To loop an MKV in OBS, add it to a scene as a Media Source, enable Local File, select the file, and check Loop. OBS plays the file again when it reaches the end. Then connect OBS to YouTube with the stream URL and key from Live Control Room, check the preview, and start the stream when the video and audio look right.
Loop one MKV file with OBS Media Source
- In OBS, select the scene that should show the video. Under Sources, click + and choose Media Source. Give the source a clear name.
- In the source properties, enable Local File, then browse to and select your
.mkvfile. - Check Loop. This repeats playback after the file ends.
- Choose whether to leave Restart playback when source becomes active enabled. That setting restarts the video from the beginning when the source becomes visible; it is separate from Loop. OBS documents both settings in its Media Sources guide.
- Click OK, then confirm the video fits the scene as intended. If needed, resize or reposition it in the OBS preview.
You do not need to convert an MKV just to play it as a Media Source. OBS supports the format directly. Looping happens on your computer in OBS; YouTube receives the encoded output from the scene, not the local MKV file as an uploaded video.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Connect OBS to YouTube Live
- In YouTube Studio, open Live Control Room and create or select the stream you intend to use. Copy its stream key and server URL.
- In OBS, open Settings > Stream. Select YouTube if it is available, or choose the option to use a stream key and enter the YouTube server URL and key as required by the current OBS interface.
- Keep the stream key private. YouTube describes stream keys as the credentials that tell the encoder where to send the feed and allow YouTube to accept it. If a key is exposed, replace or reset it in YouTube Studio before streaming.
- Apply the settings, then click Start Streaming in OBS. Wait for the preview to appear in Live Control Room and inspect both picture and sound before starting the public broadcast.
Labels and available choices can vary with OBS and YouTube interface changes, so use the current controls shown in your installations. YouTube recommends RTMPS and advises matching output quality to a reliable upload bitrate, testing before an event, and monitoring stream health. See its recommended encoder settings.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsChoose the right source for one file or a playlist
| Use case | OBS source | Dependency | Playback behavior |
|---|---|---|---|
| One local MKV | Media Source | Built into OBS; no VLC installation needed | Loop repeats the file at the end. The restart option separately controls what happens when the source becomes active. |
| Multiple files as a playlist | VLC Video | Requires VLC installed. For 64-bit OBS, OBS documentation specifies 64-bit VLC. | Use Loop Playlist to repeat the playlist. Source visibility and restart behavior remain separate considerations. |
For a single MKV, Media Source is the direct choice. OBS documents the two source types and their playback controls in its Media Sources guide.
#1 Best Overall
- 【OBSBOT × EWC 2025 Official Partnership】 OBSBOT is thrilled to be the 2025 Esports World Cup (EWC) Official Camera & Webcam Partner. Leveraging cutting-edge AI camera tech, OBSBOT will deliver immersive live broadcasts, capturing every epic moment of elite gamers. Also, OBSBOT provides content creators and streamers with the same pro imaging solutions, empowering global players to record esports highlights via EWC-approved AI camera tech.
- 【Brilliance in Every Frame】The OBSBOT Meet SE webcam combines style with high performance. Enjoy ultra-high frame rates of 1080P@100FPS & 1080P@60FPS & 720P@150FPS, enhanced by smart AI Framing. Moreover, we break free from the traditional black with our webcam available in three vibrant colors. 🚩For 100FPS recording, use the 'More Output Options' in the OBSBOT software.
- 【Intelligent AI Framing】Activate our computer camera's group mode and intelligently recognize individuals or groups, optimizing the composition and focus for each frame in real-time. Elevate your group meetings and live streams with ease.
- 【Shine in Low Light】Breakthroughs in low-light performance set our streaming camera apart. Equipped with 1/2.8” Stacked CMOS, Dual Native ISO, 2.9 μm Pixels Size, Staggered HDR, 12 Bit dynamic color range ensure excellent video quality in any lighting condition.
- 【Command with Cestures】 Along with the 2.0 dynamic gesture control, our web cam says goodbye to cumbersome manual operation. Simply face the webcam, make an “🖐” gesture to open/close AI framing, and make an “👆” gesture to control the zoom easily.
Check YouTube eligibility and stream quality
- Channel eligibility: YouTube says livestreaming requires a verified channel with no live-streaming restrictions in the previous 90 days. Check the current account status and Live Control Room before relying on a scheduled start; details are in YouTube’s livestreaming requirements.
- Upload capacity: Choose output quality and bitrate your internet connection can sustain reliably. A high setting that exceeds available upload bandwidth can lead to buffering or poor stream health.
- Test the content itself: Preview representative motion and listen to the audio, including the transition when the video loops. Confirm that the end-to-start transition is acceptable for viewers.
- Copyright and permissions: Only stream video and audio you have permission to use. A file playing successfully in OBS does not establish that its content is cleared for YouTube.
- Monitor the broadcast: Watch YouTube’s stream health while live and respond to warnings rather than assuming the local OBS preview guarantees a healthy stream.
YouTube’s guidance recommends preparing the encoder stream in advance and checking the preview before going live. Its encoder settings guidance covers codec, frame rate, keyframe interval, and bitrate mode; use the current recommendations applicable to your chosen resolution and frame rate instead of treating one setting as universal.
Troubleshoot common loop and stream problems
The MKV does not appear or play
- Confirm Local File is enabled and that the selected path points to the intended MKV.
