DriversRecommendedOutdated drivers can make a good PC feel brokenScan driver issues before chasing fixes manually.Scan NowOctober DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsPC HealthRecommendedCrashes, freezes, slowdowns? Check your PC nowSpot repairable issues before they interrupt work.Check PC×
Skip to content
DocumentaryTube
Admit one · Blog

Best OBS Plugins for Running a Prerecorded YouTube Channel 24/7

For a nonstop prerecorded YouTube stream, OBS’s built-in Media Source loops one file and VLC Video handles playlists. Advanced Scene Switcher is for scheduled or conditional OBS actions—not a substitute for stream-health checks.
Opened Runtime6 min Written byDocumentaryTube Team
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

You do not need an OBS plugin to repeat one prerecorded video: use OBS’s built-in Media Source and turn on Loop. For a playlist, use the VLC Video source; for scheduled or conditional OBS actions, consider Advanced Scene Switcher. Whatever playback route you choose, configure YouTube’s encoder settings correctly and monitor stream health. OBS-based streaming also means keeping the computer and connection running; for a cloud alternative, StreamNeo runs uploaded videos on YouTube without a computer left on.

Choose the right OBS option for your content

Need Option What it does Dependency or caveat
Repeat one video OBS Media Source Plays a supported local media file and can loop it when playback ends. Built into OBS; no plugin required.
Play several videos as a playlist, in order or shuffled OBS VLC Video source Plays a media playlist, with Loop Playlist and Shuffle Playlist options. Requires VLC installed. Match VLC’s bitness to OBS; 64-bit OBS requires 64-bit VLC.
Run actions in response to conditions or a schedule Advanced Scene Switcher Provides macros that can run actions when configured conditions are met; its listed conditions and actions include date/time, media, and streaming. Its updates page describes a Macro Schedule tab for arranging macro execution at a date and time. The listing reports version 1.36.1, dated August 7, 2026, and a minimum OBS Studio version of 31.1.1. Check compatibility with your installed OBS build.

Advanced Scene Switcher automates OBS actions; scheduling a macro should not be treated as a guarantee that a stream will stay live unattended. OBS and its media sources run on your computer, so the machine, OBS, and network connection need to remain available for a continuous broadcast.

Loop one prerecorded video with Media Source

  1. Add the source: In OBS, select the scene that will carry the video, then use the Sources panel’s + button and choose Media Source. Create a new source or select an existing one.
  2. Select the file: In the source properties, enable Local File and browse to the prerecorded video. OBS Media Source supports local video and audio files in supported formats; use a file OBS can decode.
  3. Enable looping: Turn on Loop in the Media Source properties, then confirm. The source repeats playback when the file reaches its end.
  4. Check the scene: Start playback in the preview and verify that the video and audio appear as expected. If the source is hidden or covered by another source, adjust its visibility or position in the Sources list.

This is the simplest route for a single recording. A playlist or shuffled selection calls for VLC Video instead.

Play a playlist with VLC Video

  1. Install VLC: Install the VLC build that matches the OBS bitness. OBS specifies that 64-bit OBS needs 64-bit VLC.
  2. Add a VLC source: In the desired scene, choose + in the Sources panel and select VLC Video.
  3. Add media: In the source properties, add the video files to the playlist and arrange their order.
  4. Set playback behavior: Enable Loop Playlist to repeat the list. Enable Shuffle Playlist if you want items played in randomized order rather than the listed sequence.
  5. Test the transitions: Play through the end of one item and into the next, then confirm the playlist restarts if looping is enabled. Check audio levels and ensure no unwanted gaps or black frames appear in the program output.

