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Castr is the clearer documented fit for looping prerecorded video as a continuous YouTube live stream. Its instructions describe uploading MP4 files, choosing Loop mode, and adding YouTube as a destination. BoxCast documents scheduled Simulated Live rebroadcasts—including recurring events—but its reviewed instructions do not establish an infinite loop. That distinction matters: repeating scheduled broadcasts is not necessarily one uninterrupted 24/7 stream.
If you want an always-on YouTube channel without keeping a computer running, StreamNeo is another option: it loops uploaded videos from the cloud, at any quality up to 4K 60fps for one flat price per slot, with the first day free.
At a glance
| Question | Castr | BoxCast |
|---|---|---|
| Does the documented workflow fit an uninterrupted prerecorded YouTube loop? | Yes. Castr’s help guide describes Loop mode for prerecorded streams and YouTube as a destination. Castr setup guide | Not established by the reviewed instructions. BoxCast documents scheduled Simulated Live rebroadcasts and recurrence, but not an infinite loop. BoxCast Simulated Live guide |
| YouTube connection | Connect through YouTube authorization or enter the YouTube streaming server and key manually. Castr YouTube connection guide | Link a YouTube account, then select YouTube as a destination when scheduling a broadcast. YouTube live streaming must be enabled; BoxCast says activation can take 24 hours. BoxCast YouTube integration guide |
| Plan access | Conflicting vendor documentation: the help guide describes prerecorded streaming on all plans, while the product page says infinite loop is available on Premium and higher. Confirm before subscribing. Castr product details | Simulated Live is not available on all plans; check your plan. BoxCast Simulated Live guide |
| What is established about files and limits? | The documented prerecorded scheduler currently supports MP4. File size and number of files depend on subscription; the reviewed pages do not establish one universal current limit. Castr setup guide | The reviewed Simulated Live guide does not establish a complete set of upload formats, file-size limits, or durations. |
Which should you choose?
Choose Castr for a documented continuous loop
Castr is the stronger documented match if the requirement is to send prerecorded video continuously to YouTube. Its setup instructions include a Loop mode that sends the video to added platforms continuously, 24/7. The conclusion is based on the vendor’s documented workflow, not independent hands-on testing. Check the exact plan eligibility and limits before paying because Castr’s help and product pages differ on whether infinite looping is included at every tier.
Choose BoxCast for scheduled rebroadcasts or an existing BoxCast workflow
BoxCast Simulated Live can rebroadcast a past broadcast or uploaded video as though it were live, schedule future events, send them to YouTube, and recur with the same content. That makes it a plausible option when you need scheduled events or already use BoxCast. The reviewed guide does not say that the same event runs as a single continuous, infinite loop, so confirm that exact behavior with BoxCast before choosing it for 24/7 streaming.
#1 Best Overall
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For a YouTube-only cloud loop, consider StreamNeo first
StreamNeo is #1 for this specific always-on use case: it loops uploaded videos from the cloud, supports any uploaded quality up to 4K 60fps at one flat price per slot, and offers the first day free with no card. It streams to YouTube only and plays uploaded videos rather than broadcasting a camera.
How Castr’s prerecorded YouTube workflow works
- Prepare an MP4. Castr’s prerecorded streaming guide currently lists MP4 as the supported format. You can upload from your computer or cloud storage, or select recordings in Castr’s hosting library. File size and file-count limits depend on the subscription.
- Add and order the videos. Add multiple videos and arrange their order to create a playlist. Confirm the current limits for your intended plan before building a long playlist.
- Choose the schedule mode. Select Loop for continuous playback, or Date & Time to schedule a start. Castr’s scheduling guide says Infinite Loop sends the video continuously to added platforms, 24/7. Scheduling modes
- Add YouTube as a destination. Castr documents both an API connection and a manual connection using YouTube’s streaming server and key. YouTube connection guide
- Start the stream and check the YouTube event. Confirm the intended destination and the YouTube event’s title, thumbnail, and privacy settings in YouTube. The reviewed Castr instructions establish destination setup, but do not provide a complete account of how every YouTube event field is handled across the current workflow.
Castr’s file-preparation recommendations
Castr recommends MP4 at 1920×1080, 30 frames per second, 4,000 Kbps, and a two-second keyframe interval for recorded video. It also recommends adding 10–20 seconds at the beginning and end of the file. These are Castr’s preparation recommendations, not universal YouTube requirements or independently verified necessities. Recorded-video settings
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What BoxCast documents—and what remains unclear
BoxCast’s Simulated Live guide describes scheduling a previous broadcast or uploaded video as a future live-style event. It supports recurrence of the same content and says events can go to the same destinations as other BoxCast broadcasts, including YouTube. It also states that Simulated Live is not included on every plan. The guide does not establish an infinite-loop mode, so recurrence should not be treated as proof of uninterrupted 24/7 playback.
To send a BoxCast broadcast to YouTube, link the YouTube account and select YouTube among the destinations when scheduling. YouTube live streaming must already be enabled, and BoxCast notes that activation can take 24 hours after setup. BoxCast thumbnails do not carry over to social destinations; add the thumbnail separately to the YouTube event. BoxCast YouTube integration guide
Rank #3
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Do not confuse Simulated Live with pre-roll
BoxCast also documents a looping pre-roll video for its embedded player while that player is offline or before an event. That feature is not evidence that a prerecorded video can be sent as a continuous live YouTube feed. Its separate guidance recommends MP4, 720p, variable bitrate targeting 1–5 Mbps, H.264 High Profile progressive video, and AAC audio at 44.1 or 48 kHz, and says BoxCast does not transcode that pre-roll file. These settings apply to the embedded-player pre-roll feature, not established Simulated Live upload requirements. BoxCast pre-roll guidance
Limits to verify before committing
The reviewed public instructions do not support a complete apples-to-apples comparison of current prices, concurrent streams, maximum duration, file size, playlist size, or all YouTube event controls. Confirm these details with each provider for the plan you intend to use.
Rank #4
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- Castr: reconcile the help guide’s all-plans language with the product page’s Premium-and-higher statement about infinite loop. Ask about storage, file duration, number of files, playlist behavior, and concurrent-stream limits for your tier.
- BoxCast: confirm Simulated Live eligibility on your plan, whether your specific recurring schedule stays live continuously or starts separate events, and the relevant file and duration limits.
- YouTube: verify that live streaming is enabled and that the correct event, privacy, title, and thumbnail are set for your channel. You remain responsible for having rights to the video and audio you broadcast and for following YouTube’s copyright and monetization policies.
Or let it run in the cloud
For an always-on YouTube stream, StreamNeo avoids leaving a home computer or connection running. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live; StreamNeo loops it from the cloud. It keeps the uploaded quality up to 4K 60fps at one price per slot, automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream, and includes the first day free with no card. Monthly service is $9.99 per month. Each slot includes 10 GB storage pooled across active slots, 24/7 looping and playlists, and support from the StreamNeo team. UPI and cards are available in India; card checkout is available worldwide. Start your free StreamNeo day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I loop a video as a 24/7 live stream with BoxCast?
The reviewed BoxCast Simulated Live instructions describe scheduled and recurring rebroadcasts, not an infinite loop. Confirm continuous-loop behavior with BoxCast before relying on it for a 24/7 stream.
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Does Castr guarantee that infinite looping is included on every plan?
No. Castr’s help guide and product page conflict on plan eligibility, so verify the current plan matrix directly before subscribing.
Quick Recap
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