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To loop a gaming video in a YouTube live broadcast, add it to an OBS scene as a Media Source and enable Loop. For a playlist, add an OBS VLC Video source and leave Loop Playlist enabled. Then connect OBS to a YouTube Live stream with its stream key, preview the feed, and check stream health before and after going live.
What “loop” means in a live stream
Here, looping means OBS repeatedly plays a local video or playlist as part of the scene it broadcasts to YouTube. It is different from YouTube’s viewer-side Loop control, which repeats an already published video on its watch page and does not configure a live encoder. YouTube explains the viewer control for computers, mobile devices, TVs, and gaming consoles in its Loop videos or playlists help page.
Choose a single video or a playlist
| Need | OBS source | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Repeat one local video | Media Source | Built into OBS; enable the source’s Loop property. No VLC source is needed. |
| Play several local files in sequence or shuffle | VLC Video | Supports a playlist and requires VLC media player to be installed. Keep Loop Playlist enabled to restart after the final item. |
OBS documents common video formats including MP4, TS, MOV, FLV, MKV, AVI, GIF, and WebM, and audio formats including MP3, AAC, OGG, and WAV. A listed format is not a guarantee that every file will decode properly on every computer. See OBS Media Sources for supported formats and source properties.
Loop one gaming video with OBS Media Source
- Open OBS and select the scene you intend to send to YouTube.
- In the Sources dock, add a Media Source. Create a new source or select an existing one.
- In the source properties, choose the local video file.
- Enable Loop. OBS lists this property as off by default; when enabled, the file plays again after it reaches the end.
- Check the OBS preview. Confirm that the video is visible and that its audio is present at an appropriate level.
Loop a playlist with OBS VLC Video
- Install VLC media player if it is not already installed. OBS says VLC Video is available on Windows, macOS, and Linux when VLC is installed; for 64-bit OBS, install 64-bit VLC.
- In the broadcast scene, add a VLC Video source.
- Add the desired media files to the source’s playlist.
- Leave Loop Playlist enabled so the source starts again after the last playlist item. OBS lists this setting as on by default.
- Enable Shuffle Playlist only if you want randomized playback order; OBS lists it as off by default.
- Review Stop when not visible, restart when visible. OBS lists this behavior as the default. If the source may be hidden during scene changes, consider whether stopping and restarting playback is suitable for your broadcast.
- Watch the preview long enough to confirm that the playlist plays and its audio is working.
Connect OBS to YouTube Live
YouTube describes encoder streaming as a way to broadcast gameplay, overlays, and external audio or video equipment. Your channel must be verified and have no live-streaming restrictions in the previous 90 days. YouTube says enabling live streaming for the first time may take up to 24 hours. Check the current steps in YouTube’s guide to creating a live stream with an encoder.
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#1 Best Overall
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LAPGEAR Home Office Pro Lap Desk - Black Carbon, Fits 15.6” Laptops
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 14.1" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy ergonomic support with the integrated cushioned wrist rest.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
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- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.8 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
- In YouTube Studio, open the Live Control Room and create or select the stream you plan to use.
- Copy the stream destination and stream key shown for that stream into the corresponding streaming settings in OBS. YouTube describes the key as the password/address that directs the encoder feed to the stream.
- Keep the stream key private. Someone who obtains it may be able to send a feed to the configured stream.
- Use RTMPS, which YouTube recommends for encoder streaming. Set resolution, frame rate, and bitrate to suit your intended output and available upload bandwidth; there is no single bitrate that is right for every stream. Consult YouTube’s encoder settings, bitrates, and resolutions guidance.
Preview and check the broadcast
- Confirm the looping source is visible and playing in the intended OBS scene.
- Use the YouTube Live Control Room preview before starting the public broadcast.
- Test with movement and audio representative of the actual stream; a static test image may not expose motion or sound problems.
- Make sure your upload connection has headroom beyond the chosen stream bitrate. YouTube recommends leaving bandwidth headroom.
- After starting, monitor audio and video quality and the stream health indicator in the Live Control Room. YouTube’s live streaming tips cover previewing and monitoring.
- Stop the encoder once the YouTube event has ended.
Source looping is not YouTube DVR
OBS’s Loop and Loop Playlist settings control what the encoder sends. YouTube’s DVR setting instead affects whether viewers can pause, resume, or rewind within a live stream. YouTube says DVR rewind may be limited or unavailable for streams longer than 12 hours; it does not cause the broadcast video to repeat. See YouTube’s DVR guidance and live stream settings help.
Troubleshoot common loop and broadcast problems
| Symptom | Likely cause | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| The video plays once and stops | Loop is off for a Media Source, or Loop Playlist is off for VLC Video. | Open that source’s properties and enable the relevant loop setting. |
| VLC Video is missing from the source list | VLC is not installed, or its architecture does not match OBS. | Install VLC; if you use 64-bit OBS, install 64-bit VLC. |
| A playlist stops or restarts after switching scenes | The source may be hidden and the default visibility behavior stops and restarts it. | Review the VLC Video visibility behavior and test scene changes in preview. |
| The picture or sound is absent in OBS | The wrong source or file may be selected, or the file may not decode correctly on that machine. | Check the selected file and source properties, then verify picture and audio in the OBS preview. A listed format does not guarantee successful decoding. |
| YouTube does not receive the feed | The stream key or destination may not match the selected YouTube stream, or the channel may not be eligible to stream. | Verify the stream details in Live Control Room and check the channel requirements. Keep the key private. |
| The feed is unstable or its health is poor | The selected output settings may exceed reliable upload capacity. | Check YouTube’s recommended settings, leave upload bandwidth headroom, and monitor stream health during a test. |
Or let it run in the cloud
If you want a pre-recorded video or playlist to keep a YouTube channel live without leaving OBS and a computer running at home, StreamNeo runs the loop in the cloud. Upload your recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. It streams the upload as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one price per slot regardless of quality; it automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly access is $9.99 per month. Start your free StreamNeo day.
Quick Recap
Bestseller No. 2
Best Value
Sale
LAPGEAR Home Office Lap Desk – Pink, Fits 15.6” Laptops
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 12" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy laptop support with the integrated device ledge.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a blush pink color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.14 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
Rank #4
AboveTEK Portable Laptop Lap Desk w/Retractable Left/Right Mouse Pad Tray, Non-Slip Heat Shield Tablet Notebook Computer Stand Table w/Sturdy Stable Work Surface for Bed Sofa Couch or Travel
- Anti-Slip Surface - Transform your laptop into a mobile workstation with the AboveTEK portable laptop lap desk. The anti-slip surface provides a strong grip for laptops up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), while the double rubber strip on the bottom ensures a stable display or typing experience on your lap, couch, or bed.
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- Widely Applicable - The smooth platform accommodates laptops and tablets up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), making it a versatile accessory and one of the best gifts for mom, dad, students and professionals. Perfect for use as a laptop bed tray or tablet holder anywhere at home, library, or park.
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Yilador Webcam Cover 3 Pack, 0.03 inch Ultra Thin Laptop Camera Cover Slide
- Note: Not suitable for MacBooks released after 2023 or devices with a protruding front camera; Not applicable to full-screen or notch-style tempered glass screen protectors; Do not use on the rear camera of the phone.
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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.
- 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.
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