DriversRecommendedOutdated drivers can make a good PC feel brokenScan driver issues before chasing fixes manually.Scan NowOctober DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsPC HealthRecommendedCrashes, freezes, slowdowns? Check your PC nowSpot repairable issues before they interrupt work.Check PC×
Skip to content
VGSources
live streaming

How to Fix OBS Media Source Not Looping in a YouTube 24/7 Stream

Enable Loop in a single OBS Media Source, or use VLC Video with Loop Playlist for multiple clips. These controls repeat playback but do not prevent stream disconnects.

By VGSources Team 3 min read
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

For one video file, open the OBS Media Source’s Properties and turn on Loop. For several videos, use a VLC Video source and enable Loop Playlist. These settings repeat media inside OBS; they do not keep a stream online if OBS, your computer, or your network goes down.

Fix a single video that stops at the end

  1. In OBS, select the scene containing the video, then select the video’s Media Source in the Sources list.
  2. Open the source’s Properties.
  3. Enable Loop, then confirm the change.
  4. Test the source through the end of the clip. Check that the video starts again and remains visible in the scene.

OBS Project’s Media Sources documentation describes Loop as replaying the file when playback completes; its documented default is Off. If the file reaches its end and stops, this is the setting to check first.

Know which playback setting does what

  • Loop repeats a single Media Source file at its end.
  • Restart playback when source becomes active controls playback when the source becomes visible or active. It is separate from end-of-file looping; OBS documents its default as On.
  • Show nothing when playback ends affects what appears after playback ends. It does not enable looping.
  • Close file when inactive unloads the media while the source is hidden. When shown again, it may take a short time to reload.

If a video starts over when you switch scenes but does not repeat when it reaches the end, inspect Loop, not just Restart playback when source becomes active.

Loop a playlist of multiple videos

  1. Add a VLC Video source to the scene.
  2. Open its Properties and add the video files to the playlist.
  3. Enable Loop Playlist so playback restarts after the list runs out.
  4. Choose whether to use Shuffle Playlist. Shuffle changes playback order; it is not the loop control.
  5. Check the source’s visibility behavior—such as stop and restart, pause and unpause, or always play—and confirm it fits how your scenes are used.

Use a standard Media Source for one file. Use VLC Video when you need a playlist or VLC’s extended media support and are willing to install VLC. The OBS documentation notes that VLC Video depends on VLC being installed and that 64-bit OBS requires 64-bit VLC.

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.

If VLC Video is missing from OBS

  • Install VLC if it is not already installed.
  • Match the application architecture: for 64-bit OBS, install 64-bit VLC.
  • Restart OBS and check the source list again.

An OBS forum discussion from 2017 mentions the VLC dependency, but it is historical community guidance rather than current compatibility documentation. Check the OBS documentation and the installed interface if a label or behavior differs in your version.

Test the loop before leaving a 24/7 stream unattended

Let the clip reach its end rather than judging the setup from a brief preview. Confirm that the source stays visible, the local file loads, playback reaches the end, and the video starts again. For a playlist, let the final item finish and confirm the playlist begins again.

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.

If it still fails, collect the OBS version, operating system, file container and codec, source Properties, and OBS log. The right diagnosis depends on those details and on whether the problem is the media ending, the source becoming hidden, or the broadcast disconnecting.

When the video loops but the YouTube stream drops

Source looping only controls media playback inside OBS. It does not make a broadcast immune to an OBS crash, computer sleep, network failure, or a YouTube ingest interruption. If the video continues in OBS but viewers lose the live stream, troubleshoot the connection or broadcast separately; changing the file’s Loop setting will not fix an ingest disconnect.

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.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Or let it run in the cloud

If your goal is a YouTube channel that keeps playing uploaded videos while your computer is off, StreamNeo runs the loop in the cloud. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live.

  • Nothing has to stay running at home.
  • Videos stream as uploaded, up to 4K 60fps, at one price per slot rather than quality tiers.
  • StreamNeo automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream.
  • The first day is free with no card; one free day is available per account.

The monthly plan is $9.99 per month. StreamNeo is for YouTube streams of uploaded videos, not live camera feeds. Start your free day with StreamNeo.

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

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.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More from Patch Notes

Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?Free scan - under a minute
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You DownFree scan - exact matches

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.