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OBS Replay Buffer saves recent footage on your computer; it does not loop a video or control what viewers can rewind on YouTube. To keep media cycling in an OBS broadcast, use a looping Media Source for one file or a VLC Video source with Loop Playlist for multiple files. YouTube DVR is a separate viewer feature, and its rewind capability may be limited or unavailable once a stream exceeds 12 hours.
Choose the setting for the job
| What you want to do | OBS or YouTube feature | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Save the most recent footage locally | OBS Replay Buffer | Captures recent footage so you can save it with a hotkey; it is not a playlist. |
| Repeat one video in the outgoing broadcast | OBS Media Source, Loop enabled | Plays the file again after it finishes. |
| Cycle through multiple local videos | OBS VLC Video, Loop Playlist enabled | Restarts the file list after it reaches the end. |
| Let viewers rewind a live broadcast | YouTube DVR | Allows viewers to pause and rewind, subject to YouTube’s limits for long streams. |
| Repeat a video or playlist while watching YouTube | YouTube playback controls | Repeats content for the viewer; it does not configure the OBS broadcast. |
Set up Replay Buffer to save recent footage
Replay Buffer is a local capture feature. Enabling it and assigning a save hotkey are separate steps. OBS’s overview recommends enabling Replay Buffer in recording output settings and setting the hotkey under Hotkeys. The available guidance does not prescribe a universal buffer duration or memory limit, so choose values appropriate to your system and check the controls in your installed OBS version.
- In OBS, open the recording output settings and enable Replay Buffer. The exact placement or wording may vary by version.
- Open Settings > Hotkeys and assign a key to save the Replay Buffer. OBS also lists start, stop, and save Replay Buffer actions among possible hotkeys.
- Start the buffer using its control or assigned hotkey. When you want to keep the recent footage, use the save hotkey; enabling the feature alone does not automatically save clips.
Replay Buffer uses local system resources and saves footage on the operator’s computer. It is not a method for looping media into a broadcast and is not the same as YouTube DVR. (OBS quick start guide)
Loop one video file in OBS
- In the Sources panel, add a Media Source and select the local video file.
- Enable the source’s Loop option.
- Confirm the source is visible in the scene you are sending to the stream. The file should begin again when playback completes.
OBS documents Media Source as the option for a single media file and Loop as the control that repeats it after completion. (OBS media sources guide)
#1 Best Overall
- 【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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- 【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.
Loop a playlist of files in OBS
For multiple local files, use OBS’s VLC Video source. VLC must be installed for this source to work; if OBS is 64-bit, VLC must also be 64-bit.
- In the Sources panel, add a VLC Video source.
- Add the video files to its playlist in the order you want them to play.
- Leave Loop Playlist enabled to restart the playlist when it ends. OBS documents this option as on by default.
- Leave Shuffle Playlist off for the listed order, or enable it if you want items randomized. OBS documents shuffle as off by default.
- Check the source’s visibility behavior. OBS lists Stop when not visible, restart when visible as the default behavior; a source that becomes hidden may stop and restart rather than continue playing. Configure visibility behavior to suit your scene and test it before relying on the stream.
These controls govern local media playback in the OBS scene, not YouTube’s own viewer-side repeat controls. (OBS media sources guide; YouTube: Loop videos and playlists)
Rank #2
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Start OBS with streaming or Replay Buffer
OBS documents command-line launch parameters for starting these functions:
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Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →--startreplaybufferstarts Replay Buffer when OBS launches.--startstreamingstarts streaming when OBS launches.
For a scheduled or automated launch, OBS guidance says to set the working directory to the folder containing OBS; on Windows, this is the Start in field. These launch parameters help start OBS, but they do not guarantee uninterrupted operation, restart OBS after every crash, or recover a YouTube event after a disconnection. (OBS launch parameters)
Rank #3
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- 【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
Understand YouTube DVR and viewer repeat
DVR is for viewers rewinding the live broadcast
YouTube DVR lets viewers pause and rewind during a live stream. YouTube warns that DVR capabilities may be limited or unavailable for streams longer than 12 hours. Do not assume viewers can rewind the full history of an always-on broadcast. (YouTube Help: Turn on DVR on live streams)
YouTube repeat controls do not loop your OBS output
YouTube also provides controls for viewers to loop videos and playlists while watching. Those controls affect playback on the viewer’s device; they do not make OBS replay a local file or feed a playlist into a live broadcast. For an OBS broadcast that cycles through local videos, configure Media Source or VLC Video in OBS. (YouTube: Loop videos and playlists)
Rank #4
- 4K60 Capture: Record in cinematic quality with crisp detail and vivid colors
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- Cross-Platform Compatible: Works with PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 2, and more
- Analog Audio In: Capture in-game chat or commentary with 3.5mm input
Troubleshoot common problems
- The Replay Buffer is enabled, but no clip is saved: Set a save hotkey under Settings > Hotkeys, start the buffer, and press the save key when you want to capture recent footage.
- A single video stops at the end: Check that the source is a Media Source and its Loop option is enabled.
- A playlist will not start or its source is unavailable: Install VLC and match its architecture to OBS. A 64-bit OBS installation requires 64-bit VLC.
- The playlist ends and stays stopped: Check that Loop Playlist is enabled on the VLC Video source.
- The playlist order changes unexpectedly: Check whether Shuffle Playlist is enabled.
- Media stops when another scene or source is shown: Review the VLC Video visibility behavior. The documented default is to stop when hidden and restart when visible.
- Viewers cannot rewind far back in a long broadcast: This may be YouTube’s DVR limitation for streams longer than 12 hours, not an OBS playlist setting.
- OBS does not start the stream as expected: Verify the launch parameter and the working directory. The launch option does not provide crash recovery or ensure that YouTube reconnects.
Or let it run in the cloud
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Quick Recap
Best Value
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