Halloween DealsAmazon USHalloween week deals: useful picks before month-endAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsWindows FixRecommendedWindows errors stealing your time? Find the fix fastScan stability, cleanup and performance issues.Fix NowHalloween DealsAmazon USOctober picks are moving - compare before checkoutAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.See Picks×
Skip to content
Mountain View desk5 min

How to Configure OBS Studio 30 for a 24/7 Prerecorded YouTube Stream

Learn how to loop a prerecorded video in OBS Studio 30 and stream it continuously to YouTube Live, with encoder guidance, testing steps, and troubleshooting.
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

To loop a prerecorded video on YouTube Live with OBS Studio 30, add it to a scene as a Media Source, enable Loop, connect OBS to a YouTube stream key, and set the encoder to match YouTube’s guidance for your chosen codec, resolution, and frame rate. Because OBS runs on your computer, that computer, the video file, and a sufficiently stable upload connection must remain available while the stream is live.

Before you start

  • Install OBS Studio 30 and have the prerecorded video file available on the computer that will run OBS.
  • Make sure your YouTube channel can create a live stream, and keep access to YouTube Studio so you can configure the stream and view its health.
  • Plan to leave the computer running, prevent sleep or shutdown, and use an internet connection whose sustained upload capacity can support the selected stream settings.
  • Choose settings based on the video and what your computer and connection can sustain. YouTube’s bitrate figures are recommendations, not guarantees for a particular setup.

OBS Media Sources supports video formats including MP4, TS, MOV, FLV, MKV, AVI, GIF, and WebM, as well as audio formats including MP3, AAC, OGG, and WAV. See the OBS Media Sources guide for source details.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Configure the looping video in OBS

  1. Create a scene. In OBS Studio 30, add a scene for the broadcast in the Scenes panel.
  2. Add the file. In the Sources panel, use + and choose Media Source. Give it a recognizable name, then browse to and select your video file.
  3. Set playback behavior. In the Media Source properties, enable Loop so playback starts again when the file finishes. The OBS guide also documents options such as Restart playback when source becomes active, hardware decoding when available, and showing nothing when playback ends. Configure these according to how you intend to use the source; Loop is the setting that makes the file repeat.
  4. Check the scene. Confirm the video is visible in the OBS preview and that its audio is present if the file includes audio. A short local preview is useful for catching an incorrect file, silent audio, or an unwanted layout before you connect to YouTube.

Connect OBS to YouTube Live

  1. Open YouTube Studio and go to Create > Go live to use Live Control Room. Create or select the stream you intend to run.
  2. Copy the stream URL and stream key shown for that stream into OBS’s stream settings. Use the YouTube connection workflow and the fields provided by OBS Studio 30; labels may vary slightly by configuration.
  3. Keep the stream key private. Anyone with access to it may be able to send a broadcast to your channel. Do not publish it, include it in a screenshot, or share it with people who do not need it.
  4. Start streaming from OBS. For a scheduled broadcast, check the Live Control Room preview and use its Go live action when appropriate. Follow YouTube’s current encoder workflow at Create a YouTube live stream with an encoder.

Choose encoder settings that fit the stream

YouTube’s current encoder guidance lists RTMP/RTMPS transport, H.264, H.265 (HEVC), or AV1 video encoding, constant bitrate (CBR), frame rates up to 60 fps, and a recommended two-second keyframe interval that should not exceed four seconds. Match OBS to the codec and output mode you plan to use, then select the bitrate from YouTube’s table for that exact combination. See YouTube’s encoder settings, bitrates, and resolutions for the live recommendations, including the AV1 and H.265 values.

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
H.264 output example YouTube-recommended bitrate
720p at 30 fps 3 Mbps
720p at 60 fps 8 Mbps
1080p at 30 fps 5 Mbps
1080p at 60 fps 6 Mbps

These are YouTube recommendations for the listed H.264 configurations, not measured guarantees. Do not choose one of these values just because it is familiar: use the platform’s table for your actual codec, resolution, and frame rate. OBS notes that 60-fps streaming can demand more from a system than 30-fps streaming; see the OBS Studio Overview Guide.

#1 Best Overall
KOTIN Prebuilt Gaming PC RTX 5070 12GB, Ryzen 7 9700X, 32GB DDR5, 1TB SSD | 11.3in Smart Display, 850W 80+ Gold PSU, 360mm Liquid Cooler, WiFi 7, 1440p 4K ARGB Windows 11 Gaming Desktop Computer
  • POWERED BY RTX 5070 12GB + RYZEN 7 9700X - The GeForce RTX 5070 12GB GDDR7 graphics card pairs with an 8-core AMD Ryzen 7 9700X processor to drive smooth 1440p and 4K gameplay, giving this gaming PC the headroom for modern titles, streaming, and creative work.
  • 32GB DDR5 6000MHz MEMORY & 1TB NVMe SSD - 32GB of high-speed DDR5 memory and a 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe solid state drive deliver quick load times, smooth multitasking, and generous storage, keeping this prebuilt gaming desktop responsive under heavy workloads.
  • BUILT-IN 11.3-INCH Smart DISPLAY - An integrated smart screen shows real-time CPU and GPU temperatures, usage, and weather while you play, adding a distinctive and functional touch to your battlestation.
  • 850W 80+ GOLD POWER SUPPLY, 360MM LIQUID COOLING & WiFi 7 - An 850W 80 Plus Gold certified power supply provides stable, efficient power with headroom for future upgrades, while a 360mm AIO liquid cooler, WiFi 7, and an ARGB mid-tower case keep the Ryzen 7 CPU cool and connected in a clean build.
  • READY TO PLAY OUT OF THE BOX - Arrives fully assembled and tested with Windows 11 Home pre-installed, so your prebuilt gaming computer is ready to set up in minutes. Assembled in the USA, and backed by a one-year limited warranty and lifetime free technical support.

Test the stream before relying on it

  1. Run a test using the same video, audio, resolution, frame rate, and encoder settings you intend to keep.
  2. Watch the Live Control Room preview and stream-health information. Look for interrupted playback, missing audio, or health warnings.
  3. Test representative motion and audio, not only a still or quiet portion of the video. Confirm the file loops as expected at its end.
  4. Use a quality and bitrate your upload connection can sustain continuously. A successful short test does not establish that a local computer or connection will remain available unattended for days.

Understand the 24/7 trade-offs and YouTube archive limit

With OBS, the playback and encoding process runs on your own computer. A power loss, system sleep, OBS closing, file access problem, or internet interruption can stop the outgoing stream. The official OBS and YouTube setup guidance does not promise unattended uptime or provide a tested recovery guarantee for a 24/7 broadcast; plan to monitor the stream and be ready to restart it if needed.

YouTube’s encoder setup page says streams under 12 hours are automatically archived. That statement does not establish what happens to a stream that remains live longer than 12 hours, or whether a multi-day broadcast is preserved as one complete archive. Do not rely on a 24/7 stream producing a single continuous recording unless YouTube confirms the current behavior for your stream.

Rank #2
Skytech Gaming PC Shadow 5, Ryzen 7, RTX 5060 Ti 8GB, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD | Windows 11, AMD 8700F, NVIDIA 5060 Ti 8G, NVMe SSD, DDR5 6000, 750W GOLD PSU, Wi-Fi 5, Desktop
  • AMD Ryzen 7 8700F 4.1GHz (5GHz Turbo Boost) CPU Processor | 1TB NVMe M.2 SSD – Up to 30x Faster Than Traditional HDD | High-Performance Air Cooler
  • NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 8GB GDDR7 Graphics Card (Brand may vary) | 16GB DDR5 RAM 6000 Non-RGB Gaming Memory with Heat Spreader | Windows 11 Home
  • WI-FI 5 802.11ac | No Bloatware | Graphic output options include 1 x HDMI, and 1 x Display Port Promised, Additional Ports may vary | USB Ports Including 2.0, 3.0, and 3.2 Gen1 Ports | HD Audio & Mic | Free Gaming Keyboard & Mouse
  • High-Performance Air Cooler: Maximum Airflow & ARGB Fans | Skytech Shadow 5 Gaming Case with Tempered Glass, Black | 1 Year Warranty on Parts and Labor | Free Technical Support | Assembled in the USA
  • This powerful gaming PC is capable of running all your favorite games such as Elden Ring Nightreign, Baldur's Gate 3, Cyberpunk 2077, Hogwarts Legacy, Helldivers 2, Diablo IV, Starfield, Valorant, Counter-Strike 2, Forza Horizon 5, Resident Evil 9, Alan Wake 2, Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, God of War Ragnarök, Overwatch 2, Dragon's Dogma 2, Marvel's Spider-Man, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33,, more at Ultra settings, detailed 1080p Full HD resolution, and smooth 60+ FPS gameplay.

Troubleshoot common problems

  • The video stops after one play: Open the Media Source properties and turn on Loop.
  • The stream connects but the picture or sound is wrong: Check that the intended Media Source file is selected, visible in the scene, and playing with the expected audio. Review the preview before going live.
  • YouTube reports poor stream health or the stream drops: Compare the selected codec, resolution, frame rate, and bitrate with YouTube’s current table. Reduce the output demands if your computer or upload connection cannot sustain them, then test again.
  • The broadcast will not start as expected: Verify that the stream URL and key correspond to the intended YouTube stream, that the key has not been changed, and that the Live Control Room workflow is complete. Keep the key private.
  • The archive is missing or incomplete after a long run: YouTube’s documented automatic-archive statement applies to streams under 12 hours; it does not establish archive behavior for a multi-day stream.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Or let it run in the cloud

