Recommended Free Tools
To keep background music playing across a YouTube Live loop, make the music repeat in the media source, playlist, or encoder that sends your stream. YouTube’s Loop control repeats a video or playlist for an individual viewer; it does not control the audio in your incoming live feed. Preview the stream in YouTube Live Control Room, check that the audio is audible, and use music licensed for live broadcast.
Where the music loop needs to happen
A YouTube Live stream is the feed sent by your encoder or streaming service. The repeated music must therefore be part of that outgoing feed. Setting a viewer’s YouTube Loop control will not make music repeat for everyone watching a livestream. YouTube documents Loop for playback of a video or playlist, while its live-streaming guidance describes sending an encoder feed to YouTube (Loop videos or playlists on YouTube; Get started with live streaming).
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
The exact controls depend on the media player or encoder you use. YouTube’s guidance does not specify a universal menu path for looping audio in OBS or another encoder, so check the current instructions for your chosen software and test the behavior before going live.
Set up and test the live audio loop
- Choose the source. Decide which audio file, playlist, or media source will provide the background music. Confirm that the source can repeat continuously or that the playlist itself contains enough material for the planned stream.
- Enable repetition in the source or encoder. Configure the repeat or loop behavior in the software producing the outgoing feed, not in YouTube’s viewer playback controls. Verify that the audio continues past the end of the track or playlist and does not leave a gap you do not want.
- Connect the encoder to YouTube. Use the stream key and connection setup for your live event. Keep the stream key private; anyone who obtains it may be able to send a feed to your channel.
- Check Live Control Room before starting or relying on the stream. Use the preview to confirm that YouTube is receiving both video and audible music. YouTube advises monitoring audio and video quality and testing a stream; check the event from your channel or watch page, and on a mobile device if that reflects how your audience will watch (Live streaming tips).
- Monitor the live feed. Confirm that the audio remains audible as the source repeats, and watch for connection or source interruptions. A successful preview does not guarantee uninterrupted playback throughout a later stream.
Use music you are allowed to broadcast
You are responsible for having the rights needed to use music in a live stream. YouTube says livestream providers must have the necessary rights, including music licensing rights. Its live-stream terms describe rights that may include permissions from artists, record labels, publishers, and other royalty participants (YouTube livestream terms and conditions).
#1 Best Overall
- Pro performance with great pre-amps - Achieve a brighter recording thanks to the high performing mic pre-amps of the Scarlett 3rd Gen. A switchable Air mode will add extra clarity to your acoustic instruments when recording with your Solo 3rd Gen
- Get the perfect guitar and vocal take with - With two high-headroom instrument inputs to plug in your guitar or bass so that they shine through. Capture your voice and instruments without any unwanted clipping or distortion thanks to our Gain Halos
- Studio quality recording for your music & podcasts - Achieve pro sounding recordings with Scarlett 3rd Gen’s high-performance converters enabling you to record and mix at up to 24-bit/192kHz. Your recordings will retain all of their sonic qualities
- Low-noise for crystal clear listening - 2 low-noise balanced outputs provide clean audio playback with 3rd Gen. Hear all the nuances of your tracks or music from Spotify, Apple & Amazon Music. Plug-in headphones for private listening in high-fidelity
- Everything in the box: Includes Pro Tools Intro+, Ableton Live Lite, Cubase LE, and Hitmaker Expansion: a suite of essential effects, powerful software instruments, and easy-to-use mastering tools
YouTube scans live streams for third-party content. Its copyright guidance warns that a detected match can lead to a placeholder replacing the stream, an interruption, or termination. It states: “All live streams are scanned for matches to third-party content, including copyrighted content in the form of another live broadcast.” If you have a license for third-party music, ask the rights holder whether your channel needs to be allowlisted; a license alone may not prevent automated interruption (Copyright issues with live streams).
Music sources to consider
- YouTube Audio Library: YouTube describes its library as a source of copyright-safe music and sound effects. Check the terms for the specific track and any attribution requirements.
- Your own original music: Use it only if you control the relevant rights, including any rights held by collaborators or publishers.
- Creator Music: YouTube lists this as an option for monetized videos in certain regions. Availability and terms vary, so check whether a particular track’s license covers your planned live use.
- Third-party licensed music: Verify permission for live broadcast, the territories where the stream will be available, monetization, and any archived replay. Ask about channel allowlisting where applicable.
A “free” label or credit in a description does not by itself establish permission. YouTube also cautions that music licensed elsewhere may not be recognized by Content ID. Read the actual license and confirm that it covers your intended use (Use music and sound effects from the Audio Library; Creator Music; Copyright issues with live streams).
Rank #2
- The new generation of the songwriter's interface: Plug in your mic and guitar and let Scarlett Solo 4th Gen bring big studio sound to wherever you make music
- Studio-quality sound: With a huge 120dB dynamic range, the newest generation of Scarlett uses the same converters as Focusrite’s flagship interfaces, found in the world's biggest studios
- Find your signature sound: Scarlett 4th Gen's improved Air mode lifts vocals and guitars to the front of the mix, adding musical presence and rich harmonic drive to your recordings
- All you need to record, mix and master your music: Includes industry-leading recording software and a full collection of record-making plugins
- Everything in the box: Includes Pro Tools Intro+, Ableton Live Lite, Cubase LE, and Hitmaker Expansion: a suite of essential effects, powerful software instruments, and easy-to-use mastering tools
Keep the connection steady
A correctly looped source cannot compensate for a broken connection between your setup and YouTube. YouTube recommends leaving 20% upload-bandwidth headroom above the total stream bitrate. Treat that as preparation, not a guarantee against network disruption (Troubleshoot your live stream).
