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To stream a sequence of video files continuously to YouTube, create an FFmpeg concat-demuxer list, then feed it to FFmpeg with looping enabled and YouTube’s RTMPS ingest URL and stream key. This works best when the files have matching streams, codecs, and time bases. If they do not, normalize and re-encode them with FFmpeg’s concat filter instead.
What the file list does—and when to use it
An FFmpeg concat-demuxer list is a text file that tells FFmpeg which media files to read, in what order. It is not a YouTube playlist: FFmpeg reads the listed files as sequential input and sends one continuous output to YouTube Live.
The demuxer can avoid re-encoding when the files are compatible. FFmpeg’s documentation says, “All files must have the same streams (same codecs, same time base, etc.).” Differences can cause errors, gaps, or timestamp problems. If sources need conversion to a consistent format, use the concat filter and re-encode.
Prepare and check the video files
Make a concat list
Create a plain-text file named, for example, playlist.ffconcat. Put the exact header below on the first line, with no leading spaces or byte-order mark, followed by one file directive per video in playback order:
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ffconcat version 1.0
file 'video-01.mp4'
file 'video-02.mp4'
file 'video-03.mp4'Use paths that are valid from the directory where FFmpeg runs, or include full paths. The file directive accepts paths; escape spaces and special characters with backslashes or quote the path appropriately. When using the explicit header, save the script in an encoding compatible with FFmpeg’s documented extended-ASCII script format.
Confirm compatibility and duration metadata
Before starting a long stream, check that every file has the same stream layout, codecs, and time bases. The demuxer adjusts timestamps so each input follows the previous one, but differing stream lengths can leave gaps. Incorrect or estimated duration metadata can also misplace later timestamps and create artifacts. If a file’s duration is absent or inaccurate, provide a correct duration directive in the concat script.
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Set up YouTube Live
In YouTube Live Control Room, create or select the live stream and obtain its ingest server address and stream key. Use the exact values YouTube shows; the destination in the command below is only a placeholder. Keep the stream key private: anyone with access to it may be able to send video to your live stream. YouTube documents stream-key management at Manage your live stream settings.
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Replace the playlist path, ingest endpoint, and key with your actual values. This illustrative command assumes 30 fps video and is not a tested, universal configuration:
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ffmpeg -re -stream_loop -1 -f concat -safe 0 -i playlist.ffconcat
-c:v libx264 -preset veryfast -b:v 4500k -maxrate 4500k -bufsize 9000k
-r 30 -g 60 -keyint_min 60 -sc_threshold 0
-c:a aac -b:a 128k -ar 44100
-f flv 'rtmps://YOUR_INGEST_ENDPOINT/YOUR_STREAM_KEY'-repaces file input in real time, while-stream_loop -1repeats the input indefinitely. These are common FFmpeg options for file-based streaming; verify their availability and exact behavior in your installed FFmpeg build.-f concatselects the concat demuxer, and-safe 0permits paths that may otherwise be rejected as unsafe. Only use it with a playlist you control.- The example encodes H.264 video and AAC audio, then sends an FLV-formatted output to the ingest URL. Its bitrate values are examples, not settings that fit every output.
- At 30 fps, a GOP size of 60 frames (
-g 60) represents a two-second keyframe interval. If you change frame rate, adjust the GOP so the interval remains appropriate.
Choose encoder settings for your output
YouTube’s live encoder recommendations include RTMP/RTMPS ingest, H.264, H.265, or AV1 video, up to 60 fps, constant bitrate (CBR), AAC or MP3 audio, and a two-second keyframe interval with a maximum of four seconds. YouTube recommends RTMPS for encrypted ingest. Match bitrate to the codec, resolution, and frame rate using YouTube’s current table; test available upload speed and monitor stream health. The recommendations below are from YouTube’s settings page as accessed October 3, 2026, and are not measured outcomes:
| H.264 output | Minimum bitrate | Recommended bitrate | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1080p at 30 fps | 5 Mbps | 14 Mbps | YouTube recommendation, accessed October 3, 2026 |
| 720p at 30 fps | 3 Mbps | 8 Mbps | YouTube recommendation, accessed October 3, 2026 |
These examples apply only to the stated H.264 resolutions and frame rate. Consult YouTube’s live encoder settings for the current values applicable to your chosen output.
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When to use the concat filter instead
If the clips have unlike codecs, stream layouts, frame sizes, frame rates, pixel formats, or audio layouts, the concat demuxer is not a conversion tool. FFmpeg’s FAQ recommends the concat filter when re-encoding is needed. Build a filter/transcode workflow that normalizes the inputs to a consistent video and audio format before sending the output. Re-encoding adds compute work and gives you control over the common output format; the demuxer avoids that work when its compatibility requirements are already met.
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FFmpeg rejects the list or cannot open a file
- Check that
ffconcat version 1.0is the exact first line, with no byte-order mark or extra spaces. - Verify every path is correct relative to FFmpeg’s working directory, and escape spaces or special characters correctly.
- Confirm the installed FFmpeg build supports the options used and that the playlist is readable by the account running FFmpeg.
Clips have gaps, glitches, or fail to join
- Inspect stream layouts, codecs, and time bases first; they must match for reliable concat-demuxer use.
- Check duration metadata. Incorrect or estimated durations can affect timestamps for following files; add accurate
durationdirectives where needed. - If the sources are not compatible, switch to the concat filter and re-encode them to a consistent format.
YouTube reports a stream problem or does not receive video
- Confirm that the ingest destination and stream key are the current values from YouTube Live Control Room.
- Check RTMPS, CBR, keyframe interval, codec, and bitrate against YouTube’s current settings for your output resolution and frame rate.
- Test upload capacity and watch YouTube’s stream-health indicators. Do not assume the sample bitrate in the command is suitable for another output format.
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