OBS documents Media Source and VLC Video playback options in its Media Sources guide.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
KOTIN Prebuilt Gaming PC RTX 5070 12GB, Ryzen 7 9700X, 32GB DDR5, 1TB SSD
  • POWERED BY RTX 5070 12GB + RYZEN 7 9700X - The GeForce RTX 5070 12GB GDDR7 graphics card pairs with an 8-core AMD Ryzen 7 9700X processor to drive smooth 1440p and 4K gameplay, giving this gaming PC the headroom for modern titles, streaming, and creative work.
  • 32GB DDR5 6000MHz MEMORY & 1TB NVMe SSD - 32GB of high-speed DDR5 memory and a 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe solid state drive deliver quick load times, smooth multitasking, and generous storage, keeping this prebuilt gaming desktop responsive under heavy workloads.
  • BUILT-IN 11.3-INCH Smart DISPLAY - An integrated smart screen shows real-time CPU and GPU temperatures, usage, and weather while you play, adding a distinctive and functional touch to your battlestation.
  • 850W 80+ GOLD POWER SUPPLY, 360MM LIQUID COOLING & WiFi 7 - An 850W 80 Plus Gold certified power supply provides stable, efficient power with headroom for future upgrades, while a 360mm AIO liquid cooler, WiFi 7, and an ARGB mid-tower case keep the Ryzen 7 CPU cool and connected in a clean build.
  • READY TO PLAY OUT OF THE BOX - Arrives fully assembled and tested with Windows 11 Home pre-installed, so your prebuilt gaming computer is ready to set up in minutes. Assembled in the USA, and backed by a one-year limited warranty and lifetime free technical support.

Use Advanced Scene Switcher only when automation is needed

For a straightforward loop, adding a macro plugin creates extra configuration without replacing the built-in loop control. Advanced Scene Switcher is more relevant when you need OBS to act on defined conditions or run scheduled actions—for example, switching scenes based on a configured time or media state.

  • Check the plugin listing against your installed OBS version before installing. It reports version 1.36.1 (August 7, 2026) and minimum OBS Studio 31.1.1.
  • Review the updates page for the Macro Schedule tab and the plugin’s current behavior.
  • Back up your OBS configuration before changing plugins or automation. Test each macro in a non-live session and confirm that the intended action happens under the actual condition.
  • Do not rely on a scheduled action alone to keep an unattended broadcast online; it does not remove the need for a functioning computer, OBS session, and network connection.

Configure YouTube’s encoder settings before going live

The source or plugin controls what OBS plays; YouTube’s encoder settings govern how OBS sends the live feed. YouTube recommends RTMPS, CBR, and a two-second keyframe interval, with a maximum interval of four seconds. Choose resolution and bitrate for your network capacity and use YouTube’s current table rather than assuming a setting that works for one connection will work for another. YouTube’s guide lists supported codecs and frame rates up to 60 fps.

Rank #2
Skytech Gaming PC Shadow 5, Ryzen 7, RTX 5060 Ti 8GB, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD
  • AMD Ryzen 7 8700F 4.1GHz (5GHz Turbo Boost) CPU Processor | 1TB NVMe M.2 SSD – Up to 30x Faster Than Traditional HDD | High-Performance Air Cooler
  • NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 8GB GDDR7 Graphics Card (Brand may vary) | 16GB DDR5 RAM 6000 Non-RGB Gaming Memory with Heat Spreader | Windows 11 Home
  • WI-FI 5 802.11ac | No Bloatware | Graphic output options include 1 x HDMI, and 1 x Display Port Promised, Additional Ports may vary | USB Ports Including 2.0, 3.0, and 3.2 Gen1 Ports | HD Audio & Mic | Free Gaming Keyboard & Mouse
  • High-Performance Air Cooler: Maximum Airflow & ARGB Fans | Skytech Shadow 5 Gaming Case with Tempered Glass, Black | 1 Year Warranty on Parts and Labor | Free Technical Support | Assembled in the USA
  • This powerful gaming PC is capable of running all your favorite games such as Elden Ring Nightreign, Baldur's Gate 3, Cyberpunk 2077, Hogwarts Legacy, Helldivers 2, Diablo IV, Starfield, Valorant, Counter-Strike 2, Forza Horizon 5, Resident Evil 9, Alan Wake 2, Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, God of War Ragnarök, Overwatch 2, Dragon's Dogma 2, Marvel's Spider-Man, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33,, more at Ultra settings, detailed 1080p Full HD resolution, and smooth 60+ FPS gameplay.
  1. Prepare the YouTube broadcast: In YouTube Studio, create or schedule a live stream and obtain its stream key. Keep the key private; anyone who has it may be able to send video to your stream.
  2. Connect OBS: In OBS, open Settings > Stream, choose YouTube as the service, and connect the account or enter the stream key according to the available option. Confirm that OBS is sending to the intended YouTube event.
  3. Set the encoder: In Settings > Output, select the streaming encoder and configure CBR. Set the keyframe interval to two seconds; do not exceed four seconds.
  4. Choose an appropriate video mode: In Settings > Video, set the output resolution and frame rate to match the source and your available upload bandwidth. Use YouTube’s bitrate guidance for the selected resolution and frame rate, and leave capacity for normal network variation.
  5. Run a representative test: Test the exact scene, video motion, audio, resolution, and encoder settings you intend to use. Check YouTube’s stream health before and while broadcasting, and address warnings rather than assuming a successful OBS preview means YouTube is receiving a healthy feed.

