Whether you're trying to master a difficult guitar riff, playing an ambient rain track for sleep, or listening to your favorite song on repeat, knowing how to loop a YouTube video saves you from manually hitting the replay button. YouTube has built-in features for computers and mobile apps, but you can also use alternative methods when those options fall short.
You don't need third-party extensions for basic desktop playback, nor do you need to pay for premium features just to repeat a clip. Below, we'll walk through the exact steps for desktop browsers, mobile devices, and alternative workarounds.
How to Loop a YouTube Video on Desktop
The desktop browser version of YouTube makes looping straightforward. You won't need any special add-ons for a single video.
- Open your browser and navigate to the YouTube video you want to watch.
- Right-click anywhere directly on the video player window. A menu will appear with a few standard options.
- Click Loop from the menu. You'll see a small checkmark appear next to it.
Once enabled, the video will restart automatically from the beginning whenever it finishes. To turn it off, right-click the video again and click Loop to remove the checkmark. More information on this are explored by Associated Press.
Using Playlists for Desktop Looping
If you want to loop a specific sequence of multiple videos rather than just one, use a playlist.
- Add the desired videos to a custom playlist or your watch later queue.
- Open the playlist and start playing the first video.
- Click the loop icon (two arrows forming a circle) on the playlist control panel until it turns white or highlights, indicating playlist loop is active. You can also click it twice to loop just a single video within that playlist view.
How to Loop a YouTube Video on Mobile
The YouTube app for iOS and Android includes a native toggle hidden inside the settings menu.
- Open the YouTube app and start playing your video.
- Tap once on the video screen to bring up the player controls.
- Tap the gear icon (Settings) in the top-right corner of the video player.
- In the menu that pops up, tap Additional settings.
- Tap Loop video, and toggle the switch to on.
The mobile app will now replay your selected video continuously until you turn the setting off or close the app. Keep in mind that mobile updates occasionally shift menu items, so if you don't see "Additional settings," look directly for a Loop option in the primary gear menu.
Alternative Methods and Workarounds
Sometimes native loops don't cover specific needs, such as looping only a specific segment or bypassing restrictions on embedded videos.
Browser Extensions
If you frequently loop specific clips or need granular control, browser extensions like Looper for YouTube add a dedicated "Loop" button directly beneath the video player alongside the like and share buttons. These tools often let you set custom start and end timestamps so you only repeat a specific portion of a clip.
URL Tweaks and Third-Party Sites
You can find dedicated URL manipulation sites that take a standard YouTube link and repeat it automatically. However, sticking to native browser controls or trusted browser add-ons keeps your browsing session secure and avoids unnecessary third-party tracking scripts.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
Even with simple features, things occasionally glitch. Here's how to fix common playback hiccups:
- The loop option is missing: If you're watching a live stream or an unlisted premiere, the loop option won't appear because live content cannot be repeated until the stream ends and archives.
- The video stops after a few loops: Browser power-saving features or tab suspension extensions might put background tabs to sleep. Make sure your browser isn't throttling inactive tabs.
- Mobile app won't save the setting: Ensure your app is updated to the latest version via the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Outdated app builds often miss recent UI additions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I loop a YouTube Short?
Yes. On mobile, you can tap the three dots in the corner of a Short and look for the loop toggle, though many Shorts loop automatically by default in the feed.
Does looping a video increase view counts?
YouTube counts a view after a video has been watched for approximately 30 seconds. If your looped video is longer than 30 seconds, consecutive replays typically register additional views, though YouTube's algorithm filters out repetitive artificial view inflation.
Do I need YouTube Premium to loop videos?
No. Looping is a completely free feature available to all users across desktop and mobile applications without requiring a paid subscription.
Can I loop just a specific part of a video?
The native YouTube player loops the entire video. To loop only a few seconds of a clip, you will need to use a specialized browser extension or third-party looping tool.
