Key Takeaways
Looping a YouTube video means playing it on repeat automatically without pressing replay. Whether you’re using a desktop browser, mobile app, or embedding video on a website, there are several easy ways to set a video to loop. Perfect for music tracks, tutorials, or background ambiance.
How to Loop a YouTube Video (Step-by-Step)
If you’ve ever wondered how to loop a YouTube video, you’re not alone. Whether it’s for listening to your favorite song repeatedly, practicing a tutorial, or using a chill background sound for studying, knowing how to set a video on repeat is handy. Thankfully, YouTube gives you a few simple methods to do this.
Let’s break it down by platform and method.
1. Looping a YouTube Video on Desktop (Browser)
YouTube has a built-in looping feature on desktop browsers.
Steps:
- Open YouTube in your preferred browser.
- Start playing the video you want to loop.
- Right-click anywhere on the video.
- Select Loop from the menu.
- The video will automatically start over when it ends.
To disable the loop, right-click again and uncheck Loop.
✅ Pros:
- No additional software required.
- Native and built-in.
❌ Cons:
- Only works with single videos, not playlists.
2. How to Loop a YouTube Video on Mobile App
The YouTube mobile app doesn’t offer a direct loop feature for single videos, but there are workarounds.
Method 1: Add the Video to a Playlist
- Tap Save below the video.
- Create a new playlist (e.g., “Loop”) and add the video.
- Go to Library > Your Playlist.
- Open the playlist and tap the loop icon (🔁) once to loop the entire playlist.
- If only one video is in the playlist, it will keep replaying.
Method 2: Use a Mobile Browser Instead
- Open YouTube in your mobile browser (like Chrome).
- Tap the AA icon (on Safari) or ⋮ menu (on Chrome).
- Request the Desktop Site.
- Now, follow the same steps as on desktop (right-click > Loop).
✅ Pros:
- Can loop videos even without YouTube Premium.
- Works for both Android and iOS.
❌ Cons:
- Playlist trick can be tedious.
- Desktop site might be clunky on small screens.
3. Looping a YouTube Playlist
If you want multiple videos to play on repeat:
- Open the playlist on YouTube.
- Start playing the first video.
- Tap or click the loop icon near the playlist controls.
- The entire playlist will loop continuously.
Great for music playlists, motivational talks, or meditation videos.
4. Third-Party Loop Tools
Some websites are built specifically to loop YouTube videos.
Examples:
- ListenOnRepeat
Paste the video link, and it loops automatically. - YouTubeLoop.net
Lets you loop a specific section of the video.
These tools are useful if you want finer control, like looping only part of a video.
✅ Pros:
- Loop specific sections.
- No YouTube login needed.
❌ Cons:
- Ad-supported.
- External sites may have privacy concerns.
5. Embed YouTube Video in Loop Mode
If you’re managing a website or blog, you can loop a YouTube video using the embed code.
How:
- Click Share > Embed under the video.
- Copy the embed code.
- Add
&loop=1&playlist=VIDEO_IDto the URL inside the embed code.
Example:
<iframe width="560" height="315"
src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VIDEO_ID?autoplay=1&loop=1&playlist=VIDEO_ID"
frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
This is great for background music, digital portfolios, or video landing pages.
6. Loop Only a Specific Section of a YouTube Video
If you only want to loop a portion (say 0:30 to 1:00), YouTube doesn’t offer this natively.
Here’s how to do it:
- Use YouTubeLoop
- Paste your video link.
- Set the Start and End times.
- Press Loop.
Practical Examples
| Use Case | Loop Method |
|---|---|
| Studying with background music | Desktop Right-click Loop |
| Repeating a workout set | Playlist with single video |
| Practicing part of a song | Loop partial section (tool) |
| Displaying video on website | Embed with loop parameter |
| Playing bedtime stories | Loop playlist on mobile |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Forgetting to uncheck “Loop”
It will keep repeating when you may want it to stop. - Using a playlist without enabling loop
Simply playing a playlist doesn’t loop it automatically. You have to tap the loop icon. - Not including
playlist=VIDEO_IDin embed links
Without this, the embed video won’t loop even withloop=1. - Assuming mobile app has right-click options
You need to use browser-based workarounds. - Overusing third-party tools without checking safety
Always be cautious when giving permissions or installing extensions.
Quick Comparison Table
| Method | Platform | Easy to Use | Loops Partial Video | Requires Login |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Right-click > Loop | Desktop | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Playlist Hack | Mobile | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Mobile Browser Desktop | Mobile | ⚠️ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Third-Party Sites | Any | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Embed Loop | Web Developer | ⚠️ | ❌ | ❌ |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can you loop a YouTube video automatically?
Yes. On desktop, just right-click and choose Loop. On mobile, use a playlist or a third-party tool.
2. Why doesn’t YouTube app have a loop button?
Currently, the mobile app focuses on general video playback and playlist features. Looping is only supported via playlist functionality.
3. Are there browser extensions for looping YouTube videos?
Yes. Extensions like Looper for YouTube on Chrome Web Store allow you to loop videos or parts of videos. You can check it here.
4. Can I loop a YouTube Short?
Not directly. YouTube Shorts autoplay the next video. To loop one, try downloading the Short (if permitted) and using a local media player.
5. How do I loop a video in full screen mode?
Looping works in full screen too. Just make sure you enable the loop before entering full screen.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re trying to study with a calming video in the background or endlessly replay a favorite song, looping YouTube videos is easier than ever once you know your options. Between YouTube’s built-in features, playlist tricks, and handy third-party tools, you’ve got all the ways covered.
And if you’re managing a blog or business site, embedding looping videos can add a dynamic touch. Just be sure to follow best practices and use safe, reputable tools.
