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To crop portrait clips for a 24/7 YouTube playlist stream, set OBS to a portrait canvas, add the video or playlist, crop the source with Alt-drag (Windows/Linux) or Option-drag (macOS), then resize and position it in the preview. For a playlist of local files, use OBS’s VLC Video source with VLC installed. Before a long broadcast, test the framing, playlist loop, audio, stream preview and local recording. A 24/7 broadcast is not necessarily a 24/7 archive: YouTube says streams longer than 12 hours may not be captured.
Set up a portrait scene and crop the video
- Set the canvas and output to portrait. In OBS, open Settings → Video and choose base (canvas) and output resolutions with a portrait aspect ratio. Choose dimensions and frame rate your computer and connection can sustain, then check YouTube’s current encoder recommendations for the selected resolution and frame rate: YouTube encoder settings. The OBS guidance does not prescribe one resolution for this project.
- Add the video. For one local clip, add a Media Source and enable its Loop option if you want that file repeated. For several clips, add a VLC Video source, add the files, arrange their order and set playlist behavior. VLC must be installed, and its architecture must match OBS—for example, 64-bit VLC for 64-bit OBS. The VLC Video source defaults to Loop Playlist on and Shuffle Playlist off; confirm both settings for your intended playback. See the OBS Media Sources guide.
- Crop the source. Select the source in the preview and hold Alt on Windows/Linux or Option on macOS while dragging an edge inward. To enter crop values numerically, use Edit → Transform → Edit Transform. OBS describes this as cropping the source, rather than changing the original video file. See the OBS Sources Guide.
- Fill and position the portrait frame. Drag the cropped source to place it, then resize it to fill the canvas. OBS also offers Fit to Screen, Stretch to Screen and Center to Screen transforms. Stretch can distort the picture when its aspect ratio differs from the canvas, so inspect faces, text and important edges in the preview.
- Check every playlist item. A single fixed crop works best when clips have similar framing. If a later clip places its subject differently, adjust it in advance, use a separate scene/source for that clip, or edit the file before adding it. OBS does not automatically reframe each playlist item.
Choose how YouTube gets a vertical stream
Compose a portrait-only stream in OBS
This is the direct option when the program is meant to be vertical throughout. Set the portrait canvas and output in OBS, compose the crop there, and verify that the Live Control Room preview is portrait before starting. Connect OBS using the YouTube Live server URL and stream key; use RTMPS where available and follow YouTube’s current encoder settings for your output: encoder settings by resolution and frame rate.
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Let YouTube create a vertical version of a horizontal stream
YouTube Live Control Room can generate a vertical output alongside a horizontal stream. The default is a center crop; the editing canvas also offers fit-to-phone-width and stacked layouts. A center crop can remove content near the sides, so check the mobile preview. YouTube says you cannot add the vertical format after the stream has started. This option suits a program designed for both horizontal and vertical viewing when the layout works in both formats. See YouTube’s live-streaming setup guidance.
Send separate horizontal and vertical outputs from an encoder
YouTube’s third-party encoder route uses RTMP(S) and a second stream key for the vertical output. Select Encoder for the vertical preview, route the right output to each corresponding key, and check both previews. This gives you separate compositions but requires more setup than YouTube’s generated vertical layout. Check the current Live Control Room interface because controls can change: Get started with live streaming.
#1 Best Overall
- 【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.
- 【Plug and Play】No driver or external power supply required, true PnP. Once plugged in, the device is identified automatically as a webcam. Detect input and adjust output automatically. Won't occupy CPU, optional audio capture. No freeze with correct setting.
- 【Compatible with Multiple Systems】suitable for Windows and Mac OS. High speed USB 3.0 technology and superior low latency technology makes it easier for you to transmit live streaming to Twitch, Youtube, Facebook, Twitter, OBS, Potplayer and VLC.
- 【HDMI LOOP-OUT】Based on the high-speed USB 3.0 technology, it can capture one single channel HD HDMI video signal. There is no delay when you are playing game live.
- 【Support Mic-in for Commentary】Rybozen capture card has microphone input and you can use it to add external commentary when playing a game. Please note: it only accepts 3.5mm TRS standard microphone headset.
