The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →To loop a local MP4 on YouTube Live through SRS, have FFmpeg read the file indefinitely and publish it to an SRS RTMP input; configure SRS separately to relay that input to the YouTube event URL and stream key from Live Control Room. The first FFmpeg-to-SRS leg is straightforward. The SRS-to-YouTube forwarding configuration depends on your SRS version, so verify its current documentation and confirm the complete stream in YouTube Live Control Room before broadcasting.
How the three-part stream works
- FFmpeg reads and loops the MP4. The
-stream_loop -1input option repeats the input indefinitely, while-resends a file at its natural playback rate. - FFmpeg publishes to SRS. It sends the live-paced output to an RTMP application and stream name on your SRS server. These are your SRS input details, not YouTube credentials.
- SRS forwards the stream to YouTube. Configure the relay destination with the event URL and stream key shown in YouTube Live Control Room. Keep these credentials distinct from the SRS input address.
This division lets SRS act as the relay between the local encoder and YouTube. It does not mean every SRS release uses the same forwarding configuration.
Prepare the SRS input and YouTube event
Set up the SRS input
Use the RTMP application and stream name exposed by your SRS deployment. The SRS documentation gives this basic FFmpeg publishing example: ffmpeg -re -i ./doc/source.flv -c copy -f flv rtmp://localhost/live/livestream. Here, rtmp://localhost/live/livestream is an example SRS input endpoint. Replace it with the address reachable from the machine running FFmpeg, along with the application and stream name configured on your server.
Get the YouTube destination details
Create or open the live event in YouTube Live Control Room and copy the event’s stream URL and key into the SRS forwarding destination settings. YouTube describes entering these in encoder settings; in this three-part setup, the relay that sends to YouTube needs them. Never substitute the SRS input URL for the YouTube destination.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Use a private stream key. Avoid exposing it in shared commands, terminal screenshots, public configuration examples, or logs. YouTube recommends RTMPS for secure ingest; whether your deployed SRS version can forward to the selected RTMPS endpoint must be checked for that version.
Loop and publish the MP4 with FFmpeg
For a compatibility-oriented starting point, this command loops the input and encodes video as H.264 and audio as AAC before publishing an FLV stream to SRS:
ffmpeg -re -stream_loop -1 -i input.mp4 -c:v libx264 -preset veryfast -tune zerolatency -c:a aac -f flv rtmp://SRS_HOST/live/STREAM_NAMEReplace input.mp4, SRS_HOST, the application path, and STREAM_NAME with your actual file and SRS input values. This is an illustrative pattern, not a tested command for every file or SRS installation. FFmpeg defines -stream_loop as an input option, so place it before the relevant -i. The value -1 requests indefinite looping. The -re option is used in SRS’s publishing example and is important when sending a file as a live-paced stream rather than as fast as the encoder can process it.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Choose encoding or stream copy
The example re-encodes to H.264/AAC as a compatibility-oriented choice for FLV/RTMP output. If the MP4’s codecs and stream format are suitable for the entire FFmpeg–SRS–YouTube path, stream copy may work instead, but -c copy is not suitable for every MP4 and does not guarantee that YouTube’s current recommendations are met. Confirm codec compatibility end to end before relying on it.
Configure SRS forwarding for your version
Configure SRS to take the incoming stream and forward it to the YouTube destination URL and stream key. The SRS documentation does not establish one universal forwarding stanza for every version: the RTMP protocol page retrieved for this workflow is version 5.0 and marked archived, while the getting-started material is in the v8 documentation line. Consult the documentation for the release you actually deployed rather than copying an old configuration blindly.
- Identify the installed SRS release and the input application and stream name FFmpeg is publishing to.
- Follow that release’s current configuration guidance for forwarding or pushing the stream to an external RTMP/RTMPS destination.
- Enter the YouTube event URL and stream key as the forwarding destination, and select a transport supported by both your SRS build and YouTube.
- Start the relay and confirm that SRS is receiving the incoming stream and forwarding it without errors.
