To loop a local video indefinitely with FFmpeg, put -stream_loop -1 immediately before that file’s -i option. Add -re before -i to read the file at its native frame rate for a live stream:
ffmpeg -re -stream_loop -1 -i input.mp4
-c:v libx264 -c:a aac
-f flv "RTMPS_URL/STREAM_KEY"This is a command pattern, not a tested preset. Replace the destination with the RTMPS URL and stream key for your YouTube stream, and choose output settings appropriate for your video and connection.
What the loop options do
FFmpeg’s -stream_loop is an input option. Its value -1 means repeat the input indefinitely; placing it before the corresponding -i input.mp4 makes it apply to that file. FFmpeg options generally apply to the next input or output, so putting the loop option after -i will not set that input to loop. The -re option reads the input at its native frame rate, which is useful when sending a file as a real-time stream. See the FFmpeg command-line documentation.
Get the YouTube Live destination
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Open YouTube Live Control Room, or schedule a stream.
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In Stream settings, reveal and copy the RTMPS URL. YouTube may show the ordinary RTMP URL by default.
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Copy the stream key from Live Control Room and append it to the destination in the URL format shown for that stream. In the example command, replace
RTMPS_URL/STREAM_KEYwith the complete destination. -
Keep the key private: do not expose it in screenshots, logs, or public command examples.
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YouTube describes RTMPS as RTMP over TLS/SSL and explains how to retrieve the URL in its RTMPS instructions. If you encounter an SSL connection error, check that the host and protocol are correct and that you are using rtmps, not rtmp; YouTube’s troubleshooting guidance says to try port 443 if needed.
Choose output settings for the source
The sample command uses H.264 video, AAC audio, and FLV output. Confirm that your installed FFmpeg build supports the selected codecs. The sample does not specify a resolution, frame rate, bitrate, or keyframe interval, so do not treat it as a complete encoding preset.
Match video encoding to YouTube’s guidance
YouTube’s current encoder guidance lists RTMP/RTMPS as a protocol; H.264, H.265, or AV1 video; frame rates up to 60 fps; AAC or MP3 audio; and constant bitrate (CBR) encoding. For H.264, its bitrate table lists 5 Mbps as a minimum and 14 Mbps as a recommended bitrate for 1080p at 30 fps, and 6 Mbps as a minimum and 8 Mbps as recommended for 720p at 60 fps. These are platform recommendations, not one-size-fits-all settings. Consult the current table for the codec, resolution, and frame rate you choose, and make sure your upload connection can sustain the target bitrate.
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Keyframes and picture properties
YouTube recommends a two-second keyframe interval and says not to exceed four seconds. Its recommendations also include square pixels, progressive scan, two B-frames, one reference frame, CABAC, and Rec. 709 for SDR. Apply settings that match your source and encoder rather than assuming every FFmpeg build will use a requested value exactly as expected.
Audio
YouTube recommends stereo audio at 128 Kbps and 44.1 kHz; for 5.1 audio, its guidance lists 384 Kbps at 48 kHz. Check that the input file actually contains the audio track you expect and select settings accordingly.
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Test the stream before relying on it
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Start with a private or otherwise non-public test stream and check that YouTube receives both audio and video.
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Use test material with movement and audio similar to the intended stream, then monitor YouTube Live Control Room’s stream-health indicators.
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Check the transition where the file returns to its beginning. Infinite input looping does not guarantee a seamless loop for every file, format, or FFmpeg version.
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YouTube recommends testing upload bitrate with a speed test. Confirm that the connection can sustain your chosen output bitrate.
Troubleshoot common problems
| Symptom | Likely cause | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Video plays once, then stops | -stream_loop -1 is missing or is not attached to the input. |
Put it before the relevant -i input.mp4. The documented infinite-loop value is -1. |
| Output runs too quickly | A file is being read faster than real time. | Add -re before the file’s -i option. |
| Connection or SSL error | Wrong destination protocol, host, or port. | Copy the RTMPS URL from Live Control Room, check for rtmps rather than rtmp, and try port 443 if needed. |
| No live signal or poor stream health | Incorrect stream key, unsupported codec, or bitrate beyond available upload capacity. | Verify the key and encoder settings, compare bitrate with upload capacity, and inspect Live Control Room’s health indicators during a test. |
| Glitch or pause at the loop boundary | The particular source file or FFmpeg build may not transition cleanly. | Test the actual file and installed build. Infinite looping does not promise seamless transitions or an uninterrupted process or network. |
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