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Use FFmpeg’s concat demuxer to define the ordered audio files, then pass that playlist to FFmpeg with -stream_loop -1 so it repeats indefinitely. A still image or other video source must accompany the audio for a conventional YouTube Live encoder stream. The command below is a template: replace the paths and RTMPS destination with your own, and match the output settings to YouTube Live Control Room.
1. Prepare a compatible audio playlist
Create a text file named audio.ffconcat in your working directory. Its first line must be exactly ffconcat version 1.0 for automatic format recognition. Add one file entry per track, in the order you want them played:
ffconcat version 1.0
file 'music/track-01.mp3'
file 'music/track-02.mp3'Relative paths keep the list portable when the playlist and audio folder stay together. The concat script supports quoted or escaped paths; take care to escape special characters if a filename requires it.
The concat demuxer treats files as though their packets were muxed consecutively and adjusts timestamps between them. For reliable concatenation, inputs should have the same streams, codecs, and time bases. Different durations or inaccurate duration metadata can cause timestamp gaps or artifacts. If a file’s duration metadata is wrong, the concat format’s duration directive can override it where appropriate.
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2. Add a visual and configure FFmpeg
An audio playlist alone does not provide video. This template loops a still cover image at 30 fps, reads the playlist at real-time speed, maps the image to video and the playlist to audio, and sends an RTMP-compatible FLV output:
ffmpeg
-loop 1 -framerate 30 -i cover.png
-re -stream_loop -1 -f concat -safe 0 -i audio.ffconcat
-map 0:v:0 -map 1:a:0
-c:v libx264 -tune stillimage -pix_fmt yuv420p -r 30
-g 60 -b:v 2500k -maxrate 2500k -bufsize 5000k
-c:a aac -b:a 128k -ar 44100
-f flv "<YouTube RTMPS stream URL>"Replace cover.png, playlist paths, and the destination with values for your setup. The RTMPS URL and stream key are available in YouTube Live Control Room; use the destination format shown there. Keep the key private.
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-loop 1keeps the still image available as a looping video input;-framerate 30sets its input frame rate.-rereads the file input at its native rate, useful when packet flow needs to match a live stream.-stream_loop -1means loop the playlist input indefinitely. Both options appear before that input’s-i.-f concatselects the concat demuxer, while-safe 0permits paths that the demuxer’s default safety checks may reject. Use only playlist files and paths you trust.-map 0:v:0 -map 1:a:0explicitly selects video from the image and audio from the playlist.-g 60at 30 fps sets a 60-frame GOP, or a two-second keyframe interval. Confirm that the resulting interval and other output settings meet the current requirements for your stream.- The example’s 2500 Kbps video bitrate is illustrative, not a universal YouTube recommendation. Choose bitrate for your resolution, frame rate, and codec.
-c:a aac -b:a 128k -ar 44100sets AAC stereo audio at 128 Kbps and 44.1 kHz in this example.
3. Match YouTube Live’s ingestion settings
YouTube’s general encoder guidance lists H.264, H.265/HEVC, and AV1 video, AAC or MP3 audio, constant bitrate (CBR), frame rates up to 60 fps, and a recommended two-second keyframe interval that should not exceed four seconds. YouTube recommends RTMPS: YouTube’s encoder setup guidance.
Bitrate depends on codec, resolution, and frame rate. For one specific example, YouTube’s guidance lists 12 Mbps for H.264 at 1080p/60 fps; do not apply that figure to other combinations. Check YouTube’s current bitrate recommendations and set your encoder to match the stream you intend to run. For stereo audio, YouTube lists 44.1 kHz and 128 Kbps among its advanced settings: audio settings.
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The sample command uses H.264 and RTMPS, but availability and acceptable settings depend on the stream configuration shown in Live Control Room. Do not assume the example’s bitrate, frame rate, or codecs are right for every stream.
4. Choose the right concat method
Use the concat demuxer for compatible files
The command above uses the concat demuxer, which joins compatible inputs without requiring a re-encode of the source tracks. It is a good fit when the files have matching stream structure, codecs, and time bases and you do not need to process their audio.
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Use the concat filter when tracks need processing
If inputs differ in their stream parameters, or you need processing such as fades or normalization, use a filter-and-re-encode workflow instead. FFmpeg’s concat filter is intended for cases where re-encoding is required. It gives you room to normalize the inputs into a consistent output, but requires choosing encoding settings and incurs the work of re-encoding. See FFmpeg’s concat guidance.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.5. Test and monitor the stream
Before relying on a playlist for an event, test with representative tracks and the intended visual. Check that transitions sound as expected, playback continues into the next track, and the live output stays healthy. During a broadcast, watch YouTube’s stream health indicators and messages; YouTube recommends testing beforehand and monitoring while live: YouTube’s testing and monitoring guidance.
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6. Troubleshoot common problems
| Symptom | Likely cause | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Playlist is not recognized | The format identifier is missing, misspelled, or not on the first line. | Make ffconcat version 1.0 the exact first line of audio.ffconcat. |
| A track cannot be opened | Path or quoting error, or a path rejected by safety checks. | Check spelling and relative paths from the FFmpeg working directory. Quote or escape special characters. Use -safe 0 only with trusted playlist contents. |
| Gaps, artifacts, or poor transitions between tracks | Inputs may differ in streams, codecs, or time bases; duration metadata may be inaccurate. | Check the files for matching stream properties and verify reported durations. Where appropriate, use the concat duration directive to correct duration metadata, or switch to a filter-and-re-encode workflow. |
| FFmpeg does not keep up with live output | The playlist may not be read at real-time speed, or the machine may not sustain the chosen encoding workload. | Confirm -re is before the playlist’s -i. Review output settings against your available compute and YouTube’s guidance. |
| YouTube reports an encoder or connection problem | The destination, stream key, codec, bitrate, or other output setting may not match the stream configuration. | Verify the RTMPS destination and key in Live Control Room, then check codec, CBR, keyframe interval, resolution, frame rate, and bitrate against its current guidance. |
7. Check music rights and YouTube policies
Before streaming, make sure you have the rights needed to broadcast every track and visual. A playlist that runs technically is not permission to use copyrighted music. YouTube’s copyright systems and policies can affect a live stream or its availability; review the applicable guidance in YouTube Help and use music you are authorized to stream. Repeating the same material continuously does not remove copyright or channel-policy obligations.
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