To loop a pre-recorded relaxation video on YouTube Live, use VLC for playback inside OBS Studio: add an OBS VLC Video source, load your video or playlist, enable Loop Playlist, then stream OBS to YouTube with the stream URL and key from YouTube Studio. VLC handles playback; OBS encodes and sends the live stream.
Choose the right OBS source
| Source | Best for | Loop control | Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| VLC Video | A playlist, or when VLC’s media support is useful | Loop Playlist repeats the source after the media files finish | VLC must be installed. OBS documentation notes that 64-bit OBS requires 64-bit VLC. |
| Media Source | One local video with a simple repeat | Loop repeats the single file after playback completes | No VLC Video source setup is needed. |
OBS’s source visibility behavior also matters if you switch scenes or hide the source. VLC Video can be set to stop and restart, pause and unpause, or always play when it is hidden. Choose the behavior that fits your scene setup; otherwise playback may stop, pause, or continue unexpectedly. Menu labels can vary between OBS releases.
Set up the channel and software
- Check live-stream eligibility. YouTube requires a verified channel with no live-stream restrictions in the preceding 90 days. First-time live-stream activation may take up to 24 hours, so enable it before the day you plan to broadcast. See YouTube’s live-streaming enablement guidance.
- Install OBS and VLC. Install OBS Studio and VLC on the computer that will run the stream. For VLC Video to appear as an OBS source, VLC must be installed; match VLC’s architecture to OBS (64-bit OBS requires 64-bit VLC). OBS documents support for Windows, macOS, and Linux; the exact interface may differ by release. See OBS’s VLC Video source documentation.
- Prepare your media. Keep the relaxation video file or playlist accessible on that computer. Confirm that you have the rights to stream every video and audio track; finding a video online does not grant rebroadcast rights.
Add and loop the video in OBS
- Open OBS and create or select a scene for the broadcast.
- In the Sources area, select + and choose VLC Video. If the source is unavailable, verify VLC is installed and that its 32-bit or 64-bit architecture matches OBS.
- In the source properties, add the local relaxation video under the playlist controls. Add more files and arrange their order if you want a sequence rather than one repeating clip.
- Enable Loop Playlist so playback starts again when the playlist reaches its end. For a single file without playlist features, instead add OBS’s Media Source and enable Loop.
- Check the canvas and audio meters. If you use multiple scenes, confirm that the source visibility behavior is intentional so the video does not pause or stop when a scene changes.
For an ambience stream, inspect the file itself before going live: check that its ending does not contain a long blank section, abrupt cut, or audio spike that will repeat at every loop. OBS can repeat playback, but it does not smooth the edit between the end and beginning of a file.
Connect OBS to YouTube Live
- In YouTube Studio, select Create → Go Live, then create a stream or choose the scheduled stream you intend to use. The labels may vary slightly across YouTube Studio updates.
- Open the stream’s settings in Live Control Room and locate its server/stream URL and stream key.
- In OBS, open Settings → Stream. Select YouTube if available and connect as prompted, or choose the option to use a custom server and paste the YouTube server URL and stream key into the matching fields.
- Treat the stream key like a password: anyone who has it may be able to send video to your stream. If it is exposed, reset it in Live Control Room and update OBS with the replacement.
YouTube describes an encoder as software or hardware that converts video into a digital format for streaming. In this setup, VLC plays the media, while OBS is the encoder that sends it to YouTube. See YouTube’s encoder setup guidance.
The Tool Desk
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- [Smooth 4K Ultra HD Playback] This 4K@30Hz HDMI digital media player utilizes H.265/HEVC decoding technology, enabling playback of videos up to 4096×2304 resolution compared to H.264 or 1080P, delivering a clearer and smoother picture.
- [Plug and Play] The HD media player is easy to use, requiring no WiFi or app. It supports direct playback/copying/deletion of videos, music, photos, PPTs, and PDFs from USB storage devices or Micro SD cards. Equipped with dual USB ports, this media player can also connect to a mouse/keyboard or speakers.
- [HDMI RCA Optical Outputs] This media player connects to TVs, digital signage displays, or projectors via an HDMI port for crisp 4K video playback. The player also comes with analog RCA output to hook up legacy older TVs and monitors, plus built-in optical audio port to transmit lossless digital surround sound to soundbars, amplifiers and home theater audio systems, delivering immersive high-fidelity audio without signal loss.
- [TV Projector or Digital Signage] This 4K media player supports autoplay, loop playback, and shuffle playback, and supports both landscape and portrait display modes. HDMI media player can run continuously, making it ideal for TV projector or digital signage such as restaurant welcome videos, reception videos, and art and museum installations.
- [Extensive Compatibility] This media player for TV can play media files from USB hard drives up to 8TB in capacity or micro SD cards up to 1TB in capacity. Supported file systems include FAT32, exFAT, and NTFS. Supported formats include: H.265/HEVC (MKV, MOV, AVI), MPEG, FLV, RM, 3GP, MP4, WMV, RMVB, DAT, MPG, TS, M2TS, JPG, JPEG, BMP, GIF, PNG, MP3, OGG, FLAC, APE, AAC, WMA, etc.
