To loop a prerecorded video from OBS to YouTube without sending microphone audio, add the file to an OBS scene as a Media Source, enable Loop, and disable or mute the microphone input. Leave the Media Source’s audio active if you want the video’s soundtrack. Then connect OBS to a YouTube encoder stream, test the feed, and go live from YouTube Studio.
1. Add the video and turn on looping
- In OBS, create or select the scene for your broadcast.
- In Sources, click + → Media Source. Give it a name, select Local File, and browse to the video.
- Enable Loop in the Media Source properties. Loop is off by default; when enabled, OBS repeats the file when playback finishes. OBS lists common supported formats including MP4, TS, MOV, FLV, MKV, AVI, GIF, and WebM. See the OBS Media Sources reference.
- Check the preview. If the video does not fill the canvas, fit the source to the canvas and confirm the canvas and output aspect ratio suit the video. The right output dimensions depend on the source and viewing goal.
For several videos rather than one repeating file, add a VLC Video source and make a playlist. VLC must be installed for this source to appear in OBS. Its Loop Playlist property is on by default; check it, and note that the documented visibility behavior is to stop when the source is hidden and restart when visible.
2. Keep microphone audio out while preserving the video soundtrack
- Open Settings → Audio and disable the global microphone/Aux device if one is configured. OBS’s Quick Start Guide notes that microphone capture is enabled by default on new installations.
- Inspect the Audio Mixer. Mute the microphone channel or remove/disable the microphone input source. Do not mute the Media Source if you want its embedded audio to reach the stream.
- If you add an Audio Input/Output Capture source in the scene, disable that same device under Settings → Audio to avoid capturing it both globally and within the scene, which can cause echo.
Watch the meters while the video plays: the microphone meter should stay inactive, while the media-source meter should move if the clip has audio. Then make a short recording or private/unlisted test and listen back. A silent meter alone does not prove the complete YouTube feed sounds right. OBS documents its source and audio controls in Audio Sources.
3. Connect OBS to YouTube
- In YouTube Studio, select Create → Go live. Use the Stream tab for an immediate encoder event, or choose Manage → Schedule stream to set up a scheduled broadcast.
- In OBS, select YouTube under Settings → Stream if it is available. Otherwise, copy the stream URL and stream key from YouTube’s Live Control Room into OBS’s server and key fields. Follow YouTube’s encoder instructions.
- Treat the stream key like a password; do not publish it. If it is exposed, an owner or manager can reset it in YouTube and update OBS with the replacement.
- Set the event title, description, category, and visibility in YouTube. The available privacy settings include public, private, and unlisted; confirm the setting before sharing a watch link.
- Click Start Streaming in OBS. For a scheduled event, wait for the preview in Live Control Room, check it, then click Go live there. When finished, end the stream in Live Control Room and stop OBS from sending the feed. YouTube’s live stream settings guidance covers event management.
4. Set encoder quality and check the connection
YouTube recommends RTMPS, an encrypted extension of RTMP. Its current encoder guidance supports RTMP/RTMPS with H.264, H.265/HEVC, or AV1 video, constant bitrate (CBR), and up to 60 frames per second. YouTube recommends a two-second keyframe interval and says not to exceed four seconds. Resolution and frame rate are detected automatically by default; manual selection is available with a custom stream key. Consult the full YouTube encoder settings table for combinations beyond the examples below.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute#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.
| Codec and output | YouTube recommended bitrate | YouTube minimum bitrate |
|---|---|---|
| H.264, 1080p at 30 fps | 10 Mbps | 5 Mbps |
| H.264, 720p at 30 fps | 4 Mbps | 3 Mbps |
| AV1 or HEVC, 1080p at 30 fps | 10 Mbps | Not stated in the cited examples |
| AV1 or HEVC, 720p at 30 fps | 6 Mbps | Not stated in the cited examples |
These are YouTube’s published recommendations, not a guarantee of what your computer or connection can sustain. Run an upload speed test and choose a bitrate your connection can maintain. YouTube transcodes the incoming stream into multiple output formats for viewers.
5. Check channel eligibility, copyright, and the archive
YouTube’s public livestreaming requirement is a verified channel with no livestreaming restriction in the preceding 90 days. YouTube can impose account-specific eligibility restrictions, so check your channel in advance; the general requirements are on its Get started with live streaming page.
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.
Only stream material you have the rights to use. A prerecorded video’s ownership, license, and any included music still matter when it is rebroadcast live. YouTube’s policies and copyright enforcement apply to live streams; review the platform’s current guidance and make sure any permissions cover this use. Do not assume that repeating a recording makes copyrighted material permissible or that a live loop is automatically eligible for monetization. YouTube’s reused-content and monetization determinations are channel- and content-specific; this workflow does not guarantee approval.
YouTube’s encoder instructions say streams under 12 hours are automatically archived. That guidance does not promise an archive for a stream lasting 12 hours or longer. If retaining an archive matters, make a separate recording or plan shorter broadcasts.
Recommended Free Tools
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.
6. Test before relying on the loop
OBS recommends testing for a few minutes, and YouTube recommends checking the Live Control Room preview and monitoring audio and video quality. Test the complete route before the broadcast: confirm the video restarts at its end, the intended clip audio is present, the microphone stays silent, and YouTube receives a stable picture and sound. See YouTube’s live-streaming tips.
Troubleshooting
| Symptom | Likely cause | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| The video stops after one play | Loop is unchecked, or the source is a different type than intended. | Open Media Source properties and enable Loop. For a playlist, use VLC Video and confirm Loop Playlist. |
| Microphone audio reaches YouTube | The global mic/Aux device or a scene capture source is still active. | Check Settings → Audio and the Audio Mixer; mute or disable the mic source, then make a test recording or private/unlisted test. |
| The video soundtrack is missing | The Media Source was muted along with the microphone, or the file has no audible track. | Unmute the Media Source and check its mixer meter and playback in a test feed. |
| The VLC Video source is unavailable | VLC is not installed or its architecture does not match the OBS installation. | Install the matching VLC architecture, then reopen OBS and check Sources. |
| YouTube does not show a preview | OBS may not be sending, or the stream URL/key may be wrong or outdated. | Confirm OBS says it is streaming and verify the current server and key in Live Control Room. If the key was reset, update OBS. |
| Video or audio stutters | The selected bitrate may exceed the sustained upload capacity, or the computer may not decode the file smoothly. | Run a connection speed test, reduce bitrate or output settings as appropriate, and test the local file in OBS before going live. |
| Scheduled event is not public | The event is scheduled but has not been started in YouTube, or its privacy setting is not public. | Wait for the preview, click Go live in Live Control Room, and confirm the event’s visibility. |
Or let it run in the cloud
If you want the YouTube loop to continue without keeping OBS or your computer running, StreamNeo is a cloud service for keeping a YouTube channel live from uploaded videos. The steps are: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. StreamNeo loops the uploaded video from the cloud; it does not stream from a camera.
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
- Nothing has to stay on at home for the stream to keep going.
- One flat price per slot covers the uploaded quality, up to 4K 60fps, with no re-encode or quality tiers.
- It can automatically recover if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free with no card required, one free day per account.
- Monthly: $9.99 per month.
Each slot includes one always-on stream, 10 GB storage per slot pooled across active slots, 24/7 looping and playlists, and support from the StreamNeo team. The same product is included on every plan; only the billing duration changes. See StreamNeo for details, 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.
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.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
