To loop a folder of MP4s on YouTube Live with FFmpeg, put the files in the order you want in a concat-demuxer playlist, then use -stream_loop -1 before that playlist input and send the output to the YouTube ingest URL with your stream key. The command below is a starting point: the files must be compatible for packet concatenation, and you should test the stream privately or as unlisted before making it public.
Prepare and order the MP4 files
FFmpeg will follow the order in the playlist, not an assumed folder order. Create a UTF-8 text file named playlist.txt beside the videos, with the header on the first line and one file directive per video:
ffconcat version 1.0
file 'video-01.mp4'
file 'video-02.mp4'
file 'video-03.mp4'The ffconcat version 1.0 header must be the first line exactly for automatic format recognition. Use paths that resolve from the directory where you run FFmpeg. Filenames containing special characters may need escaping or quoting according to the concat-demuxer syntax; see the FFmpeg concat demuxer documentation for the list-file rules.
Check whether the files can be concatenated directly
The concat demuxer joins encoded packets rather than decoding and rebuilding each file. FFmpeg expects the files to have matching streams, codecs and time bases. Different stream layouts or incompatible timing can make the command fail or cause gaps and artifacts at file boundaries. Unequal audio and video durations can also create gaps, and incorrect duration metadata can affect timestamps.
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| Approach | When it fits | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Concat demuxer (command below) | The MP4s have compatible stream layouts, codecs and time bases. | Preserves encoded packets instead of decoding and re-encoding, but mismatches can cause errors, gaps or artifacts. |
| Normalize or decode and re-encode | The files differ enough that packet-level concatenation is unsuitable. | Can produce a consistent output, but requires decoding and encoding. CPU demand and quality depend on the media and encoding settings. |
If the files are not compatible, normalize them to consistent streams and timing or use a decoding-and-re-encoding workflow rather than assuming this packet-level command will make them seamless.
Get the YouTube ingest URL and stream key
- In YouTube Studio, open Live Control Room and create or select the stream you intend to use.
- Copy the server URL and stream key shown for the encoder connection. Use the exact destination format YouTube provides; the example command below uses placeholders, not a real key.
- Keep the key private. Treat it like a password, and reset it if you think it has been exposed. YouTube’s encoder setup guide describes connecting with the stream URL and key; its live stream settings guide covers stream keys and controls.
Run FFmpeg with an endlessly repeated playlist
Replace the destination with the precise ingest URL and key format shown in Live Control Room. Run the command from the directory containing playlist.txt, or adjust the playlist path. This is an illustrative command shape, not a tested universal command; FFmpeg options and available encoders depend on your installed build.
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ffmpeg -re -stream_loop -1 -f concat -safe 0 -i playlist.txt
-c:v libx264 -preset veryfast -pix_fmt yuv420p
-r 30 -g 60 -keyint_min 60 -sc_threshold 0
-c:a aac -b:a 128k -ar 44100
-f flv "rtmps://INGEST_SERVER/APP/STREAM_KEY"-rereads local media at its native rate rather than letting FFmpeg process it as fast as the machine allows. Test with your actual files and output.-stream_loop -1repeats the next input indefinitely. It must come before-i playlist.txtso it applies to the playlist.-f concat -safe 0 -i playlist.txtselects the concat demuxer and reads the list.-safe 0permits paths that the default safety check may reject, so use it only with a playlist you trust.-c:v libx264and-c:a aacselect video and audio encoders if they are available in your FFmpeg build. Verify encoder availability and the current YouTube ingest requirements.-r 30sets a 30 fps output target;-g 60and-keyint_min 60set a two-second keyframe interval at that frame rate. The example’s-b:a 128kis an audio bitrate, not a YouTube-mandated value.
FFmpeg input options apply to the input that follows them, so keep -stream_loop -1 before the concat input. For the output, YouTube recommends RTMPS, a secure extension of RTMP. Its published encoder guidance includes RTMP/RTMPS and H.264, H.265/HEVC or AV1 video, with AAC or MP3 audio and constant bitrate encoding. Confirm the current requirements and that your FFmpeg build can produce the codec and protocol you choose in YouTube’s encoder settings guidance.
