To loop several local MP4 files on YouTube Live, put them in playback order in an ffconcat playlist, then have FFmpeg read the playlist in real time, loop it, and send it to YouTube’s current RTMPS ingest endpoint. Use stream copy only when the files have compatible streams, codecs, and time bases; otherwise normalize or re-encode them before broadcasting.
What the concat demuxer does—and when it works
FFmpeg’s concat demuxer reads a text playlist and presents its files as one continuous input, adjusting timestamps so each file follows the previous one. It does not make different media formats compatible. For stream copying, the inputs need matching stream layouts, codecs, and time bases. Incorrect duration metadata can also cause timestamp gaps or artifacts at transitions.
If the clips differ in resolution, frame rate, audio layout, codecs, or time bases, do not assume that -c copy will produce a clean continuous stream. Normalize the files first or use FFmpeg’s concat filter and re-encode. FFmpeg’s FAQ points to the concat filter when re-encoding is needed: FFmpeg FAQ.
Prepare the playlist and YouTube stream
1. Create the ffconcat playlist
Save a plain-text file named playlist.ffconcat beside the MP4 files. The header must be the exact first line for automatic format recognition; list each file in the order you want it played:
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ffconcat version 1.0
file 'clip-01.mp4'
file 'clip-02.mp4'
file 'clip-03.mp4'Use quoted paths and escape special characters as required by FFmpeg’s concat syntax. Relative paths in the playlist are usually simpler and safer than paths outside its safe subset. The sample command below uses -safe 0 to allow paths that the demuxer would otherwise reject; remove that option if you can use safe relative paths. See the FFmpeg concat demuxer documentation.
2. Copy the current YouTube ingest details
In YouTube Live Control Room, create or select a stream and copy its current ingestion address and stream name/key. YouTube’s API documentation treats the ingestion address and stream name as separate values; an encoder can combine them as STREAM_URL/STREAM_NAME. Use the exact values YouTube displays for this stream and keep the key private. Do not paste a real key into a public command example, forum post, or shared script. See YouTube LiveStreams documentation and YouTube RTMPS ingestion guidance.
Start the loop with FFmpeg
For compatible files, this is a starting command, not a verified command for every FFmpeg build. Replace the placeholder with the exact RTMPS endpoint and stream name/key combination supplied by YouTube:
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ffmpeg -re -stream_loop -1 -f concat -safe 0 -i playlist.ffconcat
-c copy -f flv "rtmps://INGESTION_URL/STREAM_NAME"-rereads the file input at real-time speed rather than sending it as fast as the machine can process it.-stream_loop -1asks FFmpeg to repeat the input indefinitely.-f concatselects the concat demuxer for the playlist.-safe 0permits paths outside the demuxer’s safe subset. Avoid it when safe relative paths work for your files.-c copypasses streams through without re-encoding. Use it only when the inputs are compatible and the output is accepted by YouTube.-f flvselects the streaming container used for this RTMP/RTMPS output.
Check the options against the FFmpeg version installed on your system. For mismatched inputs, prepare a normalized set of files or switch to a concat-filter workflow that re-encodes; the filter requires explicit choices for output video and audio properties, so do not substitute it into this command without building and testing the filter graph for your files.
Choose settings YouTube can ingest
For RTMP/RTMPS, YouTube’s guidance lists H.264, H.265/HEVC, and AV1 video, frame rates up to 60 fps, CBR bitrate encoding, and AAC or MP3 audio. It recommends a two-second keyframe frequency and says not to exceed four seconds. RTMPS is the secure option YouTube recommends when available. Confirm the current settings in YouTube Help’s live encoder settings and RTMPS ingestion guidance.
As one concrete reference, YouTube’s published table gives H.264 at 1080p, 30 fps a minimum of 5 Mbps and a recommended bitrate of 14 Mbps. That is an encoder setting recommendation, not a guarantee that a particular internet connection can sustain it. Choose a bitrate your actual upload connection can maintain reliably; lower the resolution or bitrate if the stream health shows instability.
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With -c copy, FFmpeg does not convert the source files to meet a bitrate, codec, frame-rate, or keyframe target. If the source encoding does not match what you intend to send, create compatible output files or re-encode with an explicitly configured workflow before going live.
Test before the broadcast and monitor it
- Start FFmpeg and confirm it connects using the current YouTube endpoint and stream key.
- Check YouTube Live Control Room for incoming video, audio, and stream-health feedback.
- Test representative motion and audio, including a transition between clips. YouTube Help advises: “Make sure to test before you start your live stream. Tests should include audio and movement in the video similar to what you’ll be doing in the stream.”
- Start the public broadcast from YouTube when the preview and health indicators are acceptable. Keep monitoring the encoder output and YouTube feedback during the stream.
Troubleshoot common problems
Concat errors, gaps, or glitches between clips
Compare the files’ stream layouts, codecs, time bases, and duration metadata. The demuxer uses durations to place subsequent clips on the timeline, so incorrect metadata can cause artifacts or gaps. The concat format supports a duration directive to override an inaccurate duration. If the files have mismatched streams or formats, normalize them or use the concat filter with re-encoding.
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YouTube shows no incoming stream or rejects the connection
Verify the current RTMPS endpoint and stream name/key in Live Control Room, check that they are combined correctly, and confirm you are using the endpoint and protocol YouTube supplied. A stale or mistyped key, wrong endpoint, or TLS connection problem can prevent ingestion. Regenerate or recopy the current details in YouTube rather than exposing or reusing a key from an old setup.
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Dropped frames or poor stream health
Compare the chosen bitrate with the upload capacity available to the streaming machine. Reduce bitrate or resolution if the connection cannot sustain the output, then test again and use YouTube’s stream-health feedback to assess the result. A wired Ethernet connection can help avoid some local Wi-Fi variability, but it cannot increase the internet service’s upstream capacity.
There is no audio
Check that each MP4 contains an audio stream and that the playlist inputs have compatible audio layouts. YouTube lists AAC or MP3 audio for RTMP/RTMPS ingestion. If the files have inconsistent or unsupported audio, normalize or re-encode them and test transitions before the public stream.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Copyright and channel considerations
Having the technical ability to loop a file does not grant permission to rebroadcast its contents. Before streaming, confirm you have the rights needed for every video and audio track, and review YouTube’s policies for the channel and content. Repeated or reused material may also raise monetization or policy questions independent of whether FFmpeg sends it successfully. See YouTube’s live streaming requirements and guidance and check the applicable copyright and monetization rules for your channel.
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