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To loop several prerecorded videos in OBS, add a VLC Video Source to your scene, add the files to its playlist, and leave Loop Playlist enabled. Install VLC first; if you use 64-bit OBS, install 64-bit VLC. For one repeating file rather than a playlist, use a Media Source and enable its Loop property.
Choose the right OBS source
| Playback need | OBS source | Repeat setting | VLC required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| One prerecorded file | Media Source | Enable Loop to replay that file when it ends. | No |
| Several files played as a playlist | VLC Video Source | Enable Loop Playlist to restart after the last item. | Yes. Match VLC architecture to OBS; 64-bit OBS requires 64-bit VLC. |
For a sequence of different videos, VLC Video Source is the appropriate choice. Its Shuffle Playlist option controls whether items play in randomized order or in the order listed. OBS Media Sources documentation describes these playlist controls and the single-file Media Source loop option.
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Set up the repeating playlist
- Prepare your files. Put the video files in a stable local folder and decide the order in which they should play. Avoid moving or renaming them after adding them to OBS, since the playlist needs to find each file.
- Install VLC. VLC Video Source depends on VLC. Install the version matching your OBS architecture; if OBS is 64-bit, use 64-bit VLC. If the source is missing from OBS, restart OBS after installing VLC.
- Add the source. In the relevant scene, go to the Sources dock, click the + button, and select VLC Video Source. Add the desired files to its playlist. OBS’s Sources guide explains adding and arranging sources.
- Set the playback options. Keep Loop Playlist on. Turn Shuffle Playlist off if the files must play in their listed order. Set Visibility Behaviour according to how the scene is used: the VLC source can continue, pause, or stop when it is not visible. Choose an option that will not interrupt playback when switching scenes.
- Fit the video into the scene. Select the source and size and position it as needed. OBS draws sources according to their order in the Sources dock: place overlays above the video if they should appear on top.
- Save and verify the playlist. Preview the scene, confirm that the first file starts, that the next files play, and that the playlist returns to the first item after the last one. Check both video and audio.
Connect OBS to YouTube Live
- Open YouTube Studio and enter the Live Control Room. Create or select the stream and locate its server URL and stream key.
- In OBS, open Settings > Stream, select YouTube as the service, and enter the stream details. If the current YouTube integration offers account connection, follow its prompts; otherwise use the server URL and stream key provided for the stream. YouTube describes the stream key as functioning like a password and address, so do not share it or publish it.
- Confirm that your channel is eligible to go live. YouTube requires channel verification and no live-streaming restrictions within the previous 90 days. See YouTube’s live-streaming setup guidance for the current prerequisites.
- Start with a private or unlisted test if you do not want the initial check to be public. In Live Control Room, confirm that YouTube receives the feed and review its preview and stream-health status before relying on it.
Choose output settings your PC and connection can sustain
There is no single best resolution, frame rate, codec, or bitrate for every OBS computer and internet connection. Select settings supported by your encoder and the sustained upload capacity of your connection. YouTube’s current encoder settings guidance recommends constant bitrate (CBR) and a 2-second keyframe frequency; do not exceed 4 seconds. Use YouTube’s recommended settings for the selected resolution and frame rate rather than guessing a bitrate.
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- Resolution and frame rate: Use a combination your computer can encode continuously and your connection can upload steadily. A higher output setting is not useful if OBS cannot maintain it without dropped frames or overload.
- Codec and bitrate: Choose an encoder and bitrate supported by YouTube for your output format. Apply CBR and the recommended keyframe interval.
- Upload headroom: YouTube recommends having 20% more upload bandwidth than the total stream bitrate. Check sustained upload capacity, not just a brief peak.
- Test content: Use a few minutes of representative video and audio—similar movement and sound to the intended stream—then check both OBS statistics and YouTube’s stream health.
See YouTube’s streaming tips for bandwidth and testing advice. OBS also notes that encoder, resolution, frame rate, and scene complexity affect the performance required; its encoding-performance guidance covers overload troubleshooting.
