Recommended: Crashes or Glitches? A Free Driver Scan Usually Finds the Culprit →Recommended: Fix Windows Errors and Clear Junk Files in Minutes - Free Scan →Recommended: Update Every Outdated Driver on Your PC in One Scan - Free →
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
To keep an OBS playlist stream running, configure two separate things: enable Automatically Reconnect for OBS’s stream output, and enable looping on the media source or playlist. The first retries the connection to YouTube after a disconnect; the second restarts media when it reaches the end. Neither guarantees uninterrupted playback, so verify recovery in YouTube Live Control Room and test your setup before leaving it unattended.
Choose the right OBS source and enable looping
One video file
- In OBS, add a Media Source and select the video file.
- Open the source’s properties and enable Loop. This restarts that file when playback reaches its end; it does not reconnect OBS to YouTube.
A playlist of files
- Add a VLC Video source and add the files in the order you want them played.
- Leave Shuffle Playlist off if the order matters, and confirm Loop Playlist is enabled; OBS documents this option as on by default.
The VLC Video source requires VLC to be installed. OBS notes that 64-bit OBS requires 64-bit VLC. If the source is missing, check that VLC is installed and matches OBS’s 64-bit architecture. OBS: Media Sources
Set OBS to reconnect after a disconnect
- In OBS, open Settings → Advanced.
- Find the output reconnection controls and enable Automatically Reconnect.
- Set Retry Delay and Maximum Retries for your operating needs. OBS’s API documentation says the retry time doubles after each attempt to avoid overloading services; a retry count of zero disables reconnecting. OBS does not specify one best YouTube-specific delay or retry limit, so choose values appropriate to your monitoring and recovery plan rather than treating any preset as a guarantee.
These settings govern OBS’s output connection, not whether your playlist repeats. OBS’s output API reference describes the reconnect behavior.
Connect OBS to the intended YouTube stream
- Open the stream in YouTube Studio’s Live Control Room and copy its stream URL and stream key.
- In OBS, open Settings → Stream. Select YouTube if you are using its service connection, or enter the stream URL and key in the applicable fields.
- Keep the stream key private: YouTube treats it like a password. If you reset the key, update OBS with the new value. You need stream owner or manager permission to reset it.
- Confirm the intended stream and its preview in Live Control Room before relying on the broadcast.
OBS’s available connection options and YouTube’s current workflow may vary. See YouTube’s guide to streaming with an encoder for its stream setup and key guidance.
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Sale
Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 Studio Controller, 15 Macro Keys
- 15 Customizable LCD Keys: instantly control your apps, tools and platforms.
- One-Touch Operation: trigger single or multiple actions, launch social posts, adjust audio, mute mic, turn on lights, and much more.
- Visual Feedback: know that your command has been executed.
- Powerful Plugins: Elgato 4KCU, OBS, Twitch, YouTube, Twitter, Discord, Spotify, Philips Hue, and many more.
- Hotkey Actions: streamline your film editing, music production, photography workflow, etc.
Understand the three controls that affect continuity
| Control | What it does | What it does not do |
|---|---|---|
| OBS Automatically Reconnect | Retries OBS’s output connection after a disconnect, subject to its retry settings. | It does not loop media or prove that viewers see a recovered broadcast. |
| Media Source Loop or VLC Loop Playlist | Restarts a file or playlist after playback ends. | It does not reconnect OBS to YouTube. |
| YouTube Auto-start and Auto-stop | Controls whether YouTube starts or stops a broadcast in response to encoder connections or disconnections, according to the stream settings. | It does not loop your local playlist or replace OBS reconnect settings. |
Decide whether the broadcast should start and stop automatically or require manual action, then check the stream’s Auto-start and Auto-stop settings in Live Control Room. The behavior is separate from OBS’s reconnect and media-loop controls. YouTube’s encoder streaming instructions
Test the complete stream before leaving it unattended
- Play representative content, including the audio and motion patterns expected during the broadcast.
- Check the Live Control Room preview and stream-health messages. Confirm the public watch page is accessible.
- Test recovery by stopping the primary encoder or disconnecting its network, then observe whether OBS retries and whether the YouTube event recovers as intended.
- If you record locally, confirm the archive file exists and continues to grow during the test.
- Check upload capacity and encoder load under representative conditions. YouTube recommends testing ahead of time and using stream-health feedback; select codec, resolution, frame rate, and bitrate from its current encoder guidance rather than assuming one profile suits every connection.
- For a critical always-on broadcast, test a backup encoder or other failover path and decide who will monitor and respond to failures.
YouTube’s live encoder settings cover supported ingest settings and recommendations. A sound ingest setup can prevent avoidable problems, but it cannot guarantee uptime. YouTube also says that encoder streams under 12 hours are automatically archived; do not assume a single broadcast will create one archive indefinitely. YouTube: Find or edit your live stream archive
Rank #2
8Bitdo Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller for PC, Apple, Steam & Android, Black
- TMR Joysticks - Offering higher sensitivity, greater precision, and enhanced durability.
- 8BitDo Exclusive Wireless Technology - “8Speed”, it delivers an exceptionally stable 2.4G connection with ultra-low latency under 1ms. Engineered for rock-solid reliability, it features strong anti-interference and a 10m range with virtually no lag.
