To send video from a Windows PC to YouTube through MediaMTX, use FFmpeg to publish to a MediaMTX path, then configure MediaMTX to forward that path to the stream’s current YouTube RTMPS destination. For this relay, the source must provide both audio and video, and YouTube’s current Live Control Room values—not a copied example endpoint—are authoritative.
How the MediaMTX and FFmpeg relay works
There are two separate connections: FFmpeg publishes to a named path on your MediaMTX server, and MediaMTX forwards that path to YouTube. MediaMTX’s documentation also describes using FFmpeg for forwarding when you need transcoding, filtering, or a protocol its native forwarding does not support.
The official examples establish these components, but they are not a tested, end-to-end Windows installation recipe for every source or network. Windows package details, firewall rules, and exact paths can vary, so confirm them against the build and environment you use.
Where do I get my YouTube stream key?
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In YouTube Studio, open Live Control Room and create or schedule a stream.
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Copy the stream URL and stream key shown for that stream. If you want encrypted transport, reveal and copy the RTMPS URL specifically; the ordinary RTMP URL may be shown by default.
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Use the URL and key from the stream you are about to publish to. YouTube’s destination values are stream-specific, and MediaMTX’s example endpoint may not match the current endpoint in your account.
Keep the key private. If you believe it has been exposed, replace or reset it in Live Control Room, then update the MediaMTX destination before publishing again.
Configure MediaMTX to forward the path to YouTube
MediaMTX’s documented forwarding pattern sets a path and a destination containing the RTMPS address followed by # and the stream key. Treat the following as a configuration shape, not a copy-paste endpoint: substitute the current RTMPS URL and key from Live Control Room, and match the syntax to the MediaMTX version and Windows package you installed.
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mystream:
source: publisher
forward:
- rtmps://CURRENT_YOUTUBE_RTMPS_URL#YOUR_STREAM_KEYDo not assume the documentation’s sample YouTube endpoint is still current; the MediaMTX page notes that its displayed endpoint reflects the last time the page was updated. Use the actual destination for your stream.
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MediaMTX documents configuration validation with ./mediamtx --validate-conf=/path/to/mediamtx.yml. That is general syntax; on Windows, check the executable name and path syntax for your packaged build before adapting it. The documentation describes hot reload where possible, but a configuration change may require a restart depending on what changed.
Publish to MediaMTX with FFmpeg
MediaMTX’s FFmpeg publishing example reads a file in real time, loops it, copies the existing streams without re-encoding, and publishes FLV to the local RTMP path:
ffmpeg -re -stream_loop -1 -i file.mp4 -c copy -f flv rtmp://localhost:1935/mystreamReplace file.mp4 with your input file and make sure the published path, here mystream, matches the path configured in MediaMTX. This example assumes MediaMTX is reachable at the local address and RTMP port shown. If your server listens elsewhere, use its actual address and port.
The -c copy option avoids transcoding; it does not make an incompatible source compatible. Inspect the input and FFmpeg output to confirm that both an audio stream and a video stream are present before troubleshooting YouTube delivery.
Choose YouTube-compatible encoder settings
YouTube Help’s current live encoder guidance, accessed in 2026, lists RTMP/RTMPS transport; H.264, H.265, or AV1 video; AAC or MP3 audio; frame rates up to 60 fps; constant bitrate (CBR); and a recommended keyframe interval of two seconds, not exceeding four seconds. YouTube recommends RTMPS because it encrypts the stream data to and within Google’s servers.
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| Setting | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Transport | Prefer RTMPS, using the URL currently shown in Live Control Room. |
| Video codec | H.264, H.265, or AV1, according to YouTube Help’s current guidance. |
| Audio codec | AAC or MP3; include an audio track as well as video. |
| Frame rate | Up to 60 fps. |
| Rate control | CBR. |
| Keyframe interval | Two seconds recommended; do not exceed four seconds. |
| Bitrate example | For H.264 at 1080p and 30 fps, YouTube’s current table lists 5 Mbps minimum and 14 Mbps recommended. |
Bitrate depends on codec, resolution, and frame rate. Choose a profile that your sustained upload capacity can support, test with representative motion and audio, and check YouTube’s stream health rather than relying on a brief speed test alone.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why is YouTube not receiving my stream?
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Check that FFmpeg reaches MediaMTX. Confirm the server is running, the address and RTMP port are correct, and the FFmpeg destination path matches the configured MediaMTX path.
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Check the forwarding destination. Re-copy the current RTMPS URL and stream key from the correct Live Control Room stream. A stale endpoint, wrong key, or mismatched path can prevent delivery.
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Check for both tracks. YouTube silently rejects video-only streams. Inspect the source and encoder output for an audio track as well as video.
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Check encryption and URL format. If YouTube reports an SSL error, verify that the destination begins with
rtmpsand matches Live Control Room. YouTube Help says specifying port 443 may help with an SSL error; use the URL and port provided for your stream rather than guessing a replacement.Rank #4
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Check the encode against the connection. If the upload cannot sustain the chosen bitrate, reduce resolution, frame rate, or bitrate in the encoder and review YouTube’s stream-health information.
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Check the MediaMTX configuration. Validate it using the Windows build’s supported command and path syntax, then inspect the server and FFmpeg output for connection or publishing errors.
Why does YouTube reject a video-only stream?
MediaMTX’s forwarding documentation says YouTube requires both a video and an audio track and silently rejects video-only streams. If the picture reaches the relay but YouTube does not accept the stream, verify that the source actually contains audio and that the encoder is including it. A silent audio track is different from having no audio track; the essential check is that the stream includes both tracks.
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