ClipLoop is an Apple TV app that plays a video on a seamless loop, either from a URL or from a video in your Photos library. This guide covers common questions and fixes.

Getting Started

Loop a video from a URL

1. From the home screen, press the gear icon (or press Menu / Back on the Siri Remote) to open Settings.
2. Enter the full URL to a video file (must start with http:// or https://).
3. Select Apply URL. The video downloads to your Apple TV and starts looping automatically.

Loop a video from your Photos library

1. Open Settings (gear icon or Menu / Back).
2. Select Select Video from Library.
3. The first time you do this, you’ll be asked to grant access to your photos. Choose Allow Access to All Photos (or Limited if you prefer).
4. Pick a video from the grid. It will be exported and start looping.

Change the video later

While a video is playing, press the Menu / Back button on the remote. The video will pause and Settings will appear so you can enter a new URL or pick a different video.

Frequently Asked Questions

What video formats are supported?
Any format your Apple TV can play natively (MP4/H.264, H.265/HEVC, MOV, etc.). HLS streams (.m3u8) are also supported for URL playback.

Is there a file size limit?
Yes — URL-loaded videos are capped at roughly 500 MB. For longer or higher-resolution content, host a lower-bitrate version or use the Photos library option.

Does ClipLoop keep playing if I leave the app?
No. When you switch to another app or put your Apple TV to sleep, playback pauses. It resumes automatically when you return.

Will my Apple TV go to sleep while a video is looping?
No. ClipLoop disables the screen-sleep timer while a video is playing, so the loop continues uninterrupted. Sleep is re-enabled when you exit the video.

Does the video have to re-download every time?
No. ClipLoop caches the downloaded video and restores it when you reopen the app — your last loop is right where you left it. After an app update, the cache is cleared and you’ll need to load a video again.

Can I play videos from Google Drive, Dropbox, iCloud Drive, YouTube, etc.?
Only if you have a direct link to the video file itself (one that returns a video/* content type). Page links, share links, and streaming-platform URLs (YouTube, Vimeo, etc.) won’t work — those serve a web page, not the raw video file.

Troubleshooting

“Invalid URL. Please enter a valid http or https URL.”

The URL field is empty, malformed, or missing a scheme. Make sure it starts with http:// or https:// and includes a host (for example, https://example.com/video.mp4).

“Could not reach URL”

ClipLoop couldn’t connect to the server. Check that:

• Your Apple TV is connected to the internet (try another app like the App Store).
• The URL is correct and reachable from a browser on your phone or computer.
• The server isn’t blocking requests from outside your network.

“Server returned status 403 / 404 / 5xx”

The server reached the URL but refused it or couldn’t find the file.

• 403 / 401 — The link requires authentication or a signed URL that has expired. Generate a fresh direct link.
• 404 — The file no longer exists at that location.
• 5xx — The hosting server is having problems. Try again later.

“The URL does not point to a video file.”

The URL returned something other than a video (usually an HTML page). This is the most common issue with file-sharing services. You need a direct file link, not a shared/preview page link. Some tips:

• Dropbox: change ?dl=0 to ?raw=1 at the end of the link.
• Google Drive: use a direct download URL, not the /view page.
• Most web pages cannot be used directly — download the video and re-host it, or use the Photos library option instead.

“The URL does not contain a playable video.” / “Could not load video”

The file downloaded but Apple TV couldn’t decode it. The file may be corrupted, in an unsupported container, or use a codec tvOS doesn’t support. Try re-exporting the video as MP4 (H.264) with AAC audio.

“Download failed” or download stops partway

• The file may be larger than the 500 MB cap.
• The connection dropped mid-download. Try again on a stronger Wi-Fi signal, or move closer to your router.
• The hosting server may throttle large downloads.

Video loads but won’t start playing

After the video finishes loading, press the Play/Pause button on the Siri Remote. The on-screen hint reminds you of this. If playback still doesn’t start, return to Settings and re-apply the URL.

Video freezes or hangs mid-loop

ClipLoop watches for stuck playback and automatically reloads the video every 10 seconds if it detects a hang. If freezing is frequent:

• Reduce the video’s bitrate or resolution.
• Use a wired Ethernet connection instead of Wi-Fi.
• For URL-hosted videos, re-host on a faster server.

A brief flicker or overlay appears each time the video loops

ClipLoop uses Apple’s seamless loop player to avoid this. If you still see a flash, the source file may have unusual edit-list metadata. Re-exporting the video (a quick passthrough trim in QuickTime or another editor often works) usually resolves it.

Local video picker shows “Photos Access Denied”

ClipLoop needs permission to read videos from your library.

1. On your Apple TV, open Settings → Apps → ClipLoop.
2. Set Photos access to All Photos (or Limited Photos).
3. Reopen ClipLoop and try again.

Local video picker shows “No Videos Found”

• Your Photos library on this Apple TV doesn’t contain any videos.
• Make sure you’re signed in to iCloud on the Apple TV with the same Apple ID you use for Photos, and that iCloud Photos is enabled on the device that owns the videos.
• If you chose Limited Photos, the selected set may not include any videos — switch to All Photos in Settings.

Settings won’t open / the gear icon is missing

The gear is only shown when no video is playing. If a video is currently looping, press Menu / Back on the Siri Remote to pause and open Settings.

After updating the app, my video is gone

ClipLoop clears its saved URL and cached video on each app update so you start fresh. Open Settings and re-enter your URL or pick the video again. It will be remembered until the next update.

The app crashes or behaves oddly

1. Force-quit ClipLoop: double-press the TV button, swipe up on ClipLoop.
2. Reopen the app.
3. If the issue persists, restart your Apple TV: Settings → System → Restart.
4. As a last resort, uninstall and reinstall ClipLoop.

Tips for the Best Loop

• Match the source resolution to your TV. A 1080p file usually looks identical to a 4K file on most TVs and uses far less bandwidth.
• Use H.264 MP4 for the broadest compatibility and most reliable looping.
• Keep loops short. A 10–60 second clip loops more smoothly and uses less storage than a multi-minute file.
• Trim cleanly at the cut points. A clip that starts and ends on a matching frame creates a truly invisible loop.
• Mute distracting audio. If the loop is for ambient or signage use, export with no audio track for a cleaner experience.

Still Need Help?

If you’re still stuck, contact support with:

• The Apple TV model and tvOS version (Settings → System → About).
• The ClipLoop version.
• The exact error message shown on screen.
• For URL issues: the URL you tried (if you can share it) and what happens when you open it in a desktop browser.