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Introduction to Looping Pre-Recorded Streams

A looping pre-recorded live stream is one of the simplest ways to stay live 24/7, keep your channel active, and reuse the videos you already have. This guide explains the idea in plain English and shows how to get started without keeping OBS running on a computer all day.

Looping pre-recorded videos as a 24/7 live stream

What is a looping pre-recorded live stream?

It is a regular live broadcast, but the content comes from videos you recorded earlier. Instead of going live with a camera every time, you run a playlist that plays continuously. When it reaches the end, it starts again.

Creators use this for "radio style" channels, compilation streams, highlight loops, background music, study sessions, podcasts with visuals, and even Shorts-style vertical content that plays as a long live stream.

Why creators use looping streams

The real advantage is consistency. A channel that is live often feels active to viewers, and it is easier for people to discover something that is always on. It also helps in simple ways: more watch time, more chances for chat activity, and more opportunities for returning viewers.

Good use cases

  • Best-of compilations, highlights, "top moments"
  • Music mixes, ambient loops, study and sleep streams
  • Evergreen tutorials stitched into a long playlist
  • Podcast episodes with a visual background
  • Vertical video content repackaged as a 24/7 stream

OBS method vs cloud method

You can loop videos using OBS, and it works. The downside is maintenance. A PC must stay on, updates happen at the worst time, and internet drops are real. If your goal is a steady long-running stream, the setup effort adds up.

If you want the "set it up once and forget it" style, a cloud service is usually easier. You upload videos, build a playlist, and stream runs from a server.

How it works with Looping Stream

The flow is simple:

  1. Upload your videos.
  2. We automatically optimize them for the platform preset you choose.
  3. Build a playlist for a stream and start broadcasting with your platform stream key.

We keep the original aspect ratio, limit the longest side to 1920 px, and produce a streaming-friendly output for stable playback. This is designed for compatibility so platforms do not reject the stream for technical reasons.

Quick checklist before you go live

  • Pick evergreen content that stays relevant for weeks or months.
  • Use a clear title and description that match what is on screen.
  • Prepare a thumbnail that looks good on mobile.
  • Rotate content sometimes, even small changes help returning viewers.
  • Only use content you own or have rights to.

Want to try it with your own videos? Start with a free Trial and launch your first looping stream today.