#1 Best Overall
Guermok Video Capture Card, 4K USB3.0 HDMI to USB C, 1080P 60FPS & 2K 30FPS | Capture Card for Streaming, Compatible with iPad Mac OS Windows, Quest 3, OBS, PS5/4, Switch2/1, Xbox, Camera (Silver)
- 【1080P 60FPS Video Capture Card】 This HDMI game capture card is based on USB3.0 high speed transmission port, input resolution up to 4K@30HZ, output resolution up to 2K@30Hz or 1920×1080@60Hz. Type c and USB interface can meet most of the devices in daily life. Easily meet the online capture, real-time recording, online meetings, live gaming and other functions, so you have a better visual enjoyment. Note: For capture use only; requires capture software to function and is not intended for direct screen casting to a monitor or TV
- 【Ultra Low Latency Screen Sharing】 HDMI capture card is made of good quality aluminum alloy with strong heat dissipation, allowing you to enjoy ultra low latency while live gaming or video recording or live streaming, avoiding blue screens and lag. This HDMI to USBC capture card supports easy recording of good quality audio or HD video and transferring it to your computer or streaming platform, allowing you to record 60 fps HD video directly on your hard drive and real-time preview
- 【Plug and Play, Easy to Carry】 This HDMI 1080P video capture card does not require any additional drivers or external power supply, just plug and play for fast capture. The capture card is small and lightweight, so you can put it in your bag for emergencies, making it very portable for outdoor live streaming. It's also a great way to share content in game recording, video conference, video recorder and online teaching
- 【Wide Compatibility USB Capture Card】 Easily streams to Facebook, Youtube or Twitch. With the connection, this HDMI to USB C/3.0 video capture devices can be working on several Operating Systems and various software: Windows 7/ 8/ 10, Mac OS or above, Linux, Android, Laptop, Xbox One, PS3/PS4/PS5, Camera, DVDs, Set Top Box, Webcame, DSLR, Switch/Switch 2, TV BOX, HDTV, Potplayer/VLC, ZOOM, OBS Studio etc.
- 【Package Content & Note】 1x HD Audio Capture Card , 1x USB 3.0 to USB C Adapter (A-side 3.0, B-side 2.0), 1x user manual. Please note that you need to restart the OBS Studio software after the audio setup is complete, otherwise it will result in no sound output. When using an adapter, if the device is recognized as USB 2.0, try using the other side with the USB-C port. Simply flip the capture card and reconnect it to be recognized as USB 3.0
Keep the stream running and protect an archive
A 24/7 stream is a continuous output, not a guarantee of one complete replay. YouTube says live streams shorter than 12 hours can be automatically archived and warns that streams exceeding 12 hours may not be captured at all. If you need a complete record, make a separate local recording and verify that it is being saved; YouTube also recommends keeping a local archive backup. See YouTube’s live-stream archive guidance.
For an unattended run, periodically check that OBS remains connected, the playlist advances and loops, and YouTube continues to report a healthy feed. Keep the source files accessible, maintain upload headroom, and ensure the computer will not sleep or lose power during the stream. A local recording can consume substantial storage, so confirm that the destination drive has enough free space.
Rank #2
Audio Express AXHDCAP 4K HDMI Video Capture Card, Cam Link Card Game Audio Adapter HDMI to USB 2.0 Record Capture Device for Streaming, Live Broadcasting, Video Conference, Teaching, Gaming
- [Enhanced 4K-1080P Video Capture Experience] Capture the Magic: Elevate your video recordings to new heights with our upgraded anti-static 1080P Video Capture Card. Immerse yourself in stunning visuals, supporting HDMI input at 4K 60FPS and USB output for capturing in 1080P, complete with rich stereo sound. Enjoy crystal-clear video recordings, dynamic gaming live streams, and professional conference broadcasts. Note: HDMI resolution: Max input can be 3840×2160@30Hz / Video output resolution: Max output can be 1920×1080@30Hz
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Troubleshoot a playlist that stops or a stream that degrades
| Symptom | Likely cause | What to check or change |
|---|---|---|
| Video stops at the end of the playlist | Loop Playlist is off, or the playlist is not configured as intended. | Open the VLC Video Source properties and enable Loop Playlist. Confirm every intended file is listed and playable. |
| Only one file repeats, or one file does not repeat | The source type or its loop option does not match the task. | For multiple files, use VLC Video Source and Loop Playlist. For one file, use Media Source and enable Loop. |
| VLC Video Source is not available | VLC is not installed or its architecture does not match OBS. | Install VLC, using 64-bit VLC for 64-bit OBS, then reopen OBS. |
| Playback pauses or stops after switching scenes | The source’s Visibility Behaviour pauses or stops it while hidden. | Change that setting to continue playback while not visible if the playlist must run across scene changes. |
| Video is choppy or OBS reports encoding overload | The encoder or scene is demanding more CPU/GPU performance than the system can sustain. | Lower output resolution or frame rate, simplify the scene, or reduce demanding sources. Test again and watch OBS and YouTube stream-health indicators. |
| YouTube reports poor stream health or the connection drops | Upload capacity may be insufficient or unstable for the configured bitrate. | Lower the bitrate or output settings and ensure the connection has YouTube’s recommended 20% upload headroom. Test before the long run. |
| YouTube replay is incomplete or absent | A stream longer than 12 hours may not be captured as an archive. | Record a separate local copy and verify the recording destination and available storage. |
Copyright and channel-policy checks
Only stream videos and audio you have the rights or permission to use. A video being prerecorded, publicly accessible, or already uploaded elsewhere does not by itself establish permission to rebroadcast it. Review YouTube’s applicable copyright and live-streaming rules before scheduling the stream. Repeated or substantially reused material can also raise monetization-policy questions; an always-on format does not guarantee monetization approval. Check the current YouTube live-streaming guidance and the rules that apply to your channel and content.
