For one video, start with OBS Media Source and turn on Loop. For a playlist of videos, use VLC Video, which supports playlist looping and shuffle. VLC Video requires VLC installed, with its architecture matching OBS. Neither choice is documented as universally smoother or more reliable at the loop point, so test the actual files and scene setup if a seamless transition matters.
Choose by what you need to play
| Your need | Start with | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Repeat one local video | Media Source | It has a dedicated Loop control for replaying a file after playback completes. |
| Play several files in sequence | VLC Video | It supports a playlist in one source. |
| Shuffle a playlist | VLC Video | It has a separate Shuffle Playlist setting. |
| Keep a source advancing while its scene is hidden, or control what happens when it returns | VLC Video | Its visibility behavior includes options to stop and restart, pause and resume, or keep playing while hidden. |
| Avoid installing VLC | Media Source | It is the built-in single-file alternative; VLC Video requires VLC installed. |
Loop one video with Media Source
- In OBS, select the scene where the video should appear. In the Sources dock, select + and choose Media Source.
- Name the source, then select OK.
- In the source properties, enable Local File if needed and browse to the video file. OBS documents support for formats including MP4, TS, MOV, FLV, MKV, AVI, GIF, and WebM.
- Enable Loop. OBS lists this setting as off by default; when enabled, the file restarts after playback completes.
- Select OK and preview the scene. Confirm that the video and any audio behave as expected when the file reaches its end.
Media Source is the straightforward choice when one file should repeat. The OBS documentation establishes the loop setting, but does not promise a gap-free visual or audio boundary for every file and system.
Use VLC Video for a playlist
- Install VLC if it is not already installed. The VLC Video source will not appear in OBS without it. OBS documents that 64-bit OBS requires 64-bit VLC.
- In the Sources dock, select + and choose VLC Video. Add it to the scene.
- In the source properties, add the files to the playlist in the order you want them played.
- Leave Loop Playlist on to repeat the playlist; OBS lists it as on by default. Turn on Shuffle Playlist only if you want randomized order; its documented default is off.
- Review the source’s visibility behavior if scenes may hide it. Choose whether it should stop and restart, pause and resume, or keep playing while hidden, according to the playback behavior you want.
- Apply the settings and preview the playlist, including what happens at the end of the final item and when the source becomes visible again.
OBS describes scenes and sources as the components that make up a stream layout. Media sources add media files to scenes, while VLC Video uses VLC libraries for extended media support and can hold a playlist.
What the documentation does—and does not—settle
The OBS Project’s Media Sources documentation distinguishes the single-file Media Source workflow from VLC Video’s playlist capability. The Sources Guide explains the role of sources in scenes. VLC Video’s visibility behavior is reflected in the OBS VLC source implementation; because that link points to the mutable master branch, behavior may change as OBS develops.
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#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.
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- 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.
These are feature differences, not a performance comparison. The cited OBS documentation does not establish that either source uses less CPU, keeps audio in better sync, or makes a more seamless loop on every system. If a gap at a loop boundary is important, test your specific file and setup rather than choosing based on an assumed advantage.
Keep the YouTube question separate from the OBS source choice
Media Source and VLC Video decide how OBS plays files inside a scene; they do not by themselves establish YouTube Live account eligibility, stream-key handling, ingest settings, or content-policy compliance. Check YouTube’s current guidance for those platform requirements before starting a broadcast. Also make sure you have the necessary rights to stream every video and audio track in your files; a loop setting does not grant permission or resolve copyright claims.
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.)
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- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Or let it run in the cloud
If the goal is to keep uploaded videos running on a YouTube channel around the clock, StreamNeo is an alternative to leaving OBS running at home. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. StreamNeo loops uploaded videos in the cloud, so nothing has to stay on at home. It supports the files as uploaded up to 4K 60fps at one flat price per slot, with no re-encode or quality tiers, and automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card required; it is one free day per account. Monthly billing is $9.99 per month. StreamNeo streams to YouTube and plays uploaded videos rather than broadcasting a camera feed. See StreamNeo, or start your free day.
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
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- 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
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.
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.
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