Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →If you’re watching someone else’s active YouTube Live stream, YouTube’s documented controls do not provide a universal setting to make the broadcast start or loop from a chosen point. With DVR enabled, you may be able to pause, rewind, or fast-forward through the stream’s available history. If you’re the broadcaster and want prerecorded video to begin at a point and repeat in your live output, set that up in OBS before streaming.
Are you watching a live stream or broadcasting a video?
The answer depends on which side of the stream you control:
- Viewer: You can use the YouTube player’s available controls. When DVR is enabled, the stream may let you navigate its available history, but that is not the same as setting a permanent start point for everyone.
- Broadcaster: You can control the prerecorded source sent into your stream. In OBS, seek the source to the desired point and enable looping, or use a looping playlist.
YouTube’s official documentation describes a start parameter for video-player playback, not as a control for choosing the start or loop point of an active live broadcast. That distinction matters: changing your source affects what you broadcast; it does not force viewers’ YouTube players to seek to the same point.
Can a viewer make a YouTube Live stream start from the beginning?
Not with a documented universal start-position setting. YouTube’s LiveBroadcast API describes DVR controls for viewers when DVR is enabled: pause, rewind, and fast-forward. Those controls let an eligible viewer navigate the stream history available to them; the official reference does not establish a persistent or shared start position for an active broadcast. Whether you can reach a particular point depends on the available DVR history and player behavior.
#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.
The YouTube embedded-player start parameter is different. It takes a positive integer number of seconds and tells the documented video player to begin playback at that offset. Seeking targets the closest keyframe, so playback can begin shortly before the requested second—usually no more than about two seconds earlier, according to the documentation. This is ordinary video-player behavior, not a documented way to make an active YouTube Live broadcast start or loop at an offset. YouTube Embedded Players and Player Parameters · YouTube LiveBroadcast API
How to loop prerecorded video from a point in OBS
For a single local video, use an OBS Media Source. For a rotation of files, use a VLC Video source and a playlist. Seeking to a nonzero point is done through media playback; OBS’s cited reference documents looping and restart controls, but does not establish a timestamp field that is available in every OBS version.
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.
- Add the video source. In OBS, add a Media Source and select the local video file.
- Choose the starting point. Before the source is sent to the live output, use its media playback controls to seek to the desired position. Check the preview; the precise controls can vary by OBS version.
- Enable the repeat behavior. In the Media Source properties, turn on Loop. The file will replay after it finishes.
- Choose visibility behavior. Turn on Restart playback when source becomes active if you want the source to start over each time it becomes active. Leave it off if you want it to continue according to the source’s visibility behavior.
- Check the output before going live. Confirm the video starts at the intended point and that the audio is correct in the OBS preview, then start your YouTube stream.
For multiple files, add a VLC Video source, arrange the playlist, and enable Loop Playlist. OBS says VLC must be installed for this source; 64-bit OBS requires 64-bit VLC. Loop Playlist starts the playlist over after it runs out of files. Review the playlist and preview playback before streaming. OBS Media Sources
What the YouTube player’s loop option does—and doesn’t do
YouTube’s embedded player documentation supports loop=1 for a single video. For an IFrame embed, the player URL must also set playlist to that same video ID. This restarts the player’s video; it is not a documented arbitrary start-and-end segment loop, and the documentation does not establish it as a control for a current YouTube Live broadcast. The start and loop player parameters should therefore not be treated as a way to set a shared loop point on an active stream. YouTube Embedded Players and Player Parameters
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.
Or let it run in the cloud
If your goal is to broadcast prerecorded video continuously rather than control the playback of a live stream you’re watching, StreamNeo is the #1 cloud option to try: upload your video or playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. It loops from the cloud, so nothing has to stay on at home. Every slot streams your upload as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot; it includes automatic recovery if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly is $9.99 per month. StreamNeo is for prerecorded video on YouTube, not a control for an existing live player.
Learn about StreamNeo, or start your free day.
Common problems and fixes
- The stream starts at the beginning instead of your chosen point: Check the OBS source’s playback position before sending it to the output, then verify the preview. The OBS reference does not document a timestamp field for every version.
- The video plays once and stops: Confirm Loop is enabled on the Media Source, or Loop Playlist on the VLC Video source.
- The source restarts when you switch scenes: Check Restart playback when source becomes active. Disable it if you want playback to continue according to the source’s visibility behavior.
- The VLC Video source is missing: Install VLC. If you use 64-bit OBS, install 64-bit VLC.
- A viewer can’t rewind to the start: DVR navigation depends on DVR being enabled and on the history available for that stream. A player start parameter for ordinary video does not create DVR history or set a live-stream start point.
Copyright and YouTube policy checks
Before broadcasting prerecorded material, make sure you have the rights needed to use both its video and audio. A loop setting only controls playback; it does not grant permission to rebroadcast copyrighted material or determine whether a channel meets YouTube’s monetization rules. Review StreamNeo’s copyright safety checklist before using a playlist.
Quick Recap
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.
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
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.
