To loop a video during a scheduled YouTube stream, set up playback in OBS and schedule the live event separately in YouTube Studio. Use an OBS Media Source with Loop for one file, or a VLC Video source with Loop Playlist for a sequence. At the scheduled time, start streaming from OBS, check the preview in YouTube Live Control Room, and follow YouTube’s Go live flow.
What you need to configure
This workflow has two independent parts: OBS plays and sends the video, while YouTube Studio creates and manages the scheduled event. Scheduling an event does not start OBS or begin the broadcast. OBS’s Media Sources documentation, dated 2022-01-11, describes the source-loop settings: OBS Media Sources.
- OBS installed on the computer that will run the broadcast.
- Your video file or files available to OBS.
- A scheduled YouTube live event and its stream URL and stream key.
- A connection suitable for the encoder settings you choose. YouTube advises testing ahead of time and checking stream health; see YouTube’s encoder settings, bitrates, and resolutions guidance.
Choose single-video looping or a playlist
| Need | OBS source | Loop setting | Dependency and behavior |
|---|---|---|---|
| Repeat one video | Media Source | Enable Loop. | Uses a local file; no VLC dependency is described for this source. |
| Play several videos in order, then repeat | VLC Video | Enable Loop Playlist. | VLC must be installed. OBS documentation says 64-bit OBS requires 64-bit VLC. VLC sources also have a visibility behavior setting; the default is to stop when not visible and restart when visible. |
Choose based on whether you need one repeated file or an ordered sequence. For a playlist, check the VLC visibility behavior if the source may become hidden in your scene, because the default behavior can interrupt playback when it is not visible.
Set up a single video to repeat in OBS
- Open OBS and select the scene that should contain the video.
- In the Sources panel, select + and add a Media Source. Give it a recognizable name.
- In the source properties, select the local video file.
- Enable Loop, then confirm the properties. OBS repeats the file after playback completes.
- Check the OBS preview. Confirm the video is visible and that its audio is routed as intended in the Audio Mixer.
Set up a repeating playlist in OBS
- Install VLC if it is not already installed. Match its architecture to OBS: OBS’s documentation says 64-bit OBS requires 64-bit VLC.
- In OBS, select the intended scene. In the Sources panel, select + and add a VLC Video source.
- In the source properties, add the video files to the playlist in the order you want them to play.
- Enable Loop Playlist if playback should return to the first item after the final item.
- Review the source’s visibility behavior. The documented default is to stop playback when the source is not visible and restart when it becomes visible; adjust it if that is not suitable for your scene changes.
- Confirm the source and check both picture and audio in the OBS preview and mixer.
Schedule the YouTube event and connect OBS
- In YouTube Studio, open Live Control Room and schedule an event under Manage. YouTube’s instructions are in Manage live stream settings.
- Open the scheduled event and retrieve its stream URL and stream key. Treat the key like a password: YouTube identifies it as the credential that allows an encoder to send a feed.
- In OBS, open Settings > Stream, connect to YouTube or enter the event’s stream details as prompted, and provide the URL and key from that event. YouTube’s encoder workflow is described in Create a YouTube live stream with an encoder.
- Before the event, start OBS and verify that the intended scene, looping source, audio, and stream connection are working. YouTube recommends setting up the encoder in advance and previewing the feed.
- At the event time, start streaming in OBS. Check the incoming preview in Live Control Room, then follow YouTube’s Go live flow. Confirm the watch page is available and that audio and video are present.
Settings and checks that affect the result
Playback and scene visibility
The loop control belongs to the media source, not to YouTube’s event scheduler. For a VLC playlist, the visibility setting matters if the source can be hidden by a scene change. A loop setting repeats media; it does not by itself guarantee that the source remains active or that the broadcast stays online.
#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.
Encoder quality and connection
Choose resolution and bitrate in light of the upload capacity available to the streaming computer, then test before going live and review YouTube’s stream health. YouTube’s current guidance on supported settings and recommendations is at Choose live encoder settings, bitrates, and resolutions. The cited documentation does not establish one universal bitrate or resolution for every connection and video, so use the guidance for your chosen quality rather than assuming a single setting fits all streams.
Copyright and stream access
Only stream video and audio you have the rights to use. A scheduled event and a working encoder connection do not grant permission to rebroadcast music, gameplay footage, or other material. Check the rights and licensing terms for every item in a playlist before putting it on a public stream.
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.
Test and monitor the broadcast
YouTube’s live streaming tips recommend preparation and monitoring, including previewing the feed, checking audio and video, confirming watch-page access, and reviewing archive growth. These are operational checks, not a promise that OBS looping will keep an unattended broadcast uninterrupted.
- Verify that the correct scheduled event receives the OBS feed.
- Listen for audio in the preview and watch for a frozen, black, or missing picture.
- Confirm that the watch page is accessible as intended.
- Monitor stream health and archive growth during the broadcast.
Troubleshooting common problems
| Symptom | Likely cause | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| The video plays once and stops. | Loop is not enabled on a Media Source, or Loop Playlist is not enabled on the VLC source. | Open the source properties and enable the matching loop option. |
| A VLC Video source is missing or fails to load. | VLC is absent or its architecture does not match OBS. | Install VLC; for 64-bit OBS, use 64-bit VLC as stated in OBS’s documentation. |
| The playlist stops after the last file. | Loop Playlist is off. | Enable Loop Playlist in the VLC Video source properties. |
| Playback stops when changing scenes. | The VLC source is hidden, and its visibility behavior is set to stop when not visible. | Review the VLC source’s visibility behavior and keep the source visible if appropriate. |
| YouTube does not show the encoder preview. | OBS may not be connected to the scheduled event’s stream details, or the encoder may not have started. | Check the event’s stream URL and key in OBS, start streaming, and inspect Live Control Room. |
| The stream is live but has missing audio, video, or watch-page access. | The source, audio routing, stream health, or event/watch-page setup may need attention. | Check OBS’s preview and mixer, YouTube’s stream health, and the watch page before relying on the broadcast. |
Or let it run in the cloud
If the goal is a continuous YouTube stream without leaving OBS and a computer running at home, StreamNeo is a cloud option: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. It loops uploaded video from the cloud; it does not stream from a camera. Nothing has to stay on at home, it automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream, and uploaded quality is preserved up to 4K 60fps at one flat price per slot. The first day is free with no card. Monthly pricing is $9.99 per month. See StreamNeo or start the free first day.
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
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.
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.