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Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Or let it run in the cloud
If you want a YouTube channel to keep playing uploaded videos without leaving OBS or a computer running at home, StreamNeo is a cloud option: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. It plays uploaded videos to YouTube, not a live camera feed.
Quick Recap
SaleBestseller No. 4
Best Value
Capture Card, USB Video Capture Card Device, Audio Video Converter Grabber for RCA to USB-Convert VHS Mini DV VCR Hi8 DVD to Digital, for PC TV Tape Player Camcorder, MAC Windows Vista Compatible
- AV TO USB Converter: Capture videos and audios from VHS, VCR, Hi8, DV tapes to a PC, with the help of our USB Video Converter. Save room while digitizing your favorite old memories
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- Note: The Video Converter is used with acquisition software. We recommend OBS Studio or PotPlayer for Windows, and QuickTime Player for Mac. They can be downloaded for free online. Please operate according to the steps in User Manual or contact us if you have any questions
Rank #4
Sale
Capture Card, 4K HDMI Video Capture Card, Game Capture Card, 1080P 60FPS Video Capture Device, HDMI to USB 3.0 Capture Card for Streaming, Work with Camera/Xbox/PS4/PS5/PC/OBS
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- 【Plug and Play】No driver or external power supply required, true PnP. Once plugged in, the device is identified automatically as a webcam. Detect input and adjust output automatically. Won't occupy CPU, optional audio capture. No freeze with correct setting.
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- 【HDMI LOOP-OUT】Based on the high-speed USB 3.0 technology, it can capture one single channel HD HDMI video signal. There is no delay when you are playing game live.
- 【Support Mic-in for Commentary】Rybozen capture card has microphone input and you can use it to add external commentary when playing a game. Please note: it only accepts 3.5mm TRS standard microphone headset.
Rank #3
Video Capture Card, 4K USB3.0 HDMI to USB C, 1080P60FPS HDMI Capture Card for Streaming, Gaming, Video Recording Compatible with Switch, Xbox, PS4/5, OBS,iPad Mac OS Windows,Camera, Zoom(Silver)
- 【4K HDMI Input, 2K@30Hz Recording】Powered by a true USB 3.0 high-speed interface, the capture card supports up to 4K@30Hz HDMI input and records at 2K@30Hz or 1080P@60Hz. Perfect for gamers, streamers, and professionals who need crisp, smooth video for live streaming, gameplay recording, or online meetings.
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- 【Wide Compatibility & Multi-Device Support】Compatible with Windows 7 8 10 11, macOS, Linux,Android and supports most popular software such as OBS, Zoom, VLC, Twitch Studio, and more. Works seamlessly with PS4, PS5, Xbox, Switch, DSLR cameras, TV boxes, and other HDMI-output devices for streaming to YouTube, Twitch, etc.
- 【What You Get】Includes: HDMI Capture Card, USB 3.0 to USB-C Adapter, User Manual. Tips: Make sure your tablet’s OTG function is enabled before connecting. Test your HDMI device with a monitor first to confirm video and audio output, then connect to the Video Capture Card for recording.
- Nothing has to stay on at home; the stream runs from the cloud.
- Videos stream as uploaded, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot, with no re-encode or quality tiers.
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