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To loop a gaming video archive on a 24/7 YouTube livestream, send a looping local video source from OBS Studio to YouTube through an encoder stream. Create the stream in YouTube Studio, configure OBS with the stream URL and key, test playback, and keep a local recording: YouTube warns that a livestream longer than 12 hours may not be captured as an archive.

Check that your channel can livestream

YouTube’s general live-start guidance says a channel must be verified, must not have had a live-streaming restriction in the previous 90 days, and the streamer must be at least 16. Confirm eligibility before configuring OBS; if live access is unavailable, check the channel’s status in YouTube Studio and follow YouTube’s eligibility guidance: YouTube’s live-streaming eligibility requirements.

Create an encoder stream in YouTube Studio

  1. Open YouTube Studio and start the livestream creation flow. Choose the encoder option rather than a webcam workflow.
  2. Create or manage the stream, then copy its stream URL and stream key from the stream settings.
  3. Treat the stream key like a password: anyone who has it may be able to send a broadcast to your channel. Do not share it publicly, and replace it in YouTube Studio if you believe it has been exposed.

YouTube’s encoder workflow is intended for broadcasts such as gameplay. Its setup guidance covers connecting an encoder to YouTube: Set up your encoder for live streaming.

Choose how OBS will play the archive

In OBS Studio, create a scene for the broadcast, then add the source that matches your archive. The one-file option is simplest; use the VLC Video source if you want OBS to move through several files as a playlist.

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These controls are documented in OBS’s Media Sources guide. If using a playlist, check the file order and confirm every item plays before going live.

Configure OBS to send the stream

  1. In OBS, open Settings > Stream. Select YouTube as the service if it is available, or select a custom service and enter the YouTube stream URL and key copied from Studio.
  2. Open Settings > Output and choose streaming output settings appropriate for your connection and computer. YouTube publishes supported codecs and bitrate guidance; use its current recommendations for your chosen resolution and frame rate rather than guessing: YouTube encoder settings and bitrates.
  3. In OBS’s video and output settings, make the resolution and frame rate match the quality you intend to send. A higher resolution or frame rate needs more processing and upload capacity, so test for dropped frames before relying on a continuous broadcast.
  4. Use YouTube’s recommended ingest protocol, RTMPS, where your encoder offers it. Confirm the selected destination, stream key, and output settings before starting the broadcast.

There is no single bitrate that is right for every archive and internet connection. Follow YouTube’s current table for your selected codec, resolution, and frame rate, then verify that your available upload bandwidth can sustain the chosen output.

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Test the loop and verify the live preview

  1. Start with a short private or otherwise non-public test stream, as appropriate for your channel and audience.
  2. Check the preview in YouTube Live Control Room. Confirm that gameplay video appears, audio is present and balanced, and the intended file or playlist continues playing after an item ends.
  3. Watch OBS’s stream status for connection problems or dropped frames. If the preview is unstable, lower the output load or resolve the network issue before treating the setup as unattended.
  4. Make a test recording while streaming and play it back. YouTube recommends monitoring the audio and video and checking that the local archive file is intact.

OBS also recommends a brief test before a first broadcast. See OBS’s streaming guide for its setup and testing advice.

Plan for recordings and YouTube’s archive limit

YouTube says it can automatically archive streams shorter than 12 hours, but a stream longer than 12 hours may not be captured at all. Do not rely on one continuous 24/7 broadcast to produce a complete YouTube replay. YouTube’s archive guidance recommends making a local backup: YouTube livestream archiving guidance.

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Enable local recording in OBS if you need a copy of the broadcast, and confirm that the recording is actually being written and can be played. A long recording can use substantial storage; choose a drive capacity based on the recording duration and output settings. An external SSD or hard drive is optional, not a streaming requirement. For an always-on channel, decide in advance how you will preserve, divide, and store recordings rather than assuming YouTube will retain the whole broadcast.

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Check rights before looping gaming footage

You are responsible for having the rights needed to livestream the material, including applicable music rights, and for complying with YouTube’s Community Guidelines. Check the game publisher’s streaming policy and the rights status of the particular recording, soundtrack, licensed tracks, overlays, and other third-party content. A game’s general permission to stream does not by itself establish that every song or asset in a particular video is cleared.

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YouTube’s live-streaming terms and policy guidance are available at YouTube Terms of Service and YouTube Community Guidelines. These general sources do not determine permission for a specific game, recording, or track; check the relevant rights holder’s terms where needed.

Troubleshoot common problems

  • The stream will not start: verify channel eligibility, the selected YouTube encoder destination, and that the stream URL and key match the stream currently open in Studio.
  • The archive stops instead of repeating: check that Loop is enabled on the OBS Media Source. For multiple files, use a VLC Video source and enable Loop Playlist; install VLC if the source is missing.
  • The picture is missing or the wrong video plays: confirm the correct scene is active, the source points to an available local file, and the file plays inside OBS before starting the broadcast.
  • Audio is silent or unintended: inspect the source’s audio routing and OBS meters during the test, then verify the audio in both the YouTube preview and local test recording.
  • The live preview is unstable or frames are dropping: compare the selected output settings with YouTube’s current recommendations and reduce the resolution, frame rate, or bitrate if the computer or connection cannot sustain them.
  • The full 24-hour replay is missing: YouTube cautions that streams longer than 12 hours may not be captured. Preserve the broadcast locally and use a planned recording workflow instead of relying on the YouTube archive.
  • OBS’s VLC playlist source is unavailable: install VLC, then reopen or refresh OBS and check the source list again.

Or let it run in the cloud

If you want the gaming archive to keep playing without leaving a home computer running, StreamNeo is a YouTube-only cloud service for looping uploaded videos. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. Nothing has to stay powered on at home; the stream plays the uploaded files rather than broadcasting from a camera.

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  • One flat price per slot for any uploaded quality up to 4K 60fps, with no re-encode or quality tiers.
  • Automatic recovery if YouTube drops the stream.
  • The first day is free with no card required; one free day per account.
  • Monthly billing is $9.99 per month. UPI and cards are supported in India; card checkout is available worldwide.

Start a free day at StreamNeo registration.

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.