Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsYes: add the MP4 to OBS as a Media Source and turn on Loop. That avoids making a separate converted copy before streaming. It does not eliminate live encoding: OBS still encodes an outgoing stream for YouTube, so the broadcast is not a bit-for-bit passthrough of the MP4.
Loop one MP4 in OBS
- Open the live scene. In OBS, select the scene you intend to stream, or create one for the video.
- Add the file. In the Sources panel, select + and choose Media Source. Create a new source or select an existing one, then browse to your local MP4.
- Enable looping. In the Media Source properties, check Loop. OBS will replay the file when playback completes.
- Choose activation behavior. Restart playback when source becomes active restarts the file when the source is in the current scene and visible. Leave it enabled if you want the video to start over when you activate that scene; consider the effect before switching scenes.
- Check the picture and sound. Make sure the source is visible in the scene, then preview playback and verify that audio and movement are present before going live.
OBS Project documents MP4 as a supported Media Source video format and describes the Loop property as repeating the file after playback completes. Its Media Sources page is dated 2022-01-11: OBS Media Sources.
What “without re-encoding” means here
This method does not require a separate pre-stream conversion of your source file. But OBS must still create an encoded live output that meets YouTube’s ingest requirements. The MP4 is decoded for playback, and the outgoing stream is encoded; do not expect file passthrough or a bit-for-bit copy of the source on YouTube.
Use hardware decoding when available is an optional Media Source setting. OBS says it uses the GPU to decode certain file types when the GPU has a suitable built-in decoder. Availability depends on the file type and hardware; it is distinct from the encoder OBS uses for the live output. Enabling it does not remove live encoding.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →#1 Best Overall
- 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.
Configure OBS’s outgoing stream for YouTube 4K60
The following are YouTube’s current help-page ingest recommendations for 2160p (4K) at 60 fps. They apply to the codec being sent in the live output, not to changing or converting the source MP4.
| Outgoing codec | Minimum bitrate | Recommended bitrate |
|---|---|---|
| H.264 | 14 Mbps | 50 Mbps |
| AV1 or H.265 | 10 Mbps | 35 Mbps |
YouTube also recommends CBR and a two-second keyframe interval; the maximum keyframe interval is four seconds. It recommends RTMPS for ingest and transcodes incoming live streams into multiple formats for viewers. At 4K, YouTube uses normal latency; the low-latency option is unavailable. See YouTube’s live encoder settings, bitrates and resolutions and YouTube’s live streaming latency guidance.
Rank #2
- 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.
Set OBS’s output encoder and bitrate for the codec and resolution you will send, and check the controls available in your OBS version and YouTube Live Control Room before the event. Your upload connection needs enough stable capacity for the selected outgoing bitrate. YouTube recommends testing your upload bitrate and checking stream health; its guidance says, “Make sure to test before you start your live stream.”
Loop a playlist instead of one file
For several local files, OBS documents VLC Video Source, which supports a file list and a Loop Playlist property. VLC must be installed for this source to appear in OBS. For a single MP4, Media Source plus Loop is the simpler setup; for a playlist, use VLC Video Source and enable Loop Playlist. See the OBS Media Sources documentation.
Rank #3
- 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.
Test the whole broadcast before going live
- Play the video in the OBS preview and check that it is visible in the intended scene.
- Listen for the file’s audio and watch representative motion, not just a still frame.
- Confirm that playback reaches the end and begins again. A loop setting repeats playback, but it does not guarantee a visually seamless join.
- Run a test stream and monitor YouTube’s stream health before the real broadcast, as YouTube recommends.
Troubleshooting
The file plays once and stops
Open the Media Source properties and confirm Loop is checked. If you used a playlist, check Loop Playlist on the VLC Video Source instead.
The source is missing or not visible
Make sure the Media Source is in the scene currently being streamed and that the source is visible. If you switch scenes, the source’s activation behavior can affect whether playback restarts.
Rank #4
- 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
Playback stutters or the computer struggles
The available documentation does not establish that every 4K60 MP4 will decode smoothly on every computer. Try the optional hardware-decoding setting if your GPU supports decoding that file type, then test again. This is a playback-decoding option, not a replacement for configuring the outgoing live encoder.
YouTube reports an ingest or stream-health problem
Check the outgoing codec, bitrate, CBR setting, keyframe interval, and RTMPS configuration against YouTube’s current guidance. Test the upload connection and monitor Live Control Room stream health; do not assume the MP4’s own properties are the same as the live output settings.
Recommended Free Tools
Best Value
- 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.
The loop point is visible or audible
Looping restarts the file after playback completes; OBS’s documented behavior does not promise a seamless transition. Review the end and beginning of the file and test the join in the complete stream.
Or let it run in the cloud
If you need a YouTube channel to keep uploaded videos playing around the clock, StreamNeo is an alternative to leaving OBS running on a home computer. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live; StreamNeo loops the uploaded videos from the cloud. It streams to YouTube, not from a camera.
- Your computer and home connection do not have to stay on.
- One flat price per slot covers the uploaded quality, up to 4K 60fps, with no re-encode or quality tiers.
- It automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free with no card required (one free day per account).
Monthly: $9.99 per month. See StreamNeo for details, then start your free day.
Quick Recap
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.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →
