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To replay an existing gaming VOD in an OBS scene, add it as a Media Source and turn on Loop. OBS’s Replay Buffer does something else: it saves recent gameplay footage as a local clip. And YouTube DVR is a viewer control for pausing or rewinding a live broadcast—not a way to put a VOD on air.

Which OBS feature should you use?

What you want to do Use What it does
Repeat one recorded VOD in your OBS output Media Source with Loop enabled Plays a local file and starts it again when playback ends.
Save the last moments of gameplay you are capturing Replay Buffer Saves recent captured footage as a local clip when triggered.
Play a playlist of local video files VLC Video source Plays a playlist using VLC libraries; VLC must be installed.
Let viewers pause or rewind a current YouTube live stream YouTube Live DVR Provides viewer-side playback controls, subject to duration and platform limitations.

These features address different meanings of “replay.” A Media Source plays a file in the scene; Replay Buffer captures and saves recent gameplay; YouTube DVR affects how viewers navigate the live broadcast.

How to loop one gaming VOD in OBS

  1. Choose a scene. In OBS, select the scene that should show the VOD, or create a new scene for it.
  2. Add the file. In the Sources box, select + and choose Media Source. Create a new source or select an existing one, then browse to the local video file.
  3. Enable looping. In the Media Source properties, turn on Loop. OBS documents this setting as replaying the file after playback completes; its default is Off. Restart playback when source becomes active is a separate property: it restarts playback when the source becomes visible, rather than making the file loop continuously. OBS Media Sources documentation.
  4. Check the scene and playback. Confirm the source is visible, correctly sized and positioned, and stacked above or below other sources as intended. Play the file in the OBS preview and check both picture and audio before streaming. OBS recommends testing scenes and stream behavior before a first broadcast. OBS Studio Overview Guide.
  5. Connect OBS to YouTube. Configure YouTube as the streaming service in OBS and enter the stream key provided through YouTube’s live workflow. Verify the destination and key before starting the broadcast; the key is what connects the encoder output to your YouTube stream.
  6. Start the broadcast and monitor it. Start streaming from OBS and confirm that the VOD appears and its audio reaches the live output. The Media Source repeats the file, but OBS must remain active and sending the stream for the broadcast to continue.

When Replay Buffer is the right tool

Use Replay Buffer when you want to save a recent section of gameplay being captured in OBS—for example, a play you want to edit or share later. Enable Replay Buffer in OBS settings and assign a hotkey to save it; OBS also lists hotkey actions for starting and stopping the buffer. It is not the source to choose when you already have a VOD and want that entire file on air. OBS Studio Overview Guide.

When VLC Video makes sense

For a playlist of multiple local videos, OBS’s VLC Video source offers playlist playback and a Loop Playlist property, documented as On by default. It uses VLC libraries, so VLC must be installed; for 64-bit OBS, OBS says to install 64-bit VLC. For repeating one file, Media Source is the more direct option. OBS Media Sources documentation.

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Guermok Video Capture Card, 4K USB3.0 HDMI to USB C, 1080P 60FPS & 2K 30FPS
  • 【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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  • 【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

Supported files and playback checks

OBS lists these video extensions for media sources: .mp4, .ts, .mov, .flv, .mkv, .avi, .gif, and .webm. Listed audio extensions are .mp3, .aac, .ogg, and .wav. An extension list does not guarantee that every codec and container combination will decode on every computer, so check the exact file in the OBS preview before going live. OBS Media Sources documentation.

  • Confirm the file opens and plays in the preview rather than relying on its filename extension.
  • Check that the intended audio is audible in OBS and not muted or obscured by another source.
  • Watch the transition at the end of the file to verify that looping works as expected.
  • Test the full scene and stream setup in advance. OBS notes that 60-fps streaming can be substantially more taxing than 30-fps; the reviewed OBS guidance does not establish a universal hardware requirement for a particular file, resolution, frame rate, encoder, or computer. OBS Studio Overview Guide.

YouTube DVR is separate from looping the VOD

If the goal is to let viewers pause or rewind the live broadcast, check the DVR setting in YouTube Studio’s live stream settings. DVR does not load a local file into OBS, save a Replay Buffer clip, or make the VOD loop. YouTube says DVR rewind may be limited or unavailable on streams longer than 12 hours; limits may also be lower when viewing on Apple TV, through AirPlay, or with older app versions. Viewers cannot seek to before the broadcast began. If DVR is disabled, viewers cannot seek back during the live stream, though YouTube says a recording of the entire stream can still be viewed once available. YouTube Help: Turn on DVR on live streams.

