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To stream a 4K video loop to YouTube with OBS, create an encoder stream in YouTube Studio, add the video as an OBS Media Source with Loop enabled, set OBS to a matching 3840Ă—2160 output and a YouTube-recommended codec and bitrate, then test the preview before going public. Your computer and internet connection must remain available for the full broadcast; use a local recording if you need a separate archive.
Before you start
Prepare the channel and the video before the planned broadcast. YouTube requires a verified channel with no live-stream restrictions in the preceding 90 days. First-time live-stream activation can take up to 24 hours, so enable it in advance. See YouTube’s live-streaming eligibility and setup guidance.
- Have the 4K video file on the computer running OBS, with enough free storage if you also plan to record the stream locally.
- Use a stable internet connection with sufficient upload capacity for the selected bitrate and additional headroom for network variation.
- Install OBS Studio and confirm that your computer and OBS build support the output codec and settings you intend to use.
- Decide whether the broadcast should be public, unlisted, or private, and whether you want to schedule it or start it immediately.
Create the YouTube encoder stream
- Open YouTube Studio and go to the Live Control Room.
- Create or schedule a stream and select the encoder setup. YouTube’s instructions are in Create a YouTube live stream with an encoder.
- Copy the stream URL and stream key from the stream setup. In OBS, enter them in the streaming settings. YouTube recommends RTMPS for standard RTMP-based streaming.
- Keep the stream key private. Treat it like a password: anyone who has it can send a feed to the associated stream. If it is exposed, replace or reset it in YouTube Studio before continuing.
Add the video and make it loop in OBS
- In OBS, select the scene you want to use. Under Sources, click + and choose Media Source.
- Create a new source or select an existing one. Choose the local video file. OBS documents common formats including MP4, TS, MOV, FLV, MKV, AVI, GIF, and WebM; see OBS Media Sources.
- Enable Loop in the Media Source properties. OBS describes this option as determining whether the file plays again once playback has completed.
- Confirm the source is visible in the preview. Resize or fit it to the canvas as needed, and check for cropping, black bars, or a distorted aspect ratio. Preserve the source’s aspect ratio rather than stretching it to fill the frame.
- If you use multiple scenes or toggle the source off and back on, check the Media Source’s restart-on-activation behavior so the video starts where you intend.
Set OBS output for 4K
For a full-resolution 4K presentation, set the OBS base canvas and output resolution to 3840Ă—2160, then select the frame rate that suits the source. Match the output to the source when practical; converting a lower-resolution or lower-frame-rate video to 4K does not add detail or motion information.
In OBS, open Settings and check the Video and Output sections. Choose a supported encoder and configure the bitrate and keyframe interval to match YouTube’s current guidance. YouTube’s recommendations for 2160p are:
Recommended Free Tools
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
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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.
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| Output | AV1 or H.265/HEVC ingestion range | H.264 recommended bitrate |
|---|---|---|
| 2160p at 30 fps | 8–35 Mbps | 30 Mbps |
| 2160p at 60 fps | 10–40 Mbps | 35 Mbps |
These are YouTube’s published encoder recommendations, not guaranteed results or independent performance benchmarks. Verify the current YouTube encoder settings and bitrate guidance before going live, since platform recommendations can change.
- Codec: YouTube lists H.264, H.265/HEVC, and AV1 for RTMP/RTMPS ingestion. Use a codec that both your OBS installation and computer support.
- Rate control: YouTube recommends CBR.
- Keyframes: Use a 2-second keyframe interval; YouTube says not to exceed 4 seconds.
- Bitrate: Select the recommendation for the chosen codec, resolution, and frame rate. Make sure your sustained upload capacity can support it with headroom.
- Color and HDR: For a straightforward SDR loop, use standard settings supported by your encoder. HDR is a separate HLS workflow with additional requirements; do not treat it as a drop-in change to an SDR setup. YouTube also notes that 2160p streams do not offer its “improve for low latency” option and use normal latency.
