YouTube’s schedule controls the live event; it does not restart your computer or launch OBS. To resume a prerecorded loop after a reboot, configure three separate pieces: a scheduled YouTube event, an OBS scene that loops your video or playlist, and an operating-system startup task that opens OBS with streaming enabled. Then test the whole sequence with an actual reboot.
What automatic restart does—and does not—mean
A scheduled YouTube Live event gives viewers a planned watch page and the option to receive reminders. At start time, an encoder still has to connect and send video. YouTube’s stream-level auto-start setting can let the encoder start the broadcast, but it does not launch OBS or power the computer back on. Those are separate jobs: the computer must boot, its startup mechanism must open OBS, and OBS must connect to the right event.
This workflow assumes a computer running OBS Studio, a prerecorded local video or playlist, and a YouTube channel enabled for live streaming. Exact startup-task steps vary by operating system, login configuration, permissions, and graphics session; the procedure below identifies the OBS settings without implying one universal boot recipe.
1. Schedule or select the YouTube Live event
- In YouTube Studio, open Live Control Room and use the Manage tab to schedule a stream or select an existing scheduled stream. YouTube’s scheduling instructions describe the event as a way to promote the stream and let viewers set reminders. YouTube’s encoder setup guide explains the scheduling flow.
- Open the event’s stream settings and note the server URL and stream key. In OBS, you can select YouTube as the service or enter the server URL and key from Live Control Room. The key acts like a password for sending the feed: keep it out of screenshots, scripts, logs, and public instructions. If it is exposed, reset it in Live Control Room and update OBS. See YouTube’s live stream settings guide and its stream troubleshooting guide.
- Use the RTMPS server URL shown in Live Control Room if your encoder supports it. RTMPS is YouTube’s encrypted extension of RTMP; do not assume a plain RTMP address is interchangeable. Details: Encrypt your stream using RTMPS.
- Decide whether YouTube should start the event as soon as OBS begins sending. With auto-start enabled, the encoder can initiate the broadcast; with it disabled, plan to confirm the preview and click Go live in Live Control Room. Leave auto-start off if you want a person to approve the event at start time.
2. Build and check the looping source in OBS
For one video file
- In the intended OBS scene, select Sources > + > Media Source.
- Choose the video file and enable Loop. OBS documents Media Source support for local video files and the Loop option in its Media Sources guide.
- Confirm the file is stored somewhere that will be available after reboot. If it lives on an external or network drive, ensure that drive is mounted before OBS starts. A changed drive letter or unavailable mount can leave the source missing.
For a playlist
- Install VLC if it is not already installed; OBS requires VLC for the VLC Video source type.
- In the intended scene, add Sources > + > VLC Video, then add the video files to its playlist.
- Confirm Loop Playlist is enabled. OBS documents that this option is enabled by default for VLC Video. Check each playlist path and confirm all media will be accessible after reboot.
OBS’s source behavior and VLC requirement are described in the OBS Media Sources documentation. Make sure the correct scene and profile are saved before configuring unattended startup.
#1 Best Overall
- 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.
3. Make OBS launch and start streaming after reboot
- Configure your operating system to start OBS either at system startup or when the intended user logs in. This is distinct from YouTube scheduling and YouTube auto-start. Startup tasks depend on the OS, account permissions, and whether OBS needs an interactive desktop or graphics session.
- Set OBS’s launch parameter to
--startstreaming. OBS documents this parameter for automatically starting a stream when the application launches. See OBS Launch Parameters. - If you use a Windows scheduled or automated launch, set the task’s working directory to the folder containing
obs64.exe, as OBS’s launch guidance specifies. Configure the task to run in the correct user session and verify that it opens the intended OBS profile and scene. - Check the order of operations for your computer: it must finish booting, the required user session must be available, and the media path and network connection must be ready when OBS opens. If OBS starts before a drive or network location is available, the source may fail even though OBS itself launched.
Automatic reconnect after a temporary network interruption is not the same as restarting the whole computer. OBS’s launch parameter addresses starting the application and stream when OBS opens; it does not itself restart the machine or establish that reconnect settings recover from every reboot scenario.
4. Rehearse the full reboot before relying on it
YouTube recommends testing the encoder in advance, checking the Live Control Room preview, and confirming that the watch page is accessible. A complete reboot rehearsal extends that check to the computer and startup task.
Rank #2
- 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.
- Confirm the scheduled event, stream destination, visibility, server URL, and key in Live Control Room.
- Save the OBS profile and scene with the loop source configured, and verify the media file or playlist paths.
- Reboot the computer under the same power and login conditions expected during normal operation.
- Verify that OBS launches in the intended user session with the correct profile and scene, and that the video or playlist plays and loops.
- Check whether OBS connects and whether YouTube shows the preview or live state you expect. If auto-start is off, be present to review the preview and click Go live.
- Open the watch page using its intended visibility setting and confirm it is accessible to the right audience.
YouTube’s advance testing and preview recommendations are in its live streaming tips.
Troubleshooting after a reboot
- OBS opens but YouTube receives no stream: Check that OBS has the correct server URL and current stream key, then confirm the event is the intended one. If the key was reset or exposed, update OBS with the replacement. Review YouTube’s encoder-start troubleshooting.
- The preview appears, but the event does not go live: Check the event’s auto-start setting. If it is disabled, a person must review the preview and select Go live in Live Control Room.
- OBS does not start or streaming does not begin: Verify that the OS startup task runs under the correct account and session, that its permissions allow OBS to open, and that
--startstreamingis included. On Windows, check the task’s working directory against the folder containingobs64.exe. - The source is blank or stops at the end: Confirm the video file path is valid after reboot and its drive is mounted. For Media Source, check Loop; for VLC Video, confirm VLC is installed, the playlist paths work, and Loop Playlist is enabled.
- The connection fails: Recheck the server URL, stream key, and network access. If supported by the encoder, use the RTMPS URL supplied by Live Control Room and consult YouTube’s RTMPS instructions.
- The event is live but viewers cannot watch it: Check the event’s visibility and confirm you are opening the correct watch page. YouTube recommends confirming watch-page accessibility during advance testing.
Copyright and channel-policy checks for a prerecorded loop
Before looping a recording or playlist, make sure you have the rights needed to use every video and its audio on YouTube. A stream key only authorizes the encoder to send a feed; it does not grant rights to the content. Review YouTube’s copyright and live-stream requirements for your channel and material before scheduling, and do not assume that repeating a recording makes it eligible for monetization or compliant with channel policies.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Rank #3
- 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.
Or let it run in the cloud
If your goal is a YouTube channel that keeps looping uploaded videos without relying on a home computer to recover after reboot, StreamNeo runs the loop in the cloud. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. It streams the uploaded video—not a camera feed—and is for YouTube.
- Nothing has to stay on at home for the stream to continue.
- Uploaded video streams as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one price per slot with no quality tiers.
- StreamNeo automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free with no card, one free day per account.
Monthly: $9.99 per month. Start with the free StreamNeo trial.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 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
- 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
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.




