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Use FFmpeg’s concat demuxer to play a playlist in order, then loop that playlist indefinitely while sending a live RTMPS feed to YouTube. The files must have compatible streams, codecs, and time bases for this no-re-encode approach; if they do not, normalize them or use a concat-filter workflow that re-encodes.
Build the playlist in playback order
Create a plain-text file named playlist.ffconcat beside your video files. Put the required format header on the very first line, followed by one file entry per video in the order you want them played:
ffconcat version 1.0
file 'video-01.mp4'
file 'video-02.mp4'
file 'video-03.mp4'The concat demuxer reads the files sequentially and adjusts timestamps so each file follows the previous one. The inputs need compatible streams, codecs, and time bases; mismatches can cause failure or artifacts. See the FFmpeg concat demuxer documentation.
Use safe paths where possible
Keep playlist entries as simple relative paths and use FFmpeg’s default safe-path behavior when it accepts them. The command below uses -safe 0, which permits a wider range of paths; only use it with a playlist you control. See FFmpeg’s concat format documentation for path restrictions.
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Run the sequence as a live stream
Replace the destination at the end with the ingest URL and stream key from your own YouTube Live setup. This is a starting template, not a verified command for every FFmpeg build or media collection:
ffmpeg -re -stream_loop -1 -f concat -safe 0 -i playlist.ffconcat
-c:v libx264 -preset veryfast -b:v 4500k -maxrate 4500k -bufsize 9000k
-g 60 -keyint_min 60 -sc_threshold 0
-c:a aac -b:a 128k -ar 44100
-f flv 'rtmps://YOUR_INGEST_HOST/YOUR_STREAM_KEY'-repaces file input for live output.-stream_loop -1, before the concat input, requests that the full input sequence repeat indefinitely.-f concat -i playlist.ffconcatselects the playlist as the input.-c:v libx264and-c:a aacencode video and audio for the output.- The bitrate, buffer, and keyframe options shown are example values; choose settings for your actual resolution, frame rate, and available upload capacity.
-f flvselects the output container used by this RTMP-style live workflow.
Confirm that your installed FFmpeg build supports the options and syntax you intend to use with ffmpeg -h full. The command has not been verified against your files or build. Keep the stream key private; do not publish it or put it in a shared script or screenshot.
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Choose an ingest profile that matches YouTube’s guidance
YouTube supports RTMP/RTMPS ingest and documents H.264, H.265, and AV1 video, AAC or MP3 audio, CBR encoding, and frame rates up to 60 fps. It recommends a 2-second keyframe interval, which should not exceed 4 seconds. For secure ingest, YouTube recommends RTMPS. Check its current live encoder settings, bitrates, and resolutions before choosing output settings.
As one specific example, YouTube’s current settings guidance accessed in 2026 recommends 10 Mbps for H.264 at 1080p and 30 fps. That is a recommendation for that output mode, not a universal bitrate. The template’s 4,500 kbps video bitrate and 60-frame GOP should not be treated as a YouTube-approved setting for every resolution and frame rate. Match the keyframe interval to the selected frame rate and YouTube’s guidance.
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Get the actual ingest URL and stream name or key from your own YouTube Live setup. Depending on the encoder interface, YouTube may present the URL and stream name separately or as a combined destination. The YouTube Live Streaming API documentation describes the primary RTMPS ingestion address and this distinction; never substitute a fabricated or shared key.
When the concat demuxer is not suitable
The demuxer is the simpler option when inputs have compatible streams, codecs, and time bases and avoiding another encode matters. If the files differ in those properties, normalize them first or use FFmpeg’s concat filter with re-encoding. FFmpeg’s FAQ on joining video files describes the demuxer for compatible inputs and the filter route when re-encoding is needed.
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- Prefer the demuxer: your files are compatible and you want to avoid re-encoding at the playlist-assembly stage.
- Prefer the filter or normalization: the clips have mismatched streams, codecs, or timing characteristics, or need consistent output dimensions and frame rate.
Test before relying on the broadcast
- Check the installed FFmpeg version and options, then probe each input file and confirm the playlist paths resolve.
- Run a short private or otherwise appropriate test broadcast using the intended sequence. Listen for audio continuity and watch video transitions, including motion similar to the planned stream.
- Confirm the selected resolution, frame rate, bitrate, and keyframe interval against YouTube’s current encoder guidance.
- Watch YouTube’s stream-health indicators during the test and correct ingest or encoding problems before depending on the stream.
YouTube advises testing before starting a live stream and monitoring stream health during it. See its encoder settings and live-streaming guidance.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Troubleshoot common failures
- FFmpeg rejects the playlist header: make sure
ffconcat version 1.0is the exact first line, with no blank line or other text before it. - A listed file cannot be opened: check that paths are relative to the playlist’s working directory, correctly quoted, and accepted by safe-path rules. Use
-safe 0only for a playlist you control. - The sequence fails at a clip boundary or shows artifacts: inspect the inputs for incompatible streams, codecs, or time bases. Normalize the files or switch to the concat filter and re-encode.
- The stream does not connect: recheck the ingest URL and stream key in YouTube Live, confirm that the key has not been changed, and verify the destination uses the expected RTMP/RTMPS format.
- YouTube reports poor stream health: compare the actual output resolution, frame rate, bitrate, codec, and keyframe interval with YouTube’s current recommendations and available upload capacity.
- The installed FFmpeg does not recognize an option: check that build’s help output with
ffmpeg -h full; do not assume every build has identical option availability or syntax.
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