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How to Limit OBS Frame Rate for a Prerecorded YouTube Loop Stream

Set Common FPS Value to control OBS output frame rate, and enable Loop separately in the Media Source to repeat a prerecorded video.
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To limit the frame rate, set OBS’s output FPS at Settings → Video → Common FPS Value. To repeat the prerecorded video, separately enable Loop in the Media Source’s properties. For example, choose 30 fps there to send a 30 fps OBS output even if the source file is 60 fps; this does not change the original file.

Set up a single prerecorded video loop in OBS

  1. Add the video: In your scene, add a Media Source and select the local video file.
  2. Enable repeat playback: Open the Media Source properties and check Loop. OBS’s guide says this option is off by default, so verify it rather than assuming the file will repeat.
  3. Choose the output frame rate: Open Settings → Video. Under Common FPS Value, select the desired output FPS, such as 30. OBS describes this as the desired output rate; it does not permanently alter the source video.
  4. Test the result: Run a short test stream or recording. Confirm that the clip restarts and check stream health before relying on a long broadcast. OBS recommends testing settings for a few minutes, and YouTube recommends testing with similar motion and audio while monitoring stream health.

Choose 30 or 60 fps

Use the frame rate that fits the video and the computer’s ability to render and encode reliably. A 60 fps output can look smoother for fast motion, but it is more demanding. If OBS struggles at 60 fps, OBS recommends reducing the rate and suggests trying 30 fps; fewer frames reduce rendering and encoding work, though motion may look less smooth.

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Output rate Practical trade-off
30 fps Lower rendering and encoding workload; a sensible troubleshooting choice when 60 fps is unstable.
60 fps Smoother motion where the content benefits from it, but requires more rendering and encoding work.

YouTube’s published live guidance supports frame rates up to 60 fps. Choose a rate your setup can sustain rather than raising it solely because the source file has a higher frame rate.

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Loop a playlist instead of one file

For multiple prerecorded clips, add a VLC Video Source and enable Loop Playlist. OBS says VLC must be installed for the VLC source to appear. A Media Source with Loop is the direct option for repeating one file; VLC Video Source is the playlist option.

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Match encoder settings to the YouTube stream

Frame rate is only one part of the outgoing stream. YouTube’s live encoder guidance lists H.264, H.265 (HEVC), and AV1 for RTMP/RTMPS, recommends CBR, recommends a 2-second keyframe frequency, and says not to exceed 4 seconds. It recommends RTMPS for secure transmission. Bitrate depends on resolution, frame rate, and codec, so use the matching row in YouTube’s current encoder table rather than applying one bitrate to every stream.

For H.264, YouTube Help’s guidance accessed in 2026 gives these recommended examples:

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These are YouTube’s recommendations, not universal OBS requirements. The YouTube table also lists separate minimums and recommendations for H.265 and AV1. Check the current guidance for the actual codec, resolution, and frame rate you intend to send: YouTube Live encoder settings.

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Troubleshoot a loop stream that is not behaving as expected

  • The clip ends instead of restarting: Reopen Media Source properties and confirm Loop is checked. The setting is off by default in OBS’s guide.
  • The playlist stops at the last item: Confirm you are using a VLC Video Source and have enabled Loop Playlist. If VLC Video Source is missing, install VLC as OBS requires for that source.
  • OBS struggles at 60 fps: Set Settings → Video → Common FPS Value to 30 fps, then run another test and check stream health.
  • The stream looks unstable or fails its health check: Test with motion and audio similar to the planned broadcast, then compare your resolution, FPS, codec, bitrate, keyframe interval, and transmission protocol with YouTube’s current encoder guidance.
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Or let it run in the cloud

If you want the prerecorded YouTube stream to keep running without leaving OBS and a computer on, StreamNeo is a cloud alternative. Upload the recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live; the service loops uploaded videos from the cloud. It is for prerecorded video, not a camera broadcast.

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