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Use Media Source to loop one local video in OBS: add the file and turn on Loop. Choose VLC Video when you need a playlist in one source, including optional shuffle and playlist looping. VLC Video requires VLC to be installed, and its architecture must match OBS: 64-bit OBS requires 64-bit VLC.
Which OBS source fits your looping setup?
| Your need | Start with | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Repeat one local video | Media Source | It has a dedicated Loop control for replaying the file after playback completes. |
| Play several files in sequence | VLC Video | It supports a playlist within one source. |
| Randomize a playlist | VLC Video | It offers a Shuffle Playlist setting. |
| Avoid installing VLC | Media Source | Media Source is OBS’s built-in alternative; VLC Video depends on an installed VLC copy. |
| Change playback behavior when a source is hidden | VLC Video settings | Its visibility behavior can stop and restart, pause and resume, or keep playback running while hidden. |
These are documented feature differences, not performance results. OBS’s documentation does not establish that either source will produce a more seamless loop, use less CPU, or keep audio better synchronized on every system.
Loop a single video with Media Source
- In OBS, select the scene where the video should appear.
- In the Sources dock, select + and choose Media Source.
- Create a new source or select an existing one, then open its properties.
- Select the local media file and enable Loop. OBS documents Loop as replaying the file after playback completes; its listed default is Off.
- Confirm the source is visible in the scene and check both video and audio playback before starting your stream.
OBS lists MP4, TS, MOV, FLV, MKV, AVI, GIF and WebM among supported video formats for Media Source, along with common audio formats. See the OBS Media Sources guide for the documented controls.
Loop a playlist with VLC Video
- Install VLC if it is not already installed. VLC Video depends on VLC libraries and will not appear as an available source without VLC.
- Match the VLC architecture to OBS. OBS says that 64-bit OBS requires 64-bit VLC.
- In the scene, select + in the Sources dock and choose VLC Video.
- Open the source properties, add the files to its playlist, and arrange them in the order you want.
- Check Loop Playlist and Shuffle Playlist as appropriate. OBS lists Loop Playlist as On by default and Shuffle Playlist as Off.
- Test playback in the scene, including what happens if you switch away from it and back.
The OBS Media Sources guide describes VLC Video as a way to add media files to scenes and use a playlist. Its listed network caching default is 400 ms; that setting is not evidence of a specific playback-quality result.
#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.
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- 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.
What happens when the source is hidden?
If your OBS layout changes scenes during a broadcast, a source can become hidden. VLC Video has visibility behavior options that determine whether playback stops and restarts, pauses and resumes, or continues while hidden. The right choice depends on your scene design: for example, whether the playlist should advance off-screen or begin again when it returns.
The available behaviors are visible in the OBS VLC video source implementation. Because that link points to the mutable master branch, details may change as OBS is updated.
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.)
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- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Check the loop boundary on your own files
Looping means playback starts again after the file completes; it does not guarantee a gap-free transition. If a pause, black frame, or audio discontinuity would matter, test the actual file in the scene and on the setup you plan to stream. The cited OBS documentation does not establish that Media Source or VLC Video is universally smoother.
Keep an OBS stream running from your own computer
These sources handle media playback inside OBS; they do not, by themselves, keep a YouTube broadcast online. For a do-it-yourself setup, OBS must remain running on a computer with the scene and source active, and the computer’s internet connection must remain available. OBS’s sources documentation explains how media files fit into scenes, but it does not establish current YouTube Live account, stream-key, ingest, or policy requirements. Check YouTube’s current guidance for those platform-specific requirements.
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.)
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- 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 the goal is a YouTube channel that keeps playing uploaded videos without leaving OBS or a home computer on, StreamNeo runs the loop in the cloud. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. It plays uploaded videos to YouTube; it does not go live from a camera.
- Nothing has to stay on at home.
- Uploaded video streams as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot, with no re-encode or quality tiers.
- StreamNeo automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free, with no card required; the free day is one 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, automatic recovery if YouTube drops, and StreamNeo team support. Plans have the same product; only the billing length changes. Daily $0.99 per day · Weekly $2.99 per week · Monthly $9.99 per month · 6 months $49.99 for 6 months · Yearly $89.99 a year. India checkout supports UPI and cards; card checkout is available worldwide. For five or more slots, contact support. See StreamNeo pricing, or start your free day on StreamNeo.
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
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- 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.
