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To replay a recorded gaming video on YouTube Live with OBS, add the file to your scene as a Media Source, enable Loop if you want it to repeat, then connect OBS to YouTube with the stream URL and key from YouTube Studio. You do not need a capture card to play a video file already on your computer.
Add a gaming video to an OBS scene
- Choose a scene. In OBS, select an existing scene or create one. A scene combines the video and audio sources sent to the stream; you can include a game capture, microphone, graphics, or other elements if needed.
- Add the file. In the Sources dock, click the plus button and choose Media Source. Give the source a name if prompted, then select the local gaming video. OBS documents support for MP4, TS, MOV, FLV, MKV, AVI, GIF, and WebM files. See the OBS Project’s Media Sources guide.
- Set how it plays. Enable Loop to play the file again after it ends. Enable Restart playback when source becomes active if it should start from the beginning whenever it becomes visible in the current scene. If you do not want the final frame to remain on screen after playback, enable Show nothing when playback ends.
- Position and layer it. Select the source in the preview and resize or move it as needed. Sources higher in the Sources list appear over sources below them. Put the replay above the game source if it should cover the game; place it below an overlay that must remain on top. Use the eye icon to show or hide a source. The OBS Sources Guide explains source order and visibility.
Start with a short test recording or private test stream to confirm the file appears at the intended size and that its audio is balanced with game audio, microphone, and other sources.
How do I loop a video in OBS?
Open the Media Source settings and turn on Loop. OBS will play the file again after playback completes. If the source is hidden and later shown, Restart playback when source becomes active controls whether it restarts from the beginning. These settings are separate: looping governs what happens at the end of playback, while restarting governs what happens when the source becomes active.
How do I play multiple gaming videos?
For a series of files, add a VLC Video Source and configure its playlist. VLC must be installed, and OBS specifies that 64-bit OBS requires 64-bit VLC. Playlist settings include looping and shuffling. For a single file, the regular Media Source is the simpler option. Details are in the 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.
- 【Plug and Play】No driver or external power supply required, true PnP. Once plugged in, the device is identified automatically as a webcam. Detect input and adjust output automatically. Won't occupy CPU, optional audio capture. No freeze with correct setting.
- 【Compatible with Multiple Systems】suitable for Windows and Mac OS. High speed USB 3.0 technology and superior low latency technology makes it easier for you to transmit live streaming to Twitch, Youtube, Facebook, Twitter, OBS, Potplayer and VLC.
- 【HDMI LOOP-OUT】Based on the high-speed USB 3.0 technology, it can capture one single channel HD HDMI video signal. There is no delay when you are playing game live.
- 【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.
Connect OBS to YouTube Live
- Open YouTube Studio’s Live Control Room. Create or select the stream you intend to use, then locate its stream URL and stream key in the live stream settings.
- Enter the connection details in OBS. Open OBS Settings > Stream, choose the YouTube service, and provide the stream URL and key as appropriate for the selected connection method. YouTube’s Manage live stream settings page describes these values. Treat the key like a password: do not publish or share it, and reset it if it is exposed.
- Check the preview before going live. Start the encoder output from OBS and verify that the feed appears in Live Control Room. YouTube recommends previewing the encoder feed before starting the stream. Confirm that the replay is visible, playback behaves as intended, and the audio meters show the sources you expect.
- Start the YouTube broadcast only after the test looks right. Monitor picture and sound after going live. The OBS Quick Start Guide recommends checking audio levels and testing before a first live session.
Choose stream quality and bitrate
Use an output quality your upload connection can sustain, rather than selecting the highest resolution by default. YouTube recommends testing upload capacity and keeping 20% headroom for network variability; its guidance says total stream bitrate must not exceed available upload bandwidth. The recommendation is in YouTube’s Streaming tips.
For encoder settings, YouTube recommends constant bitrate (CBR), a 2-second keyframe interval, and no more than 4 seconds between keyframes; it supports up to 60 fps. Bitrate, resolution, and codec depend on the format and target quality you select, so use YouTube’s current encoder settings, bitrates, and resolutions rather than treating one bitrate as universal. OBS’s Quick Start Guide points users to its Auto-Configuration Wizard for an initial configuration based on their hardware and network, followed by testing.
Rank #2
- 4K60 Capture: Record in cinematic quality with crisp detail and vivid colors
- HFR Support: Play and capture in 1440p120 or 1080p240
- HDR10 Support: Capture brilliant HDR content with tone mapping on Windows
- 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
Recorded file or live console capture?
A local recording is played with Media Source. A capture card is not required for that workflow. Use a video capture source and, if your console or external device needs one, a capture card when you want OBS to ingest a live signal from that device instead of replaying a file. OBS notes that Game Capture is Windows-only; on other platforms, use an applicable option such as Display Capture, Window Capture, or macOS Screen Capture for a running game. That platform distinction does not change how a local video file is played. See the OBS Sources Guide.
