The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →To stream a prerecorded video continuously to YouTube from a Mac, use OBS Studio: add the file as a looping Media Source, connect OBS to a YouTube encoder stream with its stream URL and key, then start the encoder and check the Live Control Room preview. This keeps the broadcast running only while the Mac, OBS, the video file and your internet connection remain available. If you want the stream to run without a computer at home, StreamNeo is a cloud alternative for looping uploaded videos on YouTube.
Before you start: make sure your channel can go live
YouTube requires a verified channel with no live-streaming restrictions in the previous 90 days. If this is the channel’s first time streaming, enable live streaming in advance: YouTube says initial activation can take up to 24 hours.
In YouTube Studio, open the Live Control Room and create or select an encoder stream. You will use that stream’s URL and stream key in OBS. Treat the key like a password: do not show it in screenshots or share it publicly. If it is exposed, reset it in the Live Control Room.
Set up the looping video in OBS on your Mac
- Install and open OBS Studio. Create a scene for the broadcast.
- Add the video. In the Sources area, choose + and add a Media Source. Select the local video file. OBS documents common formats including MP4, MOV, MKV and WebM; playback can vary with the file’s codecs and system support.
- Enable looping. Open the Media Source properties and turn on Loop. The file restarts after playback reaches the end.
- Check the preview. Confirm that the picture plays and that the expected audio is present. Make sure the scene shows the intended content before connecting to YouTube.
For a playlist of videos
Use OBS’s VLC Video source, add the files as a playlist and enable Loop Playlist. VLC must be installed on the Mac for this source to work. Review the playlist order and check playback before going live.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Connect OBS to YouTube and start the broadcast
- Copy the stream details. In YouTube Studio’s Live Control Room, open the encoder stream and copy its stream URL and stream key.
- Enter them in OBS. Open OBS Settings and select Stream. Choose YouTube as the service if available, then enter the stream key and the required server or stream URL. Interface labels can change between versions; use YouTube’s encoder details if OBS asks for a server and key separately.
- Start the encoder. Select Start Streaming in OBS. Wait for the incoming video to appear in YouTube’s Live Control Room preview.
- Go live from YouTube. Check the preview and stream health, then use the Live Control Room’s go-live control to make the broadcast public.
YouTube describes an encoder as converting video into a digital format for streaming. OBS sends that feed; YouTube’s Live Control Room is where you confirm the incoming stream and start the public broadcast.
Choose settings and test the upload path
There is no single correct bitrate for every Mac or video. Choose resolution, frame rate and bitrate using YouTube’s current recommendations for the intended output, and confirm that your internet connection can sustain the upload. YouTube recommends RTMPS for RTMP-based ingestion and constant bitrate (CBR) encoding.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
- Run a test with representative movement and audio before the intended broadcast.
- Check that OBS is sending and that YouTube’s preview and stream-health indicators show an acceptable feed.
- Monitor the broadcast after it starts. A loop setting does not protect against a lost network connection, a stopped encoder or a Mac that sleeps or shuts down.
Settings depend on the source file, chosen output and sustained upload capacity. Use YouTube’s current bitrate table for the resolution and frame rate you select rather than copying a number intended for a different setup.
Plan for long streams, archives and viewer rewind
YouTube says streams under 12 hours can be automatically archived. A stream longer than 12 hours may not be captured at all, so do not rely on YouTube’s automatic archive if retaining the full broadcast matters. YouTube recommends keeping a local archive backup.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteRank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
For a local copy, use a separate recording workflow and check that the Mac has enough available storage; an external SSD is optional, not a requirement for going live. YouTube also warns that DVR rewind may be limited or unavailable for streams longer than 12 hours. Tell viewers if rewind may not be available during a particularly long broadcast.
Keep the stream within YouTube’s rules
Looping a file does not bypass YouTube’s normal copyright or live-streaming policies. Use video and audio you have the rights to broadcast, and check that your channel remains eligible to stream. A continuous prerecorded feed is still a YouTube livestream; looping alone does not establish permission to use someone else’s material or guarantee monetization.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Mac OBS or a cloud service?
| Approach | Where it runs | What it suits | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| StreamNeo | In the cloud | Keep uploaded videos looping on YouTube without leaving a Mac running; any quality up to 4K 60fps is streamed as uploaded at one flat price per slot, and the first day is free. | It streams uploaded videos to YouTube; it is not a camera-based broadcast. |
| OBS on a Mac | On the Mac, with OBS and the media files running | Control local files and scenes directly; Media Source looping and VLC playlists are documented OBS options. | The Mac, OBS, source files and internet connection must remain available; you handle monitoring and local archiving. |
| Gyre | Cloud service | YouTube lists Gyre as a cloud-based option for continuous prerecorded streams without a dedicated PC. | The YouTube listing does not establish current pricing, plan limits, partner terms or comparative reliability. |
Or let it run in the cloud
StreamNeo runs prerecorded YouTube streams from the cloud, so nothing has to stay on at home. Upload your video or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. It streams what you uploaded at any quality up to 4K 60fps for one flat price per slot, and automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly pricing is $9.99 per month. The same product is included on every plan; only the billing period changes. Visit StreamNeo for details, or start your free first day.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Troubleshooting common problems
- YouTube does not show an incoming preview: Confirm OBS is streaming, the correct stream URL and key are entered, and the Live Control Room is open for the same encoder stream. If the key was reset, update the value in OBS.
- The video stops instead of repeating: Reopen the Media Source properties and verify Loop is enabled. For a playlist, use the VLC Video source, confirm VLC is installed, and check Loop Playlist.
- There is no sound or the picture is missing: Check the OBS preview and source selection, then test the file’s playback before going live. A listed container format alone does not guarantee that every codec will play identically.
- The stream health is poor or the feed drops: Test sustained upload capacity, use YouTube’s recommended settings for the selected resolution and frame rate, and check the network and OBS status. A local setup cannot continue sending video if the Mac or connection becomes unavailable.
- The stream is not archived in full: YouTube may not capture broadcasts longer than 12 hours. Use a separate local recording workflow when a complete retained copy is essential.
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.
