Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsUse OBS Media Source when you want to repeat one video file; enable its Loop option, which is off by default. Use VLC Video Source when you need a playlist: its Loop Playlist option is on by default, and Shuffle Playlist is off by default. VLC Video Source requires VLC to be installed, with 64-bit VLC for 64-bit OBS. These settings determine how media plays, not which source is more reliable for keeping a 24/7 broadcast online.
Which OBS source should you choose?
| Your playback need | Choose | Important setting or dependency |
|---|---|---|
| Repeat one local video file | Media Source | Enable Loop; it defaults off. |
| Play multiple items in a playlist | VLC Video Source | Loop Playlist defaults on and Shuffle Playlist defaults off. VLC must be installed. |
OBS documents Media Source for common video formats such as MP4, TS, MOV, FLV, MKV, AVI, GIF and WebM, as well as audio formats including MP3, AAC, OGG and WAV. VLC Video Source is the option for a playlist. Confirm the controls and defaults in your installed OBS version, since documentation may change. OBS Project: Media Sources
Set up a looping source in OBS
For one repeating file
- Add a Media Source to the scene and select the local file.
- Open the source properties and enable Loop.
- Review visibility behavior if the source may be hidden when scenes change. Media Source also exposes controls such as restart on activation, hardware decoding when available, hide at end, close when inactive, playback speed and color range.
For a playlist
- Install VLC before adding a VLC Video Source. If your OBS installation is 64-bit, install 64-bit VLC.
- Add the VLC Video Source and configure its playlist items.
- Review Loop Playlist and Shuffle Playlist for the intended order. Their documented defaults are loop on and shuffle off.
- Check visibility behavior and the source’s other relevant properties; VLC Video Source includes network caching, audio-track and subtitle controls.
Connect OBS to YouTube Live
- Check live-stream eligibility. YouTube’s guidance says a channel must be verified and must not have had a live-streaming restriction in the previous 90 days. See YouTube’s live-streaming setup guidance.
- Create or configure the YouTube live event, then enter the YouTube stream URL and stream key in OBS’s streaming settings. Treat the stream key as a credential: do not share it publicly.
- Start the encoder and verify the outgoing picture and audio in YouTube. YouTube recommends testing the complete output and monitoring stream-health indicators during the broadcast. Its encoder setup guidance is at YouTube Help: Live streaming with an encoder.
The source’s loop control only tells OBS what to do when a file or playlist reaches its end. It does not keep OBS running, maintain your computer or internet connection, or reconnect YouTube if the broadcast drops. OBS’s source documentation describes playback controls; YouTube’s guidance covers encoder setup and monitoring. Neither establishes that Media Source or VLC Video Source is more dependable over an extended broadcast.
Plan separately for a complete archive
YouTube says streams under 12 hours can be automatically archived, but warns that a stream exceeding 12 hours may not be captured at all. A continuous 24/7 event therefore should not be treated as a guaranteed complete archive. If preserving the full recording matters, plan a separate local recording or another archive workflow, then verify that local archive files are intact. YouTube’s warning is in Archive live streams.
#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.
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Troubleshoot common setup problems
- The single file stops at the end: Open Media Source properties and enable Loop.
- The playlist does not repeat or plays in a different order: Check Loop Playlist and Shuffle Playlist in VLC Video Source properties.
- VLC Video Source is unavailable or fails to load media: Confirm VLC is installed and that its architecture matches OBS; 64-bit OBS requires 64-bit VLC.
- The source disappears after a scene change: Review the source’s visibility and restart behavior, including restart-on-activation or close-when-inactive where applicable.
- The media loops but the YouTube broadcast goes offline: Looping is not a connection-recovery mechanism. Check OBS, the computer and internet connection, then inspect YouTube’s stream-health indicators and reconnect using the configured stream URL and key as needed.
- The broadcast exists but its archive is incomplete or missing: A stream exceeding 12 hours may not be captured at all. Use a separate recording/archive plan if completeness is important.
Or let it run in the cloud
If you want a YouTube channel to keep playing uploaded videos without leaving a computer on, StreamNeo runs the loop in the cloud: upload your video or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. Nothing has to stay on at home; it streams the uploaded quality up to 4K 60fps at one flat price per slot, with automatic recovery if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly service is $9.99 per month. StreamNeo plays uploaded videos to YouTube; it does not stream from a camera. Start your free first 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.
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Rank #4
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- 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
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Rank #3
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Rank #2
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- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
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