Connect OBS and test before broadcasting publicly
- In OBS, open Settings and the Stream section. Select YouTube or the relevant custom RTMP service option, then enter the stream URL and key copied from YouTube Studio.
- Apply the settings and return to the main OBS window. Start the encoder early enough to inspect the incoming feed in the YouTube Live Control Room preview.
- Check stream health, image framing, audio levels, and whether the loop restarts cleanly. Test scenes and movement similar to the actual program rather than checking only a still frame.
- Test on the network you will use for the broadcast, under realistic load. YouTube recommends reliable connectivity and upload bandwidth headroom; see YouTube streaming tips.
- When the preview is correct, start or schedule the public broadcast as appropriate. Follow YouTube Studio’s controls for ending the stream; stopping the OBS encoder and ending the event in the Live Control Room are distinct parts of managing a broadcast.
Plan for recordings and long broadcasts
If you need a copy independent of YouTube’s archive, enable local recording in OBS and confirm the save location has enough free space. YouTube recommends keeping a local backup. YouTube says streams under 12 hours can be automatically archived; broadcasts exceeding 12 hours may not be captured at all. See YouTube’s archive live streams guidance.
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- 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.)
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Check the resulting local file and available disk space rather than assuming a long recording completed successfully. If your goal is a continuous loop lasting longer than a normal viewing session, plan for the possibility of interruption, local storage limits, and the archive duration limit.
Troubleshoot common problems
- YouTube does not receive a signal: Check that OBS has the correct stream URL and current key, that the encoder is started, and that the network permits the connection. If the key may have been exposed or changed, copy the current one from Live Control Room.
- The stream appears soft or not in 4K: Verify both OBS canvas and output are set to 3840×2160, check the source file’s actual resolution, and review YouTube’s preview and stream health. A 4K output setting cannot restore detail absent from the original file.
- Video is cropped, stretched, or letterboxed: Check the source dimensions and aspect ratio against the canvas. Fit or resize the source without distorting it, and inspect the preview before going live.
- The loop stops at the end: Reopen Media Source properties and confirm Loop is enabled for the correct source. Verify that the selected file plays normally in OBS.
- The stream disconnects or reports poor health: Compare the selected bitrate with available upload capacity, reduce competing network traffic, and test again on a reliable connection. Keep bandwidth headroom rather than setting a bitrate equal to the connection’s best-case speed.
- The archive is missing or incomplete: Check the stream’s duration and do not rely on YouTube to preserve a broadcast exceeding 12 hours. For a needed copy, record locally and verify that recording separately.
- OBS does not offer the chosen encoder or codec: Check the installed OBS version and the computer’s supported encoders. Choose a supported option and use the corresponding YouTube settings rather than assuming every codec is available on every machine.
Copyright and YouTube policy checks
Before streaming, make sure you have the rights and permissions needed for the video and all included audio, images, and other material. A video being pre-recorded or looped does not change the rights attached to its contents. Review YouTube’s applicable live-stream rules and account status before scheduling; a stream can be interrupted or restricted if it violates platform rules or rights-holder requirements.
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
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Anker USB C Hub, 7in1 Multi-Port USB Adapter, 4K@60Hz USBC to HDMI Splitter
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Or let it run in the cloud
If you do not want the computer at home to run throughout the broadcast, StreamNeo keeps an uploaded video live on YouTube from the cloud. Upload the recording, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. It loops uploaded videos; it is not a camera broadcast.
- Nothing has to stay on at home: the stream runs in the cloud rather than relying on your computer or home connection.
- Any quality up to 4K 60fps streams as uploaded, at one flat price per slot, with no re-encode or quality tiers.
- It attempts automatic recovery if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free with no card required; one free day is available per account.
Monthly: $9.99 per month. See StreamNeo for details, then start the free day.
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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.
- 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.
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- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
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UGREEN USB to USB C Adapter Combo 4-Pack, 10Gbps USB C Converter Space Gray
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