm that the sequence restarts after the last file.
- Check every item’s picture and audio. Confirm the playlist plays through the transitions and that the scene looks and sounds correct.
- Send the scene to YouTube. Use YouTube Live Control Room’s encoder workflow and the stream configuration YouTube provides, as described in its encoder guide.
Meet YouTube’s live and content requirements
OBS can loop and encode a local file, but it does not determine whether your channel may go live or whether you have permission to rebroadcast the material. YouTube says live streams must comply with its Community Guidelines and Terms of Service, and restrictions can affect live-stream access. Check the channel’s eligibility and current status in YouTube before planning a broadcast; see YouTube’s live-streaming requirements.
Separately, make sure you have the rights needed for every part of the VOD, including game footage where applicable, music, and other included material. A file playing successfully in OBS is not evidence that its contents are licensed for a public live rebroadcast. The rights question depends on the specific content and permissions.
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Sale
LAPGEAR Home Office Pro Lap Desk - Black Carbon, Fits 15.6” Laptops
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 14.1" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy ergonomic support with the integrated cushioned wrist rest.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a sleek black carbon color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.8 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
Troubleshoot common setup problems
- The video stops at the end. For a single file, open Media Source properties and enable Loop. For a playlist, enable Loop Playlist in VLC Video properties.
- VLC Video is not available in OBS. Install VLC, then check that its architecture matches OBS. OBS’s documentation specifies 64-bit VLC for 64-bit OBS.
- The playlist will not advance or repeat as expected. Check that the intended files are actually in the VLC Video playlist and that Loop Playlist is enabled. Preview the sequence before broadcasting.
- YouTube does not receive the stream. Check the encoder connection and stream configuration against the details in YouTube Live Control Room and its encoder guide. Do not assume OBS’s local loop setting controls the YouTube connection.
- You cannot start a live stream. Check channel eligibility and any restrictions. If this is the first time enabling live streaming, YouTube says activation may take up to 24 hours.
- A VOD plays, but you are unsure it is safe to rebroadcast. Playback success does not establish permission. Verify the rights for the footage, soundtrack, and other content in that specific file.
Or let it run in the cloud
If you want a prerecorded YouTube stream to keep running without leaving a Windows PC on, StreamNeo is a cloud option: upload the video or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. It keeps playback running from the cloud, so nothing has to stay on at home. The video streams as uploaded, at any quality up to 4K 60fps for one flat price per slot; StreamNeo automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly: $9.99 per month. Start with StreamNeo.
Quick Recap
Bestseller No. 2
Best Value
Sale
LAPGEAR Home Office Lap Desk – Pink, Fits 15.6” Laptops
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 12" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy laptop support with the integrated device ledge.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a blush pink color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.14 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
Rank #4
AboveTEK Portable Laptop Lap Desk w/Retractable Left/Right Mouse Pad Tray, Non-Slip Heat Shield Tablet Notebook Computer Stand Table w/Sturdy Stable Work Surface for Bed Sofa Couch or Travel
- Anti-Slip Surface - Transform your laptop into a mobile workstation with the AboveTEK portable laptop lap desk. The anti-slip surface provides a strong grip for laptops up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), while the double rubber strip on the bottom ensures a stable display or typing experience on your lap, couch, or bed.
- Retractable Mouse Pad - Retractable laptop mouse pad extends on both directions for the left/right handed with elevation along the edges for stopping mouse from falling off. The size of laptop tray is 14" X 9.7" and the size of mouse pad is 7.4" X 6.1".
- Effective Heat Shield - The effective heat shield made of sturdy and thick material protects your laptop from overheating. Prioritizes your comfort and safety, an ideal lap pad or board for working anywhere.
- EASY to Carry and Store - With an ergonomic and simplistic design, the lap desk is portable to store in a backpack. Only 15" in size, 2.2 lb of weight and with slim 0.6 inch thickness, it is ready to be easily carried around.
- Widely Applicable - The smooth platform accommodates laptops and tablets up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), making it a versatile accessory and one of the best gifts for mom, dad, students and professionals. Perfect for use as a laptop bed tray or tablet holder anywhere at home, library, or park.
Rank #3
Sale
Yilador Webcam Cover 3 Pack, 0.03 inch Ultra Thin Laptop Camera Cover Slide
- Note: Not suitable for MacBooks released after 2023 or devices with a protruding front camera; Not applicable to full-screen or notch-style tempered glass screen protectors; Do not use on the rear camera of the phone.
- 💻 Why Do You Need a Webcam Cover Slide? — Safeguard your privacy by covering your webcam with our reliable webcam cover when not in use. Don't let anyone secretly watch you. Stay protected!
- ✅ Thin & Stylish — Enhance your laptop's functionality and aesthetics with our 0.027" ultra-thin webcam covers. Seamlessly close your laptop while adding a touch of sophistication.
- ✅ Fits Most Devices — Compatible with laptops, phones, tablets, desktops! Keep your privacy intact on Ap/ple, Mac/Book, iPh/one, iP/ad, H/P, L/novo, De/ll, Ac/er, As/us, Sa/msung devices.
- ✅ 365 Days Protection — Our upgraded 3.0 adhesive ensures a strong hold that won't damage your equipment. Experience reliable, long-term privacy protection day in and day out.
Rank #2
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.
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