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To loop a folder of MP4 files on YouTube Live, use OBS Studio’s VLC Video source: add the clips to its playlist and enable Loop Playlist. Create a YouTube stream, connect OBS with the stream URL and key, check the preview, and then go live. For a single MP4, OBS’s regular Media Source with Loop enabled is simpler.
What you need before starting
- OBS Studio, which plays and sends the video to YouTube.
- VLC installed for OBS’s VLC Video playlist source. Match architectures: 64-bit OBS requires 64-bit VLC. The single-file Media Source does not require VLC. OBS: Media Sources
- A YouTube channel enabled for live streaming. First-time activation can take up to 24 hours, so enable it well before your planned broadcast. YouTube: Create a live stream
- MP4 files you have permission to stream, and an internet connection whose upload capacity can sustain your chosen stream bitrate.
Set up a folder playlist in OBS
- Install OBS Studio and VLC. Restart OBS after installing VLC if the VLC Video source is not available.
- In OBS, select an existing scene or create one. Under Sources, choose + and add VLC Video.
- In the source properties, add the MP4 files to the playlist. Arrange them in the order you want them to play.
- Enable Loop Playlist. Playlist looping is on by default in OBS documentation, but check the setting. Shuffle is off by default; leave it off if you need the files to play in a fixed order. OBS: Media Sources
- Resize or position the source in the preview so the video fills the canvas as intended. Play the source and check that each file appears and has audible sound where expected.
For one MP4 instead
Add a Media Source, select the local MP4, and enable Loop in its properties. This repeats the same file after playback ends; use VLC Video when you need a multi-file playlist. OBS: Media Sources
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Create a YouTube stream and connect OBS
- In YouTube Studio, select Create → Go Live to open Live Control Room. Create a stream or select an existing one. You can set its audience visibility to private, unlisted, or public; private or unlisted is useful for a test. Scheduling is optional and creates a stream you can promote. YouTube: Create a live stream
- In Live Control Room, copy the stream URL and stream key. Treat the key as a credential: YouTube describes it as like the stream’s password and address. Do not publish or share it. Reset the key in Live Control Room if you think it has been exposed. YouTube: Manage live stream settings
- In OBS, open Settings → Stream, select YouTube as the service, and enter or connect the stream details. If entering them manually, use the server URL and stream key shown by YouTube. Keep the key private.
Choose encoder settings that fit the video and connection
YouTube recommends RTMPS. Its current encoder guidance lists H.264, H.265, and AV1 video options for RTMP/RTMPS, AAC or MP3 audio, constant bitrate (CBR), frame rates up to 60 fps, and a two-second keyframe interval; the interval must not exceed four seconds. Choose a bitrate from YouTube’s table for your codec, resolution, and frame rate, rather than assuming one value fits every stream. YouTube: Live encoder settings, bitrates, and resolutions
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For reference, YouTube’s H.264 recommendations include 5 Mbps for 1080p at 30 fps and 8 Mbps for 720p at 60 fps. These are YouTube-published recommendations, not guarantees that a particular internet connection can sustain them. Confirm your upload capacity with a speed test and leave headroom for normal variation. Test with representative motion and audio; a static slide may not reveal problems that appear in busier clips.
#1 Best Overall
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
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- In OBS, open Settings → Output and configure streaming output according to YouTube’s current recommendations for the chosen resolution and frame rate.
- Set the video encoder to a codec supported by YouTube’s current guidance and use CBR. Set the keyframe interval to 2 seconds and keep it at or below YouTube’s four-second maximum.
- In OBS’s video settings, choose an output resolution and frame rate appropriate for the source material and the upload connection. Avoid upscaling low-resolution files as a substitute for higher-quality source video.
- Set audio to AAC or MP3 and check levels while the playlist plays. Confirm that quiet clips are audible and loud clips do not distort.
YouTube’s encoder requirements and interface can change. Check its current encoder settings and bitrate table before a major broadcast.
Test, go live, and end the broadcast cleanly
- Start streaming from OBS. Wait for the incoming video preview in Live Control Room.
- Check picture, framing, audio, and that the intended playlist is playing in the right order. Look at YouTube’s stream health indicators and resolve warnings before going public. YouTube: Live encoder settings
- For a scheduled broadcast, click Go live in Live Control Room when the preview is ready. Keep OBS running and monitor stream health and audio/video during the event.
- When finished, click End Stream in Live Control Room and stop sending content from OBS. YouTube says streams under 12 hours are automatically archived. Its guidance does not promise automatic archiving for streams longer than that, so retain your original MP4 files independently for long broadcasts. YouTube: Archive live streams
Copyright, reused content, and monetization
A playlist looping correctly does not establish that you have permission to use its music, footage, or other material, and it does not make a channel eligible for monetization. Use content you own or are licensed to stream, and check the rights for every file before broadcasting.
Rank #2
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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
- 【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.
YouTube’s monetization policy says its July 15, 2025 update clarified that repetitive or mass-produced material is covered by the renamed inauthentic content policy. YouTube says such content has always been ineligible under the existing policy; the reused-content policy did not change. A stream can work technically and still fail monetization review. Do not assume that repeating MP4s will earn revenue. YouTube channel monetization policies
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Common problems and fixes
- VLC Video is missing in OBS: Install VLC and ensure its architecture matches OBS. Restart OBS after installing it.
- The playlist stops after the last file: Open the VLC Video source properties and turn on Loop Playlist. Check that the playlist contains the intended files.
- Files play in an unexpected order: Review the playlist order and make sure shuffle is off.
- A single MP4 does not repeat: Open its Media Source properties and enable Loop.
- YouTube receives no video: Confirm OBS is streaming, the correct stream URL and key are configured, and the selected scene contains the playback source. Check the preview in Live Control Room.
- The stream buffers or health warnings appear: Check that the upload connection can sustain the selected bitrate; use YouTube’s table to choose a suitable bitrate and test again. Reduce output demands if the connection cannot sustain the chosen settings.
- The stream key may have leaked: Reset it in Live Control Room and update OBS with the replacement key.
- Live streaming is not available yet: First-time channel activation can take up to 24 hours. Enable the feature in advance rather than waiting until broadcast time.
Or let it run in the cloud
With StreamNeo, upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. The service loops uploaded videos from the cloud, so your computer and home connection do not have to stay on. It is YouTube-only and plays uploaded videos rather than broadcasting from a camera.
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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
- One flat price per slot for any uploaded quality up to 4K 60fps, with no re-encode or quality tiers.
- Automatic recovery if YouTube drops the stream.
- One free day per account, with no card required.
Monthly access: $9.99 per month. See StreamNeo for details, or start your free day.
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Capture Card 4K HDMI Video Streaming to USB 3.0 1080P 60FPS Capture Device | Audio Video Capture, 4K HDMI Loop-Out, Work for PS5/PS4/Switch/Xbox/PC/Camera/OBS, Game Screen Recorder Streaming Equipment
- 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
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- 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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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.
- 【Ultra Low Latency Screen Sharing】Built with a premium aluminum alloy shell and advanced chipset for stable heat dissipation, ensuring ultra-low latency transmission. Capture high-quality video and dual-channel audio in real time—no lag, no frame drop—ideal for Twitch, YouTube, or OBS streaming.
- 【Easy Plug and Play, Compact & Portable】No driver or external power required—just plug and play via USB 3.0 or Type-C connection to your Windows or macOS computer. Lightweight and compact design makes it easy to carry for outdoor streaming, live shows, or mobile recording setups.
- 【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.
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