To keep a YouTube livestream running after a video finishes, make the video source loop in your encoder. In OBS, enable Loop for one file, or use a VLC Video source with Loop Playlist for multiple files. Then check the OBS preview and YouTube Live Control Room before relying on the stream.
Why the livestream stops when the file ends
Your video file is a source for the encoder; it is not the livestream itself. When playback ends and the encoder stops sending content, the YouTube stream can end. YouTube’s encoder instructions put it plainly: “To end the stream, stop sending content from your encoder.” YouTube Help: Create a YouTube live stream with an encoder.
Looping the source tells the encoder to keep sending video after the file reaches its end. YouTube’s auto-start and auto-stop options are separate controls for starting or stopping a stream from the encoder; they do not make a media file repeat.
Loop one video file in OBS
- Open the OBS scene you plan to stream.
- Add a Media Source and select the local video file, or select the existing Media Source.
- Open the source’s properties and enable Loop.
- Check the source in the OBS preview. Confirm that the picture returns to the beginning when playback reaches the end, and that the audio behaves as intended.
- Start the encoder and check the stream preview in YouTube Live Control Room before going live. Watch the picture, sound, and stream health while the stream is running.
OBS documents the single-file loop setting in its Media Sources guide.
#1 Best Overall
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Loop a playlist of videos in OBS
- Install VLC if it is not already installed; OBS requires VLC for its VLC Video source type to appear.
- In the streaming scene, add a VLC Video source and add the video files to its playlist.
- Enable Loop Playlist in the source properties.
- Check the playlist in the OBS preview. If the source is used in scenes that become hidden, review its visibility and playback behavior so it resumes or continues as intended.
- Preview the outgoing stream in YouTube Live Control Room and monitor it after going live.
The OBS guide covers both Loop for a Media Source and Loop Playlist for a VLC Video source: OBS Media Sources.
Check the stream before leaving it unattended
A loop setting does not protect against a stopped encoder, a hidden or inactive source, or a scene change that leaves the output blank. Preview the stream and watch YouTube’s stream health messages. YouTube recommends testing, monitoring audio and video, using adequate upload capacity, and leaving bandwidth headroom. See YouTube’s streaming tips.
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- Confirm OBS is still running and the intended scene is active.
- Make sure the looping source remains active and visible in the scene.
- Look for blank output or playback that fails to return to the beginning.
- Check the Live Control Room preview and stream health if YouTube stops receiving a usable feed.
For encoder setup and recommended settings, including YouTube’s recommendation to use RTMPS, see YouTube’s streaming tips and YouTube’s encoder settings guidance.
Know what happens to the archive
Looping playback does not guarantee YouTube will preserve a complete recording of a long stream. YouTube says streams under 12 hours can be automatically archived, while streams longer than 12 hours may not be captured. It recommends keeping a local archive as a backup. See YouTube Help: Archive live streams.
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Or let it run in the cloud
If you want a pre-recorded video to keep looping on YouTube without leaving OBS and your computer running, StreamNeo runs the stream from the cloud. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. It plays uploaded videos; it does not stream from a camera.
- Nothing has to stay on at home: the stream continues with your computer off.
- Your upload streams as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot, without re-encoding or quality tiers.
- StreamNeo automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free, with no card required.
Monthly pricing: $9.99 per month. Each slot includes one always-on stream, 10 GB storage per slot pooled across active slots, looping and playlists, and StreamNeo team support. See StreamNeo, then start your free first day.
Quick Recap
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