Set compatible encoder options and test
Use the YouTube encoder guidance as the compatibility baseline, then select settings suited to the source video and your upload connection. YouTube lists RTMP/RTMPS delivery, H.264, H.265, or AV1 video, AAC or MP3 audio, and constant bitrate (CBR). It recommends a two-second keyframe interval and says not to exceed four seconds; it also recommends RTMPS for encrypted delivery. OBS and YouTube may expose different controls depending on the selected encoder and connection method. See YouTube’s live encoder settings and bitrates.
- Resolution and frame rate: use values the source actually supports and your connection can sustain. Avoid selecting a higher output than the video needs simply because the setting is available.
- Bitrate: set CBR and choose a bitrate appropriate to the output resolution and frame rate, following YouTube’s current published recommendations. Leave headroom on the upload connection for stable delivery.
- Keyframes: set the interval to two seconds where OBS exposes the option; do not exceed YouTube’s four-second maximum.
- Audio: use AAC or MP3 and verify that the relaxation audio is audible in OBS and the YouTube preview.
- Transport: prefer RTMPS when available for encrypted delivery.
Before the intended broadcast, start a test stream and check YouTube’s preview for both moving video and audio. Monitor stream health and any warnings in Live Control Room; a local OBS preview alone does not confirm that YouTube is receiving a healthy stream.
Rank #2
- VLC for Kindle plays most local video and audio files, as well as network streams (including adaptive streaming), like the desktop version of VLC.
- VLC for Kindle has a media library for audio and video files, and allows to browse folders directly.
- VLC has support for multi-track audio and subtitles. It supports auto-rotation, aspect-ratio adjustments, hardware acceleration and gestures to control volume.
- It also includes a widget for audio control, supports audio headsets control, cover art and a complete audio media library.
Protect the stream from copyright interruptions
You must have the necessary rights to stream the video and all included audio, including music. YouTube scans live streams for third-party content. A match can replace the live picture with a placeholder, interrupt the broadcast, or terminate it if it remains unresolved. If you have a license for third-party material, the rights holder may still need to add your channel to its Content ID allowlist. Review YouTube’s live-stream terms and YouTube’s guidance on live-stream copyright before using licensed material.
For relaxation content, check music rights as carefully as visuals: a video you created yourself can still contain a track you are not authorized to broadcast. Keep records of licenses and confirm any Content ID allowlisting before the stream, rather than relying on the absence of an immediate warning.
Rank #3
- 【Mini Portable Media player】-- Fits into the palm of your hand, It is a perfect travel partner for those short on space and sockets. Also compact and easy multifunction HD media player for office work and home entertainment;Aluminum alloy material, not easy to damage during carrying
- 【1080P MP4 Player】-- Full HD 1080p@60Hz supports most video decoding formats: RM, RMVB, AVI, DIVX, MKV, MOV, HD MOV, MP4, M4V, PMP, AVC, FLV, VOB, MPG, DAT, MPEG, TS, TP, M2TS, WMV, (H.264,H.263,WMV9/VC-1,MPEG1/2/4),Not support VPR files. Note: Please use our 4K player to play some videos taken with smart phones, ASIN: B07WPY8VKL
- 【HDMI or AV Output】-- Supports 1080p HDMI output, allowing you to transmit crisp, clear video and audio in a pure digital format to an HDTV; it also supports composite AV output for use with analog TVs. An analog AV cable is included. While using HDMI video output, you can also connect external speakers via the AV output. However, video cannot be output via both AV and HDMI at the same time.
