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What the concat demuxer can—and cannot—do
FFmpeg’s concat demuxer presents a sequence of files as one virtual input and adjusts timestamps between them. Its inputs must have the same streams and compatible codecs and time bases; mismatched files can produce errors, gaps, or artifacts. See the ffprobe documentation and FFmpeg documentation.
It does not resize video, convert frame rates, change codecs, or repair different audio layouts. Stream copy (-c copy) forwards packets without decoding and re-encoding, so it is fast and avoids another generation of encoding loss, but cannot apply filters or make a source conform to 4K/60 fps. Setting an output frame rate in stream-copy mode does not make the copied packets match that rate.
If your clips differ in resolution, frame rate, codec, stream layout, or other required properties, normalize them in a preprocessing encode or use a filter-based concat workflow that re-encodes. FFmpeg’s FAQ describes the concat filter for cases where inputs need re-encoding.
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Inspect every video before building the playlist
Commands below are examples for a current FFmpeg installation and a shell environment. They assume local files, a playlist in a working directory, and a YouTube stream key. Check your installed FFmpeg build and the input files before relying on them for a long broadcast.
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Use
ffprobeto inspect each file’s streams and duration:ffprobe -v error -show_entries format=duration:stream=index,codec_type,codec_name,width,height,r_frame_rate,avg_frame_rate,time_base,sample_rate,channels,channel_layout -of json "clip1.mp4" -
Compare the output for every playlist item. Check video codec, dimensions, frame rate, time base, and audio presence, codec, sample rate, channel count, and layout. Container names alone do not establish compatibility.
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Confirm that video is actually 3840 × 2160 and 60 fps if that is the intended output. A 1080p or 30 fps source does not become 4K/60 merely because the live output is configured that way.
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Check duration metadata and the end of each clip. Incorrect durations can lead to gaps or timestamp artifacts when files are concatenated.
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Make a short test playlist from representative files before committing to a long stream. Include clips with typical motion and audio so you can assess both image and sound.
Build an FFconcat playlist for compatible files
Create a plain-text file named playlist.txt, with one file entry per line and paths in the intended playback order:
ffconcat version 1.0
file 'clip1.mp4'
file 'clip2.mp4'
file 'clip3.mp4'
Use paths that are valid relative to the playlist’s location, or provide absolute paths. Keep the file under your control. FFmpeg’s safe-path behavior depends on the paths and build; if you need to permit paths rejected by the safe default, add -safe 0 before the concat input, and use it only with a playlist you created and trust. Do not use an untrusted playlist with relaxed path safety.
Send a compatible playlist to YouTube Live
This stream-copy example assumes every file is already compatible, has the intended 4K/60 fps video and an audio stream acceptable to YouTube, and can be concatenated without conversion. Replace the key placeholder locally; do not publish or share your stream key.
ffmpeg -re -f concat -i playlist.txt -c copy -f flv "rtmp://a.rtmp.youtube.com/live2/YOUR_STREAM_KEY"
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-re reads the file input at approximately real-time pace; it does not change resolution, frame rate, or codec. The command uses RTMP ingest and FLV output, so verify the currently available ingest settings in YouTube Live Control Room. YouTube’s encoder guidance lists RTMP/RTMPS and H.264, H.265/HEVC, and AV1 as supported options, but your chosen output and ingest path must be compatible. See YouTube’s live encoder settings.
The example does not loop the playlist. To repeat it, FFmpeg provides -stream_loop -1 for infinite looping of an input. Option placement and behavior can depend on the FFmpeg version and input workflow; check ffmpeg -h full for your build and test looping before a live session. Do not assume looping fixes incompatible files or incorrect timestamps.
Normalize files when stream copy is not suitable
If inputs do not match, first decide on a consistent output: 3840 × 2160, 60 fps, a chosen video codec, a compatible audio stream, and a bitrate that your upload can sustain. Then either encode each clip to the same specifications before using the demuxer, or build a filter-based concat pipeline that decodes and re-encodes the inputs. The filter route can resize, change frame rate, and normalize audio, but it requires more compute and encoding can affect image quality.
For YouTube’s retrieved English (UK) guidance, the 2160p/60 fps table lists 10–40 Mbps for AV1 or HEVC and 35 Mbps recommended for H.264. The page recommends CBR and keyframes every two seconds, with a four-second maximum, and lists up to 60 fps. These are live platform recommendations, not guarantees; check the current official table and the applicable codec column before encoding. The values can change or differ by localization.
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In an encoding workflow, set the encoder’s actual output dimensions and frame rate rather than relying on stream-copy options. Set a deliberate bitrate, use CBR where appropriate to YouTube’s guidance, and configure the keyframe interval to two seconds without exceeding four. Ensure the output includes compatible audio. Exact FFmpeg encoder options vary by codec and build, so select and verify options for the encoder you actually use rather than treating one command as universal.
Configure and verify the YouTube broadcast
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In YouTube Live Control Room, create or open the stream and copy its stream key. Enter it only in your local FFmpeg command or secret configuration; anyone with the key may be able to broadcast to your stream.
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Start FFmpeg and wait for YouTube’s preview and stream-health indicators. Verify that the detected resolution, frame rate, audio, and stability match expectations before starting the public broadcast.
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Test representative motion and audio. YouTube recommends testing before going live and monitoring stream health; it also recommends upload capacity with 20% headroom beyond the combined primary and backup bitrate. See YouTube’s streaming tips.
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For 4K, plan for normal latency: YouTube’s guidance identifies normal latency for the 4K path. Allow time for processing and verify the actual viewer experience in your stream setup.
Troubleshoot common failures
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Concat reports mismatched streams or playback breaks at a file boundary: compare the stream details with
ffprobe. Normalize the files or use a filter-based workflow instead of stream copy. -
The output is not 4K or 60 fps: inspect the source and the output in Live Control Room. Stream copy preserves source packets; it does not upscale or create missing frames.
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There is a gap, jump, or timestamp artifact between clips: check duration metadata and time bases, then test the files and playlist order. Duration errors can affect concat timestamps.
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YouTube reports unstable health or buffering: compare available upload capacity against the combined stream bitrate, including backup streams if used. YouTube recommends 20% headroom and testing representative content.
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The stream does not start or YouTube rejects the feed: check the stream key, ingest URL, output container, selected codec, and current YouTube encoder settings. Confirm that FFmpeg is still running and examine its error output.
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Looping behaves unexpectedly: verify
-stream_loopsupport and placement for the installed FFmpeg version, then test locally or with a private/unlisted stream before relying on it.
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