Choose output settings for the source and connection
The example encodes H.264 at 30 fps; it does not preserve every source file’s original encoding. YouTube’s recommended bitrate depends on codec, resolution and frame rate. Its current H.264 guidance lists 10 Mbps for 1080p at 30 fps and 12 Mbps for 1080p at 60 fps. Those are recommendations for those modes, not universal settings for every stream. Use the current YouTube encoder settings table for your chosen resolution, frame rate and codec, and choose a bitrate your upload connection can sustain reliably.
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YouTube recommends a two-second keyframe interval and says not to exceed four seconds. In the example, a GOP of 60 frames at 30 fps gives a two-second interval. If you change the frame rate, recalculate the GOP to preserve the interval; for example, at 60 fps, 120 frames is two seconds. Verify the actual output settings and stream health in Live Control Room.
Test the event before making it public
- Start with a private or unlisted event, then run the FFmpeg command.
- Wait for YouTube’s preview and check that video and audio arrive.
- Watch the handoff between files: confirm the next clip starts in the intended order and listen for gaps or abrupt audio changes.
- Check YouTube’s stream-health indicators and correct warnings before starting a public event. YouTube recommends testing and monitoring the encoder stream.
- Only then use the event’s stream-start controls as intended. Whether YouTube starts or stops a stream automatically depends on the selected Live Control Room settings.
Plan for long unattended streams
An indefinitely looping playlist does not guarantee an uninterrupted 24/7 broadcast. FFmpeg still depends on the computer and network staying available, files remaining accessible, and the process continuing to run. For unattended use, plan how you will supervise and restart the process, recover from network or ingest interruptions, preserve access to the media, and monitor the stream. YouTube’s controls include latency and stream-start/stop options; check the settings on your event rather than assuming it will start or end automatically. YouTube’s encoder setup article says streams under 12 hours are automatically archived; check current platform behavior if your event will run longer or archiving matters.
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Troubleshoot common failures
- FFmpeg rejects the playlist: Check that the header is exactly the first line, the file is UTF-8, each path is correct, and special characters follow concat-demuxer escaping rules.
- The stream fails at a file boundary: Compare the files’ stream layouts, codecs and time bases. If they do not match, normalize or decode and re-encode the files before concatenating.
- There are gaps or artifacts between clips: Check audio and video durations and the MP4 duration metadata. Timestamp differences or unequal stream lengths can affect transitions.
- FFmpeg reports an unknown encoder: Your installed build may not include the requested encoder. Confirm which encoders it supports, then choose an available codec that YouTube accepts.
- YouTube does not receive the stream: Recheck the exact ingest server URL and stream key in Live Control Room, the selected protocol, and the output format. If the key may have been exposed, reset it.
- Ingest is unstable: Check that the upload connection can reliably sustain the selected video and audio bitrates. Compare resolution, frame rate and codec against YouTube’s current settings table, then test again while monitoring stream health.
Check rights and YouTube policies before broadcasting
Only stream MP4s you have the rights and permissions to use. A live broadcast can still raise copyright issues even when its source is prerecorded. Also consider whether the channel’s overall content meets YouTube’s monetization policies: permission to use material and eligibility for monetization are separate questions, and simply looping videos does not establish eligibility. Review YouTube’s current live encoder guidance and applicable copyright and monetization policies before scheduling a public or monetized stream.
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If you want a YouTube channel to stay live without leaving this FFmpeg setup running on a home computer, StreamNeo is a cloud service for looping uploaded videos and playlists. Upload your recording or playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. Nothing has to stay on at home; StreamNeo streams uploaded video at the quality it was made, up to 4K 60fps, for one price per slot, with automatic recovery if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card required. Monthly billing is $9.99 per month. See StreamNeo for details, or start your free day.
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