October DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsClean PCRecommendedOne scan can reveal what keeps slowing WindowsLook for cleanup and repair opportunities.Run ScanOctober DealsAmazon USDeal season is back - check today's better picksAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.See Picks×
Skip to content
VGSources
audio sync

How to Prepare a Long MP4 for Looping in OBS Without Audio Drift

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

In OBS, add a single video as a Media Source and enable Loop in its properties. That makes OBS replay the file when playback ends, but it does not repair timing problems already inside the MP4. To avoid carrying a sync problem into a loop, check the file at several points and across the loop boundary, then investigate the specific symptom before converting anything.

Choose the right OBS source

For one local MP4, use OBS’s built-in Media Source. OBS lists MP4 as a supported format, and its Loop option replays the file after playback finishes. For a playlist, use VLC Video; OBS documents a Loop Playlist option for that source. VLC Video requires VLC, and 64-bit OBS requires 64-bit VLC. OBS’s media-source documentation describes these source types and controls.

Need OBS source What to know
Repeat one MP4 Media Source Built into OBS; enable Loop in the source properties.
Play a playlist VLC Video Requires a matching VLC installation; offers playlist controls including Loop Playlist.

For a single file, Media Source keeps the setup simpler. Neither source’s loop control claims to correct timestamps or audio/video synchronization in the media.

Check the MP4 before relying on a loop

First play the file outside OBS. Check whether its audio and video are synchronized near the beginning, middle, and end, and listen and watch through the intended transition from the end back to the beginning. This is a diagnostic procedure, not a guarantee: a file can play correctly in one player and still behave differently in an OBS scene.

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.
  1. In OBS, add a Media Source to the scene and select the MP4.
  2. Open the source properties and enable Loop.
  3. Play the scene long enough to reach the end and let it repeat. Check sync at several points and at the transition.
  4. Note whether the offset is present from the start, grows over time, or appears only at the loop boundary. These are different symptoms and do not imply the same cause.

Keep the original file. If you make a converted copy, compare that copy in the same checks before replacing anything.

Tell drift apart from a loop-seam glitch

Audio is offset from the beginning

If the same offset is audible or visible early and remains roughly consistent, the problem may already be present in the file or playback setup. Looping repeats it; it does not synchronize the tracks.

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.

The offset grows during playback

A steadily increasing mismatch is different from a fixed offset. Check the file’s timing and the relevant OBS audio-device settings rather than assuming the Loop option is responsible. In one OBS support discussion, a volunteer identified inconsistent device sample rates as a diagnostic possibility and recommended 48 kHz for that particular setup. That example does not establish a universal cause or fix. The OBS forum discussion also addresses frame-rate terminology and timing questions.

The problem happens only when the file repeats

A click, pause, skipped frame, or brief sync jump at the seam is a boundary issue to inspect separately from drift across the full file. Check the final and first frames and the audio at the transition. The media may simply not have been authored for a seamless repeat; OBS’s Loop control does not promise to smooth or repair a seam.

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.

Understand what a conversion can and cannot fix

Before changing a file, identify whether you need to change its container, its frame timing, or something else. These operations are not interchangeable.

  • CBR and VBR describe bitrate. CFR and VFR describe frame timing. A constant-bitrate label does not mean a file has constant frame timing. OBS forum administrator, moderator, and developer RytoEX put it plainly: “CBR (Constant BitRate) vs. VBR (Variable BitRate) has nothing to do with CFR (Constant Frame Rate) vs. VFR (Variable Frame Rate).” Read the OBS Project community thread.
  • Remuxing changes the container without re-encoding the audio or video. FFmpeg’s stream-copy mode, -c copy, copies streams rather than transcoding them. A remux is not the same as converting variable frame timing to constant frame timing.
  • CFR output changes video timing. FFmpeg’s constant-frame-rate output mode duplicates or drops frames to meet the requested rate. That can alter the video stream; it is not a no-reencode remux. FFmpeg’s documentation also notes that timestamp and synchronization behavior depends on the chosen modes and streams. See the FFmpeg documentation.

Do not blindly force an assumed frame rate or run a generic “drift fix” command. Inspect the source and choose a conversion only when its purpose is clear. The available documentation does not establish one command that repairs every long MP4.

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

Troubleshoot with the symptom in mind

What you notice What to check Next step
Audio and video are already out of sync outside OBS Check the original file at multiple points in another player. Do not expect OBS Loop to fix it. Preserve the source and investigate the file’s timing before trying a conversion.
Sync is fine at first, then gradually worsens Distinguish growing drift from a fixed offset; check relevant audio-device sample-rate settings. Treat sample-rate mismatch as one possible clue, not a diagnosis. Re-test after any setting change.
Sync changes only at the repeat point Inspect the end-to-start transition in the media. Investigate the seam separately; a loop setting does not create a seamless edit.
A remux did not change the drift Confirm whether you changed only the container using stream copy. Container changes do not by themselves convert VFR timing to CFR.
A CFR conversion looks different Check for duplicated or dropped frames and confirm the chosen target rate. Compare sync and visual continuity at multiple points and across the loop seam before using the converted copy.
VLC Video or its playlist controls are unavailable Check that VLC is installed and matches OBS’s bitness. For one MP4, use the built-in Media Source instead.

Or let it run in the cloud

If your goal is to keep a YouTube channel live with uploaded videos, rather than loop a file locally in an OBS scene, StreamNeo runs the stream from the cloud: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. Nothing has to stay on at home; it plays uploaded video, not a camera feed. Each slot streams the upload as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot, and automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly pricing is $9.99 per month. 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.

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.

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

Leave a Reply

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

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

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

Read next

Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They SpreadFree repair scan
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?Free driver scan

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.