To stream a 4K video on repeat to YouTube, create an encoder stream in YouTube Studio, add the video as an OBS Media Source with Loop enabled, set OBS to a 3840 × 2160 output, and use a codec and bitrate appropriate for your frame rate. Start the encoder before making the broadcast public so you can check the preview and stream health.
Before you start
You need OBS Studio, a local copy of the video, a stable internet connection with enough upload capacity, and access to YouTube Live Control Room. YouTube requires a verified channel with no live-stream restrictions in the preceding 90 days. If live streaming has not been enabled on the channel before, activation can take up to 24 hours, so set it up ahead of time. YouTube’s live-streaming getting-started guide and computer live-streaming tips cover eligibility and setup.
- Check that the video is one you have the rights to stream. A loop does not change the video’s copyright status or make reused material eligible for monetization.
- Confirm that your connection can sustain the selected video bitrate while other household or office traffic is active.
- Decide whether you also need a local recording. YouTube’s archive is not a reliable sole backup for broadcasts longer than 12 hours.
Create the YouTube encoder stream
- Open YouTube Studio and go to Create → Go live to open Live Control Room.
- Create or schedule a stream using the encoder option. Set the title, visibility, audience and other broadcast details you need.
- Copy the stream URL and stream key shown in the stream setup. Keep the key private: anyone who has it can send a feed to the associated stream.
YouTube recommends RTMPS for standard RTMP-based streaming. Its encoder setup instructions are at Create a YouTube live stream with an encoder.
Add the video and make it loop in OBS
- In OBS, select the scene you want to use. In the Sources panel, click + and choose Media Source.
- Name the source, then select Browse beside the local file field and choose your video.
- Enable Loop. OBS describes this option as specifying whether the file plays again once playback has completed.
- Check the preview. Right-click the video in the preview and use the transform options to fit it to the canvas if needed. Look for black bars, unwanted cropping or stretching; preserve the source aspect ratio unless you intentionally want a crop.
- If you want the source to restart whenever it becomes active, enable Restart playback when source becomes active. This is distinct from Loop, which repeats the file after it finishes.
OBS documents Media Source formats including MP4, TS, MOV, FLV, MKV, AVI, GIF and WebM. See the OBS Media Sources documentation for source controls and format details.
#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.
Set OBS output for 4K
Open Settings → Video. Set Base (Canvas) Resolution and Output (Scaled) Resolution to 3840 × 2160 if you want the outgoing stream to be 2160p. Choose a frame rate supported by your source and computer; do not set 60 fps simply because the file is 4K if the source is 30 fps.
Then open Settings → Output, choose Advanced output mode if required to expose the encoder controls, and configure the streaming encoder to match YouTube’s guidance and the capabilities of the installed OBS version and computer. For a standard SDR loop, use a supported encoder, constant bitrate (CBR), and a 2-second keyframe interval; YouTube says not to exceed 4 seconds. Select the bitrate for the actual codec and frame rate:
Rank #2
- 【1080P 30FPS Full HD Recording】The HDMI capture card connects to your video source and computer, and captures high-definition video up to 1080p 60fps
- 【HDMI Video Capture】Based on high-speed USB 2.0 technology, you can capture a high-definition HDMI video and HDMI audio signal of a signal channel, sending audio and video signals to computers /pc. The gaming capture card is suitable for devices with HDMI output, such as devices for PS4, for Xbox one, for Wii U and for Switch
- 【Screen Sharing for Meetings】The video capture card is a fast, familiar and economical way to share content in conference rooms and online meetings. Connect to presentations without software, just connect to a laptop or tablet via HDMI to start sharing
- 【Plug and Play】This USB capture card does not need to install a driver, so you can use the built-in functions of the current software to get a seamless experience. Because the video capture device is compatible with most third-party software, it can be plug-and-play for Windows, for Ma OS X, and for Linux. The USB2.0 high-speed transmission port makes it easier for you to have real-time streaming for Twitch, for Youtube, for OBS, for Potplayer and for VLC
- 【Compact & Portable】The capture card is small size & easy to carry, convenient for outdoor and indoor live broadcasting. We provide 30 days no question asked money back and lifetime technical support, if you have any problem, please feel free to contact us
| Output | AV1 or H.265/HEVC ingestion range | H.264 recommended bitrate |
|---|---|---|
| 2160p at 30 fps | 8–35 Mbps | 30 Mbps |
| 2160p at 60 fps | 10–40 Mbps | 35 Mbps |
These are YouTube’s published encoder recommendations, not a guarantee that a particular computer or connection can sustain them. YouTube lists H.264, H.265/HEVC and AV1 for RTMP/RTMPS ingestion; which options appear depends on encoder and hardware support. Check the current YouTube encoder settings, bitrates and resolutions before going live.
