Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteIn OBS, add a Media Source for one local music file and turn on Loop. For a playlist of separate tracks, use VLC Video Source, then configure playlist looping or shuffle. Keep the music source active in every scene where you want music to continue, and test that its audio reaches the stream mix before going live.
Choose a playback method
| Method | Best for | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| OBS Media Source | One track or a precompiled, continuous audio file | Simple playback and looping; you manage track order and transitions in the file. |
| OBS VLC Video Source | A playlist of separate tracks | Supports playlist looping and shuffle, but requires VLC installed. OBS advises using 64-bit VLC with 64-bit OBS. |
Both methods play local files. OBS documents MP3, AAC, OGG, and WAV support for Media Source. See OBS’s Media Sources documentation for the source settings.
Set up one looping music file in OBS
- Choose music you are allowed to use. Download a track, such as an MP3 from YouTube Audio Library, or prepare a single audio file with the tracks in the order you want. Save it in a stable location on the streaming computer so OBS can still find it later.
- Open the scene where music should play. In OBS, select the scene, then add a Media Source from the Sources panel.
- Select the local audio file. In the source properties, browse to the file. Enable Loop so OBS restarts playback when the file finishes.
- Check the audio mixer. Start playback and confirm that the source appears and its level moves in the OBS mixer. Set its level so it sits behind speech or the video’s own audio, rather than competing with it.
- Decide what happens when the source is hidden. OBS Media Source settings include behavior for restarting or closing a file when inactive. Choose the behavior that fits your scenes: continuing playback is useful for uninterrupted music; restarting on activation can make a track begin from the start when the scene returns.
Set up a playlist of separate tracks
- Install VLC. The VLC Video Source depends on VLC being installed. OBS advises 64-bit VLC when using 64-bit OBS.
- Add a VLC Video Source. In the scene’s Sources panel, add VLC Video Source and create or select the playlist.
- Add your audio tracks to the playlist in the order you want. Configure Loop Playlist to repeat the collection; enable shuffle if you prefer randomized order.
- Set visibility behavior and test playback. Decide whether the source should continue or stop when hidden, then confirm that the playlist advances and is audible in the mixer.
Keep music playing across video and transition scenes
A source only helps in scenes where it is available and active. If the music disappears between videos, check the scene being shown during the transition: the music source may not be present there, or its visibility behavior may stop playback when hidden.
- Add the source to each scene where music should be heard, including transition scenes.
- If your scene setup supports it, keep the music in a shared or nested scene used by the relevant scenes.
- Test the full sequence—video, transition, next video—and watch the OBS mixer to confirm that music continues and is not unintentionally doubled by another scene source.
- Test privately or with an unlisted stream before an event. This can reveal routing or scene changes that are hard to notice while producing a live show.
Use music with rights that cover your stream
Adding a file to OBS does not grant permission to broadcast it. YouTube says creators are responsible for obtaining the necessary rights for live content worldwide, including music rights, and you should consider whether the license also covers an archived replay. Read YouTube’s livestream terms and conditions.
#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.
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YouTube Audio Library
YouTube says that only music and sound effects from its Audio Library are known to it to be copyright-safe. Tracks can be downloaded as MP3; some tracks use a Creative Commons license and require the specified attribution in the video description. Check the individual track’s license details before using it. See YouTube’s Audio Library guidance.
Third-party music
Do not treat a “free” or “royalty-free” label as proof that a track is cleared for your use. Check the license for YouTube live broadcasts, archived replays, territories, and any attribution requirements. YouTube notes that those labels alone do not determine whether music is copyright-safe; see its tips to find safe music.
Rank #2
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YouTube scans live streams for third-party content. A match may trigger a placeholder and a warning; if the content remains, the stream may be temporarily interrupted or terminated. Even a valid license may not prevent interruption if the rights owner has not added your channel to its Content ID allowlist. If you have licensed third-party content, ask the owner to add your channel to that allowlist. Details are in YouTube’s copyright guidance for live streams.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Or let it run in the cloud
If the goal is to keep uploaded videos playing on a YouTube channel around the clock, StreamNeo is a separate cloud option: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. It loops uploaded videos; it does not broadcast from a camera. Your computer and home connection do not have to stay on. Music in those videos still needs the rights required for the live stream and any replay.
Quick Recap
Best Value
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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
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Rank #3
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- One flat price per slot for any uploaded quality up to 4K 60fps, with no re-encode or quality tiers.
- Automatic recovery if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free with no card, one free day per account. Monthly: $9.99 per month.
See StreamNeo, or start the free first day.
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