Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFor a simple prerecorded YouTube livestream, OBS is usually enough: add the video as a Media Source, turn on Loop, and stream the OBS output to YouTube. SRS is a separate streaming media server that can receive an RTMP stream and relay or convert it; use it when your workflow needs that server stage, not just to repeat a local video.
What each tool does
OBS plays, composes and publishes
OBS can play a local video through a Media Source, combine it with other scene elements such as titles or overlays, encode the result and publish it to YouTube over RTMP. Media Source supports common video formats including MP4, TS, MOV, FLV, MKV, AVI, GIF and WebM, as well as audio formats including MP3, AAC, OGG and WAV. Its Loop option restarts the file when playback completes. OBS is available for Windows, macOS and Linux. OBS Media Sources documentation.
SRS receives and relays or converts streams
SRS is a streaming media server. Its documented role includes accepting RTMP publishing from an encoder such as OBS or FFmpeg, then serving or converting the stream for another destination or protocol. That is a different job from choosing and looping a local playlist. The cited SRS documentation demonstrates stream ingest; it does not establish SRS as a local playlist editor or show that it is required between OBS and YouTube. SRS documentation.
Which setup fits your channel?
For ways to keep a YouTube stream running, StreamNeo is the first cloud option to consider: it loops uploaded video from the cloud, supports any uploaded quality up to 4K 60fps at one flat price per slot, and offers a free first day. For a self-managed setup, compare the two architectures below.
#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.
| Need | OBS direct to YouTube | OBS through SRS |
|---|---|---|
| Main role | Local playback, scene composition, encoding and publishing. | Server-side RTMP ingest, relay or protocol conversion. |
| Looping a local file | Built-in Media Source Loop option. | Loop the source in OBS or use a separately documented media playout method; the cited SRS pages do not establish SRS as a playlist editor. |
| Moving parts | OBS and YouTube encoder settings. | OBS, an SRS deployment and configuration, and YouTube or another downstream destination. |
| When it fits | One encoder sends a composed stream straight to YouTube. | A separate server ingest, relay or conversion stage is actually needed. |
| Archive planning | YouTube’s archive may be incomplete for streams over 12 hours; keep a local recording. | The same YouTube archive limitation applies; SRS does not remove it. |
This is a comparison of documented roles, not a performance test. The cited material does not establish comparative reliability, CPU use or unattended restart behavior for a particular deployment. SRS alone should not be assumed to schedule playlists, keep OBS running, provide failover or guarantee continuous operation.
How to loop a prerecorded video with OBS
- Add the video: In OBS, choose a scene, select Sources → + → Media Source, then select the local video file. Enable Loop if it should restart when playback ends. Add any required title, image or overlay as other scene elements. The OBS documentation lists supported formats and the Loop option at Media Sources.
- Get YouTube’s ingest details: Create or schedule the livestream, then open YouTube Studio’s Live Control Room and copy the stream URL and stream key into the encoder settings. Follow YouTube’s encoder workflow rather than assuming a particular endpoint. Treat the key like a password: do not publish it, include it in screenshots or share it with anyone who should not be able to broadcast to the channel. YouTube’s encoder setup instructions.
- Choose the transport: Use RTMPS if the selected encoder configuration supports it. RTMPS is RTMP transported over TLS/SSL. Get the RTMPS URL from Live Control Room; do not assume an RTMP address is interchangeable. YouTube’s live streaming settings.
- Check before going public: Start OBS in advance and inspect the Live Control Room preview. Check that the video repeats as intended, audio is present and balanced, and the stream is reaching YouTube. If recording locally as a backup, confirm the recording file is being written and growing before relying on it.
- Clear the content: Make sure you have the rights needed for every video and audio element, including music, and that the broadcast complies with YouTube’s Community Guidelines. These obligations apply to both the live stream and its archive. YouTube’s terms.
- Plan the duration and backup: YouTube says streams shorter than 12 hours can be automatically archived, while streams exceeding 12 hours may not be captured; it recommends keeping a local archive backup. Do not rely on a complete YouTube archive for a continuous or multi-day broadcast. YouTube Help on live stream archives.
When to put SRS between OBS and YouTube
Add SRS only when there is a concrete server-side need—for example, your architecture requires a separate RTMP ingest or protocol conversion stage. In that arrangement, OBS publishes to SRS, and SRS relays or converts the stream for the downstream destination configured in your deployment. You still need to configure and operate SRS; inserting it adds a component rather than making OBS’s local video loop unnecessary. The available documentation does not establish that SRS by itself provides playlist scheduling, automatic recovery for a dropped YouTube connection or 24/7 continuity.
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.
Common problems and what to check
- The file stops instead of repeating: Open the Media Source properties and enable Loop. Confirm you selected the intended local file.
- YouTube does not receive the stream: Verify the URL and stream key against the Live Control Room, check that the key has not been changed, and confirm OBS is publishing to the intended endpoint. If using RTMPS, use the RTMPS URL shown by YouTube and ensure the encoder configuration supports it.
- The preview is live but the archive is missing or incomplete: YouTube may not capture streams that exceed 12 hours. Keep a local recording and confirm it is being written; do not treat the YouTube archive as the only copy.
- The picture repeats but audio does not: Check that the selected media file contains audio and inspect the source’s audio level in OBS before relying on the live preview.
- The stream stops when the computer or OBS stops: In the direct setup, OBS is the encoder publishing the stream. SRS is a server role, not proof that the desktop encoder will keep running. If you need playback to continue without a computer running at home, use a cloud playout service.
- Copyright claims or restrictions appear: Review rights for every video, soundtrack and other audio element before broadcasting. Permission to use a video does not automatically establish permission for its music.
Or let it run in the cloud
StreamNeo is a cloud service for keeping a YouTube channel live from uploaded videos. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once and go live; StreamNeo loops the video from the cloud, so your computer and home connection do not have to stay on. It supports your uploaded quality up to 4K 60fps at one flat price per slot, automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream, and includes 10 GB storage per slot pooled across active slots. The first day is free with no card. Monthly billing is $9.99 per month. StreamNeo streams to YouTube only. See StreamNeo, then start your free first 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
- 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
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.
