For a single video, select the OBS Media Source, open Properties, and turn on Loop. For a sequence of videos, use VLC Video and enable Loop Playlist. These are separate playback controls: Restart playback when source becomes active responds to a source becoming visible; it does not repeat a file when it reaches the end.
Choose the right OBS source and loop setting
OBS Project’s Media Sources documentation describes two different setups. Use the standard Media Source for one local video file, or VLC Video when you need a playlist of multiple files.
| What you want to play | OBS source | Loop control | Dependency |
|---|---|---|---|
| One local video file | Media Source | Loop | No VLC dependency stated by OBS for this source |
| A playlist of videos | VLC Video | Loop Playlist | VLC must be installed; 64-bit OBS requires 64-bit VLC |
Make one Media Source video repeat
- In OBS, select the scene containing the video and click the relevant Media Source in the Sources list.
- Open the source’s Properties.
- Enable Loop and apply the change.
- Test the source through the end of the clip and confirm it begins playing again.
OBS documents Loop as replaying the file after playback completes; its default is Off. If the source still ends, make sure you changed the properties of the source that is actually visible in the active scene, rather than another source or a similarly named item.
Understand the other playback options
- Restart playback when source becomes active controls playback when the source becomes visible or active. OBS lists it as On by default. It is not a replacement for Loop.
- Show nothing when playback ends determines whether the source hides after playback ends. It does not enable looping.
- Close file when inactive unloads media while the source is hidden. OBS notes that the file may take a short time to reload when the source becomes visible again.
If a clip restarts when you switch scenes but does not repeat at its end, check Loop. If it repeats but starts over unexpectedly on a scene switch, review Restart playback when source becomes active and the source’s visibility behavior.
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- 【1080P 60FPS Video Capture Card】 This HDMI game capture card is based on USB3.0 high speed transmission port, input resolution up to 4K@30HZ, output resolution up to 2K@30Hz or 1920×1080@60Hz. Type c and USB interface can meet most of the devices in daily life. Easily meet the online capture, real-time recording, online meetings, live gaming and other functions, so you have a better visual enjoyment. Note: For capture use only; requires capture software to function and is not intended for direct screen casting to a monitor or TV
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- 【Plug and Play, Easy to Carry】 This HDMI 1080P video capture card does not require any additional drivers or external power supply, just plug and play for fast capture. The capture card is small and lightweight, so you can put it in your bag for emergencies, making it very portable for outdoor live streaming. It's also a great way to share content in game recording, video conference, video recorder and online teaching
- 【Wide Compatibility USB Capture Card】 Easily streams to Facebook, Youtube or Twitch. With the connection, this HDMI to USB C/3.0 video capture devices can be working on several Operating Systems and various software: Windows 7/ 8/ 10, Mac OS or above, Linux, Android, Laptop, Xbox One, PS3/PS4/PS5, Camera, DVDs, Set Top Box, Webcame, DSLR, Switch/Switch 2, TV BOX, HDTV, Potplayer/VLC, ZOOM, OBS Studio etc.
- 【Package Content & Note】 1x HD Audio Capture Card , 1x USB 3.0 to USB C Adapter (A-side 3.0, B-side 2.0), 1x user manual. Please note that you need to restart the OBS Studio software after the audio setup is complete, otherwise it will result in no sound output. When using an adapter, if the device is recognized as USB 2.0, try using the other side with the USB-C port. Simply flip the capture card and reconnect it to be recognized as USB 3.0
Loop a playlist with VLC Video
- Install VLC if it is not already installed. OBS’s documentation says 64-bit OBS requires 64-bit VLC.
- Add a VLC Video source to the scene and populate its playlist with the video files you want to play.
- Open the source’s properties and enable Loop Playlist.
- Choose whether to enable Shuffle Playlist: it controls playback order, not whether playback repeats.
- Test the playlist through its final item and confirm it starts again from the beginning.
VLC Video uses VLC libraries for extended media support. If VLC Video is missing from OBS, first check that VLC is installed and that its architecture matches OBS. OBS specifically documents the 64-bit OBS/64-bit VLC requirement. A 2017 OBS forum discussion also describes the VLC dependency, but it is historical community guidance rather than current compatibility documentation.
Test the loop before leaving a stream unattended
A setting can be correct while a file, source, or scene is not behaving as expected. Before relying on a long broadcast, play through the end of the media and check that the source remains visible, the local file loads, playback reaches its end, and the video begins again.