If you do not want a home computer to run OBS continuously, StreamNeo keeps a prerecorded YouTube stream running from the cloud: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. Nothing has to stay powered on at home. Each slot streams the uploaded file as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one price per slot; StreamNeo does not re-encode it or use quality tiers. It can automatically recover if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card required, once per account. The monthly option is $9.99 per month.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Best Value
Sale
suevery Gaming PC Desktop Computer Ryzen 5,16GB DDR4 512G SSD, RX 560 4G | 6-Core Up to 4.1GHz | RGB Prebuilt Tower | Wi-Fi 6 Gamer for Student Home Office Black
  • 【6-Core Ryzen 5 Prebuilt Gaming PC | Smooth Large Game & Streaming Performance】 The Suevery prebuilt gaming PC features an Ryzen 5 6-Core processor (3.6GHz Base, 4.1GHz Boost) and Radeon RX 560 4GB Graphics Card. It delivers lag-free gameplay for large games, seamless high-definition streaming, and smooth creative software operation, meeting gamers and content creators' reliable performance needs.
  • 【16GB DDR4 RAM + 512GB NVMe SSD | Blazing-Fast Boot & Load Speeds】 16GB DDR4 RAM supports simultaneous operation of multiple games, browser tabs and office apps without slowdowns. The 512GB NVMe SSD (up to 30x faster than traditional HDDs) enables fast boot-ups, instant game loads and quick file transfers, with ample storage for games, videos and work files.
  • 【Wi-Fi 6 Gaming Tower | Versatile Connectivity for Multi-Scenarios】 This tower gaming desktop has Wi-Fi 6 for fast, stable wireless internet, ideal for online gaming and high-definition streaming. It also includes 2× USB 3.0 and 4× USB 2.0 ports to connect peripherals, storage and office devices, suitable for gaming, home and office use.
  • 【RGB Cooling System | Stable Operation】 The advanced air cooling system with customizable RGB fans keeps the gaming tower PC cool and quiet during intense gaming. Optimized airflow maintains optimal component temperatures, preventing overheating and ensuring stable performance for long gaming sessions or heavy office workloads. Sleek RGB lighting adds a gaming-inspired aesthetic.
  • 【Prebuilt Tower PC | Adapt to Gaming/Work/Home/Office】 This prebuilt tower gaming PC is versatile for streaming, work, home and office tasks—from video editing and design software to daily office work and browsing. Ready to use with no extra setup, it meets the needs of gamers, remote workers and home users.
Rank #4
YAWYORE Gaming PC Desktop Computer AMD R5 5600GT 16GB 1TB NVMe Towers WiFi | 16GB DDR4 3200MHz, 1TB M.2 NVMe PCIe, 550W 80PLUS PSU, WiFi BT, Game Design Office Console
  • Powerful Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 5600GT 3.6GHz (4.6GHz Turbo) 6-Core 12-Thread processor brings faster response time to easily handle multi-threaded tasks
  • Motherboard Specification: MSI A520M-A PRO motherboard provides reliable performance and expandability for your computing needs
  • Integrated Graphics: AMD Radeon Vega Graphics (CPU Integration) enables you to play 1080P mainstream games at quality frame rates
  • Memory and Storage: 16GB DDR4 3200MHz RAM paired with 1TB M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD for fast multitasking and quick data access
  • Power Supply: 550W 80PLUS Bronze certified power supply ensures stable and energy-efficient operation
Rank #3
msi Codex Z2 Gaming Desktop, AMD R7-8700F, RTX 5070, 32GB DDR5, 2TB SSD | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070, USB Type-C, VR-Ready, Windows 11 Home. Model A8NVP-436US
  • POWERHOUSE 8-CORE GAMING PERFORMANCE — Driven by the AMD Ryzen 7 8700F with 8 cores and 16 threads, boosting up to 5.0 GHz for smooth, responsive gameplay and the ability to handle AAA titles, streaming, and background tasks all at once
  • NEXT-GEN BLACKWELL ARCHITECTURE — The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 is powered by NVIDIA's cutting-edge Blackwell GPU architecture, delivering a massive generational leap in rasterization and ray tracing performance so you can experience your games the way they were meant to be played.
  • Simplistic Design: Enjoy the latest generation of Windows 11 Home for your everyday needs. *MSI recommends Windows 11 Pro for business use.
  • Cool While Gaming: In conjunction with an ARGB fan Air Cooler, the Codex R2 features four system cooling fans; three in the front and one in the rear to pull in cool air and push heat out of the PC.
  • Turn on the Bright Lights: With the built-in RGB lighting, take your gaming experience to the next level by pressing the MSI LED button to cycle through lighting options. Customize lighting even further with MSI Center software.

Start your free StreamNeo day.

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.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More from the Wire

  1. World desk4 min
    How to Spot an AI Voice Scam Before Sending MoneyDon’t rely on how a caller sounds. Pause, call back through a known number, and verify the emergency with another trusted person before sending money.
  2. Mountain View desk4 min
    Google’s SynthID Detector: How to Check AI-Generated Images, Video and AudioGoogle’s SynthID Detector looks for an embedded watermark in supported images, video and audio. Here is what its results do—and do not—show.
  3. Redmond desk20 min
    How to create a link to File or Folder in Windows 11Windows 11 gives you several ways to point to a file or folder without moving or duplicating it. You can create a desktop shortcut,…
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They SpreadFree repair scan
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?Free driver scan

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.