First find out where the sound disappears: at the file’s loop point, between OBS and YouTube, or only on one viewer’s device. In OBS, check the loop setting for the source type you use, confirm the correct audio track, and compare the mixer meter and local monitoring with the actual YouTube playback. Those checks separate several different problems that can sound alike.
Identify where the audio loss occurs
Before changing settings, determine who can hear the silence and where. Check the YouTube live playback, and, if available, its recording or archive. Compare those with what you hear in OBS monitoring. A moving OBS meter or audible headphones do not prove that audio is reaching YouTube; a 2025 OBS forum report describes audio heard locally but missing from the stream. Treat that report as a reason to verify the output, not as proof of a particular cause. OBS forum report, May 10, 2025
- Everyone hears silence at the same loop point: investigate the media source, loop control, and audio track.
- OBS monitoring works but YouTube is silent: investigate stream routing and confirm with a controlled stream test.
- Only your device or one viewer is silent: test YouTube playback on another device or connection.
- You hear repeated or echoing audio rather than silence: check for a monitoring feedback path.
Check the loop settings for your OBS source
OBS Media Source and VLC Video Source have different controls. Identify which source is playing the ambience before changing settings. OBS documents the relevant properties in its Media Sources guide.
For an OBS Media Source playing one file
- In OBS, find the Media Source in the Sources list and open its properties.
- Check Loop. OBS describes this setting as replaying the file when playback completes.
- Check that the source is not being stopped or replaced by a scene change or another source at the same point.
- Run a short test and watch the OBS audio meter as playback reaches the end and starts again.
For a VLC Video Source playing a playlist
- Open the VLC Video Source properties.
- Check Loop Playlist. Although the documented default is on, inspect the source’s actual setting.
- Check Audio Track and select the intended track.
- Confirm that VLC is installed. OBS says, “It requires that VLC be installed on your system to show up as an available source in OBS Studio.”
- Test the playlist transition and note whether the silence coincides with one particular item or the end of the playlist.
If the picture continues while sound stops, establish whether the audio is embedded in the ambience video or comes from a separate source or playlist item. Check that the audio source remains active and that the selected track is the one containing sound. A video image looping does not by itself establish that a separate audio source or playlist track is looping correctly. OBS’s documentation describes source controls, but does not promise gapless audio for every file or playlist.
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 minute#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.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Verify that audio is routed to the stream
If audio is audible in local monitoring but absent from YouTube, treat monitoring and stream output as separate things to test. Check that the source is included in the stream’s audio output, then make a short controlled test and listen to the YouTube output rather than relying only on your headphones or OBS meters. The local-versus-stream discrepancy has been reported by an OBS user, but that report does not identify a universal routing fault. OBS forum report
If the symptom is echoing or repeated sound, close your own YouTube playback on the streaming computer while diagnosing. Also check whether OBS monitoring and desktop capture use the same device in a way that feeds monitored sound back into the stream. OBS forum advice identifies watching one’s own stream on the streaming machine and shared monitoring/capture devices as possible feedback causes; this is community guidance, not a confirmed explanation for loop-boundary silence. OBS forum discussion, April 4, 2020
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Rule out a viewer-side YouTube playback problem
If the transmitted audio is intact for others or in the recording but one viewer hears silence, troubleshoot that viewer’s playback rather than changing the source. YouTube Help recommends trying another connection or device and includes app and software troubleshooting. It also notes that network congestion can affect live programming. YouTube Help: Troubleshoot streaming & video issues – Computer
- Try the live stream on a different supported device or connection.
- If using the YouTube app, try the Help page’s app troubleshooting, including clearing the app cache where applicable, updating or restarting the app, or restarting the device.
- Manually adjust playback quality as an isolation check.
These checks help isolate viewer playback; they do not explain a source that consistently loses audio at the loop point for everyone.
Recommended Free Tools
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Test media format or version only as a controlled comparison
Historical OBS issue reports describe particular setups: one concerns audio-only Media Source monitoring, and another records a reporter’s AAC file failing to loop while remuxed M4A/MP4 files worked in that setup. They do not establish a current, general OBS defect or prove that converting a file will fix your stream. OBS Studio issue #3806 · OBS Studio issue #6715
- Record the OBS version, operating system, source type, file container and codec, playlist composition, and relevant audio routing.
- Keep the original media file unchanged.
- Test one alternate file or source type at a time, then compare behavior at the same loop boundary.
- Note whether the problem occurs in a short local recording, the YouTube live output, the archive, or only local monitoring.
Change only one variable per test. If the first checks do not isolate the fault, use a short local recording and a private or unlisted stream, and collect an OBS log with the setup details. This makes it easier to distinguish a file-specific result from a routing or playback problem.
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
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Troubleshooting by symptom
| What you observe | Check next | What the result tells you |
|---|---|---|
| Audio meter drops at the file or playlist boundary, and viewers hear silence | Confirm the source’s Loop or Loop Playlist setting and, for VLC, the selected Audio Track. | Focus on source configuration, track selection, or the media/playlist transition. |
| OBS meter moves and local monitoring is audible, but YouTube is silent | Verify stream audio routing with a short controlled YouTube output test. | Local monitoring alone does not show whether the stream receives the audio. |
| YouTube playback is silent only for one viewer | Try another device or connection and follow YouTube’s playback troubleshooting. | The problem may be on that viewer’s playback path rather than at the source. |
| Audio repeats or echoes | Close the stream playback on the streaming computer and inspect monitoring/capture device feedback. | A feedback path is one possible explanation; it is not established as the cause of loop-boundary silence. |
| A particular file fails to loop in a test | Preserve it and compare a controlled alternate source or remuxed copy, changing one variable at a time. | Historical reports are setup-specific and cannot guarantee a conversion fix. |
Or let it run in the cloud
If you want the ambience stream to continue without leaving a home computer running, StreamNeo keeps a YouTube channel live from uploaded videos. Upload your recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. Nothing has to stay on at home; it streams your upload as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one price per slot, and automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly pricing is $9.99 per month. Start your free day on StreamNeo.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
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.
