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For a single video you want to loop in OBS, use an MP4 file with H.264 video and AAC audio as a compatibility-first choice. Add it to an OBS scene as a Media Source and turn on Loop. That format is a practical default, not a special OBS requirement: OBS supports several containers, and the file format does not set your YouTube stream’s resolution or frame rate.
Which format should you choose?
Choose MP4 with H.264 video and AAC audio if you want a broadly compatible starting point for an ordinary local video. OBS describes MP4 as a de facto internet-video standard, H.264 as ubiquitous, and AAC as widely supported in its Audio/Video Formats Guide.
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This is a compatibility recommendation, not a claim that OBS requires MP4 or that every MP4 contains H.264 and AAC. A filename extension does not establish which codecs are inside the file. Check the actual file in the OBS version and on the hardware you plan to use.
How to loop one video in OBS
- Add a Media Source: in the scene, add a Media Source and select your local video file.
- Enable Loop: open the source properties and check Loop. OBS describes this control as specifying whether the file plays again when playback completes, in its Media Sources guide.
- Test playback: preview the scene and let the clip reach its end to confirm that playback starts again as intended.
- Use hardware decoding only if it helps: the option is not a requirement. Enable Use hardware decoding when available only when your GPU supports decoding the file and testing shows a benefit.
When to use another option
| Option | When it makes sense | What to keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| MP4, H.264, AAC | A compatibility-first choice for a single local clip. | Confirm the actual codecs in the file and test it in your OBS setup; the extension alone is not enough. |
| MKV | When the workflow involves recording and you value flexibility across OBS encoders or resilience if a recording ends unexpectedly. | Those are recording advantages, not a reason MKV must be used for a looping source. |
| MOV | When the file or workflow suits editing, including some Mac-oriented workflows. | Codec combinations still matter; the extension alone does not guarantee playback compatibility. |
| VLC Video source | When you need a rotating playlist or want to use VLC’s libraries and playlist controls. | VLC must be installed. For one file, Media Source already has a Loop property. |
| AV1 or HEVC | Only when you have a specific reason to use the codec and have confirmed decoder and platform support. | Compatibility varies; neither is necessary for the basic looping task. |
OBS lists MP4, TS, MOV, FLV, MKV, AVI, GIF, and WebM among its supported video file types. Support for a container does not mean every possible codec combination inside it will decode in every setup; consult the OBS format guide and test your file.
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- 【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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Set the live output separately from the source file
The container and codecs of your video source do not determine the resolution or frame rate sent by OBS. In Settings > Video, set the Base (Canvas) Resolution, Output (Scaled) Resolution, and Common FPS Values independently. OBS’s Overview Guide says the Common FPS Value should match the desired output FPS, such as 30 or 60.
A 4K, 60 fps output can put more load on a computer than 30 fps. If the preview or output is choppy, or OBS reports encoding overload, follow OBS’s encoding performance troubleshooting guidance: consider reducing output resolution or frame rate. Also avoid an unnecessarily high-resolution source when it will be scaled down or the stream is not 4K. Choose source resolution based on how large the video appears in the scene and the output you actually want.
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A suitable MP4/H.264 file does not guarantee that the live broadcast will be 4K at 60 fps. The file format, OBS output settings, encoding workload, and YouTube ingest requirements are separate considerations. The OBS guidance cited here does not establish current YouTube-specific ingest values such as bitrate or keyframe interval, so do not infer those settings from the source file format.
Keep it running without a computer at home
If you want to loop uploaded videos on a YouTube channel without leaving OBS or a computer running, StreamNeo runs the stream from the cloud: upload your video, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. It streams the upload as made, up to 4K 60fps at one flat price per slot, and automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card.
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- 【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
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- 【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
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Quick Recap
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- Turn Your Camera into a Pro Webcam: Connect your DSLR or mirrorless camera to any computer and go live in stunning quality
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