Rank #2
Audio Express AXHDCAP 4K HDMI Video Capture Card, Cam Link Card Game Audio Adapter HDMI to USB 2.0 Record Capture Device for Streaming, Live Broadcasting, Video Conference, Teaching, Gaming
  • [Enhanced 4K-1080P Video Capture Experience] Capture the Magic: Elevate your video recordings to new heights with our upgraded anti-static 1080P Video Capture Card. Immerse yourself in stunning visuals, supporting HDMI input at 4K 60FPS and USB output for capturing in 1080P, complete with rich stereo sound. Enjoy crystal-clear video recordings, dynamic gaming live streams, and professional conference broadcasts. Note: HDMI resolution: Max input can be 3840×2160@30Hz / Video output resolution: Max output can be 1920×1080@30Hz
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Common problems and fixes

  • The VOD plays once and stops: Open the Media Source properties and enable Loop. The separate restart-when-active option does not replace Loop.
  • The file does not appear or decode: Test the exact file in the OBS preview. A listed extension alone does not confirm that its particular codec and container combination is supported on your system.
  • The VOD is hidden: Check the source’s visibility and its position in the scene’s source stack; a source underneath an opaque layer may be playing but not visible.
  • The playlist does not load: For VLC Video, install VLC; on 64-bit OBS, use 64-bit VLC. For one VOD, use Media Source instead.
  • The live broadcast ends when OBS closes or stops sending: Media Source only provides playback inside OBS. It is not an unattended cloud broadcaster; the encoder must keep sending the stream.
  • The stream is unstable or the computer struggles: Test the scene and stream before going live, and account for OBS’s warning that 60 fps can be substantially more demanding than 30 fps. The documented guidance does not provide a universal hardware specification.
  • Viewers cannot rewind: Check YouTube’s DVR setting and consider the documented duration and device limitations. DVR controls viewer navigation, not whether the file loops in OBS.

Copyright and YouTube live rules to check

Before rebroadcasting a gaming VOD, make sure you have the rights or permissions needed for everything in it, including game footage, music, overlays, and other third-party material. A recording being yours does not by itself establish that every included work is cleared for a new live broadcast. YouTube’s applicable copyright and monetization rules can affect whether content remains available or eligible for monetization; check the current rules for your channel and content before going live. Do not treat looping as a way around those rules.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Or let it run in the cloud

If you want a prerecorded video to keep a YouTube channel live without leaving OBS or a computer running at home, StreamNeo is a cloud option: upload your recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. It loops uploaded videos from the cloud; it does not broadcast from a camera or stream to other platforms.

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Video Capture Card, 4K USB3.0 HDMI to USB C, 1080P60FPS HDMI Capture Card for Streaming, Gaming, Video Recording Compatible with Switch, Xbox, PS4/5, OBS,iPad Mac OS Windows,Camera, Zoom(Silver)
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  • 【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.
  • Nothing has to stay on at home for the stream to keep running.
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Each slot includes one always-on stream, 10 GB of storage per slot pooled across active slots, 24/7 looping and playlists, and support from the StreamNeo team. See StreamNeo, then start your free first day.

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Capture Card, USB Video Capture Card Device, Audio Video Converter Grabber for RCA to USB-Convert VHS Mini DV VCR Hi8 DVD to Digital, for PC TV Tape Player Camcorder, MAC Windows Vista Compatible
  • AV TO USB Converter: Capture videos and audios from VHS, VCR, Hi8, DV tapes to a PC, with the help of our USB Video Converter. Save room while digitizing your favorite old memories
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  • Wide Compatibility: The Video Capture Card can work with video devices with RCA connector or S-Video connector, such as VHS, VCR, Hi8, camcorder, compatible with Windows and Mac OS. Support video formats like NTSC, PAL, and support brightness, contrast, hue, and saturation control
  • Note: The Video Converter is used with acquisition software. We recommend OBS Studio or PotPlayer for Windows, and QuickTime Player for Mac. They can be downloaded for free online. Please operate according to the steps in User Manual or contact us if you have any questions
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Capture Card, 4K HDMI Video Capture Card, Game Capture Card, 1080P 60FPS Video Capture Device, HDMI to USB 3.0 Capture Card for Streaming, Work with Camera/Xbox/PS4/PS5/PC/OBS
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