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To loop a local video continuously on YouTube Live with FFmpeg, put the video in an FFconcat playlist, pass that playlist to FFmpeg’s concat demuxer, and use -stream_loop -1 to repeat it. Use -re so FFmpeg reads the file at its native rate, encode to YouTube’s current live-stream recommendations, then send the output to the RTMPS URL and stream key from YouTube Live Control Room.
What the concat demuxer does—and when to use it
The concat demuxer makes a virtual input from a text playlist of files. It is useful when you want FFmpeg to read compatible files in sequence without first joining them into one file. Add -stream_loop -1 to repeat that input indefinitely. FFmpeg’s documentation warns that “All files must have the same streams (same codecs, same time base, etc.).” See the FFmpeg documentation and its FAQ.
This method is not a universal way to stitch together arbitrary videos. If your sources have different stream layouts or properties, normalize them first or use a filter-based workflow that re-encodes them.
Prepare and check your video files
Confirm FFmpeg has the needed components
- Open a terminal or command prompt and run
ffmpeg -version. - Check that the build includes the video encoder you plan to use, such as
libx264, and supports the FLV output muxer. Available components depend on the FFmpeg build. - Probe each source file and compare its video and audio streams, codecs, time bases, dimensions, and frame rates. A mismatch can cause concat errors or artifacts at file boundaries.
Create the FFconcat playlist
Make a UTF-8 plain-text file named playlist.ffconcat. Its first line must be exactly ffconcat version 1.0, followed by one file directive for each video:
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ffconcat version 1.0
file '/path/to/video1.mp4'
file '/path/to/video2.mp4'Use the exact paths for your system. Follow FFmpeg’s playlist quoting and escaping rules for spaces and special characters. If your paths require -safe 0, use that option only with a playlist you control; do not pass untrusted playlist paths to FFmpeg.
Make incompatible sources compatible
The concat demuxer expects matching streams and compatible properties. If files differ in codecs, stream layouts, time bases, or other relevant characteristics, convert them to a consistent format before adding them to the playlist. FFmpeg’s FAQ describes the concat filter as an option when re-encoding is needed.
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Incorrect or inaccurate duration metadata can lead to gaps or artifacts at a boundary. The demuxer supports a duration directive if you need to override a file’s stored duration; use an accurate value for that input.
Choose YouTube-compatible output settings
YouTube’s current encoder guidance supports RTMP or RTMPS ingestion with H.264, HEVC, or AV1 video, frame rates up to 60 fps, AAC or MP3 audio, and CBR. It recommends keyframes every 2 seconds and says not to exceed 4 seconds. The bitrate recommendation depends on codec, resolution, and frame rate, so consult the current YouTube encoder guidance for your chosen output rather than copying a bitrate from an example.
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Match the GOP to the output frame rate
A keyframe interval is a duration, while a GOP value such as -g 60 is a frame count. For fixed-frame-rate output, multiply the output frame rate by the desired interval in seconds: at 30 fps, a two-second interval is 60 frames; at 60 fps, it is 120 frames. Set the GOP and minimum keyframe interval accordingly. The example below uses 30 fps-style settings; change them if you choose a different output rate.
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Run FFmpeg and send the stream to YouTube
- In YouTube Live Control Room, create or select the live event and copy its stream URL and stream key. YouTube recommends RTMPS. Its guidance says, “Stream keys are like your YouTube stream’s password and address.” Treat the key as a secret credential. See YouTube stream settings and YouTube’s RTMPS guidance.
- Replace the playlist path and the final RTMPS destination in this illustrative command with your own values. The output endpoint must be the exact RTMPS URL supplied in Live Control Room, including the stream key in the format expected by that endpoint.
- Choose bitrate and other encoding settings for your actual output resolution and frame rate using YouTube’s current table. Do not treat the example bitrate as a universal setting.
- Run the command from a terminal where FFmpeg is installed:
ffmpeg -stream_loop -1 -re -f concat -safe 0 -i playlist.ffconcat
-c:v libx264 -preset veryfast -b:v 4500k -maxrate 4500k -bufsize 9000k
-g 60 -keyint_min 60 -sc_threshold 0
-c:a aac -b:a 128k -ar 44100
-f flv 'rtmps://STREAM_URL/STREAM_KEY'This command is an illustration, not a verified broadcast recipe. It uses H.264 video, AAC audio, a 30 fps-style two-second GOP, and an example video bitrate. Adjust encoder options to the installed FFmpeg build and the output you intend to send. Input options such as -stream_loop -1 and -re appear before the corresponding -i; -re reads file input at its native rate, which is useful for live output. Check the FFmpeg command-line documentation for syntax supported by your installed version.
Test the broadcast and protect the stream key
- Start with a test stream and check the YouTube preview before relying on the setup for a long broadcast.
- Use audio and motion similar to the actual program, then check continuity, sound, picture, and YouTube’s stream-health messages.
- Monitor the event after going live. If TLS connection errors occur, verify the exact RTMPS URL and port 443 as described in YouTube’s RTMPS guidance.
- If you expose the stream key, reset it in Live Control Room. Anyone with the key may be able to send a stream to that event.
First-time live-stream enablement can take up to 24 hours, according to YouTube’s encoder setup guidance. YouTube also says streams under 12 hours are automatically archived; do not assume the same archive behavior for longer broadcasts.
Troubleshoot common FFmpeg-to-YouTube problems
| Symptom | Likely cause | What to check or do |
|---|---|---|
| Concat fails or the output breaks between videos | Inputs have different streams, codecs, time bases, or other incompatible properties. | Probe the files and normalize them to compatible streams, or use a filter-based re-encode workflow. |
| Gap, timestamp jump, or artifact at a file boundary | Stored duration is wrong or an input is truncated. | Check the affected file and playlist order; where necessary, use an accurate duration directive. |
| FFmpeg cannot connect to YouTube | The endpoint or key is wrong, the wrong protocol is used, or the RTMPS connection fails. | Copy the exact RTMPS URL and key from Live Control Room and check the connection details, including port 443 if a TLS error is reported. |
| Video is soft, buffering, or stream health is poor | Bitrate does not fit the selected codec, resolution, frame rate, or available upload capacity. | Compare settings with YouTube’s current encoder table and check that the connection can sustain the outgoing bitrate. |
| Keyframes arrive at an unexpected cadence | The GOP frame count does not match the output frame rate. | Calculate frames per interval from the output rate; for example, 30 fps multiplied by 2 seconds gives 60 frames. |
| The build rejects an option or encoder | The installed FFmpeg build differs in supported encoders or option syntax. | Check ffmpeg -version and the installed build’s help for the selected encoder and muxer. |
Or let it run in the cloud
With StreamNeo, upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. StreamNeo loops uploaded video from the cloud, so no computer or home connection has to stay on. It streams the files as uploaded, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot; it does not re-encode, and automatic recovery is included if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card required. Monthly pricing is $9.99 per month. Each slot includes one always-on YouTube stream, 10 GB storage per slot pooled across active slots, looping and playlists, and support from the StreamNeo team. Plans differ by billing length; the product is the same.
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