Vertical live streams can appear in the Shorts feed and open as a vertical viewing experience in the YouTube mobile app. Choose the format with those viewing contexts and the features you need in mind: Watch and interact with vertical live streams.
Connect OBS to YouTube and test before a long run
YouTube requires a verified channel with no live-stream restriction in the preceding 90 days. First-time live-stream activation can take up to 24 hours, and the creator must be at least 16 years old. Confirm eligibility and activation before scheduling a long broadcast: YouTube live-streaming eligibility.
Rank #2
- 4K60 Capture: Record in cinematic quality with crisp detail and vivid colors
- HFR Support: Play and capture in 1440p120 or 1080p240
- HDR10 Support: Capture brilliant HDR content with tone mapping on Windows
- Cross-Platform Compatible: Works with PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 2, and more
- Analog Audio In: Capture in-game chat or commentary with 3.5mm input
- In YouTube Live Control Room, create or schedule the stream and copy its server URL and stream key.
- In OBS, open Settings → Stream, select YouTube or the appropriate custom server option, and enter the connection details. Keep the stream key private; anyone with it may be able to broadcast to your stream.
- Start an unlisted or otherwise suitable test. Check the Live Control Room preview, the watch page, and playback on a phone.
- Verify playlist order, loop behavior, crop on each clip, and audio. If recording locally, confirm the recording file is growing and can be played back.
YouTube recommends monitoring stream quality and checking local archive integrity. A computer restart, power or network interruption, or source failure can stop an OBS broadcast; plan for monitoring and recovery rather than assuming a setting guarantees uninterrupted operation. See YouTube live-streaming tips.
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Plan for archives and local backups
YouTube says streams under 12 hours can be automatically archived, but streams longer than 12 hours may not be captured at all. Its guidance recommends a local recording backup: Archive live streams. If you need a complete recording of a 24/7 broadcast, do not rely on YouTube’s automatic archive alone.
Rank #3
- High-Quality Video Capture, 4K HDMI Capture Card Ready: Capture smooth and vibrant video with this 4K HDMI capture card, engineered for gamers and content creators who demand crisp 1080P 60FPS video quality. Whether you're streaming to Twitch or recording gameplay for YouTube, your footage will look professional and detailed
- Plug-and-Play USB Capture Card, No Drivers Needed: Designed as a USB capture card for streaming, this device works instantly out of the box, just plug into your PC or laptop and start capturing. Fully compatible with popular software like OBS Studio, Streamlabs, and XSplit, making setup quick and stress-free for beginners and pros alike
- Universal Compatibility PS5, Xbox, Switch & More: Stream or record gameplay from virtually any HDMI-enabled device including Nintendo Switch, PS5, Xbox Series X, DSLR cameras, and PCs. The video capture card for gaming supports seamless passthrough so you can play without lag while your audience watches every frame in real time
- Low-Latency Performance for Smooth Streaming: This capture card for streaming minimizes delay between gameplay and broadcast, so you get reliable, low-latency capture that works well for competitive gaming, live broadcasts, and podcast sessions. Suitable for those building their channel with high-quality, engaging content
- Compact & Portable Design for Content Creators: Lightweight and portable, this USB 3.0 capture card works well for creators who travel or switch gaming setups often. Throw it in your bag and stream or record wherever you are, at home, events, LAN parties, streaming or studio sessions
- Decide whether to record locally and how to rotate or retain recording files.
- Estimate storage from your recording bitrate, format and retention period; the required capacity depends on those choices.
- Check that the recording is increasing in size during the test and verify that saved files play.
Check rights before looping the playlist
Use only videos and audio for which you have the rights needed for livestreaming and any archive. YouTube scans live streams for third-party content; detection may lead to a placeholder and warning, then interruption or termination if the material continues. A license may not prevent an interruption: the rightsholder may also need to allowlist your channel in Content ID. YouTube’s livestream terms place responsibility on the creator to have the necessary rights, including music licensing rights. Review the rights for every playlist item. See YouTube copyright issues with live streams and Livestream terms and conditions.
