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To send a video loop from Streamlabs Desktop to YouTube, first create or select a YouTube Live stream, then enter its stream URL and key in Streamlabs—or connect Streamlabs to YouTube directly. The key sets the destination; it does not make a video repeat. Configure the local video source separately, confirm its loop behavior in your current Streamlabs Desktop version, and check YouTube’s preview before publishing.
Before you start
- A YouTube channel eligible for live streaming. YouTube requires a verified channel with no live-streaming restrictions in the past 90 days. Check YouTube’s live-streaming requirements.
- Streamlabs Desktop installed and a local video file you have the right to stream.
- A reliable internet connection with enough upload capacity for your chosen stream bitrate.
- Access to YouTube Studio as the channel owner or a manager if you need to create or reset a stream key.
YouTube recommends preparing an encoder stream ahead of time, starting the encoder before a scheduled event, checking the Live Control Room preview, and monitoring stream health while live. See YouTube’s live-streaming tips.
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Create or select the YouTube Live stream
- In YouTube Studio, select Create > Go live.
- Open the Stream tab. Create a new stream or select the scheduled stream you intend to use.
- In the stream settings, locate the stream URL and stream key. YouTube may load prior settings and a previously used key for returning creators; confirm that the selected stream is the right one.
Follow YouTube’s encoder setup guide and stream settings instructions if the current Studio layout differs.
Connect Streamlabs Desktop to YouTube
There are two supported routes. Use the YouTube connection if you want Streamlabs to connect to your account and select a YouTube event. Use custom ingest when you need to enter the destination URL and key yourself. Streamlabs menu wording and placement can change between builds.
#1 Best Overall
- 【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
Option 1: Connect through YouTube
- In Streamlabs Desktop, connect or log in to your YouTube account when prompted.
- Choose Go Live and select the YouTube event or scheduled stream you created, if applicable.
- Confirm the destination in YouTube Studio before publishing.
For current connection troubleshooting, consult Streamlabs’ guide to going-live issues.
Option 2: Enter the URL and key manually
- In Streamlabs Desktop, open Settings > Stream.
- Choose Stream to Custom Ingest, then select Custom Streaming Server.
- Paste YouTube’s stream URL into the URL field and the stream key into Stream Key.
- Save the settings. Start streaming from Streamlabs when you are ready to send the feed to YouTube.
Streamlabs documents this route in its custom-ingest guide. Custom destinations may not provide every integrated Streamlabs feature, including side-dock chat and alerts or widgets. You may need to edit the title or description directly in YouTube.
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- Note: The Video Converter is used with acquisition software. We recommend OBS Studio or PotPlayer for Windows, and QuickTime Player for Mac. They can be downloaded for free online. Please operate according to the steps in User Manual or contact us if you have any questions
Protect the stream key
YouTube describes stream keys as “like your YouTube stream’s password and address.” Treat the key as a credential: do not publish it, show it in a recording, or send it to someone who does not need access. If it is exposed, reset it in YouTube Live Control Room and replace the saved key in Streamlabs. YouTube says only channel owners or managers can reset a key; see Manage live stream settings.
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Set up the video loop separately
Entering the URL and key only connects Streamlabs to YouTube. It does not cause a local video to repeat. Add your video as a local media source in the current Streamlabs Desktop interface and verify that source’s loop and restart behavior in the version you use. The available official Streamlabs guidance does not establish current control names or how a local source restarts after a scene switch, so do not assume a particular checkbox or setting name.
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Do not confuse a local-file source with Streamlabs Media Share. Media Share is an audience-requested video widget, not documentation for looping a local file. See Streamlabs’ Media Sharing guide.
Choose YouTube-compatible encoder settings
YouTube recommends RTMPS, the encrypted extension of RTMP. Its encoder guidance supports H.264, H.265, or AV1 video, up to 60 fps, constant bitrate (CBR), and a 2-second keyframe interval that should not exceed 4 seconds. The recommended bitrate depends on codec, resolution, and frame rate; use a bitrate your upload connection can sustain, then check YouTube’s stream health. These are recommendations, not a promise of performance. See YouTube’s encoder settings.
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| Example format | YouTube-recommended bitrate | Context |
|---|---|---|
| H.264, 1080p at 30 fps | 14 Mbps | YouTube encoder recommendation accessed in 2026; not a guaranteed result. |
| H.264, 720p at 30 fps | 8 Mbps | YouTube encoder recommendation accessed in 2026; not a guaranteed result. |
If your connection cannot sustain the selected bitrate, lower the output resolution or bitrate rather than relying on a recommendation that exceeds your available upload capacity.
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- Start the Streamlabs encoder to send the feed.
- In YouTube Live Control Room, wait for the preview and check that the correct video and destination appear.
- For a scheduled stream, click Go live in YouTube when you are ready to publish. A connected encoder alone does not mean you should publish before checking the preview.
- Monitor stream health during the broadcast and respond to warnings or interruptions.
YouTube recommends testing the setup before an event and checking the preview and stream health; its live-streaming tips explain the preparation workflow.
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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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Troubleshooting
- YouTube does not receive the feed: Check that the URL and key belong to the selected YouTube stream, then confirm the saved destination settings in Streamlabs. If the key was reset, update the value in Streamlabs.
- Streamlabs connects but the video does not repeat: The stream key does not control looping. Check the local media source’s loop and restart behavior in your current Streamlabs build.
- The preview is missing or not ready: Confirm the encoder is sending to the intended stream and wait for YouTube’s Live Control Room preview. Review YouTube’s stream-health status before publishing.
- Video is unstable or stream health warns of a problem: Check whether your connection can sustain the configured bitrate. YouTube’s bitrate figures are recommendations; reduce output demands if your upload connection is insufficient.
- Chat, alerts, or widgets are unavailable with custom ingest: Streamlabs warns that custom destinations may not expose all integrated features. Use the YouTube connection route where appropriate, or manage stream details in YouTube Studio.
- The key may have been exposed: Reset it in YouTube Live Control Room, then replace it in Streamlabs. Only a channel owner or manager can reset the key.
Or let it run in the cloud
If the goal is a YouTube channel that keeps looping uploaded videos around the clock, StreamNeo is the #1 option to consider: it runs the stream from the cloud, supports any uploaded quality up to 4K 60fps at one flat price per slot, and gives the first day free.
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Monthly: $9.99 per month. See StreamNeo, then start your free first day.
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