To loop a 4K video on YouTube Live, add the file to OBS Studio as a Media Source, enable Loop, and stream OBS’s program output using settings suited to your video and connection. Looping repeats the file; it does not prevent network drops. For a steady broadcast, test the complete setup and monitor OBS and YouTube’s stream-health indicators.
How do I loop a video on YouTube Live?
- Add the video in OBS. In OBS, add a Media Source, choose the local video file, and enable Loop. OBS lists MP4, TS, MOV, FLV, MKV, AVI, GIF, and WebM among supported types. The Loop option plays the file again when it finishes. OBS Media Sources
- Set the output. Configure OBS’s output canvas and stream output for the resolution and frame rate you intend to send. YouTube can detect resolution and frame rate automatically; custom stream keys also allow manual resolution settings. YouTube encoder settings
- Connect OBS to YouTube Live. Use YouTube’s encoder workflow and the stream key associated with your broadcast. Follow YouTube’s setup instructions for creating a live stream with an encoder: Create a YouTube live stream with an encoder.
- Test before the broadcast. Run a test with representative movement and audio. Check the Live Control Room preview and stream health, and confirm in OBS that the file repeats as expected. YouTube recommends testing before going live. YouTube live streaming tips
YouTube does not need a separate loop setting for this workflow: OBS repeats the local file, while OBS sends the resulting program output to YouTube.
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What bitrate do I need for 4K YouTube Live?
YouTube’s published encoder guidance varies by codec and frame rate. These 2160p recommendations are from YouTube’s current support table; the page does not state a publication year. They are encoder recommendations, not a promise that a particular internet connection can sustain the stream.
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| 2160p at 30 fps | 8 Mbps minimum; 35 Mbps maximum | 30 Mbps |
| 2160p at 60 fps | 10 Mbps minimum; 40 Mbps maximum | 35 Mbps |
The same YouTube guidance lists RTMP/RTMPS, H.264, H.265 (HEVC), and AV1; supports frame rates up to 60 fps; recommends constant bitrate (CBR); and recommends a two-second keyframe interval, not exceeding four seconds. Match the values to the codec and frame rate you actually select rather than treating one bitrate as universal. YouTube encoder settings
#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.
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Leave headroom for a real connection
Check sustained upload capacity with a speed test, then test the stream itself. Do not set the output at the edge of a speed-test result: other network use and changing connection conditions can leave too little capacity for a stable broadcast. YouTube advises choosing a quality reliable for your internet connection and testing upload bitrate. A wired connection can reduce local Wi-Fi instability, but it cannot guarantee a stable ISP route or connection to YouTube’s ingest server.
Know the 4K latency trade-off
YouTube’s encoder guidance says 2160p streams use normal latency; the low-latency option is not available at 4K. YouTube encoder settings
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Why is OBS dropping frames?
OBS says: “Dropped frames means that your connection to remote server isn’t stable or you can’t keep up with your set bitrate.” That is a network-delivery problem, distinct from whether the media file repeats correctly. Turning on Loop does not prevent dropped frames. OBS Stream Connection Troubleshooting
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Check the likely causes in order
- Bitrate exceeds sustainable upload. Lower the bitrate to a level the connection can hold consistently, then test again. If your connection cannot sustain the target 4K settings, reducing bitrate or choosing a lower resolution or frame rate is a practical trade-off.
- Unstable Wi-Fi or local network equipment. OBS recommends a wired connection because Wi-Fi may be unstable for streaming. If your computer needs one, a Cat6 Ethernet cable is one option; it cannot fix every upstream or ingest-route issue.
- Other software or the route to the ingest server interferes. Check for other network use and local software affecting the connection. Wired networking may help isolate Wi-Fi as a cause but does not ensure the entire route is stable.
- The symptom is not network-dropped frames. The OBS connection guide addresses network drops. If frames are lost for another reason, distinguish connection problems from encoding or rendering performance issues before changing network settings.
OBS describes dynamic bitrate adjustment as a way to lower bitrate during congestion. It may help keep a stream going, but it does not fix the underlying connection problem and reduces video quality. If drops persist after local checks, OBS advises contacting your ISP with details. OBS Stream Connection Troubleshooting
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Preflight checklist for a 4K loop
- Play the Media Source and verify that it repeats before going live.
- Check resolution, frame rate, codec, bitrate, CBR, and keyframe interval against YouTube’s guidance for your chosen output.
- Test representative movement and audio, then check the Live Control Room preview.
- Monitor OBS’s dropped-frame counter and YouTube stream health during the broadcast.
- If frames drop, identify whether the issue is network delivery or encoding/rendering performance before changing settings.
- Plan for normal latency at 2160p; low latency is unavailable for 4K streams.
No setting can guarantee zero dropped frames on every computer, file, and network. Loop playback and reliable delivery are separate parts of the setup.
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Quick Recap
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