- 【USB 2.0/3.0 Compability】-- Drive external USB 2.0/3.0 storage devices such as USB flash(up to 512G)/SD card(up to 128G) and hard drive(partition should be MBR, up to 8TB), you can also delete or copy files in the USB drive(FAT or FA32) directly, Also plays subtitle files as well as loop videos
- 【Support Multiple Formats of Files and Playback Modes&Multi-functional Remote Control】-- Supports most video, audio, and image formats on the market, supports random playback of video and image modes, and supports loop playback. Supports repeat, zoom, fast forward, fast rewind, rotation, breakpoint playback method, start from scratch playback method and time selection playback method. It is also equipped with a convenient remote control for easy navigation of menu screens (ASIN: B0C9PZPFL8)
End the stream and plan for the replay
End the broadcast from OBS and confirm the stream has ended in Live Control Room. YouTube says streams shorter than 12 hours are automatically archived; for a continuous stream intended to become a replay, plan around that limit and check the channel’s Live tab afterward. YouTube may not archive a stream that reaches or exceeds 12 hours. See YouTube’s encoder and live-stream guidance.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Likely cause | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| VLC Video is missing from the OBS source list | VLC is not installed or its architecture does not match OBS. | Install VLC, ensuring 64-bit VLC is used with 64-bit OBS, then reopen OBS and check the source list. |
| The video plays once and stops | The loop setting is off, or the wrong source type was used. | For VLC Video enable Loop Playlist; for a single-file Media Source enable Loop. |
| The picture or audio disappears when changing scenes | The source’s visibility behavior pauses or stops playback while hidden. | Review the VLC Video source’s visibility behavior and choose stop/restart, pause/unpause, or always play intentionally. |
| YouTube does not receive the OBS stream | The channel may not be enabled yet, or the server URL or key may be incorrect. | Confirm live-stream eligibility and activation, then compare OBS’s server URL and key with the current values in Live Control Room. Reset an exposed key. |
| YouTube preview is black or silent | OBS may be sending the wrong scene or source, or the file may not contain the expected track. | Check the OBS canvas, source visibility, audio meters, and YouTube preview before going live. |
| The stream is interrupted by a copyright notice | A video or audio track may match third-party material. | Use content you have rights to stream; if licensed, verify the rights holder has allowlisted your channel in Content ID. A license does not itself guarantee that automated matching will not interrupt a stream. |
| The replay is missing after a long broadcast | The stream may have lasted 12 hours or longer. | Check the Live tab and plan future archives as streams shorter than 12 hours. |
Or let it run in the cloud
If you want the YouTube channel to keep looping while your computer is off, StreamNeo runs uploaded videos from the cloud. Upload the recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. It is YouTube-only and plays uploaded videos rather than broadcasting a camera.
Rank #4
- MAKE YOUR TV SMARTER - Enhance any TV with the ability to play videos, music, and photo slideshows from a USB drive or MicroSD Card! It’s so simple and intuitive - anyone can use it. The Micca G3 is amazingly compact and affordable, get one for each TV in the house!
- PLAYS 2K QUAD-HD VIDEOS - Works with TVs old and new! Smoothly plays videos up to 2560x1440@60fps, upscaled to UHD 4K/60Hz HDMI output. Sharp and clear video and audio in pure digital format, compatible with 4K and 1080p TVs, projectors, and monitor displays. Composite AV output for use with analog TVs or for sending sound to a stereo system.
- DUAL USB AND MICRO SD READER - Play media files from USB flash drives and USB hard drives up to 8TB, or microSD cards up to 1TB. Supports FAT/FAT32, exFAT and NTFS file systems. Compatible with wireless air mouse remotes for non-line-of-sight control so that the player can be hidden away!
- SIMPLE DIGITAL SIGNAGE - Automatic video playback with endless repeat and looping, and the ability to resume from the last stopping point. Configurable 90/180/270 degree video output rotation. Great for digital signage applications such as restaurant menu boards, lobby welcome videos, art and museum installations.
- MEDIA FORMAT SUPPORT - Videos: MKV, MP4/M4V, AVI, MOV, MPG, VOB, M2TS, TS files encoded with H.265/HEVC, H.264/AVC, MPEG1/2/4, VC1, up to 2560x1440, 60fps, 100mbps. Subtitles: SRT, PGS, IDX+SUB. Music: MP3, WAV, FLAC. Photos: JPG, GIF, BMP, PNG
- Nothing has to stay on at home; StreamNeo runs the loop from the cloud.
- Videos stream as uploaded, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot with no re-encode or quality tiers.
- It automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free with no card required (one free day per account).
- Monthly: $9.99 per month.
See StreamNeo or view plan details. To try it, start your free first day.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- MAKE YOUR TV SMARTER - Enhance any TV with the ability to play videos, music, and photo slideshows from a USB drive or MicroSD Card! It’s so simple and intuitive - anyone can use it. The Micca 4K is amazingly compact and affordable, get one for each TV in the house!
- PLAYS 4K ULTRA-HD VIDEOS - Works with TVs old and new! Smoothly plays videos up to 4096x2304@30fps over UHD 4K/60Hz HDMI output. Sharp and clear video and audio in pure digital format, compatible with 4K and 1080p TVs, projectors, and monitor displays. Composite AV output for use with analog TVs or for sending sound to a stereo system.
- DUAL USB AND MICRO SD READER - Play media files from USB flash drives and USB hard drives up to 8TB, or microSD cards up to 1TB. Supports FAT/FAT32, exFAT and NTFS file systems. Compatible with wireless air mouse remotes for non-line-of-sight control so that the player can be hidden away!
- SIMPLE DIGITAL SIGNAGE - Automatic video playback with endless repeat and looping, and the ability to resume from the last stopping point. Configurable 90/180/270 degree video output rotation. Great for digital signage applications such as restaurant menu boards, lobby welcome videos, art and museum installations.
- MEDIA FORMAT SUPPORT - Videos: MKV, MP4/M4V, AVI, MOV, MPG, VOB, M2TS, TS files encoded with H.265/HEVC, H.264/AVC, MPEG1/2/4, VC1, up to 4096x2304, 30fps, 200mbps. Subtitles: SRT, PGS, IDX+SUB. Music: MP3, WAV, FLAC. Photos: JPG, GIF, BMP, PNG
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