You can loop an old video as a YouTube livestream by playing the file in OBS Studio, sending OBS’s output to a YouTube Live event, and checking the preview before you go live. This is a practical way to rebroadcast footage you have the rights to use—but it does not guarantee an uninterrupted 24/7 stream, a complete YouTube archive, or monetization.
Before you start: check access and rights
- Confirm live-stream eligibility. YouTube says a channel must be verified and have no live-streaming restriction in the previous 90 days. It also says streamers must be at least 16. See YouTube’s live-streaming requirements.
- Confirm you can use every part of the video. An old copy on your computer does not establish that you own the footage, music, or other material, or have permission to broadcast it. YouTube’s livestream terms require the provider to have the necessary rights.
- Plan for Content ID checks. YouTube scans live streams for third-party content and may interrupt or terminate a stream. A license may not prevent a match from affecting the broadcast; the rights holder may need to allowlist your channel through Content ID. See YouTube’s guidance on copyright issues with live streams.
- Decide whether this is a short event or an ongoing stream. OBS can loop a file, but looping playback is not an uptime guarantee. YouTube’s encoder and archive guidance does not establish a special procedure that guarantees an unattended 24/7 broadcast.
Loop an old video with OBS and YouTube Live
- Add the video in OBS. In your scene, select Sources → + → Media Source, create or choose a source, and browse to the video file. OBS Media Source supports common formats including MP4, TS, MOV, FLV, MKV, AVI, GIF, and WebM. The OBS Media Sources guide explains the source options.
- Enable repeat playback if needed. In the Media Source properties, select Loop if you want the video to restart automatically when it reaches the end. Leave it off if the video should play once. Looping only controls playback of the file; it does not reconnect OBS or guarantee YouTube stays live.
- Create or schedule an encoder stream in YouTube Studio. Open YouTube Studio’s Live Control Room and create a stream or schedule one. Follow the encoder setup to obtain the stream URL and stream key. YouTube’s encoder instructions cover this workflow.
- Enter the credentials in OBS. In OBS, open Settings → Stream, select YouTube as the service, and enter the stream URL and key as prompted. Treat the key like a password: do not show it in the video, screenshots, or public chat. If it is exposed, replace it in YouTube Studio and update OBS.
- Start OBS and inspect YouTube’s preview. Start streaming from OBS, then confirm in Live Control Room that the picture and audio arrive as expected. Check framing, volume, and playback before making the event public or sharing it. YouTube recommends test streams and monitoring audio and video quality in its live-streaming tips.
- Choose how the broadcast ends. YouTube’s auto-start and auto-stop behavior depends on the stream settings. When you are ready to end the event, stop the encoder feed as appropriate for those settings and verify the event status in Live Control Room. For a long or unattended broadcast, do not assume OBS will recover from every computer, network, or encoder failure.
Plan the replay separately from the livestream
A YouTube replay is not a dependable backup for a long continuous broadcast. YouTube says streams under 12 hours can be automatically archived, recommends keeping a local archive backup, and warns that streams longer than 12 hours may not be captured at all. Its archive live streams guidance explains the limits. If you need a complete copy, make and check a separate local recording rather than relying on the livestream archive.
Old videos, monetization, and channel policy
Rebroadcasting an old video does not by itself establish that a channel is eligible for monetization or that a particular stream will be approved. YouTube’s monetization features for live streams depend on channel eligibility and settings, and ad slots are not guaranteed to serve ads. Its live-stream monetization guidance describes the available features and conditions.
Copyright, reused-content review, and inauthentic-content policy are separate considerations. YouTube’s monetization policy page notes that on July 15, 2025, it renamed “repetitious content” to “inauthentic content” and clarified that repetitive or mass-produced content is ineligible for monetization; the page says its reused-content review was not changed and that other policies, including copyright, continue to apply. The outcome depends on the content and channel circumstances: do not assume every rebroadcast is automatically disallowed or automatically monetizable. Read YouTube’s channel monetization policies.
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- 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.
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- 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.
Keep it running locally or use a cloud service
With OBS, the computer running the encoder and the network connection it uses need to remain available for the broadcast. A hosted option can keep playback running in the cloud instead; check the service’s actual YouTube support, interruption handling, storage, and billing terms before relying on it for a continuous stream.
Or let it run in the cloud
StreamNeo is a cloud service for keeping a YouTube channel live from uploaded videos. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. The cloud loops the video, so no computer or home connection has to stay on. It streams the uploaded video as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot; it does not re-encode or use quality tiers. It can automatically recover if YouTube drops the stream. Each slot includes 10 GB of storage, pooled across active slots, 24/7 looping and playlists, and support from the StreamNeo team. The first day is free with no card, one free day per account; billing options are a day, a week, a month, six months, or a year, and you can cancel any time. UPI and cards are available in India, with card checkout worldwide. For five or more slots, contact support. StreamNeo plays uploaded videos to YouTube; it does not stream from a camera.
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.)
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Monthly: $9.99 per month. To start the free day, create a StreamNeo account.
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
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.
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- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our 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.
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