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To loop a prerecorded video on YouTube Live from a Windows PC, use OBS Studio: add the video as a Media Source, enable Loop, connect OBS to a YouTube stream with its server URL and stream key, and set Windows so the PC does not sleep. Test the stream before relying on it, because a sleeping PC, lost connection, power interruption, or encoder failure can stop a computer-based broadcast.

Before you start: check channel and video readiness

  • YouTube requires your channel to be verified and not subject to live-streaming restrictions within the previous 90 days. Check channel eligibility before configuring OBS. YouTube’s live-streaming encoder checklist explains the requirements.
  • Encoder streaming is suitable when the broadcast is assembled from prerecorded video, overlays, or other computer-based sources.
  • Use video and audio you have the rights to stream. Whether a particular recording or track is permitted depends on the rights and applicable YouTube rules; the setup steps cannot determine that for you.
  • Have the video file available locally and confirm that its audio and picture play correctly. OBS supports common formats including MP4, TS, MOV, FLV, MKV, AVI, GIF, and WebM. OBS Project’s Media Sources documentation (dated January 11, 2022) describes the source and its options.

Add a video to OBS and make it repeat

  1. Open OBS Studio and select the scene you want to use for the broadcast.
  2. In the Sources panel, select + and choose Media Source. Give it a recognizable name and select OK.
  3. In the Media Source properties, choose the local video file. Enable Loop, then select OK. OBS has Loop off by default; when enabled, it plays the file again after playback finishes.
  4. Check the OBS preview. Resize or position the source as needed, and listen for audio. If you use additional scenes or overlays, verify that they appear as intended.

For a basic repeating video, OBS’s built-in Media Source is enough; a separate looping player is not required.

Create a YouTube Live stream and connect OBS

  1. In YouTube Studio, open Create > Go live. Create a new stream or schedule one. Set the visibility to Public, Private, or Unlisted according to who should be able to watch.
  2. If you schedule the event, check its upcoming watch page and timing. Viewers may be able to request a reminder for a scheduled stream.
  3. In YouTube Live Control Room, copy the stream’s server URL and stream key. In OBS, open Settings > Stream, select YouTube as the service, and enter or connect the server and key as prompted by the OBS version you are using.
  4. Keep the stream key private. YouTube describes stream keys as “like your YouTube stream’s password and address.” If you believe yours has been exposed, reset it in the live-stream settings and update OBS with the new key. See YouTube Help: Manage live stream settings.
  5. Start the OBS stream and check the YouTube Live Control Room preview and stream health before directing viewers to the event or treating it as live.

Choose output settings your connection can sustain

In OBS, configure the encoder output for the resolution and frame rate you need, then choose a bitrate your sustained upload connection and computer can handle. YouTube’s figures below are recommended H.264 encoder settings, not guarantees that a particular internet plan or PC will deliver a stable stream.

H.264 output YouTube-recommended bitrate
1080p at 30 fps 5 Mbps
720p at 30 fps 3 Mbps

For encoder streams, YouTube recommends constant bitrate (CBR), a 2-second keyframe interval (not over 4 seconds), and RTMPS for an encrypted connection. Available upload capacity, codec, resolution, and frame rate all affect what is practical. Consult YouTube’s encoder settings and bitrates for the recommendations relevant to your chosen output.

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Test with representative motion and audio rather than relying only on a still preview. If the stream health indicates a problem, reduce output demands or address the connection or encoder issue before depending on a long session.

Keep Windows awake while OBS is streaming

  1. Open Settings > System > Power & battery > Screen and sleep.
  2. Review the sleep timeout for when the PC is plugged in and set it so the computer does not enter sleep during the broadcast. The display may turn off while the PC stays awake; you do not have to leave the monitor on solely to keep the stream running.
  3. If you use a laptop, check what closing the lid does. A lid-close action that puts the PC to sleep will interrupt the encoder.
  4. Menu labels and available choices can vary by Windows version, device capability, and manufacturer power utilities. If the listed path or options differ, check the device’s power settings and configured power plan.

Optional: Microsoft PowerToys Awake

PowerToys Awake can keep the computer awake indefinitely or for a timed period while it is enabled and you are signed in. It does not work at the Windows lock screen. If the PC must remain awake while locked, Microsoft advises configuring the power plan directly. Awake is an alternative convenience, not a substitute for checking what happens when the PC is locked or its lid is closed. See Microsoft PowerToys Awake.

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Test, monitor, and end the broadcast deliberately

  • Before a long session, test the whole path with the intended video and audio. Check the OBS preview, YouTube’s preview and stream health, and the watch page on the devices your audience is likely to use.
  • Start early enough to confirm that viewers see and hear the expected content. If you plan to use YouTube’s local archive, verify its behavior for your event rather than assuming the recording is available immediately.
  • YouTube says streams under 12 hours are automatically archived. That platform behavior is not a promise of uninterrupted streaming or a guarantee that a PC-based broadcast will recover after a power, network, Windows, or encoder failure. See YouTube Help on live stream archiving.
  • When the event is over, end it in YouTube and stop the encoder in OBS. Do not leave a stream running unintentionally.

Common problems and practical fixes

What you see What to check
The video ends instead of repeating Open the Media Source properties in OBS and confirm Loop is enabled for the correct source.
The YouTube preview never receives the OBS feed Check that OBS has the correct server URL and current stream key for the selected YouTube stream. If the key was reset, replace the old one in OBS.
The stream stops after the screen goes dark Determine whether the PC slept or only the display turned off. Adjust the plugged-in sleep setting; also check laptop lid-close behavior.
PowerToys Awake does not keep the PC awake while locked Awake does not work at the lock screen. Configure the power plan directly if the PC needs to stay awake while locked.
Stream health is poor or playback is unstable Check sustained upload capacity and encoder load, then test a lower resolution, frame rate, or bitrate. Compare the configuration with YouTube’s recommendations for the selected codec and output mode.
Viewers cannot watch the event Check the stream’s visibility, scheduled start time, channel eligibility, and the YouTube Live Control Room status.
The stream or audio is interrupted unexpectedly Inspect OBS, Windows power behavior, the network connection, and YouTube stream health. A local PC setup depends on those components staying available; the documented steps do not guarantee automatic recovery.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

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