The Tool Desk
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Before streaming a replay, confirm that you have the rights needed for both its footage and its audio. A recording can include game visuals, licensed music, or other third-party material; owning or playing a game does not by itself establish permission to broadcast every element in a recording. YouTube’s livestream terms and conditions state that the content provider represents that they have the necessary rights to exploit live content on Google services, including music licensing rights. This is a general reminder, not a determination of the rights for any particular game or recording.
Rank #3
- High-Quality Video Capture, 4K HDMI Capture Card Ready: Capture smooth and vibrant video with this 4K HDMI capture card, engineered for gamers and content creators who demand crisp 1080P 60FPS video quality. Whether you're streaming to Twitch or recording gameplay for YouTube, your footage will look professional and detailed
- Plug-and-Play USB Capture Card, No Drivers Needed: Designed as a USB capture card for streaming, this device works instantly out of the box, just plug into your PC or laptop and start capturing. Fully compatible with popular software like OBS Studio, Streamlabs, and XSplit, making setup quick and stress-free for beginners and pros alike
- Universal Compatibility PS5, Xbox, Switch & More: Stream or record gameplay from virtually any HDMI-enabled device including Nintendo Switch, PS5, Xbox Series X, DSLR cameras, and PCs. The video capture card for gaming supports seamless passthrough so you can play without lag while your audience watches every frame in real time
- Low-Latency Performance for Smooth Streaming: This capture card for streaming minimizes delay between gameplay and broadcast, so you get reliable, low-latency capture that works well for competitive gaming, live broadcasts, and podcast sessions. Suitable for those building their channel with high-quality, engaging content
- Compact & Portable Design for Content Creators: Lightweight and portable, this USB 3.0 capture card works well for creators who travel or switch gaming setups often. Throw it in your bag and stream or record wherever you are, at home, events, LAN parties, streaming or studio sessions
Troubleshoot common replay problems
- The video is missing from the preview: Check that the Media Source is enabled with its eye icon, belongs to the selected scene, and is not covered by a source above it. Reopen its properties to confirm the selected file.
- The replay ends and stays on its last frame: Turn on Show nothing when playback ends. Turn on Loop instead if you want playback to repeat.
- The video starts at the wrong point after switching scenes: Check Restart playback when source becomes active. If that option is off, the source may not restart when it becomes visible again.
- A playlist source is unavailable: Install VLC and match its architecture to OBS; 64-bit OBS needs 64-bit VLC.
- The YouTube preview does not receive the OBS feed: Recheck the stream URL and key in OBS, and confirm they correspond to the selected stream in Live Control Room. Keep the key private.
- The stream drops frames or looks unstable: Reduce output quality or bitrate and test again. Leave the upload headroom YouTube recommends rather than using all measured bandwidth.
- Audio is missing or unbalanced: Check OBS audio meters, the Media Source audio, and the other active inputs. Make a test recording or test stream before the public broadcast.
Or let it run in the cloud
For a YouTube channel that needs a prerecorded video or playlist to stay live around the clock, StreamNeo is a cloud alternative: upload the video, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. Your computer and home connection do not have to stay on. It streams the upload as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one price per slot; it can recover automatically if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. The monthly option is $9.99 per month. See StreamNeo or start your free day.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- 【4K Clarity, 1080P Performance】Enjoy stunning clarity with our USB 3.0 Video Capture Card—featuring 4K input and smooth 1080P@60Hz output. Featuring YUY2 technology, it delivers richer colors than MJPEG for lifelike live streaming and recording. Plus, it delivers high-quality video with minimal latency, making it perfect for gamers and content creators.
- 【Mic-in for Easy Commentary】Plug in a headset or mic directly to stream/record voice easily—no extra adapters. Great for real-time gaming commentary, online classes, or vlog dubbing. Paired with its low-latency tech, it keeps voice synced perfectly with video, eliminating post-editing hassle from mismatched audio-visuals. Fits most 3.5mm devices—ideal for gamers, teachers, creators.
- 【Plug and Play, no Extra-Drivers】No extra drivers or external power—just plug in and start capturing instantly. Small and lightweight, it fits easily in your bag for outdoor live streams, on-the-go recordings, or emergencies. Ideal for game capture, video conferences, and online teaching, it saves hassle while delivering smooth results.
- 【Wide Compatibility: Apps & Devices】No extra adapters—works flawlessly with your go-to platforms and gear. It pairs with streaming/recording apps like Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, OBS, XSplit, and VLC, plus devices including Switch/Switch2, PS5/PS4, Xbox, DSLR cameras, PC, macOS, and Android. Whether gaming, streaming, or hosting video calls, it keeps HD quality intact, eliminating "compatibility headaches".
- 【Worry-Free After-Sales Support】We are committed to delivering exceptional quality products that combine sophisticated design with affordable pricing, offering you the best solutions for seamlessly connecting your work and life. Whether you're a newcomer or a seasoned user, feel free to reach out anytime with any questions—your satisfaction is our top priority.
