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Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
To loop prerecorded video through OBS on YouTube, enable Loop on a Media Source (or Loop Playlist on a VLC Video source), then connect OBS to YouTube with the stream URL and stream key from Live Control Room. These settings repeat the video and identify the destination; they do not keep your computer, OBS, or internet connection running if any of them fail.
Choose how OBS should repeat your video
One video: Media Source
- In OBS, add a Media Source and select the local video file you want to play.
- In the source properties, enable Loop. OBS defines this as replaying the file after playback completes; it is off by default.
- Use Restart playback when source becomes active if you want playback to start from the beginning whenever the source becomes active. Close file when inactive affects resource handling when the source is not active; neither setting keeps YouTube connected.
Several videos: VLC Video
- Install VLC if it is not already installed; OBS requires it for the VLC Video source to appear.
- Add a VLC Video source and add the files you want to its playlist.
- Enable Loop Playlist to repeat the playlist. Use the separate shuffle option only if you want the order randomized rather than played in sequence.
Choose Media Source for a single file. Choose VLC Video when you need multiple clips, playlist order or shuffle, and are willing to install VLC.
Find and enter the YouTube stream key and URL
- Open YouTube Studio and go to the Live Control Room. Select an existing live stream or create one.
- Copy the stream key and the server URL shown for that stream. YouTube describes stream keys as credentials identifying where the encoder sends its feed.
- In OBS, open Settings > Stream, select YouTube as the service if available, and enter the stream key. If using a custom server configuration, enter both the server URL and key in the corresponding fields.
- Prefer the RTMPS server URL when OBS supports it. RTMPS encrypts RTMP traffic using TLS/SSL; obtain the secure URL from Live Control Room rather than assuming the default RTMP address is secure.
- Save the settings. Treat the key like a password: do not share it or expose it in a recording or screenshot.
YouTube says a custom key can be reused. If you believe one has been compromised, reset it in Live Control Room and replace the old key in OBS. Only channel owners and managers can reset a key.
Set OBS encoding for a stable feed
YouTube’s published encoder recommendations vary by codec, resolution, and frame rate. Use the current YouTube encoder settings table for the exact combination you intend to stream, and make sure your stable upload capacity can support the bitrate.
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.
| Setting | YouTube guidance |
|---|---|
| Video codec | H.264, H.265 (HEVC), or AV1, subject to encoder support. |
| Rate control | CBR. |
| Keyframe interval | 2 seconds recommended; do not exceed 4 seconds. |
| Frame rate | Up to 60 fps. |
| Stereo audio | AAC or MP3; YouTube’s advanced recommendations specify 128 Kbps for stereo audio. |
| H.264, 720p at 30 fps | 3 Mbps minimum; 8 Mbps recommended. |
| H.264, 1080p at 30 fps | 5 Mbps minimum; 14 Mbps recommended. |
The bitrate examples are YouTube’s published recommendations, not guarantees of uninterrupted delivery. Do not apply one bitrate to every codec or resolution: consult the table for your chosen settings. Lower latency can increase playback buffering; YouTube notes it matters less when you are not interacting with viewers.
Start the stream and verify it is live
- In OBS, click Start Streaming to send video to YouTube using the configured server URL and key.
- For a scheduled stream, wait for the preview to appear in Live Control Room, then click Go live.
- Watch stream health and any messages in Live Control Room. Test beforehand with representative audio and motion rather than relying only on a static preview.
- YouTube’s Auto-start & auto-stop controls can let the encoder start or stop the stream. They do not restart OBS after an application crash.
What “always-on” means in a local OBS setup
The OBS loop setting restarts playback at the end of a file; it does not keep the host computer powered, preserve its network connection, or recover OBS after an application or system failure. For a continuous local stream, the computer and OBS must keep sending video. This distinction follows from the separate playback and encoder functions documented by OBS and YouTube; it is not a reliability guarantee.
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.
YouTube says streams under 12 hours are automatically archived after they end. That guidance does not establish that a longer continuous stream will be archived in full. If a complete archive matters, plan around the documented duration and check YouTube’s current rules.
Troubleshooting common setup problems
- VLC Video is missing: Install VLC, then reopen or refresh OBS so the source is available.
- The file plays once and stops: Open the Media Source properties and enable Loop. For a multi-file VLC source, enable Loop Playlist.
- YouTube receives no feed: Check that OBS has the correct stream key and server URL from the selected Live Control Room stream. If the key was reset, update OBS with the replacement.
- The stream drops or buffers: Check OBS and YouTube stream-health messages, confirm the connection is stable, and compare your bitrate with YouTube’s recommendations for the selected codec, resolution, and frame rate. A bitrate recommendation is not a promise that the connection can sustain it.
- The stream does not become public after OBS starts sending: For a scheduled stream, wait for the preview and select Go live in Live Control Room unless the applicable auto-start controls are enabled.
- OBS crashes or the computer shuts down: The loop cannot recover a stopped encoder or power off a computer. Restart the system and OBS, then reconnect and confirm the stream in Live Control Room.
Or let it run in the cloud
If you want the prerecorded stream to continue without a home computer or connection staying on, StreamNeo runs the loop in the cloud for YouTube. Upload your recording or make a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. It supports the uploaded quality up to 4K 60fps at one flat price per slot, with automatic recovery if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card.
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.
Monthly: $9.99 per month. Start your free StreamNeo day.
Quick Recap
Bestseller No. 5
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.
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
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