The Tool Desk
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ffmpeg -re -stream_loop -1 -i "fireplace.mp4"
-map 0:v:0 -map 0:a:0?
-c:v libx264 -preset veryfast
-b:v 5000k -maxrate 5000k -bufsize 10000k
-pix_fmt yuv420p -r 30 -g 60 -keyint_min 60 -sc_threshold 0
-c:a aac -b:a 128k -ar 44100
-f flv "rtmps://YOUTUBE_INGEST_URL/YOUR_STREAM_KEY"Replace fireplace.mp4 with your file and the final placeholder with the RTMPS server URL and stream key shown in YouTube Live Control Room. Do not share the key: YouTube says it works like the stream’s password and address (YouTube’s encoder setup guide).
What the command does
-repaces FFmpeg’s file reading at its native rate, so it behaves as a live source rather than sending the recording as fast as possible.-stream_loop -1repeats the input indefinitely. These input options belong before-i; FFmpeg applies options to the next input or output (FFmpeg command-line documentation and FFmpeg all-options reference).-map 0:v:0selects the first video stream.-map 0:a:0?selects the first audio stream if one exists; the question mark makes that mapping optional.-c:v libx264encodes H.264. The bitrate, maximum rate and buffer options set the rate-control target. Theveryfastpreset trades some compression efficiency for a lighter encoding workload.-pix_fmt yuv420pselects a widely supported pixel format.-r 30requests 30 frames per second.-g 60 -keyint_min 60 -sc_threshold 0aims for a regular 60-frame keyframe interval at 30 fps—two seconds—and disables scene-cut keyframes.-c:a aac -b:a 128k -ar 44100encodes audio as AAC at 128 Kbps and 44.1 kHz. The command assumes the video has audio and that stereo output is appropriate.-f flvselects the container used for this RTMP-family output. The destination uses RTMPS, YouTube’s recommended secure ingest protocol; FFmpeg documents RTMPS as RTMP over SSL (FFmpeg protocol documentation).
Match output settings to your source and connection
The example assumes 1920×1080 at 30 fps. It is a starting point, not a tested result for every file, FFmpeg build, account or network. Inspect the file with ffprobe, then choose output settings that fit its dimensions, frame rate, audio and your sustained upload capacity. YouTube’s live encoder guidance lists these recommended H.264 bitrates:
| Output format | YouTube recommended H.264 bitrate |
|---|---|
| 1080p30 | 5 Mbps |
| 720p30 | 3 Mbps |
| 480p30 | 0.4 Mbps |
These are recommendations, not mandatory values or proof that one setting is best for every fireplace video. Use the matching row for the resolution and frame rate you actually send, and leave upload headroom. YouTube recommends a 20% upload-bandwidth margin and warns that connection disruption can interrupt a stream (YouTube streaming tips). YouTube’s live encoder guidance also recommends H.264 and CBR for RTMP/RTMPS workflows, a two-second keyframe interval, and says not to exceed four seconds (YouTube live encoder settings).
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If your video has no audio
The optional audio map means FFmpeg will not fail just because there is no first audio stream, but the audio encoding options do not create sound. Remove the audio mapping and audio encoding options if your ingest workflow accepts a video-only stream, or deliberately add a silent audio track if required. Verify the result in YouTube’s preview before relying on it.
Test before leaving it unattended
- Check the installed FFmpeg build and confirm it supports the options and the
libx264encoder used above. FFmpeg’s online documentation is regenerated, so local builds can differ. - In YouTube Live Control Room, create or select the stream and copy its displayed RTMPS server URL and stream key into the command. Do not expose the key in a public post, screenshot or shared script.
- Run the command as an unlisted test. Check the Live Control Room preview, stream health, picture and audio; YouTube advises testing and monitoring encoder streams (YouTube streaming tips).
- Confirm the file is authorized for rebroadcast and that your channel is configured for livestreaming before scheduling a public broadcast. The right to play a video locally does not by itself establish permission to rebroadcast it.
Plan around YouTube’s archive limit
YouTube’s encoder creation guidance says streams under 12 hours are automatically archived. For a broadcast longer than 12 hours, do not count on one complete archived VOD; if a complete archive matters, end and restart in shorter sessions and verify the result in Studio (YouTube encoder setup guidance).
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Troubleshooting
- FFmpeg reports an unrecognized option or missing encoder: The installed build may not support the option or
libx264. Check that build’s available encoders and documentation, then use a compatible FFmpeg build. - YouTube receives no video: Check the RTMPS URL and stream key copied from Live Control Room, confirm the command reaches the output stage, and inspect the preview and stream-health indicators.
- The loop does not repeat: Ensure
-stream_loop -1is before-iand applies to the file input. - The stream stutters or drops: Check sustained upload capacity against the video bitrate plus YouTube’s recommended 20% margin. A network interruption can break the stream; the margin is guidance, not an uptime guarantee.
- There is no sound: Confirm the source contains an audio stream. If not, remove audio encoding options or provide a deliberate silent track where needed.
- The picture is wrong or unexpectedly soft: Verify the source’s dimensions and frame rate with
ffprobe, then match the output and bitrate to the intended format rather than assuming the 1080p30 example fits.
Or let it run in the cloud
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