For a prerecorded video streamed from your computer, OBS Studio is the best-supported starting point: add the file as a Media Source and enable Loop. For a rotating set of videos, use OBS’s VLC Video source and enable Loop Playlist. If you want YouTube to keep playing uploaded videos without leaving a computer running, StreamNeo runs the stream in the cloud.
Which software should you use?
| Option | Best for | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| OBS Studio | Looping one local video, or a playlist, with control over scenes and overlays. | Free desktop software. The computer and network running OBS must remain available for the broadcast. |
| StreamNeo | Keeping uploaded videos streaming to YouTube from the cloud without leaving your computer on. | One flat price per slot for any uploaded quality up to 4K 60fps; the first day is free with no card. See StreamNeo for service details. |
OBS’s Media Source supports looping a single file, and its VLC Video source supports playlists. VLC must be installed for VLC Video to appear; 64-bit OBS requires 64-bit VLC. These features are documented by the OBS Project.
What you need before streaming
- A YouTube channel eligible to livestream. YouTube says channels must be verified and must not have livestreaming restrictions in the previous 90 days. Check YouTube’s getting-started guidance for current requirements and available streaming methods.
- OBS Studio installed on the computer that will run the stream. For a playlist, install VLC as well.
- A prerecorded video you have the rights to stream, with its audio and video checked before going live.
- A stable computer and network connection for the full duration of a local OBS stream.
How to loop a single video with OBS
- Prepare YouTube Live. In YouTube Studio, start a livestream setup and choose encoder streaming. Copy the stream key from the stream settings. Keep it private; anyone with access to it may be able to stream to your channel.
- Add the video in OBS. In the Sources panel, select + → Media Source, create a source, and browse to the local video file.
- Enable looping. In the Media Source properties, check Loop. OBS restarts the file when playback reaches the end.
- Connect OBS to YouTube. In OBS, open Settings → Stream, select YouTube as the service, and enter or connect the stream key using the available connection option.
- Preview before going live. Check the YouTube preview and confirm that the video and audio are present and in sync. Start the stream from OBS when ready.
- Monitor the broadcast. Keep OBS and YouTube Studio available to check stream health and audio/video quality while the broadcast runs.
How to loop a playlist with OBS
- Install VLC, matching OBS’s architecture: 64-bit OBS needs 64-bit VLC.
- In OBS, select + in Sources → VLC Video. If the source is missing, confirm VLC is installed and that its bitness matches OBS.
- In the source properties, add the video files to the playlist and enable Loop Playlist.
- Connect to YouTube using the encoder workflow above, preview the playlist, and verify that playback proceeds from one file to the next and then cycles as intended.
OBS’s Quick Start Guide recommends using the configuration wizard and testing settings for a few minutes before relying on the setup. Treat a short test as a way to catch local playback, audio, and connection problems—not as proof that a long broadcast will remain uninterrupted.
Settings and checks that matter
OBS configuration
Run Tools → Auto-Configuration Wizard to get a starting configuration based on your hardware and network. Verify that the output is appropriate for the video and connection, then make a short test stream. The wizard is a starting point, not a guarantee that a particular resolution or bitrate will work continuously.
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Preview and monitoring
YouTube recommends previewing an encoder stream and monitoring its audio and video quality. Check the actual YouTube preview, not only the OBS canvas: confirm the correct scene, readable overlays, audible sound, and stable playback before promoting the stream.
Content and channel rules
YouTube says live content must comply with its Community Guidelines and Terms of Service. Only stream video, music, and other material you own or are authorized to use. Looping a recording does not make copyrighted material permissible, and permission to use a track or clip should cover livestream use. Follow any applicable YouTube rules for reused content and monetization; a technically successful loop does not guarantee eligibility for monetization.
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Local OBS or cloud streaming?
Choose OBS when you want local control
- It supports a single looping file and a looping playlist.
- You can manage scenes and overlays in OBS.
- The computer running OBS, its playback files, and its internet connection must stay available for the broadcast.
Choose cloud streaming when the computer should be off
StreamNeo is a cloud service for keeping uploaded videos live on YouTube. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. It loops the uploaded videos from the cloud, so your computer and home connection do not need to stay on. Each slot supports one always-on stream, playlists, 24/7 looping, automatic recovery if YouTube drops the stream, support from the StreamNeo team, and 10 GB storage per slot pooled across your active slots. Uploaded video streams as made, up to 4K 60fps, with no re-encode or quality tiers. StreamNeo is for YouTube only.
The first day is free with no card, one free day per account. Plans offer the same product and differ by duration:
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Common problems and fixes
- The video stops at the end. Open Media Source properties and check Loop. For a playlist, use VLC Video and check Loop Playlist.
- VLC Video is not available in OBS. Install VLC and make sure its architecture matches OBS. OBS documents that 64-bit OBS needs 64-bit VLC.
- YouTube does not receive the stream. Confirm the selected YouTube encoder connection and stream key in OBS. Check YouTube Studio’s stream setup and preview before starting again; do not share the key publicly.
- The broadcast starts but video or sound is missing. Check the OBS source visibility, file path, playback, and audio levels, then inspect YouTube’s preview. Test again before restarting a consequential stream.
- The local broadcast ends when you close OBS or lose connectivity. A local OBS stream depends on the computer and network remaining available. If you need uploaded video to continue from the cloud instead, consider the StreamNeo option above.
Or let it run in the cloud
StreamNeo’s workflow is three steps: upload your recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. Nothing has to stay on at home. Uploaded video streams at its original quality up to 4K 60fps for one flat price per slot; automatic recovery is included if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. The monthly plan is $9.99 per month.
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