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To stream a 4K video on repeat to YouTube, create an encoder stream in YouTube Studio, add the file to OBS as a looping Media Source, set OBS to a 3840×2160 output with settings suited to your codec and frame rate, then test the preview and stream health before going public. Keep OBS and the computer running for the broadcast; this is a local-file workflow, not a cloud service.
Before you start
- Your YouTube channel must be verified and have no live-stream restrictions in the preceding 90 days. First-time live-stream activation can take up to 24 hours, so enable it well ahead of the broadcast. See YouTube live-streaming tips for computers and Get started with live streaming.
- Install OBS Studio and have the 4K video file available locally. OBS Media Source supports common formats including MP4, TS, MOV, FLV, MKV, AVI, GIF and WebM. See OBS Media Sources documentation.
- Use a stable internet connection with enough upload capacity for the selected bitrate, plus headroom for normal network variation and other traffic.
- Decide whether to record a local backup and confirm you have enough disk space if you do.
Set up the YouTube encoder stream
- Open YouTube Studio and go to the Live Control Room. Create or schedule a stream, selecting the encoder setup.
- Copy the stream URL and stream key shown in the stream setup. You will enter these in OBS. Treat the key like a password: anyone who has it can send a feed to that stream. If it is exposed, replace or reset it in YouTube Studio before broadcasting.
- Use RTMPS when setting up a standard RTMP-based encoder stream, as YouTube recommends. YouTube’s encoder guide covers the stream URL and key workflow: Create a YouTube live stream with an encoder.
Add and loop the video in OBS
- In OBS, select the scene you want to use. Under Sources, choose + and add a Media Source.
- Select the local video file. Enable Loop in the Media Source properties so playback starts again when it reaches the end. OBS describes this control as specifying whether the file plays again once playback has completed.
- Check the preview. Fit the source to the canvas, then look for black bars, cropping, stretching or a mismatch in aspect ratio. Preserve the source’s proportions unless you intentionally want to crop it.
- Set the OBS canvas and output resolution to 3840×2160 if you want a 2160p broadcast. Match the frame rate to the source where practical; converting frame rates can change motion cadence and adds processing load.
- Check the file’s audio in the preview and OBS audio meters. Confirm that playback loops without an unintended silence or discontinuity at the end of the file.
Configure OBS for 4K ingestion
In OBS, open Settings > Output and select the streaming output mode and encoder available on your system. Under Settings > Video, set the output resolution to 3840×2160 and choose the intended frame rate. Labels and available encoders can vary with OBS version, operating system and hardware, so confirm that your installed encoder supports the combination you choose.
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YouTube’s 2026 encoder guidance recommends CBR and a 2-second keyframe interval, with keyframes not exceeding 4 seconds. It lists the following 2160p ingestion settings; these are YouTube recommendations, not independent performance benchmarks.
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| Output | AV1 or H.265/HEVC bitrate range | H.264 recommended bitrate |
|---|---|---|
| 2160p at 30 fps | 8–35 Mbps | 30 Mbps |
| 2160p at 60 fps | 10–40 Mbps | 35 Mbps |
Set the bitrate column that matches your selected codec, and use a frame rate that your source, encoder and connection can sustain. YouTube lists H.264, H.265/HEVC and AV1 for RTMP/RTMPS; your usable choices depend on the OBS build and computer. Check YouTube’s current table before going live because guidance may change: Choose live encoder settings, bitrates, and resolutions.
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For a standard SDR loop, use the regular encoder settings supported by your setup. Do not treat HDR as a simple toggle: YouTube documents a separate HLS workflow and additional requirements. YouTube also says 2160p streams do not offer the “improve for low latency” option and use normal latency.
Connect OBS and test before going public
- In OBS, open Settings > Stream. Choose YouTube or the applicable custom service option, then enter the stream URL and key from the Live Control Room. Avoid sharing screenshots or logs that reveal the key.
- Start streaming in OBS early enough to test. Keep the YouTube Live Control Room open and inspect its preview, stream health and any warnings before making the broadcast public.
- Test representative movement and audio rather than judging only a still frame. Confirm that the video is sharp, correctly framed and not dropping frames, and that the sound is present and at a suitable level.
- Test the upload connection under realistic network load. YouTube recommends upload headroom and a reliable connection; if stream health is unstable, lower the bitrate or resolve network congestion before the public broadcast.
- When the preview and stream health look right, make the stream public or start the scheduled event in YouTube Studio. When finished, stop the stream in OBS and end the broadcast in the Live Control Room if YouTube has not ended it automatically. See YouTube’s encoder setup guide for the stream-ending workflow.
Plan for a long broadcast and keep an archive
YouTube says streams under 12 hours can be automatically archived, but streams exceeding 12 hours may not be captured at all. If the recording matters, enable local recording in OBS, check the destination and available disk space, and verify the saved file rather than relying only on YouTube’s archive. YouTube recommends keeping a local archive backup: Archive live streams.
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4K Video Capture Card, HDMI to USB Capture Card 1080P for Streaming, Recording, Gaming, Compatible with Nintendo Switch, PS5, Xbox
- 【1080P 30FPS Full HD Recording】The HDMI capture card connects to your video source and computer, and captures high-definition video up to 1080p 60fps
- 【HDMI Video Capture】Based on high-speed USB 2.0 technology, you can capture a high-definition HDMI video and HDMI audio signal of a signal channel, sending audio and video signals to computers /pc. The gaming capture card is suitable for devices with HDMI output, such as devices for PS4, for Xbox one, for Wii U and for Switch
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For a local recording, choose an appropriate recording format and quality in OBS before starting, and make a short test recording to confirm that video and audio are saved correctly. A local archive requires enough storage for the full program; a 4K file can consume substantial disk space.
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Troubleshoot common problems
- You cannot start a live stream: Check that the channel is verified, has no live-stream restrictions in the preceding 90 days, and has completed live-stream activation. First activation may take up to 24 hours.
- YouTube shows no incoming video: Confirm OBS is streaming, the stream URL and key are entered correctly, and the intended stream is open in Live Control Room. If the key was changed or exposed, use the current key.
- The stream looks soft or is not 2160p: Check OBS output resolution and the YouTube preview. A 4K source alone does not guarantee a 4K output; canvas/output scaling and encoder settings must also be configured for 3840×2160.
- Dropped frames or poor stream health: The upload connection may not sustain the bitrate, especially under other network load. Test on the actual connection, leave bandwidth headroom, and reduce bitrate if needed while staying within YouTube’s guidance for the selected codec and frame rate.
- The image is stretched, cropped or surrounded by bars: Check source and canvas aspect ratios and adjust the source fit in the preview without unintentionally distorting it.
- The video stops instead of repeating: Reopen Media Source properties and verify Loop is enabled. Check that the selected file is the intended one and plays through to its end.
- The broadcast ends but there is no replay: YouTube may not capture streams exceeding 12 hours. Use an OBS local recording when you need a dependable archive, and verify the resulting file.
Or let it run in the cloud
If you do not want a computer and home internet connection running for the whole broadcast, StreamNeo is a cloud service for keeping a YouTube channel live from uploaded videos. Upload the recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. It loops the uploaded video from the cloud; it does not broadcast a camera feed.
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Guermok Video Capture Card, 4K USB3.0 HDMI to USB C, 1080P 60FPS & 2K 30FPS
- 【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
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- 【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
- Nothing has to stay on at home once the stream is running.
- Any quality up to 4K 60fps streams as uploaded at one flat price per slot, with no re-encode or quality tiers.
- It automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free with no card, one free day per account.
The monthly option is $9.99 per month. Start your free day on StreamNeo.
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