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To loop a compatible local video file on YouTube Live without re-encoding, use FFmpeg’s input loop option with stream copy:
ffmpeg -re -stream_loop -1 -i worship.mp4 -c copy -f flv "$YOUTUBE_RTMPS_URL"-stream_loop -1 repeats the input indefinitely, -re paces file playback in real time, and -c copy copies the existing audio and video packets instead of encoding them again. The crucial condition: the file’s existing formats and settings must already be suitable for YouTube Live ingest. Stream copy cannot fix an incompatible source.
What the command does—and what it cannot do
FFmpeg documents -1 for -stream_loop as infinite looping. The option applies to an input, so put it before the relevant -i. Likewise, put -re before the input it paces. FFmpeg describes -re as reading at the native frame rate, equivalent to -readrate 1; that is useful when sending a file as a live-paced stream. FFmpeg command-line documentation.
-c copy requests packet stream copy: FFmpeg does not decode and re-encode the selected streams. This avoids another encode, but preserves the source’s codecs, resolution, bitrate, frame cadence, and keyframe pattern. It cannot scale the picture, change bitrate, convert codecs, or create a different keyframe interval. If those properties do not fit the intended YouTube ingest settings, use a compatible pre-encoded file or transcode it first.
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Check the source before streaming
YouTube’s live encoder guidance lists supported video codecs for RTMP/RTMPS ingest, up to 60 fps, CBR bitrate encoding, a recommended two-second keyframe frequency, and a four-second maximum. It also lists AAC and MP3 audio; AAC is required for 5.1 audio over RTMP/RTMPS. Check the current guidance against the file you plan to send rather than assuming one setting suits every recording. YouTube Help: Choose live encoder settings, bitrates, and resolutions.
Use the bitrate row for the intended format
For H.264 at 1080p30, YouTube lists 5 Mbps minimum and 14 Mbps recommended. For H.264 at 720p30, it lists 3 Mbps minimum and 8 Mbps recommended. These are YouTube’s guidance for those specific resolution and frame-rate rows, not universal values for all video. In copy mode, FFmpeg passes through the source bitrate; setting an output bitrate does not make stream copy change it.
Rank #2
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Check the keyframe interval realistically
YouTube recommends a two-second keyframe frequency and says not to exceed four seconds. In -c copy mode, FFmpeg preserves the source keyframes, so adding an encoder option for a new keyframe interval will not make the copied video comply. Choose a source that already fits, or transcode.
Set up YouTube Live and protect the stream key
- In YouTube Studio, create or open the live stream setup and obtain the current ingest details. Use the RTMPS URL and stream key supplied for that stream rather than relying on a hard-coded endpoint.
- Keep the stream key private. Do not put it in a public tutorial, screenshot, repository, or command that will be saved in shell history. The example uses an environment variable so the secret is not written directly into the command.
- Set the variable in your shell using the RTMPS URL and stream key in the format specified by YouTube for your stream. YouTube’s RTMPS guide requires an
rtmpsURL, a valid ingestion endpoint and application path, and port 443. RTMPS is RTMP tunneled through SSL. Google for Developers: Delivering Live YouTube Content via RTMPS.
Do not paste a real key into a public example. If a key is exposed, replace or reset it in the live stream settings before using it again.
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Run FFmpeg and verify the live output
- Install FFmpeg for your operating system and open a terminal in the folder containing the video, or use the file’s full path.
- Set
YOUTUBE_RTMPS_URLto the current RTMPS destination and key in the form YouTube provides. Keep it private. - Run the loop command, adjusting the input filename if necessary:
ffmpeg -re -stream_loop -1 -i worship.mp4 -c copy -f flv "$YOUTUBE_RTMPS_URL" - Wait for YouTube Studio to show the incoming feed, then check the preview and stream health before making the broadcast public or sharing it. YouTube advises testing and monitoring stream health.
- To end the FFmpeg process, press
qin its terminal or stop the process. The loop runs indefinitely only while FFmpeg is running and the connection remains active.
Stream copy or transcoding?
| Workflow | What happens | Use it when |
|---|---|---|
Stream copy (-c copy) |
Copies source packets without another encode; preserves the source’s media properties. | The source already fits YouTube’s intended ingest settings and works with the chosen output container and protocol. |
| Transcoding | Decodes and encodes media, allowing you to change properties such as codec, bitrate, resolution, and keyframe cadence. | The source needs changes to meet the ingest configuration. It requires an encoding step and processing resources. |
Do not add encoding flags and expect them to alter media while retaining -c copy. If a change is necessary, remove stream copy and use a deliberate encoding configuration, or prepare a compliant file in advance.
Troubleshooting common failures
- FFmpeg rejects the output or YouTube reports an ingest error: Check that the source streams are suitable for the chosen output container and protocol, and compare the file’s codec and settings with YouTube’s current guidance. Stream copy will not repair a mismatch.
- The bitrate or keyframe settings do not match the guidance: In copy mode, the source’s values pass through. Use a better-matched pre-encoded file or transcode; output bitrate and keyframe flags do not change copied packets.
- YouTube does not show an incoming stream: Confirm that you used the current stream’s RTMPS destination and key, and that the URL uses the required protocol, endpoint, application path, and port. Check the key carefully without exposing it.
- The file has no audio: Do not assume a video-only source will be accepted for the live configuration you want. Verify the intended setup and test it in YouTube Studio; acceptance can depend on the stream configuration.
- The stream stops when you close the terminal or the computer sleeps: This command runs FFmpeg on your computer, so it depends on that machine, power, and network connection remaining available. Prevent sleep and test unattended operation, or use a cloud service instead.
Copyright and worship-video permissions
The technical ability to loop a recording does not grant rights to its songs, performance, arrangement, or video. Before streaming, confirm that your church or channel has the necessary permissions for the specific recording and intended live use, and review YouTube’s copyright and live-stream policies. A worship context alone does not establish that a recording is cleared for broadcast.
Rank #4
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Or let it run in the cloud
If you want the prerecorded video to keep a YouTube channel live without leaving a home computer on, StreamNeo is a cloud option: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. It plays uploaded videos, not a live camera feed, and automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. Your computer and home connection do not have to stay on. Any quality up to 4K 60fps streams as uploaded at one flat price per slot, with no re-encoding or quality tiers. The first day is free with no card; it is one free day per account. Monthly pricing is $9.99 per month. See StreamNeo, or start the free first day.
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