To loop an MP4 into a YouTube Live stream, run FFmpeg with -stream_loop -1 and pace the file with -re. You still need a channel eligible to stream, compatible video and audio settings, a stable upload connection, and a computer that stays on. The command below is a starting point—not a guarantee of uninterrupted delivery.
What you need before you start
- A YouTube channel eligible for live streaming. YouTube says the channel must be verified, have had no live-stream restrictions in the previous 90 days, and the streamer must be at least 16. See YouTube’s live-streaming eligibility guidance.
- FFmpeg installed on a computer that can remain on for the duration of the stream.
- An MP4 file whose video and audio streams are compatible with YouTube’s encoder requirements, or enough processing capacity to re-encode it.
- A reliable internet connection with upload capacity for the stream bitrate plus headroom.
- A stream URL and stream key from YouTube Studio. Treat the key like a password.
Set up the YouTube encoder stream
- Open YouTube Studio and go to the Live Control Room. Create or select an encoder stream.
- Copy the server URL and stream key shown for that stream. Keep the key private; if it is exposed, reset it in the Live Control Room.
- Use RTMPS if your FFmpeg build and YouTube ingest option support it. YouTube recommends RTMPS because it encrypts the RTMP connection with TLS/SSL. See YouTube’s encoder setup guidance and RTMPS information.
- Check the source file’s codecs and parameters before choosing stream copy or re-encoding. YouTube’s current RTMP/RTMPS settings table lists H.264, H.265/HEVC, and AV1 video, up to 60 fps, AAC or MP3 audio, and constant bitrate (CBR). Use the table’s recommendations for your chosen codec, resolution, and frame rate: YouTube encoder settings, bitrates, and resolutions.
Loop the MP4 with FFmpeg
Try stream copy when the file is compatible
Replace the placeholders with the ingest URL and stream key YouTube gives you. This command loops one input indefinitely, reads it at its native frame rate, and copies its existing audio and video streams without re-encoding:
ffmpeg -re -stream_loop -1 -i input.mp4 -c:v copy -c:a copy -f flv "rtmps://YOUTUBE_INGEST_URL/STREAM_KEY"FFmpeg documents -stream_loop -1 as infinite input looping and -re as reading at native frame rate. The command combines those options with FLV output; it is an example, not a tested guarantee. The copy approach only works when the source streams and parameters are accepted by the chosen YouTube ingest configuration. See the FFmpeg documentation.
Re-encode when the source does not fit
If YouTube rejects the copied streams or the file’s settings do not match your intended output, encode to a compatible format and set the video bitrate, frame rate, audio, and keyframe interval deliberately. Re-encoding gives you control over output settings but uses additional CPU or GPU capacity. Do not copy a bitrate setting from a different resolution, frame rate, or codec.
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For example, YouTube’s current table recommends 5 Mbps video bitrate for H.264 at 1080p30. That is a YouTube recommendation for that specific configuration, not a universal value. YouTube also recommends a 2-second keyframe interval and says not to exceed 4 seconds. Consult the current YouTube settings table for other outputs.
Test the stream before leaving it unattended
- Start FFmpeg and check the Live Control Room preview for video and sound.
- Let the stream run long enough to check that the loop returns to the beginning as expected and that audio and video remain in sync.
- Watch YouTube’s stream health indicator and monitor audio and video quality. YouTube recommends testing movement and sound and continuing to monitor the stream. See encoder guidance.
- Test from the actual computer and network you intend to use. YouTube says total outgoing bitrate cannot exceed available upload bandwidth and recommends 20% headroom. Network interruptions can break the stream. See YouTube streaming tips.
Keep the FFmpeg process and connection alive
An infinite input loop only repeats the file; it does not keep the computer, FFmpeg process, network, or YouTube ingest healthy. Configure the host not to sleep, make sure the FFmpeg process stays running, and monitor the stream health. If FFmpeg exits or the host loses power or connectivity, the live output stops.
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FFmpeg’s FIFO muxer documentation includes an example that retries output after temporary network failures. That can help with some brief interruptions, but it does not guarantee an uninterrupted event and does not automatically restart FFmpeg if the process exits. See the FFmpeg FIFO muxer manual.
Know the YouTube archive limit
YouTube says encoder streams under 12 hours are automatically archived; it does not promise automatic archiving for streams lasting 12 hours or longer. If you need a durable complete copy, plan a separate local recording and verify archiving for your own workflow. See YouTube’s encoder setup guidance.
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Common problems and fixes
| Problem | Likely cause | What to check or do |
|---|---|---|
| YouTube rejects the stream or shows no picture or sound | The source’s codecs or parameters are incompatible with the ingest configuration, or the URL/key is wrong. | Recheck the Live Control Room URL and key, inspect the file’s streams, and compare codec, frame rate, bitrate, and keyframe interval with YouTube’s current table. Re-encode if needed. |
| Video stutters or stream health degrades | Insufficient upload bandwidth, network disruption, or an overloaded host. | Check the stream health indicator and host load; test from the same network. Keep outgoing bitrate below available upload bandwidth with YouTube’s recommended 20% headroom. |
| The stream stops when the file ends | The command is missing the infinite-loop option or the looped input is not the intended file. | Confirm the input includes -stream_loop -1 before -i input.mp4. |
| The stream stops after a disconnection or process exit | Looping does not restart a failed process. A temporary output retry also cannot recover every failure. | Check FFmpeg’s error output, network and host status, and the FIFO muxer’s retry options; arrange process supervision or manual recovery appropriate to your system. |
| No complete YouTube archive appears | The event lasted 12 hours or more, beyond the duration for which YouTube states automatic archiving. | Do not rely on one long event as the only copy. Make and verify a separate local recording. |
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