- Try opening the file in a local media player to check that it is readable. If it is not, the file may be incomplete or use media components your system cannot decode.
- For one file, use Media Source rather than VLC Video; the latter adds a VLC installation dependency.
The video plays once and stops
Open the Media Source properties and check Loop. Restart playback when source becomes active does not replace Loop: it controls playback when the source becomes visible, not what happens at the end of the file.
Rank #2
- 【OBSBOT × EWC 2026 Official Partnership】As an Official OBSBOT Partner of the Esports World Cup 2026, OBSBOT powers the future of esports broadcasting with cutting-edge AI imaging technology. From immersive live productions to every defining in-game moment, OBSBOT delivers exceptional precision, clarity, and intelligent camera performance. Beyond the arena, OBSBOT empowers creators and streamers worldwide with professional imaging solutions, helping them capture, create, and share their own esports stories with confidence.
- 【Stay Pro, Stay Productive】The new version Tiny 2 Lite webcam 4K streamlines some streaming features (whiteboard mode and voice control) to prioritize teaching and meeting scenarios. Reasonable price, uncompromised quality. The inherited 4K resolution & 1/2'' CMOS sensor and easier operation make it a more professional business shooting partner.
- 【Your Tracking Mode,Your Rule】The web cam boasts multiple tracking modes (e.g. upper body& hand tracking), to cater to a broader audience with diverse tracking needs. Beyond just these features, the PTZ camera also allows you to customize tracking areas and Non-tracking area, offering unparalleled freedom for personalized tracking.
- 【Customizable Preset Modes】The webcam for PC newly upgraded Preset Position function not only can set multiple preset positions, but also customizes separate parameters and AI tracking modes for each preset position. Even when the scene switches, it reduces adjustment time while still ensuring that every frame is shot at the optimal setting.
- 【Dynamic Gesture Control】 Along with the 2.0 dynamic gesture control, our streaming camera says goodbye to cumbersome manual operation. Simply face the web cam, make an “🖐” gesture to lock the portrait tracking target, and make an “👆” gesture to control the zoom easily.
The video restarts unexpectedly
Check whether the source is being hidden and shown by scene changes or other controls. If you do not want it to restart when it becomes visible, review Restart playback when source becomes active; keep Loop enabled if it still needs to repeat at the end.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →YouTube shows no preview or does not accept the feed
- Verify that OBS is using the correct YouTube server URL and stream key for the selected Live Control Room stream.
- Check that the key has not been reset or replaced and that the channel is eligible to livestream.
- Wait for the encoder connection and preview, then inspect Live Control Room for a stream-health message before starting the broadcast.
The stream buffers or its health is poor
Reduce output demands to a bitrate and quality your upload connection can sustain, then test again. Follow YouTube’s current encoder recommendations and monitor stream health during the broadcast.
Rank #3
- 【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.
- 【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.
- 【Compatible with Multiple Systems】suitable for Windows and Mac OS. High speed USB 3.0 technology and superior low latency technology makes it easier for you to transmit live streaming to Twitch, Youtube, Facebook, Twitter, OBS, Potplayer and VLC.
- 【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.
MKV playback is different from MKV recording
OBS recommends MKV for recordings because an interrupted recording is less likely to corrupt the entire file. Its documentation also notes that MKV may need remuxing for compatibility with some editing applications. That recording advice is separate from playback: an existing MKV can be selected directly in a Media Source without conversion. See OBS’s recording remuxing guide.
Or let it run in the cloud
The OBS method keeps playback and encoding on your computer, so the computer and its internet connection need to remain available for the stream. StreamNeo is a YouTube-only cloud service for keeping an uploaded video or playlist live; it does not stream from a camera.
Rank #4
- 【OBSBOT × EWC 2025 Official Partnership】OBSBOT is thrilled to be the 2025 Esports World Cup (EWC) Official Camera & Webcam Partner. Leveraging cutting-edge AI camera tech, OBSBOT will deliver immersive live broadcasts, capturing every epic moment of elite gamers. Also, OBSBOT provides content creators and streamers with the same pro imaging solutions, empowering global players to record esports highlights via EWC-approved AI camera tech.
- 【Mini in Size, Mighty in Sight】The upgraded OBSBOT Meet 2 webcam 4K combines AI features with a sleek compact design. Enjoy a wide selection of colors to personalize your setup, and experience improved performance without the high cost.
- 【Experience Stunning 4K Clarity】The UHD 4K resolution, coupled with the bigger 1/2" CMOS sensor, expands the Meet 2 webcam's light-sensitive area, boosting its light capture capacity to yield clearer, brighter images.
- 【AI Framing and Auto Focus】Whether you're alone or with a group of people, web cam's AI algorithm dynamically adjusts the composition and focus of each frame, guaranteeing you're always in the spotlight.
- 【Dynamic Gesture Control】 Along with the 2.0 dynamic gesture control, our streaming camera says goodbye to cumbersome manual operation. Simply face the web cam, make an “🖐” gesture to open/close AI framing, and make an “👆” gesture to control the zoom easily.
- Upload your recording or build a playlist.
- Add your YouTube stream key once.
- Go live; StreamNeo loops the video from the cloud.
Nothing has to stay on at home. Each slot streams the uploaded file as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot; there are no quality tiers. StreamNeo automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly pricing is $9.99 per month. See StreamNeo for details, then start your free day.
Quick Recap
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.
