To loop a sequence of local video files into a continuous YouTube Live stream, list them in an FFmpeg concat manifest, then use the concat demuxer with -stream_loop -1 and real-time input pacing. This works best when every file has matching streams, codecs, and time bases. If they differ, normalize and re-encode them or use FFmpeg’s concat filter instead of assuming stream-copy concatenation will be seamless.
What you need before you start
- A local copy of each video you have the right to broadcast. This workflow is for local media; it does not cover downloading or rebroadcasting YouTube videos.
- FFmpeg installed on the computer that will run the stream. Keep that computer and its network connection available for the duration of the broadcast.
- A YouTube Live stream and its current server URL and stream key from Live Control Room. Treat the key like a password.
- Files with compatible stream layouts if you plan to use the concat demuxer and
-c copy.
YouTube lets creators set stream visibility and audience settings. Choose the intended settings for your broadcast before starting.
Prepare and check the playlist files
Check compatibility first
The concat demuxer reads files in order and adjusts timestamps using each file’s duration. FFmpeg requires the files to have the same streams, codecs, and time bases for this method. Incorrect duration metadata can cause timestamp gaps or artifacts, so matching extensions alone do not establish compatibility. Test transitions between every file and the final-to-first loop boundary.
If file properties differ, use a workflow that decodes and normalizes the inputs before re-encoding, or use the concat filter with suitable inputs. The filter is the better fit when re-encoding is needed, but it takes more processing and an encode step. There is no universal normalization command: the right settings depend on your sources and intended output.
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Create the manifest
Make a plain-text file named playlist.txt. Put the version header on the first line exactly as shown, then add one file path per line in playback order:
ffconcat version 1.0
file '/media/show/part-01.mp4'
file '/media/show/part-02.mp4'
file '/media/show/part-03.mp4'Replace these example paths with paths on your computer. Use paths under your control. The example command below uses -safe 0 to allow paths that the concat demuxer’s default safety checks might reject; it relaxes path restrictions, so do not use it with an untrusted manifest.
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Connect FFmpeg to YouTube Live
- Get the ingest details. In YouTube Studio’s Live Control Room, create or select the stream and copy its current server URL and stream key. YouTube says to enter both into the encoder. Do not post the key in screenshots, public scripts, or shell history.
- Choose an encoder profile. YouTube’s current encoder guidance lists RTMP/RTMPS; H.264, H.265/HEVC, or AV1 video; AAC or MP3 audio; constant bitrate (CBR); frame rates up to 60 fps; and a recommended two-second keyframe interval, not exceeding four seconds. For broad compatibility, H.264 video with AAC audio over RTMPS is a reasonable starting point, but follow the current Live Control Room guidance for your ingest setup.
- Set bitrate for your output. Use YouTube’s current recommendation for the selected resolution, frame rate, and codec, and confirm that your available upload bandwidth can sustain it. There is no single correct bitrate for all streams.
- Test before the intended broadcast. Start an unlisted or test stream if appropriate. Check the Live Control Room preview and stream health, and watch transitions across the playlist, including the final-to-first loop.
Run the continuous stream
For compatible files, adapt this schematic command:
ffmpeg -re -stream_loop -1 -f concat -safe 0 -i playlist.txt
-c copy -f flv 'rtmps://<ingest-host>/<stream-key>'Replace the destination with the server URL and stream key supplied by YouTube Live Control Room. Keep the key private. The destination syntax shown is illustrative; use the ingest details and configuration YouTube provides for the selected stream.
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-repaces file input in real time for live output.-stream_loop -1repeats the input indefinitely. It is an input option, so it appears before-i playlist.txt.-f concatselects the concat demuxer for the manifest.-safe 0relaxes the manifest path restrictions; use it only with files and a manifest you trust.-c copypasses compatible audio and video streams through without re-encoding. It does not guarantee gapless transitions for arbitrary files.-f flvselects the output container for this example. Confirm that the FFmpeg build and YouTube ingest configuration support the chosen output.
When the files are incompatible, do not rely on -c copy to repair them. Normalize and re-encode the inputs, or build a concat-filter workflow that matches the actual video dimensions, frame rates, and audio layouts.
Choose the right concat method
| Situation | Approach | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Files have matching streams, codecs, and time bases, and transitions have been tested | Concat demuxer, potentially with -c copy |
Lower processing demand and no new encode generation loss, but strict compatibility and duration accuracy matter. |
| Files differ or need a normalized output | Concat filter and re-encode | More processing and an encode step, with control to normalize output. |
| You are sending a live stream to YouTube | Use the current Live Control Room URL and key, with a supported protocol and encoder profile | Output settings and network capacity need to match YouTube’s current guidance. |
Troubleshoot common failures
FFmpeg rejects the manifest or cannot find a file
- Confirm that
ffconcat version 1.0is the first line, spelled exactly, with no text before it. - Check each path against the file’s actual location and spelling. Use paths accessible to the account running FFmpeg.
- If you use
-safe 0, confirm the manifest and its paths are trusted and locally controlled.
Files play with a gap, artifact, or broken transition
- Check that streams, codecs, and time bases match across files.
- Check duration metadata: the demuxer uses file durations to build subsequent timestamps, and inaccurate durations can cause artifacts.
- Test each transition and the loop boundary. If inputs are incompatible, use a concat-filter workflow or normalize and re-encode rather than stream-copying.
YouTube does not show an incoming picture or reports stream health problems
- Verify that the destination uses the current server URL and matching stream key from Live Control Room.
- Check the selected protocol, video and audio codecs, CBR setting, keyframe interval, resolution, frame rate, and bitrate against YouTube’s current encoder guidance.
- Confirm that upload bandwidth can sustain the selected bitrate, then inspect the Live Control Room preview and stream health.
The stream stops when the computer or connection stops
This FFmpeg method runs from your computer, so it depends on that machine, FFmpeg process, and its network connection remaining available. If you need the playlist to keep running without a home computer, see the cloud option below.
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Stop and archive the broadcast
Stop the outgoing stream from FFmpeg and end the broadcast in Live Control Room as appropriate. YouTube’s encoder guidance says streams shorter than 12 hours are automatically archived after they end; that statement does not establish the same archiving behavior for streams that exceed 12 hours.
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Sources and further guidance
- YouTube Live Control Room for creating streams and managing ingest details.
- FFmpeg concat demuxer documentation for manifest syntax, compatibility requirements, and timestamp behavior.
- FFmpeg command-line documentation for input options such as
-stream_loop. - FFmpeg FAQ for choosing between concat approaches.
- YouTube encoder settings, bitrates, and resolutions for current protocol, codec, keyframe, and bitrate guidance.
- YouTube stream URL and key guidance for managing stream connection details.
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