If a cartoon episode starts over before it finishes, first check whether OBS is making the Media Source active again. In the source’s properties, Restart playback when source becomes active makes the file restart when it is in the current scene and visible. A scene switch, hide/show action, or automation can reactivate it. The separate Loop option repeats a file after it finishes; it is off by default and does not, by itself, explain an early restart.
Check the Media Source settings
- In OBS, select the cartoon’s Media Source and open its properties.
- Confirm the file field points to the intended episode file.
- Check Loop. Leave it off if the episode should play only once. OBS describes this option as repeating the file after playback completes; it is off by default. OBS Media Sources guide (dated January 11, 2022).
- Choose the activation behavior. Enable Restart playback when source becomes active if showing the source should start the episode from the beginning. OBS says the file restarts once the source is in the current scene and visible.
Look for a scene or visibility change during playback
Note whether the source is hidden and shown again, whether OBS switches scenes, or whether a macro or other automation changes visibility. Because the restart setting is tied to the source becoming active, an activation during playback can start the file over. Test by playing the episode while watching the source’s visibility and scene changes.
If you want the episode to continue rather than restart after it becomes inactive, a community forum answer recommends leaving the restart option unchecked. That guidance is not the official settings description, so verify the behavior in your installed OBS version before relying on it. OBS forum discussion.
Understand the other playback options
Close file when inactive
This unloads the media file when the source is hidden or absent from the current scene to free memory. OBS warns that the source may take a short time to reappear while it reloads. The documentation does not describe this option as a general fix for an early restart.
#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.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Show nothing when playback ends
For an episode that should disappear after it finishes, this option hides the source at the end. It does not establish that interruptions before the end are prevented.
VLC Video source
OBS documents VLC Video as an alternative source with playlist support and visibility behavior options; VLC must be installed. It is a different playback workflow, not a demonstrated remedy for an unexplained mid-episode restart.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Distinguish a true restart from a brief frame flash
A forum user reported that, after hiding and showing a Media Source with restart enabled, the last frame appeared briefly before playback restarted. That user observation describes a transition artifact; it does not establish repeated early restarts as normal behavior.
A separate report concerned OBS 30.2.0: a user could not restart playback after hiding and showing the source immediately after it ended, but said waiting about one second worked. A project participant suggested the rapid visibility toggle might occur before the graphics thread processed the change. The issue was closed as not planned. This is a version-specific report about toggling at the end of playback, not a diagnosis or universal timing rule for a mid-episode problem. OBS issue report.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
If the cartoon still restarts early
- Verify the source’s file path and confirm the intended episode is loaded.
- Set Loop according to whether the episode should repeat after completion.
- Set Restart playback when source becomes active according to whether each activation should start at the beginning or continue from its prior position.
- Watch for scene changes, visibility toggles, or automation while the file is playing.
- If Close file when inactive is on, account for a possible reload delay when the source reappears.
- If the issue occurs only when toggling at the end, test with a short pause before toggling. The roughly one-second observation applies to a report about OBS 30.2.0, not every version or situation.
- If it persists, note your OBS version, operating system, whether the media is local or network-based, all Media Source properties, any scene or visibility automation, and the timing of the restart. The available documentation and reports do not identify the cause in an individual setup.
Or let it run in the cloud
If your goal is to keep uploaded cartoon episodes playing as a YouTube live stream, rather than troubleshoot OBS playback, StreamNeo runs the stream from the cloud: upload a recording or make a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. Nothing has to stay on at home; each slot streams the uploaded quality up to 4K 60fps at one flat price, with automatic recovery if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly is $9.99 per month. StreamNeo plays uploaded video to YouTube, not a live camera feed. Start your free 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.
- 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.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- 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
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
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.
