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To stream one recorded gaming VOD on repeat, add the file to an OBS scene as a Media Source, enable Loop, then send OBS’s encoder feed to YouTube Live. Check that your channel can live stream and that you have rights to every part of the recording before you start.
Before you set up the stream
- Check channel eligibility. YouTube says a channel must be verified, have no live-stream restrictions in the previous 90 days, and be operated by someone at least 16 years old to live stream. See YouTube’s live-streaming requirements.
- Clear the VOD’s rights. Consider the gameplay footage, soundtrack, licensed music, overlays, and any other included material. A recording being already published does not by itself establish permission to rebroadcast it.
- Keep the source file available. OBS will play the local file, so the computer running OBS must remain powered on and connected to the internet for the broadcast to continue.
Set up the single-file loop in OBS
- Create a scene. In OBS Studio, use the Scenes panel to add a scene for the VOD broadcast.
- Add the recording. In the Sources panel, select +, choose Media Source, and create a new source. Browse to the gaming VOD file. OBS documents support for common local video formats including MP4, MOV, MKV, AVI, and WebM. If the file is not listed or does not play, check its format and whether it opens correctly in a media player. See the OBS Media Sources guide.
- Enable repeat playback. In the Media Source properties, check Loop, then confirm the source. OBS will replay the file from the beginning when playback reaches the end.
- Distinguish Loop from restart-on-activation. Restart playback when source becomes active starts the video over when the source becomes active or visible. It is not a substitute for Loop, which repeats playback when the file finishes.
- Check the scene output. Confirm the video is visible in the OBS preview and that the source is not obscured by another source. Play enough of the file to check that both picture and audio are present.
Connect OBS to YouTube Live
- Create an encoder stream in YouTube Studio. Open YouTube Studio and create or schedule a live stream using the encoder option. YouTube identifies encoders as a common way to stream gaming and other content. The exact Studio labels can change; follow the current encoder setup flow in YouTube’s live-streaming guide.
- Copy the stream details into OBS. Use the stream key and server information shown in YouTube Studio in OBS’s stream setup. Treat the stream key like a password: do not share it publicly, and reset it in Studio if it is exposed.
- Start the feed and verify it. Start streaming from OBS, then check the YouTube live preview and status in Studio. Confirm the stream is actually live before sharing the event with viewers.
- Monitor the broadcast. Keep an eye on OBS and YouTube Studio, especially if the stream is intended to run for a long time. The cited setup guidance does not establish guaranteed uptime or a universal configuration for unattended broadcasts.
What to expect from a looping VOD
OBS repeats the local file as part of its outgoing encoder feed; YouTube receives that feed as a live stream. The YouTube API describes the incoming stream and the viewer-facing broadcast as separate objects, but a typical creator does not need to use the API to set this up.
A single-file Media Source is the direct choice when you want one VOD to repeat. OBS also documents a VLC Video source for playlists, but a playlist is unnecessary if there is only one recording.
Copyright and live-stream interruptions
YouTube scans live streams for matches to third-party content, including another live broadcast. If it detects a match, YouTube may replace the stream with a placeholder and warn you; continued use of the material can lead to a temporary interruption or termination. Read YouTube’s copyright guidance for live streams.
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Having a license may not prevent an automated interruption. YouTube says the rights holder may need to add your channel to its Content ID allowlist. If your recording includes licensed music or other third-party material, confirm both that the license covers a live rebroadcast and whether the rights holder must allowlist your channel.
Troubleshooting a VOD that will not repeat or go live
- The video stops at the end. Reopen the Media Source properties and verify that Loop is checked. Restart playback when source becomes active only restarts playback on activation; it does not provide continuous looping.
- The source is blank or will not play. Confirm the selected file path is correct, the file is accessible to the OBS computer, and the format is among those OBS documents as supported. Try opening the recording locally to rule out a damaged or incomplete file.
- The preview is not visible in Studio. Check that OBS is streaming, the correct YouTube stream details are configured, and the intended scene is active. Recheck the stream key in Studio and OBS without displaying it publicly.
- YouTube interrupts or replaces the stream. Check YouTube Studio for a warning or copyright notice. Review the rights for every element in the VOD and contact the rights holder about an allowlist if the material is licensed.
- The broadcast stops when you leave. With this OBS method, playback and encoding happen on your computer. The machine and its network connection need to remain available while the stream runs.
Or let it run in the cloud
If you want a single recorded VOD to loop on YouTube without leaving a computer running, StreamNeo runs the uploaded video from the cloud. Upload the recording, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. It is for uploaded videos and streams to YouTube only.
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LAPGEAR Home Office Lap Desk – Pink, Fits 15.6” Laptops
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 12" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
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