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For one video file looped continuously, plan for roughly one copy of that file—not a new copy each time it plays. Add the operating system, streaming software, logs, temporary files, and any alternate encodes or backups you keep on the VPS, then leave free space for normal operation. The right Contabo plan depends on those retained files; there is no universal minimum for every loop.
How to calculate the storage you need
- Measure the source file. Use the file’s actual size, not its playback duration. A 20 GB file takes about 20 GB on disk whether it plays once or repeatedly.
- Count every additional retained file. Include alternate encodes, overlays, graphics, music, logs, temporary working files, and any backup copy stored on the VPS. A second 20 GB copy roughly doubles the video-file portion to 40 GB.
- Allow space for the system and routine activity. The operating system and streaming software also occupy disk space; updates and temporary files need room. Do not treat the plan’s nominal capacity as space available entirely for videos, or plan to fill the disk.
- Compare the total with usable plan capacity. Choose a plan with enough capacity for the retained files and operational free space. Recheck current plan details before ordering.
This is a file-accounting estimate based on a one-file loop workflow, not a benchmark of a specific Contabo VPS. Your file sizes, extra workloads, and software determine the actual requirement.
Contabo storage options relevant to a video loop
Contabo’s Storage VPS documentation lists plans with 300 GB, 400 GB, 1 TB, 1.2 TB, and 1.4 TB SSD storage, and network ports ranging from 200 Mbit/s to 1 Gbit/s. Contabo positions this family for storage-heavy workloads, including media assets such as video files. These are documented plan capacities, not a guarantee that all nominal space is available for video.
Contabo’s VPS documentation also lists Core VPS capacities from 100–600 GB SSD and Performance VPS capacities from 150–900 GB NVMe. These are separate plan families: Storage VPS offers higher listed capacities on SSD, while Performance VPS emphasizes NVMe and compute performance. A video playing from disk does not, by itself, mean NVMe is necessary. Consider the encoder’s compute needs and other workloads as well as total retained data.
#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.
Storage VPS trade-offs
The Storage VPS documentation describes shared vCPUs and positions the storage for high-capacity use rather than extreme I/O workloads. It also says changing storage plans requires reinstalling, so back up your files and check the current change procedure before moving plans. Contabo’s traffic is subject to fair-use terms; the provider reserves the right to throttle exceptionally high or disruptive usage. Review the current terms rather than assuming that a large disk or listed port speed settles your continuous-streaming requirements.
Disk space and stream bitrate are different requirements
Disk capacity measures the files retained on your server. Bitrate measures the encoded data sent continuously to YouTube. A higher stream bitrate does not multiply the disk size of one loop file, but it does increase outbound traffic and the demand on the network path.
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.
YouTube’s live encoder settings vary by codec, resolution, and frame rate. For H.264 live ingest, YouTube lists 5–14 Mbps for 1080p at 30 fps and 3–8 Mbps for 720p at 30 fps. These are live output recommendations, not file-size estimates.
At a constant 5–14 Mbps, outbound data is approximately 2.25–6.3 GB per hour, or 54–151 GB per day, using decimal units. This is a bitrate-times-time calculation, not disk consumed by the source video. Actual network conditions and Contabo’s fair-use terms still apply.
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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.
Check the stream setup separately
YouTube recommends testing the stream and monitoring stream health. Its streaming tips recommend leaving 20% upload-bandwidth headroom. YouTube’s encoder guidance recommends a two-second keyframe frequency, says not to exceed four seconds, lists CBR as the bitrate setting, and recommends RTMPS. These are configuration recommendations, not a promise that a particular VPS will stream without interruption.
- Choose the output resolution, frame rate, and bitrate for the stream independently of the source file’s storage size.
- Check whether the selected VPS network path and applicable traffic terms can support the continuous outbound stream, including the recommended headroom.
- Test the encoder and monitor YouTube’s stream health before relying on the setup for continuous playback.
Or let it run in the cloud
If you would rather not maintain a VPS, StreamNeo keeps an uploaded video or playlist live on YouTube from the cloud: upload your recording, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. Nothing has to stay on at home; it streams your upload at its original quality up to 4K 60fps for one flat price per slot, and automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card required. Monthly: $9.99 per month. Start your free day with StreamNeo.
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.
