You can make a local video loop in OBS and have OBS try to start streaming when Windows starts. Add the video as a looping Media Source, configure OBS for YouTube, then launch OBS with the --startstreaming argument after Windows sign-in. For YouTube itself to go live automatically, the selected broadcast may also need Auto-start enabled. These are separate steps, so test the complete sequence on your PC before relying on it.
How the automatic loop stream works
Four separate things must happen: Windows launches OBS, the OBS scene plays the video, OBS connects to YouTube, and YouTube makes the intended broadcast live. A looping source does not start OBS; starting OBS does not necessarily start streaming; and an encoder connection does not always mean viewers can see a live broadcast.
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- Looping the file: the Media Source repeats the video.
- Starting the encoder: OBS sends the configured output to YouTube.
- Going live: YouTube changes the selected broadcast to a live state, either automatically or after a separate action.
Set up the video loop in OBS
- Open OBS and create or select the scene you want to use.
- In the Sources panel, select + and add a Media Source. Give it a recognizable name.
- Choose the local video file in the Media Source properties. OBS documents Media Source formats and options in its Media Sources guide.
- Enable Loop so playback starts again when the file reaches its end. This is different from Restart playback when source becomes active, which controls playback when the source becomes active rather than repeating the file indefinitely.
- Confirm the video fits the canvas as intended, then save the scene collection and profile. The OBS Sources Guide explains how sources are added and managed.
Watch the preview through the end of the clip at least once. A source that plays correctly at the beginning can still have an unwanted blank frame, aspect-ratio mismatch, or playback issue at its loop point.
Connect OBS to YouTube
In OBS, connect your YouTube account through the available account integration, or configure the YouTube Live server URL and stream key in the streaming settings. YouTube’s encoder setup instructions describe the server URL and stream key workflow. Keep the stream key private: anyone who obtains it may be able to send a stream to your channel.
#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.
- 【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.
Before automating startup, verify the correct YouTube channel and broadcast are selected. If you use a scheduled broadcast, check its event settings and confirm Auto-start is enabled if you expect YouTube to go live when OBS connects. OBS’s YouTube streaming guide notes that a scheduled broadcast with Auto-start disabled needs a separate Go Live action. OBS’s YouTube control labels also distinguish creating a broadcast from starting the encoder.
Make OBS launch and start streaming after Windows boots
The most straightforward approach is to put an OBS shortcut in the Windows startup folder for your account. The command-line argument --startstreaming tells OBS to begin streaming when it launches. OBS community examples document this argument, but the examples date from 2015 and 2019, so confirm the executable location for your installed OBS version and test locally.
Rank #2
- 4K60 Capture: Record in cinematic quality with crisp detail and vivid colors
- HFR Support: Play and capture in 1440p120 or 1080p240
- HDR10 Support: Capture brilliant HDR content with tone mapping on Windows
- Cross-Platform Compatible: Works with PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 2, and more
- Analog Audio In: Capture in-game chat or commentary with 3.5mm input
- Find the installed OBS executable or create a shortcut to it. Do not assume an older forum post’s path matches your installation.
- Open the shortcut’s properties and locate its Target field. Keep the executable path and add
--startstreamingafter the closing quotation mark, separated by a space. For example, the form is"C:pathtoobs64.exe" --startstreaming; replace the example path with the actual path on your PC. - Put the shortcut in the Startup folder for the Windows account that should run OBS. A shortcut launched this way starts after that account signs in, not necessarily at the instant the machine powers on.
- Alternatively, use Windows Task Scheduler if you need a different launch trigger or context. The available sources do not establish universal task settings for every Windows installation, so avoid copying an old task configuration without checking how it behaves on yours.
- Save the shortcut or task, then test by signing out and back in or restarting Windows. Confirm OBS opens the intended scene and profile and begins streaming to the correct YouTube broadcast.
OBS forum threads provide examples for launching OBS and starting streaming and for restarting after a system restart. Treat them as community examples, not current universal Windows instructions.
Test the full boot-to-live sequence
Do not treat an open OBS window as proof that the stream is live. Run a controlled test before using the setup unattended. OBS’s Quick Start Guide recommends checking output settings and testing your stream.
Rank #3
- High-Quality Video Capture, 4K HDMI Capture Card Ready: Capture smooth and vibrant video with this 4K HDMI capture card, engineered for gamers and content creators who demand crisp 1080P 60FPS video quality. Whether you're streaming to Twitch or recording gameplay for YouTube, your footage will look professional and detailed
- Plug-and-Play USB Capture Card, No Drivers Needed: Designed as a USB capture card for streaming, this device works instantly out of the box, just plug into your PC or laptop and start capturing. Fully compatible with popular software like OBS Studio, Streamlabs, and XSplit, making setup quick and stress-free for beginners and pros alike
- Universal Compatibility PS5, Xbox, Switch & More: Stream or record gameplay from virtually any HDMI-enabled device including Nintendo Switch, PS5, Xbox Series X, DSLR cameras, and PCs. The video capture card for gaming supports seamless passthrough so you can play without lag while your audience watches every frame in real time
- Low-Latency Performance for Smooth Streaming: This capture card for streaming minimizes delay between gameplay and broadcast, so you get reliable, low-latency capture that works well for competitive gaming, live broadcasts, and podcast sessions. Suitable for those building their channel with high-quality, engaging content
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- Start with the video playing in the OBS preview and verify the loop.