Rank #2
- 【1080P HD High Quality】Capture resolution up to 1080p for video source and it is ideal for all HDMI devices such as PS4, PS3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Wii U, DVDs, DSLR, Camera, Security Camera and set top box. Note: Video input supports 4K30/60Hz and 1080p120/144Hz. Does not support 4K120Hz/144Hz. Output supports up to 2K30Hz.
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- 【Compatible with Multiple Systems】suitable for Windows and Mac OS. High speed USB 3.0 technology and superior low latency technology makes it easier for you to transmit live streaming to Twitch, Youtube, Facebook, Twitter, OBS, Potplayer and VLC.
- 【HDMI LOOP-OUT】Based on the high-speed USB 3.0 technology, it can capture one single channel HD HDMI video signal. There is no delay when you are playing game live.
- 【Support Mic-in for Commentary】Rybozen capture card has microphone input and you can use it to add external commentary when playing a game. Please note: it only accepts 3.5mm TRS standard microphone headset.
If it fails, note your OBS version, operating system, file container and codec, source type, source properties, and the relevant OBS log. Those details help distinguish a playback configuration issue from a file or environment problem.
Separate a looping problem from a stream interruption
The loop controls only govern playback inside OBS. They do not make a broadcast immune to an OBS crash, a sleeping or powered-off computer, a network failure, or a YouTube ingest interruption. If the video reaches its end and stops, investigate the source settings. If playback continues in OBS but YouTube goes offline, troubleshoot the connection to YouTube and the streaming setup separately.
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Rank #3
- 【4K HDMI Input, 2K@30Hz Recording】Powered by a true USB 3.0 high-speed interface, the capture card supports up to 4K@30Hz HDMI input and records at 2K@30Hz or 1080P@60Hz. Perfect for gamers, streamers, and professionals who need crisp, smooth video for live streaming, gameplay recording, or online meetings.
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- 【Easy Plug and Play, Compact & Portable】No driver or external power required—just plug and play via USB 3.0 or Type-C connection to your Windows or macOS computer. Lightweight and compact design makes it easy to carry for outdoor streaming, live shows, or mobile recording setups.
- 【Wide Compatibility & Multi-Device Support】Compatible with Windows 7 8 10 11, macOS, Linux,Android and supports most popular software such as OBS, Zoom, VLC, Twitch Studio, and more. Works seamlessly with PS4, PS5, Xbox, Switch, DSLR cameras, TV boxes, and other HDMI-output devices for streaming to YouTube, Twitch, etc.
- 【What You Get】Includes: HDMI Capture Card, USB 3.0 to USB-C Adapter, User Manual. Tips: Make sure your tablet’s OTG function is enabled before connecting. Test your HDMI device with a monitor first to confirm video and audio output, then connect to the Video Capture Card for recording.
Or let it run in the cloud
If you want a YouTube channel to keep playing uploaded videos without leaving a computer running, StreamNeo is a cloud option: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. StreamNeo loops the uploaded video from the cloud; it does not stream from a camera.
- Nothing has to stay on at home: your computer and home connection are not needed to keep the cloud loop running.
- Your upload streams as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot rather than through quality tiers.
- StreamNeo automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free, with no card required.
For a monthly option, see $9.99 per month. Start your free StreamNeo day.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- High-Quality Video Capture, 4K HDMI Capture Card Ready: Capture smooth and vibrant video with this 4K HDMI capture card, engineered for gamers and content creators who demand crisp 1080P 60FPS video quality. Whether you're streaming to Twitch or recording gameplay for YouTube, your footage will look professional and detailed
- Plug-and-Play USB Capture Card, No Drivers Needed: Designed as a USB capture card for streaming, this device works instantly out of the box, just plug into your PC or laptop and start capturing. Fully compatible with popular software like OBS Studio, Streamlabs, and XSplit, making setup quick and stress-free for beginners and pros alike
- Universal Compatibility PS5, Xbox, Switch & More: Stream or record gameplay from virtually any HDMI-enabled device including Nintendo Switch, PS5, Xbox Series X, DSLR cameras, and PCs. The video capture card for gaming supports seamless passthrough so you can play without lag while your audience watches every frame in real time
- Low-Latency Performance for Smooth Streaming: This capture card for streaming minimizes delay between gameplay and broadcast, so you get reliable, low-latency capture that works well for competitive gaming, live broadcasts, and podcast sessions. Suitable for those building their channel with high-quality, engaging content
- Compact & Portable Design for Content Creators: Lightweight and portable, this USB 3.0 capture card works well for creators who travel or switch gaming setups often. Throw it in your bag and stream or record wherever you are, at home, events, LAN parties, streaming or studio sessions
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