In OBS, Loop repeats a media file when it reaches the end; Restart playback when source becomes active starts that file over when its source becomes active and visible. They control media playback inside OBS—not the YouTube broadcast itself. If the file is already looping, it starts again at the end without needing the source to be activated.
What the two OBS settings do
| Setting | Trigger | Effect | Documented default |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loop | The local media file reaches the end. | Plays the file again. | Off |
| Restart playback when source becomes active | The source is in the current scene and becomes visible. | Restarts the file from the beginning. | On |
OBS documents these as separate controls in its Media Sources guide. Loop handles the file ending; restart-on-activation handles the source becoming active. Neither setting is a command to restart a YouTube live session.
Which setting should you use?
For a video that should repeat continuously
Enable Loop in the Media Source properties. When playback reaches the end, OBS starts the file again. You do not need to hide and show the source to make it repeat.
For a video that should start over when shown again
Enable Restart playback when source becomes active if you want the file to begin from the start when its source becomes active and visible in the current scene. This is useful when switching away from a scene and later showing the source again. It does not replace Loop when you need continuous repetition.
#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.
For both behaviors
Enable both settings if you want the file to repeat at its end and also start from the beginning when the source becomes active again. The controls have different triggers, so one does not make the other redundant.
Keep the three layers separate
- Media playback: The OBS source plays the local file. Loop and restart-on-activation affect this layer.
- Encoder feed: OBS sends its composed audio and video to YouTube. YouTube’s encoder setup guide describes connecting with a stream URL and stream key. The media source settings do not themselves disconnect or restart that encoder connection.
- YouTube viewing and archive: YouTube’s DVR and archive behavior is separate from OBS file playback. Viewers using DVR may pause and resume a live stream; that does not cause OBS to replay its media source.
Other playback controls and playlist sources
Close file when inactive
This setting unloads a hidden or off-scene media file to free memory. When the source is shown again, it may take a short time to reload. It is separate from Loop and restart-on-activation.
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.
Show nothing when playback ends
This setting automatically hides a source after playback completes, which is useful when you do not want the final frame to remain on screen. It is not the same as Loop.
VLC Video playlists
OBS’s VLC Video source supports playlists and requires VLC to be installed. Its Loop Playlist property controls whether the playlist restarts after it runs out. Its Visibility Behaviour controls whether playback continues, pauses, or stops while the source is not visible. These are VLC Video controls; do not assume their labels and behavior are identical to Media Source properties.
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.
YouTube archive and DVR are not guaranteed by OBS looping
YouTube Help says streams shorter than 12 hours can be automatically archived; streams longer than 12 hours may not be captured at all. YouTube also warns that DVR rewind may be limited or unavailable for very long streams. These are YouTube platform behaviors, not settings in OBS. See YouTube’s encoder and archive guidance and DVR guidance. Do not treat an OBS loop as a guarantee of an indefinitely available archive or rewindable broadcast.
Troubleshooting: the file does not restart as expected
- The video reaches the end and stops: Check that Loop is enabled on the Media Source. Restart-on-activation is not a substitute for looping.
- The video resumes partway through after switching scenes: Check Restart playback when source becomes active. OBS describes it as restarting the file when the source is in the current scene and visible.
- The source takes a moment to appear after being hidden: Check whether Close file when inactive is enabled. OBS unloads the file while inactive, so it may need time to reload when shown again.
- The final frame remains visible: If you want the source hidden at the end rather than left on its final frame, check Show nothing when playback ends.
- A VLC playlist does not repeat or changes behavior when hidden: Check VLC Video’s own Loop Playlist and Visibility Behaviour properties, and ensure VLC is installed.
- YouTube viewers see a pause or the broadcast disconnects: The Media Source restart options govern local playback, not the YouTube connection. Check the encoder connection and stream key using YouTube’s live-stream setup guidance.
The OBS documentation cited here describes Media Source and VLC Video properties; it does not establish identical behavior for every OBS source type, operating system, or build. For version-specific behavior beyond those documented controls, consult the documentation for the OBS build you use.
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
Or let it run in the cloud
If your goal is a YouTube channel that keeps playing uploaded videos while your computer is off, StreamNeo is a separate cloud option: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, then go live. It loops uploaded videos from the cloud, so nothing has to stay on at home. Any uploaded quality up to 4K 60fps streams as made at one flat price per slot, with automatic recovery if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly: $9.99 per month. StreamNeo is for YouTube streams of uploaded video, not camera-based live video. Learn more at 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.
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.