- Trigger Mode Switch - Easily switch between linear Hall Effect triggers and non-linear tactile triggers for optimal control across different gaming scenarios.
- 1000Hz Polling Rate (for 2.4G and wired connection). Customizable 6-Axis Motion Control. Turbo function. Rumble vibration. Support 8BitDo Ultimate Software V2.
- 2 Pro back paddle buttons, extra R4/L4 bumpers, and tactile bumpers & D-pad for enhanced control and faster response. Includes a multifunctional charging dock and USB-C adapter for seamless connectivity.
Troubleshoot when the playlist or stream stops
- OBS disconnects and never returns: Check OBS’s connection status and logs to see whether it is retrying or has reached its maximum. Confirm Automatically Reconnect is enabled and that Maximum Retries is not zero.
- The stream stays connected but the video ends: Check that the intended source is active, the files remain accessible, and Loop or Loop Playlist is enabled. Reconnect settings cannot restart an ended media source.
- OBS reports a connection, but YouTube is offline or unhealthy: Check the Live Control Room preview and health messages, and verify the public watch page. An OBS retry alone does not confirm viewer-facing recovery.
- OBS cannot start sending to YouTube: Confirm the stream URL and key are correct and correspond to the intended event. If you reset the key, copy the new key into OBS. YouTube’s encoder troubleshooting guidance also directs third-party encoder users to update the key when needed.
- Playback stutters or health warnings appear: Test upload speed and review encoder CPU and network conditions. Use YouTube’s current settings guidance for your selected codec, resolution, frame rate, and bitrate; reduce demands if the connection or encoder cannot sustain them.
- The broadcast does not start or stop as expected: Review YouTube’s Auto-start and Auto-stop settings. These govern broadcast lifecycle, not playlist looping.
Or let it run in the cloud
If you want a YouTube playlist to continue without leaving OBS and a computer running at home, StreamNeo is a cloud service for looping uploaded videos on a YouTube channel. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. Nothing has to stay on at home; videos stream as uploaded, up to 4K 60fps, at one price per slot regardless of quality. StreamNeo automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly service is $9.99 per month.
Quick Recap
Best Value
8Bitdo Ultimate 2C Wireless Controller for Windows PC and Android, with 1000 Hz Polling Rate, Hall Effect Joysticks and Triggers, and Remappable L4/R4 Bumpers (Purple)
- Compatible with Windows and Android.
- 1000Hz Polling Rate (for 2.4G and wired connection)
- Hall Effect joysticks and Hall triggers. Wear-resistant metal joystick rings.
- Extra R4/L4 bumpers. Custom button mapping without using software. Turbo function.
- Refined bumpers and D-pad. Light but tactile.
Rank #4
Sale
Elgato Stream Deck +, Audio Mixer and Studio Controller
- Tactile Control, Visual Feedback: LCD keys, touch strip, and dials for audio, video, lighting, and more; Know that your command has been executed
- Fully Customizable: Use as an audio mixer, studio controller, production console, etc
- Multi Actions, Smart Profiles: trigger multiple actions at once or sequentially, automatically switch between interface configurations for different apps
- Powerful Plugins: Elgato Wave Link, Camera Hub, Control Center, OBS, Twitch, YouTube, Twitter, Discord, Spotify, Philips Hue, and many more
- Stream Deck App and Store: drag and drop setup, download plugins, icons, thousands of royalty-free tracks, SFX, and more; Regular updates and new plugins frequently added
Rank #3
Sale
VSD M18 Macro Pad Programmable Keypad, Stream Controller Streaming Deck, Customizable LCD keys, Gaming shortcut keyboard, USB sound board, Trigger actions in OBS, Twitch, YouTube, Works with PC Mac
- 18 Programmable Keys Macro Keypad: This stream controller deck comes with 18 customizable macro keys (15 LCD visual keys + 3 physical buttons). Users may program single actions or multi-step sequences for daily operation. The keys support in-game combos, app launch and media playback control for multiple usage scenarios. Each LCD key accepts JPG, PNG and GIF images and animations to mark separate functions
- Single Tap Control: This USB macro keyboard pad supports single tap commands for quick operation. Users can trigger pre-set macros, input text, open files and web pages, adjust media playback, or switch OBS scenes with one tap. The straightforward layout fits gaming, live streaming and professional office task setup
- One Tap Multi-Shortcut: This macro controller pad streaming deck supports multi-shortcut macro programming for gamers and content creators. Custom shortcuts simplify game combo inputs, video editing, music production and photography workflows. The Operation Follow function runs multiple macro steps in custom order or simultaneous execution for adjustable task control
- Adjustable RGB Surround Light Ring - VSD M18 gaming streaming deck features an outer RGB light ring with auto color cycle mode. Custom RGB tones are available via device firmware upgrade. The light ring offers adjustable visual lighting for dim gaming, streaming and night work setups.
- Wide System Compatibility: This VSDinside macro control board works with Windows 11 and newer, macOS 11.0 and newer systems. Connect via USB-C cable for immediate use. It is compatible with mainstream software including OBS, Streamlabs, YouTube, Twitter, Discord, Excel, Word and Photoshop for daily production work. Native Linux system plug-and-play support is not available, while SDK development documents are provided for custom secondary development
Start your free day on StreamNeo.
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.
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