Consult YouTube’s encoder settings, bitrates, and resolutions guide for current values and its encoder setup instructions for creating a stream. Its encoder guide also identifies a cloud-based 24/7 prerecorded-streaming service category; that does not establish or compare any provider’s terms.

Copyright, reused content, and channel rules

A video being prerecorded does not exempt it from YouTube’s rules. Use only material you own or are authorized to broadcast, including music, footage, images, and any third-party clips. A live stream can be interrupted or restricted if it contains content that violates copyright or other platform policies. YouTube’s monetization policies also assess a channel’s content; repeatedly looping material does not by itself establish that a channel qualifies for monetization. Review YouTube’s current copyright and monetization policies for the specific channel and content before scheduling a long broadcast.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #3
msi Codex Z2 Gaming Desktop, AMD R7-8700F, RTX 5070, 32GB DDR5, 2TB SSD
  • POWERHOUSE 8-CORE GAMING PERFORMANCE — Driven by the AMD Ryzen 7 8700F with 8 cores and 16 threads, boosting up to 5.0 GHz for smooth, responsive gameplay and the ability to handle AAA titles, streaming, and background tasks all at once
  • NEXT-GEN BLACKWELL ARCHITECTURE — The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 is powered by NVIDIA's cutting-edge Blackwell GPU architecture, delivering a massive generational leap in rasterization and ray tracing performance so you can experience your games the way they were meant to be played.
  • Simplistic Design: Enjoy the latest generation of Windows 11 Home for your everyday needs. *MSI recommends Windows 11 Pro for business use.
  • Cool While Gaming: In conjunction with an ARGB fan Air Cooler, the Codex R2 features four system cooling fans; three in the front and one in the rear to pull in cool air and push heat out of the PC.
  • Turn on the Bright Lights: With the built-in RGB lighting, take your gaming experience to the next level by pressing the MSI LED button to cycle through lighting options. Customize lighting even further with MSI Center software.

Troubleshoot common failures

Symptom Likely cause What to check
One video stops at the end Loop is not enabled, or the source is not Media Source. Open the Media Source properties and enable Loop; verify the intended source is visible in the active scene.
VLC Video is missing or cannot play the playlist VLC is not installed, or its bitness does not match OBS. Install the VLC build matching OBS; in particular, 64-bit OBS requires 64-bit VLC.
Playlist ends instead of repeating or playing randomly The playlist behavior options are disabled. Open VLC Video properties and enable Loop Playlist and, if wanted, Shuffle Playlist.
Advanced Scene Switcher will not install or behaves unexpectedly OBS version compatibility, plugin changes, or macro conditions may be involved. Check the plugin listing’s minimum version against your OBS build, review updates, back up settings, and test macros outside a live broadcast.
YouTube reports poor stream health or the broadcast disconnects Encoder configuration, upload capacity, or network stability may be inadequate. Check YouTube’s stream-health feedback, confirm RTMPS and CBR, use the recommended two-second keyframe interval (no more than four seconds), and reduce output demands if the connection cannot sustain them.
Picture is present but audio is absent or wrong The file may lack the expected audio, the source may be muted, or the scene’s audio routing may be incorrect. Test the file locally, inspect OBS audio meters and mute controls, and verify the correct audio reaches the stream in a private or otherwise appropriate test.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Or let it run in the cloud

If your aim is to keep uploaded videos live on YouTube without leaving a home computer running, StreamNeo is a cloud service for looping prerecorded uploads on YouTube. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. The cloud keeps the stream running without OBS or a home connection staying on. Any uploaded quality up to 4K 60fps streams as made at one flat price per slot, without re-encoding or quality tiers; automatic recovery is available if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card, one free day per account. Monthly service is $9.99 per month.

