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To loop an MKV file in OBS, add it to a scene as a Media Source, enable Local File, select the MKV, and check Loop. Then connect OBS to YouTube with the stream URL and key from YouTube Live Control Room, test the preview, and start streaming.
Set up a single MKV file in OBS
- Open the scene you want to send to YouTube. In the Sources panel, select + and choose Media Source. Give the source a recognizable name.
- In the source properties, enable Local File, then browse to and select your
.mkvfile. OBS supports MKV as a Media Source, so you do not need to convert the file first. OBS: Media Sources - Check Loop to replay the file after it reaches the end.
- Decide whether to leave Restart playback when source becomes active enabled. This setting starts playback from the beginning when the source becomes visible; it does not replace Loop, which repeats the file at its end.
- Confirm the source is visible in the scene and that its audio is enabled at an appropriate level. Use OBS’s preview to check the picture and sound.
Connect OBS to YouTube Live
- Make sure your channel is eligible to livestream. YouTube requires a verified channel with no live-streaming restrictions during the previous 90 days. YouTube Help: Get started with live streaming
- In YouTube Live Control Room, create or select the stream and retrieve its stream URL and stream key. A stream key is a credential: YouTube describes stream keys as “like your YouTube stream’s password and address.” Keep it private. YouTube Help: Set up your encoder
- In OBS, open Settings > Stream. Select YouTube if it is available, or enter the YouTube server URL and stream key using the connection details provided in Live Control Room. OBS sends the scene’s encoded output to YouTube; it does not upload the MKV as a video file.
- Start the encoder and wait for the preview to appear in Live Control Room. Check that the image, movement and audio are correct before starting the public livestream.
Choose a source for one file or a playlist
| Use case | OBS source | Dependency | Playback behavior |
|---|---|---|---|
| One MKV file | Media Source | Built into OBS; no VLC installation needed | Loop repeats the file at the end; the restart option controls what happens when the source becomes active |
| Several files in a playlist | VLC Video | VLC must be installed; for 64-bit OBS, install 64-bit VLC | Use Loop Playlist to repeat the playlist |
For a single MKV, Media Source is the direct choice. Use VLC Video when you need playlist playback. OBS: Media Sources
Check stream quality and playback before going live
- Test representative content. Watch the preview with the file’s typical motion and sound, not just a still or quiet opening. Verify that the loop resumes as expected at the end.
- Choose settings your upload can sustain. YouTube recommends matching output quality to a reliable upload bitrate. Its encoder guidance covers codec, frame rate, keyframe interval and bitrate mode; use the current Live Control Room recommendations and OBS controls rather than assuming one setting fits every resolution and connection. YouTube Help: Recommended encoder settings for live streaming
- Prefer RTMPS where available. YouTube’s encoder settings guidance recommends RTMPS. Confirm the server option and connection details shown for your stream.
- Monitor stream health. Check YouTube Live Control Room during the stream for warnings or delivery problems. If the upload connection cannot reliably sustain the selected output, reduce quality or bitrate and test again.
MKV playback is different from MKV recording
OBS’s recommendation to record in MKV is about protecting recordings: an interrupted recording is less likely to corrupt the entire file. OBS also notes that MKV may need remuxing for compatibility with some editing software. Those recording considerations do not mean an existing MKV must be converted before you can play it through Media Source. OBS: Why MKV? OBS: Remuxing Guide
Troubleshoot common problems
- The file does not appear or play: Check that Local File is enabled and the selected path points to the intended MKV. Reopen the source properties and select the file again if it was moved.
- The video plays once and stops: Open Media Source properties and check Loop. The separate restart option only controls playback when the source becomes active.
- A playlist source is unavailable: Install VLC. If you use 64-bit OBS, OBS documentation specifies 64-bit VLC for the VLC Video source.
- YouTube does not show a preview: Confirm OBS is using the stream URL and key for the selected stream, and that the encoder is running. Re-check the key in Live Control Room if needed; treat it as a private credential.
- The preview stutters or stream health warns of delivery trouble: Test a lower output bitrate or quality that your upload can sustain, then verify the preview and health indicators again.
- The broadcast starts with the wrong point in the video: Check whether Restart playback when source becomes active is enabled and whether the source was hidden and shown again. This behavior is separate from end-of-file looping.
Or let it run in the cloud
If you want an uploaded video to keep a YouTube channel live without leaving OBS or a computer running at home, StreamNeo runs the loop from the cloud. Upload your recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. It plays uploaded videos, not a camera feed, and streams to YouTube.
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Quick Recap
Bestseller No. 5
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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.
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Rank #4
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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
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Rank #3
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Anker USB C Hub, 7in1 Multi-Port USB Adapter, 4K@60Hz USBC to HDMI Splitter
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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.)
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- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
#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.
- Nothing has to stay on at home.
- Any quality up to 4K 60fps at one flat price per slot, with your upload streamed as made.
- Automatic recovery if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free, with no card required.
- Monthly: $9.99 per month.
Start your free StreamNeo day.
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