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To send a video loop from Streamlabs Desktop to YouTube, create or select a YouTube live stream, copy its stream URL and key from YouTube Studio, then enter them in Streamlabs under Settings > Stream > Stream to Custom Ingest. The key connects Streamlabs to YouTube; it does not make a video repeat. You must configure the local video source to loop separately, and the current Streamlabs loop-control labels can vary by version.
Before you begin
- Your YouTube channel must be verified and have no live-streaming restrictions in the preceding 90 days. Check YouTube’s live-streaming eligibility and setup guidance.
- Install and open Streamlabs Desktop on the computer that will run the stream.
- Have the local video file ready and confirm that you have the rights to stream its audio and video. A valid stream key does not grant copyright permission.
- Use a reliable upload connection. The computer and its internet connection need to remain available while Streamlabs is streaming.
YouTube recommends preparing an encoder stream ahead of time, checking the preview before publishing, and monitoring stream health during the broadcast. See its live-streaming tips.
Create or open the YouTube stream
- In YouTube Studio, select Create > Go live.
- Open the Stream tab. Create a stream or select an existing or scheduled stream.
- Locate the stream URL and stream key in the stream settings. A returning creator may see previous settings and a key already filled in. YouTube documents this flow in Create a YouTube live stream with an encoder and Manage live stream settings.
Keep the key private. YouTube describes stream keys as “the password and address” for a YouTube stream: they let an encoder send a feed to the channel. If the key is exposed, reset it in the Live Control Room and replace the saved key in Streamlabs. Only channel owners or managers can reset a key, according to YouTube’s stream settings guidance.
Connect Streamlabs Desktop to YouTube
You can use Streamlabs’ YouTube connection or enter YouTube’s ingest details manually. Menu wording and placement may differ between Streamlabs Desktop builds.
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Option 1: Connect your YouTube account
Connect or log in to YouTube through Streamlabs, then use Go Live and select the event you created in YouTube if prompted. This route is convenient when you want Streamlabs’ YouTube integration. If the account connection is unavailable or you need to enter the destination details yourself, use custom ingest instead.
Option 2: Enter the URL and key manually
- In Streamlabs Desktop, open Settings > Stream.
- Choose Stream to Custom Ingest, then select Custom Streaming Server.
- Paste the YouTube stream URL into URL and the stream key into Stream Key.
- Save the settings. Start the encoder from Streamlabs when your scene and video source are ready.
These steps follow Streamlabs’ guides to troubleshooting going-live issues and custom ingest. With custom ingest, some integrated Streamlabs features may not be available, including side-dock chat and alerts or widgets. You may also need to change the title or description directly in YouTube Studio.
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Set up the video loop separately
Entering a stream URL and key sets the destination and credentials only. It does not loop a local file. Add the video file as a source in your scene, then use the current Streamlabs Desktop controls for that source to make it repeat. Because the official Streamlabs material available here does not establish the current loop-control names or how playback behaves after switching scenes, verify the setting in your installed version rather than relying on a guessed checkbox name. Streamlabs’ Media Sharing guide describes an audience-requested video widget, which is a different feature from looping a local file.
Before a real broadcast, test the source and confirm that it returns to the beginning after the file ends. Keep the intended scene active and check that the video and audio are present in the encoder preview. A scene switch or source change can affect what viewers receive, so check the resulting feed in YouTube’s preview before publishing.
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Choose encoder settings that fit your connection
YouTube recommends RTMPS, the encrypted extension of RTMP. Its current encoder guidance supports H.264, H.265 or AV1 video, up to 60 fps, constant bitrate (CBR), and a recommended two-second keyframe interval that should not exceed four seconds. For H.264, YouTube lists 14 Mbps for 1080p at 30 fps and 8 Mbps for 720p at 30 fps. These are YouTube recommendations, not guarantees that a particular connection or computer will sustain a stream. Check the current YouTube encoder settings for other combinations.
- Choose a resolution and frame rate your source and computer can maintain; higher settings require more upload capacity.
- Use a stable bitrate your upload connection can sustain, and leave headroom for normal network variation.
- Use CBR and a two-second keyframe interval where your encoder exposes those controls.
- Check YouTube’s stream-health feedback during the test. If it reports instability, reduce the bitrate or output resolution and test again.
Preview, then publish
- Start the Streamlabs encoder and wait for YouTube Studio’s Live Control Room to show the incoming preview.
- Check that the expected video and audio appear, the correct event is selected, and stream health is acceptable.
- For a scheduled stream, click Go live in YouTube when the preview is ready. Starting the encoder sends the feed; it does not necessarily publish the event automatically.
- Monitor stream health during the broadcast. YouTube recommends testing before the event and checking the live feed while it runs.
Troubleshooting
YouTube does not receive a signal
- Check that you selected the intended stream in YouTube Studio and copied that stream’s URL and key.
- In Streamlabs custom ingest, confirm the URL is in the URL field and the key is in the Stream Key field; save and retry.
- Confirm the channel is eligible for live streaming and check whether YouTube shows a restriction or setup issue.
The key is rejected or the wrong event appears
- Verify that the key belongs to the selected YouTube stream, not another channel or event.
- If it may have been exposed or is no longer valid, reset it in YouTube’s Live Control Room and update Streamlabs. Only channel owners or managers can reset a key.
The stream starts but the video does not repeat
- Check the local video source’s loop behavior in the current Streamlabs Desktop UI. Stream-key settings do not control file playback.
- Test the source through the end of the file before publishing. Do not confuse the Media Share widget with a local-file source.
Preview is unstable or stream health is poor
- Reduce the bitrate or output resolution to a level your upload connection can sustain, then test again.
- Use YouTube’s stream-health information to identify whether the incoming feed remains unstable; its recommended bitrate values are guidance, not a guarantee for your setup.
Streamlabs chat, alerts or title controls are missing
Custom ingest may not expose all Streamlabs integrations, including side-dock chat and alerts or widgets. Manage the title or description in YouTube Studio when those controls are unavailable in Streamlabs.
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Or let it run in the cloud
If your goal is to keep a YouTube channel live with uploaded video, StreamNeo is a cloud alternative: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. It loops the uploaded video from the cloud, so no computer or home connection has to stay on. Each slot streams what you upload, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot; if YouTube drops the stream, StreamNeo automatically recovers. The first day is free with no card. Monthly service is $9.99 per month. See StreamNeo or start the free first day.
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