To loop a prerecorded video as a YouTube live stream with OBS, enable YouTube Live, add the video as an OBS Media Source with Loop turned on, connect OBS using the stream URL and key from YouTube Studio, then start the encoder and confirm the preview. For a playlist, use OBS’s VLC Video source and enable Loop Playlist. OBS runs on your computer, so it must stay powered on and connected to the internet for the stream to continue.
Before you start: check YouTube Live eligibility
Your channel must be verified and have had no live-streaming restrictions in the preceding 90 days. YouTube says first-time live-stream enablement can take up to 24 hours, so activate it before you plan to broadcast. YouTube’s general guidance sets a minimum age of 16 for live streaming. See YouTube’s live-streaming eligibility guidance.
Set up the YouTube broadcast
- In YouTube Studio, open the Live Control Room and create a stream from the Stream tab. If you want an upcoming event page, schedule the stream instead.
- Enter the title and description, choose visibility (public, private, or unlisted), and set any other metadata in YouTube Studio.
- Copy the stream URL and stream key shown in Live Control Room. Treat the key as a password; do not share it. If it is exposed, reset it in Live Control Room and update OBS.
YouTube’s encoder setup instructions are at Create a YouTube live stream with an encoder, and its controls for auto-start, auto-stop, and other stream options are covered in Manage live stream settings.
Add and loop your prerecorded video in OBS
For one video file
- Open OBS and select or create the scene you want to broadcast.
- In the Sources panel, select +, then add Media Source.
- Choose the local video file. Common formats documented by OBS include MP4, MOV, MKV, and WebM.
- Enable Loop, then confirm the source. Check the OBS preview to make sure the picture appears as expected.
For a rotating playlist
- Install VLC if it is not already installed; OBS requires VLC for its VLC Video source.
- In the scene’s Sources panel, add a VLC Video source and create a playlist from the files you want to rotate.
- Enable Loop Playlist and check the preview.
OBS documents these source options in its Media Sources guide.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →#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.
Connect OBS to YouTube with the stream key
- In OBS, open Settings > Stream.
- Select YouTube or YouTube RTMPS if available. Otherwise, enter the server URL and stream key copied from Live Control Room in the corresponding fields.
- Prefer RTMPS when available. In Live Control Room, use the lock icon to reveal the RTMPS server URL, then use that URL in OBS. RTMPS is YouTube’s encrypted RTMP ingest option.
- Save the settings. Keep the key private; anyone who has it may be able to send a feed to your stream.
If OBS reports a connection or SSL error, confirm that you copied the RTMPS URL (it begins with rtmps) rather than the ordinary RTMP URL. YouTube lists port 443 as a troubleshooting option when needed. Details are in YouTube’s RTMPS guidance.
Start the stream and verify it is live
- In OBS, select Start Streaming.
- Open the stream in Live Control Room and wait for the preview. For a scheduled broadcast, click Go live after the preview arrives unless auto-start is enabled.
- Open the watch page and confirm that viewers can access it and that both audio and video are working.
- Monitor the stream after launch. A moving OBS preview alone does not confirm that YouTube is receiving a healthy broadcast.
YouTube recommends setting up encoder streams in advance, checking the Live Control Room preview and watch-page access, and monitoring audio and video quality. See YouTube’s live-streaming tips.
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.
Keep the broadcast running—and understand replay limits
With OBS, the source file is local. The computer, OBS, the file, power, and internet connection all need to remain available for uninterrupted playout. A power cut, lost connection, computer sleep, OBS crash, or unavailable source can interrupt the feed; this is an operational consequence of the local encoder setup, not a guarantee of platform uptime.
YouTube says streams under 12 hours are automatically archived. Its encoder guide does not promise an archive for a stream lasting 12 hours or longer, so do not assume a continuous 24-hour broadcast will produce a complete replay. If retaining recordings matters, use shorter scheduled sessions and check that each recording appears in your channel’s Live tab. YouTube’s encoder guide does not establish a maximum duration for one uninterrupted broadcast.
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.
YouTube’s DVR setting lets viewers pause, rewind, and resume a live stream, but the cited settings guidance does not establish a 24-hour rewind window for this setup. Auto-start and auto-stop also affect whether starting or stopping the encoder automatically starts or ends the broadcast; check those settings before scheduling.
Common problems and fixes
- No Live Control Room preview: Confirm that OBS is streaming to the correct YouTube server URL and that the stream key belongs to the broadcast you created. Check the OBS connection status and YouTube preview before going live.
- RTMPS or SSL connection error: Confirm the URL begins with
rtmpsand came from the RTMPS option in Live Control Room. If needed, follow YouTube’s port 443 troubleshooting guidance. - The video stops after one play: Reopen the Media Source properties and confirm Loop is enabled. For multiple videos, check Loop Playlist on the VLC Video source.
- VLC Video is missing in OBS: Install VLC, then restart OBS and check the source menu again.
- The feed stops while unattended: Check whether the computer slept, lost power or internet, OBS closed, or the video file became unavailable. A local OBS setup depends on those components remaining operational.
- The stream is live in OBS but not publicly viewable: Check visibility and scheduled-stream settings in YouTube Studio, then verify access from the watch page. If the stream is scheduled, use Go live after the preview unless auto-start is enabled.
Copyright and channel-policy checks
Having permission to broadcast a video and being eligible to monetize a channel are separate questions. Before streaming, make sure you have the necessary rights to the video, music, and other material. Repeating prerecorded content does not itself establish that a channel meets YouTube’s monetization policies. Review the current rules for your channel and content in YouTube Studio, and use the copyright safety checklist as a pre-stream check.
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
Or let it run in the cloud
If you do not want a computer at home to remain on, StreamNeo runs prerecorded video as a continuous YouTube stream from the cloud. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. Nothing has to stay on at home; it streams the upload as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one price per slot, and automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card.
Monthly: $9.99 per month. StreamNeo is for prerecorded video sent to YouTube, not camera-based broadcasting. Start your free day at StreamNeo.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →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.
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.