Troubleshoot common crop and playlist problems
| Symptom | Likely cause | What to check or change |
|---|---|---|
| Video is cut off or leaves empty space | The crop, source size or canvas aspect ratio does not match the clip. | Check the portrait canvas, adjust crop edges, and reposition or resize the source. Avoid Stretch to Screen if it visibly distorts the image. |
| Subject or text disappears in a later clip | The playlist clips do not share the same framing, but the source crop is fixed. | Review each item in advance; use separate scenes/sources or pre-edit clips whose framing differs. |
| Playlist does not load or the VLC source is unavailable | VLC is missing or its architecture does not match OBS. | Install the VLC version matching OBS (including 64-bit VLC for 64-bit OBS), then reopen or reconfigure the source. |
| Items play in an unexpected order or stop after one pass | Shuffle or loop settings do not match the intended behavior. | For sequential repetition, turn Shuffle Playlist off and Loop Playlist on; verify the playlist order. |
| Playback stops after hiding or switching scenes | The source’s visibility behavior may stop playback when it is not visible. | Review the VLC source visibility options and test scene changes before broadcasting. |
| YouTube preview is the wrong shape or stream does not connect | The output format, server URL or stream key may be wrong, or live access may not yet be enabled. | Check the output and preview, re-enter the correct Live Control Room details, and confirm channel eligibility and activation. |
| Live stream is interrupted for copyrighted material | YouTube detected third-party content or the channel is not allowlisted where required. | Stop using material without appropriate rights; confirm licensing and ask the rightsholder about Content ID allowlisting. |
| There is no complete YouTube archive | A stream longer than 12 hours may not be captured. | Use local recording for a backup and check file growth and playback. |
Or let it run in the cloud
If you do not want a computer or home connection to keep the broadcast running, StreamNeo is a YouTube-only cloud service from Yorker Media. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live; StreamNeo loops the uploaded videos from the cloud. It does not broadcast from a camera.
Rank #4
- 【Full HD Video Capture Card】The capture card captures video and audio simultaneously, transmits the signal to your computer for preview or storage, and shares the video output to the screen. The capture card supports up to 4K30Hz input and Full HD 1080p60fps video capture, high-speed transmission without delay. Suitable for streaming media, video conferencing, game live streaming and other use scenarios
- 【3.5MM Microphone Input and Headphone Output】You can connect the capture card for streaming to a headphone connection with a 3.5.mm audio output port, and you can also connect the capture card to a 3.5mm microphone so you can easily stream sound and record your voice through the port. You can also use it to freely add external commentary while playing games. Note: Do not use a hub or USB extension cable, the USB port of the product must be connected to the USB 3.0 port of your computer for use
- 【HD 1080P 60fps Signal Loop-Out】The Hi-Speed USB 3.0 port of the capturadora de video para streaming provides 1080P60FPS video signal and excellent low-latency technology, allowing you to transmit live streams to Switch/Potplayer/VLC/Twitter/OBS more easily.The output port can provide up to 1080P60Hz output resolution, outputting a clean and clear image quality with no latency. image quality with no latency. Note: Maximum output is 1080P60Hz only
- 【Wide range of compatibility】This game capture card utilizes an advanced chip for compatibility with PC, PS5, PS4, X-box, Switch, DVD, DSLR, camcorder, webcam and more. Suitable for operating systems such as Windows, Linux and Ma-c OS. High-speed transmission without delay, record wonderful moments and enjoy good times. No need to install driver or external power supply, the device will automatically recognize as webcam when plugged in, detect the input and adjust the output automatically
- 【Our Service】After purchasing the switch capture card capturadora, you will receive: 1 x Capture Card, 1 x USB 3.0 Cable, 1 x User Manual. Service: 1. One year warranty service; 2. Professional technical assistance
- Nothing has to stay on at home; the stream runs from the cloud.
- Videos stream as uploaded, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot rather than separate quality tiers.
- Automatic recovery is included if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free with no card, once per account.
Monthly: $9.99 per month.
See StreamNeo for service details, then start your free first day.
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