The Tool Desk
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Choose the right OBS source
| What you want to play | OBS source | Setting |
|---|---|---|
| One video file repeatedly | Media Source | Enable Loop in the source properties. |
| Several video files in sequence, then repeated | VLC Video | Add the files to its playlist and enable Loop Playlist. |
OBS documents Loop for repeating a media file and Loop Playlist for repeating a VLC Video playlist. The VLC Video source requires VLC to be installed. See the OBS media sources documentation for the available source options and settings; labels can differ as software versions change.
Set up a looping video in OBS
- Open the stream scene. In OBS, create or select the scene you intend to use for the YouTube livestream.
- Add the file. In the Sources panel, select +, choose Media Source, and create or select a source. Set the video file in its properties.
- Enable repeat playback. Turn on Loop in the Media Source properties, then apply the change.
- For multiple clips, use a playlist. Add a VLC Video source, add the desired files to its playlist, and enable Loop Playlist. If VLC Video is not available as a source, install VLC and reopen OBS.
- Check the scene and sound. Confirm the source is visible in the scene and that its audio is routed and audible as intended. A looped video can restart while an audio issue still leaves the stream silent or uneven.
- Run a test before the public broadcast. Start a private or unlisted test stream, inspect the Live Control Room preview, and watch and listen through the point where the video reaches its end and begins again. YouTube recommends testing the setup and monitoring stream audio and video; see Create a YouTube live stream with an encoder.
Why the stream can continue after the file ends
YouTube receives the feed sent by the encoder, such as OBS. Its guidance says, “To end the stream, stop sending content from your encoder.” A finite file reaching its end is therefore not the same thing as stopping the encoder. However, without a loop setting or another source of content, the encoder may no longer send the intended video. Enable looping on the media source rather than expecting YouTube to repeat the file.
For a planned end, follow YouTube’s guidance: end the broadcast by stopping the encoder’s outgoing feed after the event is over. The YouTube Live Control Room guide covers managing the live stream.
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Archive duration and longer broadcasts
YouTube says streams under 12 hours are automatically archived. That statement does not establish what will happen to an archive for a stream longer than 12 hours, so do not rely on automatic archiving for a longer broadcast. If you need a recording, arrange a separate recording or verify the archive after the stream. See YouTube’s live-stream archive guidance.
Troubleshooting a video that does not repeat
- The video stops at the last frame: Check the relevant source’s own properties. Use Loop for Media Source or Loop Playlist for VLC Video; these are separate settings.
- The playlist stops after its final clip: Confirm that the files are in the VLC Video playlist and that Loop Playlist is enabled. Also confirm VLC is installed so OBS can provide the source.
- The picture repeats but the audio does not sound right: Test the full transition in a private or unlisted stream. Check the source’s audio and OBS audio routing, then monitor the Live Control Room preview rather than relying only on the local scene.
- The YouTube broadcast ends: Check whether OBS is still sending content and whether the stream is active in YouTube’s Live Control Room. Looping affects source playback; it does not replace the encoder connection or keep a stopped encoder sending.
- The archive is missing after a long stream: YouTube’s stated automatic-archive condition is for streams under 12 hours. The cited guidance does not establish archive behavior beyond that duration.
Copyright and stream readiness
Looping a file changes playback behavior, not your rights to use its video or audio. Before broadcasting, make sure you have the rights or permissions needed for all material in the file and playlist, including music. YouTube’s encoder setup guidance recommends testing and monitoring the stream, but it does not make a looped or prerecorded video exempt from YouTube’s content policies.
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Or let it run in the cloud
If you want a prerecorded video to keep playing without leaving a computer at home running OBS, StreamNeo is a cloud service for keeping a YouTube channel live from uploaded videos. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. It loops the uploaded video from the cloud; it does not stream from a camera.
- Nothing has to stay powered on at home for the stream to continue.
- One flat price per slot covers any uploaded quality up to 4K 60fps, with no re-encode or quality tiers.
- Automatic recovery is available if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free, with no card required.
The monthly option is $9.99 per month. See StreamNeo for details, or start your free first day.
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