Make sure the source dimensions, OBS canvas and output resolution agree. If the source is smaller than 3840 × 2160, OBS can upscale it, but that does not restore missing detail. At 2160p YouTube uses normal latency; the “improve for low latency” option is not available. HDR uses a separate HLS workflow and additional requirements, so do not treat HDR as a simple switch in an SDR setup.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Rank #3
- 【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
- 【Ultra Low Latency Screen Sharing】 HDMI capture card is made of good quality aluminum alloy with strong heat dissipation, allowing you to enjoy ultra low latency while live gaming or video recording or live streaming, avoiding blue screens and lag. This HDMI to USBC capture card supports easy recording of good quality audio or HD video and transferring it to your computer or streaming platform, allowing you to record 60 fps HD video directly on your hard drive and real-time preview
- 【Plug and Play, Easy to Carry】 This HDMI 1080P video capture card does not require any additional drivers or external power supply, just plug and play for fast capture. The capture card is small and lightweight, so you can put it in your bag for emergencies, making it very portable for outdoor live streaming. It's also a great way to share content in game recording, video conference, video recorder and online teaching
- 【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
Connect OBS to YouTube
- In OBS, open Settings → Stream.
- Choose YouTube as the service, or select a custom streaming service if your setup requires it.
- Enter the stream URL and stream key from Live Control Room, following the connection method shown there. Do not publish or share screenshots containing the key.
- Click Apply, then OK. Return to the main OBS window and confirm the correct scene and Media Source are visible.
Test, preview and go live
- Start streaming from OBS while you still have time to troubleshoot. The encoder feed should appear in Live Control Room.
- Wait for YouTube’s preview and stream health indicators. Check that the stream reports the intended resolution and frame rate and that there are no persistent connection or encoding warnings.
- Watch the preview through a full range of content: motion, scene changes, dark and bright sections, and audio. Confirm that the loop restarts cleanly rather than leaving a long blank or silent gap.
- Test the upload connection under realistic network load. YouTube recommends reliable connectivity and upload bandwidth headroom above the stream bitrate; avoid saturating the connection with other uploads.
- When the preview and health look right, start or confirm the public broadcast in Live Control Room according to the stream’s visibility and schedule.
YouTube’s streaming tips recommend preparing in advance, checking the preview and testing under realistic conditions.
Plan for a long broadcast and keep a backup
If you need your own copy, enable recording in OBS and choose a destination with enough free storage before starting. Monitor the recording and verify the resulting file afterward. A local recording uses additional disk space and computer resources, so include it in your test rather than assuming the stream and recording will both run reliably.
Rank #4
- Turn Your Camera into a Pro Webcam: Connect your DSLR or mirrorless camera to any computer and go live in stunning quality
- Stunning quality: Stream and record in 1080p60 or even 4K60 for razor-sharp detail (Requires a compatible camera and the latest Cam Link 4K model)
- Connect More Than Just Cameras: Use a camcorder, action cam, or even your iPhone to level up your content
- No Lag, No Delays: Ultra-low latency keeps your video and audio perfectly in sync, just like it should be
- Your iPad, Now a Pro Field Monitor: Preview your shots in real time on an iPad with USB-C
YouTube says streams under 12 hours can be automatically archived; broadcasts exceeding 12 hours may not be captured at all. It recommends keeping a local archive backup. See YouTube’s live-stream archive guidance. Also note that 4K/2160p streams do not have YouTube’s “improve for low latency” option.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Troubleshooting
- No preview in Live Control Room: Confirm OBS is streaming, the correct stream is selected in Studio, and the stream URL and key were copied accurately. If you suspect the key was exposed or changed, retrieve the current key from Live Control Room and update OBS.
- YouTube reports a weak or unstable connection: Reduce competing upload traffic, use a more reliable connection if available, and check that sustained upload capacity has headroom over the configured bitrate. Do not increase bitrate to solve a connection warning.
- The stream is not 2160p: Check both OBS video resolutions, the encoder output, the source dimensions, and YouTube’s detected stream settings. YouTube may take time to process higher-resolution playback options after ingest.
- Video is cropped, stretched or surrounded by bars: Check the source aspect ratio and OBS canvas, then use the preview transform controls to fit or position the source without distorting it.
- The video stops instead of repeating: Reopen the Media Source properties and confirm Loop is enabled. Restart playback when source becomes active does not replace the Loop setting.
- Audio or motion stutters: Test the same content with the selected output settings and watch OBS and YouTube stream health. Check whether the computer is overloaded or the network is saturated, then lower output demands or close competing workloads as appropriate.
- No local archive is available: Check the broadcast duration and YouTube archive status. For streams over 12 hours, capture may not be available; use and verify an OBS recording when retaining a copy matters.
Or let it run in the cloud
With StreamNeo, upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. StreamNeo loops uploaded videos from the cloud, so no computer or home connection has to stay on. Each slot supports the uploaded quality up to 4K 60fps at one flat price per slot, with no re-encode or quality tiers; it also includes 10 GB of storage per slot, pooled across active slots, playlists, automatic recovery if YouTube drops the stream, and StreamNeo team support. Every plan has the same product; only the billing period changes.
Automatic recovery is included if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card, one free day per account. The monthly option is $9.99 per month. Daily $0.99 per day · Weekly $2.99 per week · Monthly $9.99 per month · 6 months $49.99 for 6 months · Yearly $89.99 a year. Billing can be for a day, week, month, 6 months or year, and can be cancelled any time. UPI and cards are available in India; card checkout is available worldwide. For five or more slots, contact support.
Quick Recap
Start your free StreamNeo day.
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.
