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If you want to loop uploaded videos on YouTube Live, choose a cloud playout service; if you need to send a live feed from OBS or another encoder to a custom RTMP destination, choose a service that explicitly supports that workflow. StreamNeo is the first option to consider for straightforward YouTube looping: it runs uploaded videos in the cloud, at any quality up to 4K 60fps for one flat price per slot, and offers a free first day.
“Custom RTMP” can mean either sending a prerecorded broadcast to a custom destination or sending an encoder’s live output into a managed RTMP server. Those are different jobs. The comparison below separates what each provider documents and flags where the available information does not establish a capability or limit.
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Choose the workflow before the service
A cloud service can handle prerecorded video in two main ways. In file playout, you upload finished videos, arrange them into a playlist, and the provider plays them as a YouTube Live stream. In encoder ingest, a software or hardware encoder sends a live feed to an RTMP or RTMPS server, which then distributes it. Some services document both, but you may need only one.
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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →YouTube describes an encoder as a tool that converts video into a digital format for streaming. A cloud playout provider can perform that role without a local encoder running; an external encoder is still needed when the source is a live feed you are sending to a managed RTMP service. YouTube’s encoder guidance also notes that listed verified encoder products are not made by YouTube.
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Cloud services compared
| Service | Uploaded-video playout | YouTube | Custom RTMP | Documented loop and limits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| StreamNeo | Upload a recording or create a playlist; the cloud loops it as a 24/7 stream. | Yes; StreamNeo streams to YouTube only. | Not stated for arbitrary custom RTMP destinations or encoder ingest. | 24/7 looping and playlists are included per slot. Up to 4K 60fps as uploaded, with no re-encode or quality tiers. 10 GB storage per slot, pooled across active slots. |
| Gyre | Upload files, arrange a playlist, schedule a continuous stream, and loop it in the cloud. | Yes; YouTube is its stated primary use. | Gyre says it sends a standard RTMP live broadcast, but support for arbitrary custom RTMP destinations is not established here. | Continuous looping is documented. Playlist, file, storage, and concurrent-stream limits are not stated here. |
| Castr | Upload MP4 files, schedule a broadcast, or loop a playlist. | Yes. | Yes: prerecorded streams can go to custom RTMP destinations. Separately, Castr’s managed RTMP server accepts an external encoder feed. | Continuous 24/7 loop mode is stated to be available on Premium and higher. Playlist, file, storage, duration, and concurrency limits vary by plan; verify current plan details. |
| Castloop | Vendor says it supports media uploads, playlists, continuous looping, and automatic restart. | Yes, according to the vendor. | Yes, according to the vendor. | Feature statements are vendor claims. Independent reliability and compatibility verification is not established here; other operational limits are not stated. |
Gyre is listed by YouTube’s encoder guidance as a cloud-based tool for continuous prerecorded-video streaming. Provider capabilities and plan limits can change, so confirm current details on the provider’s own service pages before subscribing.
Which option fits your setup?
For a YouTube-only 24/7 loop
StreamNeo is the first option to try when the job is simply to keep uploaded videos looping on YouTube: it runs from the cloud, accepts the file at its original quality up to 4K 60fps for one flat price per slot, and includes a free first day. Gyre is another YouTube-focused option for uploaded files and playlists. Castr also supports prerecorded YouTube broadcasts, though its continuous infinite loop mode requires Premium or higher.
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For prerecorded playout to a custom RTMP destination
Castr explicitly documents sending prerecorded streams to custom RTMP destinations. Castloop’s vendor page also claims custom RTMP support, but that capability has not been independently verified here. Do not infer arbitrary destination support from a provider’s statement that it sends a standard RTMP broadcast; Gyre’s available documentation does not establish that distinction.
For an external encoder feed into a managed RTMP server
Castr documents a separate managed RTMP ingest workflow: an encoder such as OBS, vMix, or Wirecast sends RTMP or RTMPS to the server, which distributes the received feed. This is not the same as uploading files for a cloud service to play out. The available information does not establish that StreamNeo, Gyre, or Castloop accepts this encoder-ingest workflow.
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Questions to check before you choose
- Destination: Is the output YouTube only, or do you need an arbitrary custom RTMP destination?
- Source: Are you uploading finished videos, or sending an ongoing live feed from an encoder?
- Loop and scheduling: Does the plan include continuous looping, playlist scheduling, and automatic restart or recovery?
- Capacity: Confirm file-size and duration limits, storage, playlist size, and how many streams can run concurrently.
- Plan gates: Castr states its 24/7 infinite loop mode is available on Premium and higher; check the current plan matrix for the limits that matter to your setup.
- Operations: Review monitoring, support, restart handling, and service terms directly. The documented feature claims here are not independent uptime or reliability tests.
YouTube policies and monetization are separate questions
A service’s ability to keep a prerecorded stream running does not establish that the content complies with YouTube policies, will be recommended, or qualifies for monetization. Check that you have the necessary rights to every video and audio track, and review YouTube’s current rules for live streams and monetization before broadcasting. No provider feature claim is a guarantee of views, watch time, revenue, or monetization eligibility.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Or let it run in the cloud
With StreamNeo, upload a recording or playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. StreamNeo handles the loop in its cloud, so nothing has to stay on at home. Every slot streams at the quality uploaded, up to 4K 60fps, for one price rather than quality tiers; it also attempts automatic recovery if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card, and plans are available for short or longer billing periods.
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