- Before treating the setup as ready for broadcast, verify picture, audio, and stream health in YouTube Live Control Room.
The SRS version 5.0 RTMP page is archived, and the v4 wiki example is historical; the SRS getting-started documentation is in the v8 documentation line. Check the guidance appropriate to your installed version.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Match the YouTube ingest settings
YouTube Help’s encoder guidance, checked on 2026-10-03, lists RTMP/RTMPS ingest; H.264, H.265 (HEVC), and AV1 video; frame rates up to 60 fps; AAC or MP3 audio; and CBR bitrate encoding. It recommends a two-second keyframe interval and says not to exceed four seconds. Its advanced recommendations for stereo audio include 44.1 kHz sampling and 128 Kbps audio bitrate. These are YouTube’s published recommendations, not a guarantee that every SRS build or FFmpeg configuration can carry every listed combination.
YouTube says, “We recommend streaming to YouTube Live with RTMPS, a secure extension to the popular RTMP streaming video protocol.” It describes RTMPS as “RTMP over a Transport Layer Security (TLS/SSL) connection” that “provides encryption.” RTMPS protects the connection to YouTube; confirm that your SRS-to-YouTube leg actually uses it if you select that transport. The FFmpeg-to-SRS input leg is a separate connection.
Do not pick one bitrate as universally correct. YouTube’s bitrate guidance varies by resolution, frame rate, and codec. Choose settings for the output you intend to send, then test with representative motion and audio and monitor YouTube’s stream health. For a game capture or gameplay recording, fast motion and detailed scenes make a representative test especially useful.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Test before you schedule a long broadcast
- Check that FFmpeg opens the intended MP4 and continues past the end instead of exiting; confirm the loop option is before
-i. - Check FFmpeg’s output for connection errors and verify that it is publishing to the correct SRS input address.
- Check SRS logs or status using the tools available in your deployment to confirm it receives the stream and forwards it to the YouTube destination.
- Open the event in Live Control Room and confirm YouTube receives video and audio and reports healthy stream status before making the event public or relying on it.
- Listen and watch across a loop boundary. Confirm the file’s ending and beginning are acceptable together; looping does not edit or crossfade the MP4.
Troubleshooting common failures
FFmpeg exits after one playback
Confirm the command includes -stream_loop -1 before -i input.mp4. If the process still exits, inspect FFmpeg’s error output for a file read, decoder, or output connection failure.
SRS does not show an incoming stream
Check that FFmpeg is targeting the SRS host, application, and stream name actually configured on your server. The sample endpoint uses localhost and is only valid when the SRS server is reachable there. Also check network reachability and the SRS listener configuration.
SRS receives the stream but YouTube does not
Check the SRS forwarding configuration against the deployed SRS version, then verify the YouTube event URL and key in Live Control Room. Confirm the selected RTMP or RTMPS transport is supported by the SRS-to-YouTube leg and that the key belongs to the intended event.
Recommended Free Tools
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
YouTube reports an unstable or unhealthy stream
Review YouTube’s current encoder guidance for the chosen resolution, frame rate, codec, bitrate mode, and keyframe interval. The recommendation is a two-second keyframe interval, not more than four seconds; bitrate depends on the video settings. Test the complete path and monitor Live Control Room rather than assuming the local FFmpeg command alone proves ingest health.
Video arrives without usable audio or picture
Check that the input MP4 actually contains the expected tracks and that the codecs survive the full path. The sample command encodes H.264 video and AAC audio; stream-copy workflows require compatible source codecs and container handling. Review FFmpeg output, SRS relay behavior, and YouTube stream health to locate the failing leg.
Or let it run in the cloud
If you do not want to maintain FFmpeg and an SRS relay, StreamNeo keeps a YouTube channel live from uploaded videos: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. Nothing has to stay on at home; it streams the uploaded video as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot, and automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly pricing is $9.99 per month. UPI is available in India; cards are accepted in India and worldwide. Start your free day with StreamNeo.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