- Confirm OBS connects to YouTube and the stream is being received.
- Check the intended YouTube event and confirm the broadcast is actually live to viewers; if it is scheduled, check Auto-start or use the event’s Go Live action as appropriate.
- Restart Windows and repeat the checks after the account signs in. Also test after any OBS, Windows, or stream-setting change that could affect startup.
Troubleshooting automatic starts
| Symptom | Likely cause | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| OBS opens, but streaming does not start | The launch argument is missing, placed incorrectly, or the shortcut does not point to the OBS executable. | Check the shortcut target, including the space before --startstreaming; use the installed executable path and repeat a sign-in test. |
| OBS says it is streaming, but viewers do not see a live broadcast | The selected YouTube event is not the intended one, or the scheduled event requires a separate Go Live action. | Verify the channel and event. Check whether Auto-start is enabled for that broadcast. |
| The video plays once and stops | Loop is not enabled on the Media Source. | Open the source properties, enable Loop, save, and test through the end of the clip. |
| OBS starts with the wrong scene or no video | The startup session is loading a different scene collection or profile, or the local file is unavailable. | Confirm the saved OBS scene and profile, and verify the file path still works for the Windows account that launches OBS. |
| It works manually but not after a restart | The startup shortcut or task may run under a different account or context, or Windows has not yet signed in. | Test the exact startup path you configured. A Startup-folder shortcut runs after sign-in; do not assume it runs before a user session exists. |
| The stream stops after a network or YouTube interruption | A local OBS-and-PC setup may not reconnect or restore the broadcast as expected in every failure case. | Check OBS and YouTube status, then reconnect or start the broadcast manually if needed. Do not rely on boot automation as a guarantee of recovery from every outage. |
Copyright and YouTube channel considerations
Only loop video and audio you have the rights to use, and check YouTube’s current live-stream rules and channel monetization policies before running a continuous broadcast. A technically successful loop does not establish that the content is cleared for streaming or eligible for monetization. Repeated or reused material can raise policy issues depending on the content and channel; there is no setting in OBS that resolves those questions.
Or let it run in the cloud
If you want a YouTube loop without leaving your Windows PC running, StreamNeo is a cloud service that streams uploaded videos to YouTube. Upload the recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. Nothing has to stay on at home; it streams the uploaded file as made, up to 4K 60fps at one price per slot, and automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly pricing is $9.99 per month. See StreamNeo or start the free day.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- 【Full HD Video Capture Card】The capture card captures video and audio simultaneously, transmits the signal to your computer for preview or storage, and shares the video output to the screen. The capture card supports up to 4K30Hz input and Full HD 1080p60fps video capture, high-speed transmission without delay. Suitable for streaming media, video conferencing, game live streaming and other use scenarios
- 【3.5MM Microphone Input and Headphone Output】You can connect the capture card for streaming to a headphone connection with a 3.5.mm audio output port, and you can also connect the capture card to a 3.5mm microphone so you can easily stream sound and record your voice through the port. You can also use it to freely add external commentary while playing games. Note: Do not use a hub or USB extension cable, the USB port of the product must be connected to the USB 3.0 port of your computer for use
- 【HD 1080P 60fps Signal Loop-Out】The Hi-Speed USB 3.0 port of the capturadora de video para streaming provides 1080P60FPS video signal and excellent low-latency technology, allowing you to transmit live streams to Switch/Potplayer/VLC/Twitter/OBS more easily.The output port can provide up to 1080P60Hz output resolution, outputting a clean and clear image quality with no latency. image quality with no latency. Note: Maximum output is 1080P60Hz only
- 【Wide range of compatibility】This game capture card utilizes an advanced chip for compatibility with PC, PS5, PS4, X-box, Switch, DVD, DSLR, camcorder, webcam and more. Suitable for operating systems such as Windows, Linux and Ma-c OS. High-speed transmission without delay, record wonderful moments and enjoy good times. No need to install driver or external power supply, the device will automatically recognize as webcam when plugged in, detect the input and adjust the output automatically
- 【Our Service】After purchasing the switch capture card capturadora, you will receive: 1 x Capture Card, 1 x USB 3.0 Cable, 1 x User Manual. Service: 1. One year warranty service; 2. Professional technical assistance
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.
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