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In FFmpeg, enter your YouTube stream key as the final part of the output URL. Copy the current stream URL and key from YouTube Studio, join them in the format YouTube specifies, and use that address as FFmpeg’s destination. Keep the key private: it grants access to the stream.
Where the YouTube stream key goes in FFmpeg
YouTube Studio presents the stream URL and stream key as encoder connection details. FFmpeg does not have separate server and key fields in a command: its output destination combines them. The general pattern is:
ffmpeg -re -i INPUT -f flv 'rtmp://SERVER/APP/STREAM_KEY'Replace INPUT with your media file and replace the URL placeholders with the current connection details for the stream you selected in YouTube Studio. The URL at the end of the command is where the key goes. YouTube’s API describes the combined form as STREAM_URL/STREAM_NAME; the key serves as the stream name in that form. The example is a template based on documented syntax, not a command tested against your file, machine, FFmpeg build, or channel.
Copy the current connection details from YouTube Studio
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Open YouTube Studio and go to the Live Control Room. Create or select the stream you intend to broadcast.
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Open Stream settings and copy the stream URL and associated stream key shown for that stream.
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Use those current values in FFmpeg’s output destination. Do not assume that an example hostname or path applies to your channel; use the URL YouTube displays for the selected stream.
If you configure another encoder that has separate fields, YouTube’s setup is to put the URL in its server field and the key in its stream-key field. In FFmpeg, form the destination URL from the URL and key instead.
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Use YouTube’s RTMPS endpoint when supplied
YouTube recommends RTMPS, which is RTMP carried over TLS. If Studio provides an RTMPS URL, use that exact endpoint and path, keeping the stream key in the appropriate final part of the destination. YouTube’s RTMPS guide specifies port 443 and requires hostname-based server authentication through SNI. FFmpeg documents RTMPS support, but available protocols depend on how your installed FFmpeg build was compiled. Check that build’s protocol support before relying on RTMPS.
Do not change an RTMPS address to plain RTMP or guess a different endpoint. YouTube notes that sending cleartext RTMP to an endpoint expecting RTMPS can result in a timeout. The URL and protocol must match the ingestion details YouTube provides.
Protect the stream key
YouTube Help describes stream keys as “like your YouTube stream’s password and address.” Treat the key as a credential. Depending on how you run FFmpeg, it may be visible in process arguments, shell history, or logs. Avoid putting a live key in public screenshots, issue reports, or shared command histories.
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If you suspect the key has been exposed, reset it in YouTube Studio’s Live Control Room and update the FFmpeg command with the replacement. YouTube says a channel owner or manager must have the required permissions to reset a key. Any encoder still using the old key will need the new one.
Check the stream if it connects but does not work correctly
Putting the key in the right place solves only the destination-address part of setup. YouTube’s current encoder guidance also covers the media and transmission settings that affect acceptance and stream quality:
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Keyframe interval: YouTube recommends a 2-second keyframe frequency and says not to exceed 4 seconds.
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Bitrate mode: YouTube specifies constant bitrate (CBR) encoding.
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Media format: Check YouTube’s current guidance for supported codecs, frame rates, resolutions, and audio settings for your intended stream.
These are encoder settings, separate from the question of where FFmpeg places the stream key. Use the current YouTube recommendations and ensure your input and FFmpeg output settings match them.
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Common connection problems and fixes
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FFmpeg cannot connect or YouTube does not receive the feed: Confirm that you copied the URL and key for the same selected stream, included the key in the destination, and used the current endpoint rather than an example address.
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RTMPS timeout or SSL error: Verify that the destination is the RTMPS URL from YouTube, uses port 443, and can establish TLS with the correct hostname/SNI. Check that your FFmpeg build supports RTMPS.
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Connection succeeds but YouTube rejects the feed or reports poor quality: Check the current codec, frame rate, resolution, bitrate mode, keyframe interval, and audio guidance in YouTube’s encoder settings. A correct key does not guarantee that the media settings are acceptable.
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The key no longer works after a reset: Replace the old key everywhere this FFmpeg command or encoder configuration is used. Only the current key will authorize the stream.
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