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To loop podcast audio or video on YouTube Live without ending the broadcast, loop the media inside OBS Studio while leaving OBS’s encoder connected to YouTube. Use a Media Source with Loop for one file, or a VLC Video Source with Loop Playlist for multiple files. YouTube’s player loop controls do not create a loop in the live broadcast.
Choose the right OBS source
| What you want to repeat | OBS source | Setting | Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| One local audio or video file | Media Source | Loop | OBS media-source workflow |
| Multiple local files in a sequence | VLC Video Source | Loop Playlist; leave Shuffle off for a predictable order | VLC installed with the same architecture as OBS |
OBS lists common supported media formats including MP4 and MOV video, and MP3, AAC, OGG, and WAV audio. Its Media Sources documentation explains the source options and their loop behavior.
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Set up a looping podcast playlist in OBS
- Prepare the files. Keep the podcast recordings accessible on the computer running OBS. Decide the order before going live; make sure the files you intend to play are all available locally.
- Add a source to your scene. In OBS, select or create the scene for the broadcast, then add a Media Source for a single file or a VLC Video Source for a multi-file playlist.
- Configure the loop. For a Media Source, select the file and enable Loop. For VLC Video Source, add the files to its playlist and enable Loop Playlist. Keep Shuffle off if you want each cycle to follow the same sequence.
- Install VLC if the VLC source is unavailable. OBS requires VLC for VLC Video Source. Match the installation architecture: 64-bit OBS requires 64-bit VLC. Restart OBS after installing VLC if the source still does not appear.
- Check scene behavior. If the source should keep playing when its scene is hidden, review its Visibility Behaviour. OBS offers choices affecting whether media stops or restarts, pauses or resumes, or always plays while hidden; choose according to whether the playlist must continue through scene changes.
Connect OBS to YouTube Live and keep the broadcast running
- Open YouTube Studio’s Live Control Room and create or select the stream. Copy the stream URL and stream key from the live settings.
- In OBS, open streaming settings and enter the YouTube stream URL and key. Confirm you are using the current key for the intended stream. YouTube’s instructions for creating a live stream with an encoder and managing live stream settings cover the connection and controls.
- Start streaming from OBS. Wait for the incoming preview in Live Control Room, then start or confirm the YouTube event according to the workflow you selected.
- Leave OBS sending the encoder feed. The media source repeats its files within the outgoing program; you do not need to stop and restart the broadcast when a playlist reaches its end.
- To end the event deliberately, stop sending content from the encoder and end the stream in YouTube. YouTube says streams under 12 hours are automatically archived; see its encoder stream instructions.
Test the loop before going live
Run a test with audio and motion similar to the planned broadcast. Check the YouTube preview and listen for sound, confirm the intended first playlist item appears, and verify that the source proceeds to the next file and returns to the beginning. During the live event, monitor both the playing content and YouTube’s stream health. YouTube recommends testing, checking preview, and monitoring health in its live streaming tips.
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For resolution, frame rate, codec, protocol, and bitrate, use YouTube’s current recommendations for the output you choose rather than assuming one bitrate applies to every stream. YouTube recommends RTMPS and publishes settings by codec and format in Choose live encoder settings, bitrates, and resolutions.
#1 Best Overall
RØDE RØDECaster Pro II All-in-One Audio Production Studio
- EVERYTHING IN ONE DESK UNIT: 4 XLR mic inputs, headphone outs, sound pads and effects, no separate interface or PC mixer needed
- STUDIO SOUND, ZERO EXPERTISE: APHEX audio processing presets make voices broadcast-ready with one tap
- PODCAST, STREAM OR RECORD: multitrack to computer, microSD or USB drive, works standalone without a computer
- SHOW CONTROL: 8 customizable SMART pads trigger music, sound effects and mix-minus phone calls live
- IN THE BOX: RØDECaster Pro II console, power supply and USB-C cable, add your microphones
What the loop does—and does not do
The loop belongs in OBS’s outgoing program: OBS plays local media into the scene and the encoder sends that scene to YouTube. A viewer’s YouTube player controls do not take a YouTube playlist and insert its contents into an encoder broadcast.
YouTube also uses the word “playlist” for HLS transport segments. Its HLS setup guidance says the transport playlist must be rolling and have no more than five outstanding segments. That is an encoder-to-platform protocol constraint, not the podcast episode playlist; most OBS users should not change HLS transport settings to make local media repeat. See YouTube’s HLS setup guidance.
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RØDE RØDECaster Duo Compact Audio Production Studio, Black
- All-in-one production studio that features everything you need to record podcasts, make music, stream and create content with incredible audio
- Two high-quality Neutrik combo jacks for connecting microphones and instruments, with ultra-low-noise, high-gain Revolution Preamps (-131.5dBV EIN, 76dB gain) for pristine audio
- Four broadcast-quality faders, a high-resolution touchscreen with haptic feedback and six SMART pads with bank switching
- Studio-grade effects and powerful APHEX processing, including the legendary Aural Exciter and Big Bottom effects
- 3.5mm TRRS input for monitoring via headphones and recording via a headset such as the NTH-100M
Troubleshoot a playlist that stops or a stream that fails
- VLC Video Source is missing: Install VLC, ensure its architecture matches OBS, and restart OBS if needed. The VLC source depends on VLC being installed.