- Check the available upload capacity against the combined bitrate of the stream.
- Use a reliable connection and avoid saturating it with other uploads during the broadcast.
- Test the complete source-to-YouTube path before a long or unattended stream.
- If the live feed drops, check both the connection and the encoder or media source; either can stop the music reaching YouTube.
Common problems and fixes
| What you notice | Likely area to check | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| The music stops when the track ends | Repeat is not enabled in the media source, playlist, or encoder. | Enable looping in the software feeding the live stream, then test past the end of the track. |
| YouTube’s preview has no music | The source may not be routed into the outgoing feed, or the event may not be receiving the expected audio. | Check the source and encoder audio routing, then verify audibility in Live Control Room before going live. |
| The stream is interrupted after music begins | YouTube may have identified third-party content, or the connection may have failed. | Check YouTube’s live-stream notices and copyright guidance. Use music cleared for the live use and ask the rights holder about allowlisting; also inspect the connection and encoder. |
| The music cuts out intermittently | The source may be stopping, or network disruption may be affecting the feed. | Monitor the source and live preview, check the upload connection, and leave the recommended 20% bandwidth headroom above total stream bitrate. |
| A license has not prevented an interruption | Content ID may not know about an outside license, or channel allowlisting may be needed. | Contact the rights holder about allowlisting and keep documentation of the license. Do not assume a purchase or credit alone prevents automated action. |
Or let it run in the cloud
If the goal is a YouTube channel that keeps uploaded recordings playing continuously, StreamNeo is a cloud option: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. Nothing has to stay on at home. It streams uploaded videos to YouTube, not from a camera. Any quality up to 4K 60fps streams as uploaded at one price per slot; YouTube interruptions are handled with automatic recovery. The first day is free with no card. The monthly option is $9.99 per month. See StreamNeo or start the free day.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- The new generation of the artist's interface: Connect your mic to Scarlett's 4th Gen mic pres. Plug in your guitar. Fire up the included software. Start making your first big hit
- Studio-quality sound: With a huge 120dB dynamic range, the newest generation of Scarlett uses the same converters as Focusrite’s flagship interfaces, found in the world's biggest studios
- Never lose a great take: Scarlett 4th Gen's Auto Gain sets the perfect level for your mic or guitar, and Clip Safe prevents clipping, so you can focus on the music
- Find your signature sound: Air mode lifts vocals and guitars to the front of the mix, adding musical presence and rich harmonic drive to your recordings
- With Scarlett 4th Gen, you have all you need to record, mix and master your music: Includes industry-leading recording software and a full collection of record-making plugins
Rank #4
- Podcast, Record, Live Stream, This Portable Audio Interface Covers it All - USB sound card for Mac or PC delivers 48kHz audio resolution for pristine recording every time
- Be ready for anything with this versatile M-AUDIO interface - Record guitar, vocals or line input signals with two combo XLR / Line / Instrument Inputs with phantom power
- Everything you Demand from an Audio Interface for Fuss-Free Monitoring - 1/4" headphone output and stereo 1/4" outputs for total monitoring flexibility; USB/Direct switch for zero latency monitoring
- Get the best out of your Microphones - M-Track Duo’s transparent Crystal Preamps guarantee optimal sound from all your microphones including condenser mics
- The MPC Production Experience - Includes MPC Beats Software complete with the essential production tools from Akai Professional
Rank #3
- PLUG IN AND HEAR SOUND IN SECONDS - USB Type-A connector with a 3.5mm stereo headphone output and a separate 3.5mm mono microphone input. No drivers, no software, no external power - the adapter is USB bus-powered and is recognized as a standard USB audio device.
- WORKS ON WINDOWS, MAC AND LINUX - Driverless on Windows 98SE/ME/2000/XP/Server 2003/Vista/7/8, Linux and Mac OSX, and compliant with the USB Audio Device Class 1.0 specification, so any system that supports class-compliant USB audio will see it. Select it as the sound output and input device after plugging it in.
- TWO JACKS, TWO JOBS - The green jack is stereo OUT for headphones or powered speakers; the pink jack is mono microphone IN for a 3.5mm mic. It does NOT support 4-pole headsets on a single combo plug, it does NOT power passive speakers, and it does NOT add surround sound - it is a stereo 2-channel adapter.
- FOR LAPTOPS AND DESKTOPS THAT NEED AN AUDIO PORT BACK - Adds a headphone and mic port to a laptop, desktop, or mini PC whose onboard jack has failed or was never there. Managed and work-issued computers can block new USB audio devices by policy - check with your IT department before ordering for a company machine.
- SABRENT SUPPORT AND WARRANTY - What is in the box: one USB audio sound adapter. Backed by a 1-year limited warranty, extended to 2 years when you register within 90 days on the manufacturer's website.
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.
