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To loop a prerecorded video into YouTube Live through MediaMTX, run FFmpeg to publish the file to a MediaMTX path, then configure MediaMTX to forward that path to the current RTMPS URL and stream key from your YouTube Live settings. The path is FFmpeg → MediaMTX → YouTube Live. Looping the file is only one part of the setup: the commands below do not by themselves provide process supervision, automatic recovery, or a 24/7 uptime guarantee.
How the stream path works
MediaMTX is a live media server and proxy that can accept a real-time stream, make it available at a path, and forward it to another destination. In this setup, FFmpeg reads and loops a local file and publishes it to a MediaMTX path. MediaMTX then sends that path to YouTube Live. These are separate stages: a successful FFmpeg publish does not by itself configure the YouTube destination.
Before you start
- Install and configure MediaMTX on a host that can reach both the source file and YouTube Live. MediaMTX documentation includes FFmpeg as a supported publishing tool; the current reference search result reported configuration documentation for v1.21.1, so check the documentation for the version you actually run.
- Install FFmpeg and confirm the input file is accessible from the machine running it.
- In your target YouTube account’s Live settings, obtain the current RTMPS URL and stream key. Do not rely on a URL copied from an older example: MediaMTX cautions that its sample endpoint may have changed.
- Check the file’s actual audio and video tracks and codecs. YouTube requires both audio and video tracks; a video-only stream may be silently rejected.
Configure MediaMTX to forward a path to YouTube
In the MediaMTX configuration, add a path with a forwarding destination in the documented format: destination URL, then #, then the stream key. The documentation’s example is rtmps://a.rtmp.youtube.com/live2#streamKey, but treat that as a format example, not as a guaranteed current endpoint. Use the RTMPS URL shown in your own YouTube Live settings and put your actual key in the configuration for the path you intend to publish.
Keep the real stream key private. Do not include it in a public configuration example, screenshot, shell history, or source control. Anyone who obtains it may be able to send a stream to your YouTube channel. YouTube recommends RTMPS, its secure extension to RTMP; its Help guidance says to reveal the RTMPS URL from the stream settings lock control.
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Publish a looping file from FFmpeg to MediaMTX
MediaMTX recommends RTSP for FFmpeg publishing and documents this real-time looping command:
ffmpeg -re -stream_loop -1 -i file.mp4 -c copy -f rtsp rtsp://localhost:8554/mystreamReplace file.mp4 with the path to your media file and mystream with the MediaMTX path configured for forwarding. The command uses -re to read the input at its native rate and -stream_loop -1 to repeat it indefinitely. -c copy copies the input streams instead of transcoding them. It does not create an audio track, convert incompatible codecs, or establish that the file meets YouTube’s requirements.
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RTSP or RTMP/FLV?
MediaMTX also documents this RTMP alternative:
ffmpeg -re -stream_loop -1 -i file.mp4 -c copy -f flv rtmp://localhost:1935/mystreamUse RTSP if you are following MediaMTX’s recommended FFmpeg publishing method. RTMP/FLV is another documented option and may be more convenient when it fits your existing setup. The cited documentation does not establish a general performance advantage for either option; choose the protocol your deployment supports and that you can troubleshoot.
Check YouTube’s encoder requirements
Before relying on stream copy, compare the file’s actual tracks and encoding with YouTube’s current live encoder settings. YouTube lists RTMP/RTMPS protocols; H.264, H.265/HEVC, and AV1 video; frame rates up to 60 fps; AAC or MP3 audio; and constant bitrate (CBR) encoding. Its guidance recommends a two-second keyframe interval and says not to exceed four seconds. It also recommends 44.1 kHz stereo audio at 128 Kbps.
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Choose a bitrate from YouTube’s current table for the resolution and frame rate you plan to send. There is no single bitrate in the cited guidance that applies to every output. If the file does not meet the settings you need, the example’s -c copy will not fix it; you will need a suitable input or a separately planned conversion workflow. MediaMTX’s cited example does not specify how to synthesize or supply missing audio.
Start and verify both stages
- Start MediaMTX with the forwarding path configured for the current YouTube RTMPS URL and your private stream key.
- Run the FFmpeg command with the file and matching MediaMTX path. Confirm FFmpeg can read the file and publish to the server.
- Check MediaMTX’s logs or status using the method available in your installation to confirm it receives the path and attempts the configured forward.
- Check YouTube Live for an incoming stream and inspect its preview and stream health before relying on the broadcast. Confirm that both audio and video are present.
- When ready, start or manage the live broadcast through the controls in your YouTube account. Interface labels and broadcast behavior can change, so follow the current account UI.
What it takes to keep the stream running
The loop flag tells FFmpeg to repeat the file; it does not restart FFmpeg after a crash, recover from a host reboot, restore a broken network connection, or guarantee that MediaMTX can reconnect to YouTube. The official setup references describe the publish and forward steps but do not establish a complete unattended recovery design.
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For a real continuous deployment, separately plan how the host starts MediaMTX and FFmpeg, how failed processes are detected and restarted, how credentials are protected, how network or YouTube interruptions are handled, and how you will monitor the stream. Validate those choices in your own environment. Neither the sample commands nor the loop syntax constitute a tested end-to-end 24/7 reliability guarantee.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Troubleshooting
FFmpeg cannot open the input file
Check the file path, permissions, and whether the file exists on the machine running FFmpeg. A filename that works on your computer may not exist at the same path on a remote host.
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MediaMTX does not receive the publish
Check that MediaMTX is running, that the RTSP or RTMP listener is available in your configuration, and that the command’s host, port, and path match your deployment. If you choose RTMP/FLV, use the RTMP command rather than the RTSP output settings.
YouTube does not show an incoming stream
Verify that MediaMTX is forwarding the same path FFmpeg publishes, and that the configured destination uses the current RTMPS URL and correct stream key from the target YouTube account. A stale endpoint or incorrect key can prevent delivery.
YouTube rejects or has no sound on the stream
Inspect the input’s tracks. YouTube requires both audio and video, and -c copy cannot add a missing audio track. Compare the codecs and audio/video settings with YouTube’s current encoder guidance.
The stream stops after a process or connection failure
The documented loop command does not implement restart or reconnect policy. Check which process stopped and your host and MediaMTX logs, then implement and test separate supervision and recovery behavior for your deployment.
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