- A single file stops at the end: Check that it is a Media Source and that Loop is enabled. This control is separate from VLC’s Loop Playlist setting.
- The multi-file playlist stops at the end: Confirm Loop Playlist is enabled and that the expected files are actually listed in the VLC source.
- Playback pauses or restarts after a scene change: Review the source’s Visibility Behaviour and select the behavior that matches whether it should continue while hidden.
- YouTube does not receive the stream: Verify the stream URL and key in OBS against the current values in Live Control Room. YouTube’s live stream troubleshooting guide directs encoder users to copy the stream key from Live Control Room and paste it into the encoder.
- Audio, video, or connection quality is poor: Test before the event, inspect the preview, monitor stream health, and check YouTube’s encoder guidance for the selected resolution, frame rate, codec, and connection.
Or let it run in the cloud
If the goal is continuous YouTube playback but you do not want the computer and home connection running, StreamNeo keeps uploaded videos looping from the cloud. Upload the recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live.
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- Nothing has to stay on at home once the cloud stream is running.
- Uploaded media streams as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot.
- StreamNeo automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free, with no card required.
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Bestseller No. 1
SaleBestseller No. 3
Best Value
Sale
MAONO E2 Gen2 Podcast Equipment Bundle Audio Interface Mixer
- Upgraded Podcast Equipment Bundle: Elevate your podcasting, streaming, and studio recording with the E2 Gen2 podcast equipment bundle. This all-in-one solution offers an intuitive design that allows you to start your podcasting journey right away. With two XLR combo inputs and a high-quality preamp offering 60dB gain, E2 GEN2 is perfect for co-hosts. Plus, the USB-C and 3.5mm ports make it easy to connect to phones and computers, ensuring smooth and clear audio every time
- Crystal-Clear Audio with XLR Interface: The E2 Gen2 podcast interface has two premium and low-noise preamps, delivering up to 60dB of gain. This ensures you get rich, clean sound even when using dynamic microphones. Whether you're a beginner or a pro, the E2 gen2 eliminates needing an external preamp. Noise reduction technology keeps unwanted sounds like fan noise away, so your podcast recordings stay pristine
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FIFINE Ampligame SC3 Gaming Audio Mixer with Indi-Fader and Volume Control | USB PnP for PC,Mute Button,XLR Preamp,RGB,VoiceChanger,48V Phantom Power,Monitoring,Podcast,Recording,Vocal,Streaming
- [XLR Mic Input] One XLR microphone input interface is set on the gaming audio mixer, which is great to up your audio quality with your XLR setup. The XLR mixer is a stepping stone to upgrade your live streaming. Audio mixer offered built-in 48V phantom power which opens up more choices for mics. Directly use it with your condenser microphone but do not solve added peripherals. (NOT available for USB mic)
- [Individual Channel Control] Gaming audio mixer for one mic recording with smooth volume slider fader take your streaming recording to a whole new level with full pleasure. Four independent channels set on the DJ mixer give audio volume of the MICROPHONE, LINE IN, HEADPHONE, and LINE OUT channels individual control. Configurable on the PC audio mixer instead of just operating on your game or streaming software.
- [Mute and Monitor] The front mute and monitor buttons but not at the back, make it easier to get the audio interface use. Ability to mute audio, the audio mixer for streaming prevents background noise from damaging your live broadcast. Real-time feedback between speaking and hearing will not distract your attention, which encourage you to speak more confidently. The sturdy-built control button allow you to operate freely and easily during live streaming.
- [Sound Effects] The computer sound mixer supports four pre-recorded customized button that can be recorded and activated at the press of button to post production. 6 kinds of voice changing modes change your output style. 12 auto tune changes the tone of your voice. The podcast mixer being able to add different and fun effects is a huge bonus for your streaming or game voice.
- [Controllable Vibrant RGB] RGB button on the audio mixer DJ meets different live streaming themes. Lights on the video mixer is vibrant but not harsh on your eyes. Flowing or frozen RGB color rotation in a decent pace presents a greatly strong impression as a "light show" to your audience. Even a streaming equipment accessory will not be dull looking when video production.
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Zoom PodTrak P4 Podcast Recorder with 4 XLR Mic Inputs, 4 Headphone Outputs, Phone & USB Input for Remote Interviews, Sound Pads, 2-In/2-Out USB Audio Interface, Battery Powered
- 4 high quality microphone inputs with phantom power
- 4 headphone outputs with individual volume control
- 4 programable Sound Pads + multi-track recording for all inputs and Sound Pads
- Automatic Mix-Minus for call-in phone interviews + remote interviews via TRRS jack and USB Audio Interface mode
- Up to 3.5 hours on 2 AA batteries
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