Recommended Free Tools
For one repeating video in OBS, use a Media Source and enable Loop. For a playlist of files, use VLC Video Source, enable Loop Playlist, and leave Shuffle Playlist off for a fixed order. VLC Video Source requires VLC to be installed; 64-bit OBS needs 64-bit VLC. These settings loop media, but they do not guarantee that OBS, your computer, your connection, or YouTube will stay online.
Choose the right OBS source
| Source | Best for | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Media Source | Repeating one local file | Enable Loop to restart playback when the file ends. OBS documents support for formats including MP4, TS, MOV, FLV, MKV, AVI, GIF, WebM, MP3, AAC, OGG, and WAV. OBS Media Sources. |
| VLC Video Source | Playing a list of media files | Uses VLC libraries, so install VLC first. The documented defaults are Loop Playlist: On and Shuffle Playlist: Off. A 64-bit OBS installation requires 64-bit VLC. OBS Media Sources. |
| Media Playlist Source plugin | An alternative playlist workflow | A third-party OBS Forums resource describes editing playlist items during playback and shuffle behavior. Its page also documents limitations, including that folder contents do not refresh automatically. Check the plugin’s current compatibility and behavior before relying on it unattended. Media Playlist Source resource. |
Set up one repeating file with Media Source
- In OBS, select the scene where the video should play. Under Sources, click + and choose Media Source.
- Create a new source or select an existing one. In its properties, enable Loop and select the media file.
- Adjust the source in the preview so the video fits the canvas as intended. Start playback and watch it reach the end; confirm that it restarts.
- If the source appears in multiple scenes, check the source’s visibility behavior and test scene changes. A source that stops when hidden will not necessarily keep playing in the background.
OBS documents the loop behavior and supported media formats, but the setting only controls playback of the source. It is not an end-to-end uptime guarantee. OBS Media Sources.
Set up a playlist with VLC Video Source
- Install VLC before opening or configuring VLC Video Source. Match the architecture: 64-bit OBS requires 64-bit VLC. If the source is missing from the Sources menu, verify that VLC is installed and that both applications have matching architecture.
- In OBS, select the scene, click + under Sources, and choose VLC Video Source. Create a source or select one already in use.
- In the source properties, add the media files to the playlist in the order you want them to play. For a fixed sequence, keep Shuffle Playlist off.
- Keep Loop Playlist on so playback returns to the first item after the final item. Start the source and observe a full transition between files; then confirm the last item returns to the first.
- Check Visibility Behaviour. OBS lists stopping playback when the source is hidden and restarting it when visible as the default behavior. If the source must continue across scene changes, test those transitions and configure the behavior accordingly.
OBS’s Media Sources documentation and Sources Guide describe adding media and using VLC for playlists. Confirm the exact labels in your installed OBS version if they differ.
When a third-party playlist plugin makes sense
Media Playlist Source is an option if its workflow better suits how you manage items. Its author describes editing playlist items while playback continues and shuffle behavior, but the resource page also lists limitations, including that folder contents do not refresh automatically. It is not an official OBS source, and compatibility or behavior can change with OBS and plugin versions. Review the current resource details and test the exact workflow before depending on it for unattended streaming.
#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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Keep an OBS stream running reliably
A looping source handles what happens when a media file ends. It does not keep OBS open, repair a failed internet connection, ensure an encoder remains available, or guarantee YouTube ingest. YouTube recommends checking the Live Control Room preview, confirming the local archive file is growing, verifying that the event is accessible, and continuously monitoring audio and video quality. See YouTube live streaming tips.
Plan for YouTube’s archive limit
YouTube says streams shorter than 12 hours can be automatically archived, but a stream exceeding 12 hours may not be captured at all. The under-12-hour wording is not a guarantee that every stream will be retained. YouTube recommends recording a local archive as a backup. See Archive live streams.
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.)
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Clear rights for every playlist item
YouTube’s live-stream terms say creators represent and warrant that they have the necessary rights for live content, including music licensing rights. Check rights for every playlist item and the territories where the stream will be available. See YouTube Terms of Service.
Troubleshoot common playlist problems
- VLC Video Source is missing: Install VLC, then check whether OBS and VLC are both 64-bit if OBS is 64-bit. Restart OBS after installing VLC.
- The playlist ends instead of starting again: Open the source properties and enable Loop Playlist. For a single Media Source, enable Loop instead.
- Files play in an unexpected order: Turn off Shuffle Playlist and check the order of the entries in the source properties.
- Playback stops or restarts during a scene change: Review Visibility Behaviour. Test whether the source is hidden in the destination scene and whether its configured behavior stops or restarts playback.
- The source loops, but the live stream stops: Looping only controls media playback. Check OBS, the encoder, network connectivity, and YouTube’s Live Control Room preview; YouTube recommends monitoring the stream and confirming the local recording is growing.
- You cannot find a stream archive after a very long broadcast: YouTube warns that streams exceeding 12 hours may not be captured. Keep a local recording as backup rather than treating automatic archiving as assured.
Or let it run in the cloud
If you want uploaded videos to keep a YouTube channel live without leaving OBS or a home computer running, StreamNeo is a cloud service for looping uploaded videos on YouTube. Upload your video or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. Nothing has to stay on at home; it streams the uploaded quality up to 4K 60fps at one flat price per slot, and it can recover automatically if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly billing is $9.99 per month. Start your free day with StreamNeo.
Quick Recap
Best Value
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Rank #4
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Rank #3
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