For one clip, use an OBS Media Source and enable Loop. MP4 is a sensible starting point if you are choosing a file, but OBS does not identify one universally best codec or container for every computer. Check the actual clip in your OBS preview before relying on it.
Which video formats work in OBS?
OBS lists these file types as supported by its Media Source: .mp4, .ts, .mov, .flv, .mkv, .avi, .gif and .webm. See the OBS Project’s Media Sources documentation.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Nature: Hummingbirds - Magic in the Air | $13.89 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Disneynature: Earth | $2.30 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Ultimate Nature Collection | $84.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Ocean DVD - Blue Seas with Relaxing Videos of Beaches with Nature Sounds | $19.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Nature: My Life as a Turkey | $11.52 | Buy on Amazon |
That list describes supported extensions, not a guarantee that every codec, profile or file using one of those extensions will play on every operating system and machine. If you already have a nature clip, try it before converting it. If you are choosing a format, MP4 is a common practical starting point, but verify the specific file in the setup you plan to use.
Loop one nature clip with Media Source
- In OBS, select the scene where you want the footage.
- In the Sources dock, select + and choose Media Source. Create a new source or select an existing one.
- In the source properties, choose the local video file.
- Turn on Loop so playback starts again when the file ends. OBS describes this option as specifying whether the file plays again once playback has completed.
- Check the OBS preview. Confirm that the clip plays, fills or fits the scene as intended, and repeats as expected before going live.
Loop and Restart playback when source becomes active are separate properties. Loop repeats the file at its end. Review the restart option if you want playback to start from the beginning each time the source becomes active, rather than resume its existing playback position.
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Use a playlist for multiple clips
For a sequence of nature videos, use an OBS VLC Video Source and add the files as a playlist. OBS documents Loop Playlist as enabled by default for this source. VLC must be installed, and its architecture must match OBS: 64-bit OBS requires 64-bit VLC. A single clip does not need VLC; Media Source is the simpler route.
MP4 or MKV: which should you choose?
Choose based on whether the actual source file plays reliably in your OBS environment, as well as what format you can obtain and what you need for editing or recording. The supported-extension list alone does not establish a codec-by-codec compatibility ranking, so neither MP4 nor MKV can be called the best input for every setup.
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Do not confuse an input file used for playback with the format used to record an OBS output. OBS’s Audio/Video Formats Guide discusses recording choices, including MKV for many recording situations and remuxing for compatibility. That guidance is about recordings; it is not a rule to convert a looping source clip to MKV.
Settings to check if playback stutters or fails
- Verify the file itself: Open the Media Source properties and confirm the intended file is selected. Try playing it in the OBS preview before starting the stream.
- Check the source type: Use Media Source for one repeating clip. Use VLC Video Source for a playlist, with VLC installed in the architecture required by your OBS installation.
- Test hardware decoding only when applicable: OBS has a hardware-decoding option for certain file types when the GPU includes a suitable decoder; OBS documents it as off by default. Try it only if the file and GPU support it. It is not a guaranteed fix for a particular playback issue.
- Separate source playback from stream encoding: OBS hardware-encoding guidance concerns encoding the outgoing stream or recording. It does not establish which source-video format will decode or loop best.
If a clip still will not play smoothly, check the file and the local system configuration first. OBS’s extension list does not provide a complete, current compatibility matrix for codecs across every build, operating system and hardware combination.
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Keep OBS running locally, or run a YouTube loop in the cloud
For a local OBS loop, the computer running OBS must remain available for playback and streaming. If your goal instead is a 24/7 YouTube channel playing uploaded nature footage, StreamNeo is a cloud alternative: upload the video, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. It plays uploaded video, not a live camera feed.
StreamNeo keeps the stream running without a computer or home connection staying on, supports uploaded quality up to 4K 60fps at one flat price per slot, and automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. A slot includes 10 GB storage (pooled across active slots), looping and playlists, and team support. It streams to YouTube only. See StreamNeo for details.
Rank #4
- FEATURE: DVD Video, All Regions, Widescreen, Dolby Digital Sound, Approximate Duration - 84 minutes
- SOUND: All tracks use the natural sounds of the sea, ocean, beach and waves.
- KEY FEATURES: All tracks repeat automatically for continuous relaxation.The main 24 minutes film have beautifully blended ocean scenes.
- SOOTHING SCENES: A further soothing scenes track has longer, slowly changing shots.
- NATURAL DECORATION: Three more tracks show 3 peaceful seascapes.
Monthly: $9.99 per month. Start the free day at StreamNeo registration.
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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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