Best Value
suevery Gaming PC Desktop Computer Ryzen 5,16GB DDR4 512G SSD, RX 560 4G
  • 【6-Core Ryzen 5 Prebuilt Gaming PC | Smooth Large Game & Streaming Performance】 The Suevery prebuilt gaming PC features an Ryzen 5 6-Core processor (3.6GHz Base, 4.1GHz Boost) and Radeon RX 560 4GB Graphics Card. It delivers lag-free gameplay for large games, seamless high-definition streaming, and smooth creative software operation, meeting gamers and content creators' reliable performance needs.
  • 【16GB DDR4 RAM + 512GB NVMe SSD | Blazing-Fast Boot & Load Speeds】 16GB DDR4 RAM supports simultaneous operation of multiple games, browser tabs and office apps without slowdowns. The 512GB NVMe SSD (up to 30x faster than traditional HDDs) enables fast boot-ups, instant game loads and quick file transfers, with ample storage for games, videos and work files.
  • 【Wi-Fi 6 Gaming Tower | Versatile Connectivity for Multi-Scenarios】 This tower gaming desktop has Wi-Fi 6 for fast, stable wireless internet, ideal for online gaming and high-definition streaming. It also includes 2× USB 3.0 and 4× USB 2.0 ports to connect peripherals, storage and office devices, suitable for gaming, home and office use.
  • 【RGB Cooling System | Stable Operation】 The advanced air cooling system with customizable RGB fans keeps the gaming tower PC cool and quiet during intense gaming. Optimized airflow maintains optimal component temperatures, preventing overheating and ensuring stable performance for long gaming sessions or heavy office workloads. Sleek RGB lighting adds a gaming-inspired aesthetic.
  • 【Prebuilt Tower PC | Adapt to Gaming/Work/Home/Office】 This prebuilt tower gaming PC is versatile for streaming, work, home and office tasks—from video editing and design software to daily office work and browsing. Ready to use with no extra setup, it meets the needs of gamers, remote workers and home users.
Rank #4
YAWYORE Gaming PC Desktop Computer AMD R5 5600GT 16GB 1TB NVMe Towers WiFi
  • Powerful Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 5600GT 3.6GHz (4.6GHz Turbo) 6-Core 12-Thread processor brings faster response time to easily handle multi-threaded tasks
  • Motherboard Specification: MSI A520M-A PRO motherboard provides reliable performance and expandability for your computing needs
  • Integrated Graphics: AMD Radeon Vega Graphics (CPU Integration) enables you to play 1080P mainstream games at quality frame rates
  • Memory and Storage: 16GB DDR4 3200MHz RAM paired with 1TB M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD for fast multitasking and quick data access
  • Power Supply: 550W 80PLUS Bronze certified power supply ensures stable and energy-efficient operation

Start your free StreamNeo day.

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.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More from the Screening Room

  1. How to Send a YouTube Live Stream to a Premiere—and What “Premiere Playlist” Can’t DoAdmit one · BlogHow to Send a YouTube Live Stream to a Premiere-and What “Premiere Playlist” Can't DoOpened04 OCT 2026Runtime6 min
  2. How to Run a YouTube Live Playlist from a Raspberry PiAdmit one · BlogHow to Run a YouTube Live Playlist from a Raspberry PiOpened04 OCT 2026Runtime4 min
  3. How to Make a 24/7 Indian Music YouTube Stream Restart After a Server RebootAdmit one · BlogHow to Make a 24/7 Indian Music YouTube Stream Restart After a Server RebootOpened04 OCT 2026Runtime6 min
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They SpreadFree repair scan
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You DownFree scan - exact matches

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.