To loop local videos into a YouTube Live broadcast from Windows, put their paths in an FFmpeg concat playlist, then send that playlist to YouTube with -stream_loop -1 and real-time pacing. You will need FFmpeg, compatible source files, and the server URL and stream key from YouTube Studio. Your PC and internet connection must remain running for this local method to continue.
What you need before you start
- A Windows computer with FFmpeg installed and available in Command Prompt or PowerShell.
- Video files in the order you want them to play. For the simplest concat-demuxer setup, files need matching streams, codecs, and time bases.
- A YouTube Live stream and its ingest server URL and stream key from YouTube Studio.
- An internet connection and a computer that can stay on while FFmpeg encodes and sends the stream.
This example re-encodes video to H.264 and audio to AAC, which can accommodate more varied inputs than stream-copying, but it is not a universal preset or a tested performance guarantee. Check the files and YouTube’s current encoder guidance for your chosen resolution and frame rate.
Prepare the playlist files
Organize the video files
Create a directory such as C:/livestream/ and place the videos there. Choose the playback order before creating the list. Matching codecs and stream layouts make the concat demuxer approach most straightforward; files with substantially different formats may need normalization or a filter-based re-encode instead.
Create playlist.txt
Save a text file named playlist.txt, for example in C:/livestream/, with one file entry per line:
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file 'C:/livestream/clip01.mp4'
file 'C:/livestream/clip02.mp4'
file 'C:/livestream/clip03.mp4'Forward slashes in quoted Windows paths avoid backslash escaping issues in the playlist. The concat demuxer’s safe-path option defaults to 1 and rejects paths it considers unsafe. This tutorial uses -safe 0 for absolute paths; only do so with a playlist you created and trust, because it permits arbitrary file names and directives.
Get the YouTube stream URL and key
- In YouTube Studio, select Create → Go Live.
- On the Stream tab, create or select the stream. For a scheduled broadcast, use Manage → Schedule stream and set its metadata and privacy.
- Copy the server URL and stream key shown for that stream. YouTube’s encoder instructions say to enter these in the encoder settings: YouTube Live encoder setup.
Treat the stream key like a password. Do not publish it in screenshots, recordings, or logs. If it is exposed, replace or reset it in YouTube Studio before using it again.
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Send the playlist to YouTube with FFmpeg
Open PowerShell or Command Prompt in a working directory and run this pattern, replacing the destination with the exact ingest URL and stream key YouTube provides:
ffmpeg -re -stream_loop -1 -f concat -safe 0 -i "C:/livestream/playlist.txt" -c:v libx264 -preset veryfast -c:a aac -f flv "rtmp://YOUR_INGEST_URL/YOUR_STREAM_KEY"-repaces prerecorded input at its native rate instead of sending the files as quickly as the computer can read them.-stream_loop -1repeats the input indefinitely.-f concatreads the playlist as a concat-demuxer script;-safe 0allows the absolute paths in this example.-c:v libx264and-c:a aacre-encode video and audio.-preset veryfastis an encoder speed setting, not a promise that every computer can handle every resolution or frame rate.-f flvselects the output container for the RTMP destination shown here.
Input options such as -re and -stream_loop belong before the relevant -i. The destination format is RTMP; do not apply HLS-specific segment settings to this command. YouTube’s exact current bitrate and resolution recommendations vary with the selected video settings; consult its live encoder settings and verify the values for your stream rather than treating this command as a bitrate preset.
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Preview, start, and stop the broadcast
- After FFmpeg begins sending data, check the preview and stream status in YouTube Live Control Room.
- For a scheduled broadcast, click Go live once the preview appears. Sending data from FFmpeg alone does not start the scheduled public broadcast.
- To finish, stop FFmpeg’s output, then use End Stream in Studio where appropriate.
YouTube states that streams under 12 hours are automatically archived. That statement is not an archive guarantee for longer streams.
Choose the right concat method for your files
| Method | When it fits | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Concat demuxer | Files have the same streams, codecs, and time base and can be joined as a virtual input. | Can avoid re-encoding when compatible; inaccurate duration metadata can cause artifacts as the next segment is positioned. |
| Concat filter | Inputs need to be brought together while re-encoding. | Requires an encoding workflow; check FFmpeg’s concat documentation for filter setup: concat filter. |
The playlist demuxer uses file durations to place the next segment. A truncated file or incorrect duration metadata can cause glitches or timing problems. The concat list format supports a duration directive when an override is needed. See FFmpeg’s concat demuxer documentation.
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RTMP versus HLS
This procedure uses RTMP for a basic FFmpeg-to-YouTube setup. HLS is a separate ingestion option for supported encoder workflows, including certain HDR or codec requirements. YouTube’s HLS workflow has specific requirements: TS segments of 1–4 seconds, a rolling playlist with no more than five outstanding segments, HTTPS POST/PUT, and no byte-range support. YouTube also notes that HLS has higher latency than RTMP. Unless your encoder workflow specifically calls for HLS, do not substitute HLS configuration into the RTMP command above. See YouTube’s HLS ingestion instructions.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Troubleshoot common problems
| Symptom | Likely cause | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| FFmpeg rejects a playlist path | The concat demuxer’s safe-path checks reject the entry. | Use simple quoted paths; if using -safe 0 for absolute paths, ensure every playlist entry is trusted. |
| Artifacts or jumps at a clip boundary | Incompatible stream layouts, codecs, time bases, or inaccurate duration metadata. | Inspect source compatibility and duration metadata; normalize/re-encode or use a concat-filter workflow when needed. |
| The preview does not appear in Live Control Room | The destination URL or key may be wrong, or FFmpeg may not be sending successfully. | Copy the matching server URL and key from the selected stream in Studio, check FFmpeg’s output for connection errors, and keep the key private. |
| FFmpeg exits or playback stutters under load | The computer may not sustain the selected encoding settings, or an input may be problematic. | Check FFmpeg’s error output and source files, then use settings supported by your hardware and YouTube’s current encoder guidance. |
| A scheduled stream remains in preview but is not live | The operator has not started the scheduled broadcast in Studio. | Once the preview appears, click Go live. |
| The loop seems to end | The FFmpeg process may have stopped or encountered an input/output error. | Check whether the command is still running and inspect its last error output; -stream_loop -1 loops only while FFmpeg continues operating. |
Keep the stream compliant and manageable
Looping files does not grant rights to their contents. Use video and audio you own or are licensed to stream, and review YouTube’s copyright and monetization policies before building a long-running rotation. Repeated or reused material can raise policy issues even when the playlist and encoder work technically. Keep an eye on the Live Control Room status rather than assuming a running computer means YouTube is receiving a healthy broadcast.
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Keep credentials and files safe
- Do not share the stream key; remove it from public command examples and screenshots.
- Use a playlist you control when disabling safe-path checks.
- Keep the media files and playlist available at the same paths for the entire run.
Estimate upload time before starting
Large source files can take time to upload to a cloud service if you choose one instead of local FFmpeg. StreamNeo provides a upload-time calculator to estimate that transfer from your connection speed.
Or let it run in the cloud
If you want the YouTube playlist to keep running without leaving a Windows PC and home connection on, StreamNeo is an alternative: upload your recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. It loops uploaded videos from the cloud; it does not stream from a camera.
- Nothing has to stay on at home for the cloud stream to continue.
- Any quality up to 4K 60fps streams as uploaded at one flat price per slot, without re-encoding or quality tiers.
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