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Use FFmpeg’s concat demuxer to play a playlist in order, and place -stream_loop -1 before that playlist input to repeat the sequence. The files need compatible streams, codecs, and time bases for this approach; if they do not, normalize them or use the concat filter with re-encoding. Then send the output to the RTMPS ingest URL and stream key from your own YouTube Live setup.
Build a playlist in the order you want
Create a plain-text file named playlist.ffconcat beside the video files. The first line must be exactly ffconcat version 1.0 for automatic format recognition. List one file per line, in playback order:
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ffconcat version 1.0
file 'video-01.mp4'
file 'video-02.mp4'
file 'video-03.mp4'Use paths relative to the playlist when possible. FFmpeg’s concat demuxer reads the entries sequentially and adjusts timestamps so each file follows the preceding one. For the no-re-encode route, the inputs must have compatible streams, codecs, and time bases; mismatches can cause errors or visible or audible artifacts. See the FFmpeg concat demuxer documentation.
Run the sequence repeatedly and send it to YouTube
This command is a starting template, not a verified command for every FFmpeg build or media set. Replace the RTMPS destination with the URL and stream name/key shown by your YouTube Live setup:
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ffmpeg -re -stream_loop -1 -f concat -safe 0 -i playlist.ffconcat
-c:v libx264 -preset veryfast -b:v 4500k -maxrate 4500k -bufsize 9000k
-g 60 -keyint_min 60 -sc_threshold 0
-c:a aac -b:a 128k -ar 44100
-f flv 'rtmps://YOUR_INGEST_HOST/YOUR_STREAM_KEY'-stream_loop -1repeats the playlist input indefinitely. It appears before-i playlist.ffconcatbecause it applies to that input.-repaces file input for live output. Confirm the option and syntax on your installed version withffmpeg -h full.-f concatselects the concat demuxer.-safe 0allows broader playlist paths; use it only with a playlist you control. Prefer simple relative paths and the default safe mode when those work.-c:v libx264and-c:a aacencode video and audio. The bitrate and GOP values shown are examples in a template, not universal YouTube recommendations.-f flvpackages the outgoing stream for RTMP-family ingest. Use the actual ingest URL and stream name/key supplied in YouTube Studio or your live setup; never share the key.
Some encoder interfaces request the server URL and stream name separately; others accept them as STREAM_URL/STREAM_NAME. YouTube’s Live Streaming API documentation describes the primary RTMPS ingest address and these URL/key arrangements. Get the values from your account rather than copying an example destination.
Choose output settings for the stream you intend to send
The sample uses H.264 video and AAC audio, but resolution, frame rate, bitrate, and keyframe interval must match your chosen output mode and available upload capacity. YouTube’s current guidance supports RTMP/RTMPS ingest; lists H.264, H.265, and AV1 video and AAC or MP3 audio; and calls for CBR encoding, frame rates up to 60 fps, and a recommended 2-second keyframe interval that should not exceed 4 seconds. YouTube recommends RTMPS for encrypted transport (encoder settings and guidelines).
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As one specific example—not a universal target—YouTube’s current settings table recommends 10 Mbps for H.264 at 1080p and 30 fps. Its recommendations differ by resolution and frame rate, so check the row for your actual output mode before setting a bitrate (YouTube’s bitrate table).
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsThe template’s -g 60 -keyint_min 60 requests a 60-frame GOP. That corresponds to a 2-second interval at 30 fps, but not at every frame rate. Adjust the GOP/keyframe values to the output frame rate so the interval matches YouTube’s guidance. Set a resolution and frame rate explicitly if the source files do not already produce the output mode you want; verify the resulting stream rather than assuming the files’ properties are suitable.
Rank #3
- 【1080P HD High Quality】Capture resolution up to 1080p for video source and it is ideal for all HDMI devices such as PS4, PS3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Wii U, DVDs, DSLR, Camera, Security Camera and set top box.
- 【Plug and Play】No driver or external power supply required, true PnP. Once plugged in, the device is identified automatically as a webcam. Detect input and adjust output automatically. Won't occupy CPU, optional audio capture. No freeze with correct setting.
- 【Compatible with Multiple Systems】suitable for Windows and Mac OS. High speed USB 3.0 technology and superior low latency technology makes it easier for you to transmit live streaming to Twitch, Youtube, Facebook, Twitter, OBS, Potplayer and VLC.
- 【HDMI LOOP-OUT】Based on the high-speed USB 3.0 technology, it can capture one single channel HD HDMI video signal. There is no delay when you are playing game live.
- 【Support Mic-in for Commentary】Kedok capture card has microphone input and you can use it to add external commentary when playing a game. Please note: it only accepts 3.5mm TRS standard microphone headset.
When the concat demuxer is not suitable
If the listed files differ in streams, codecs, or time bases, the concat demuxer may fail or produce bad transitions. Probe each file and compare its video and audio streams before relying on a direct sequence. If inputs are not compatible, normalize them to a common format first or use FFmpeg’s concat filter, which re-encodes as needed. The FFmpeg FAQ on joining video files distinguishes the demuxer route, which can avoid re-encoding with suitable inputs, from the filter route for cases requiring re-encoding.
Test before relying on a live broadcast
- Check your installed FFmpeg version and available options with
ffmpeg -versionandffmpeg -h full. In particular, verify-stream_loopsupport and syntax for that build. - Probe every playlist file and confirm the streams are compatible for the demuxer workflow. If not, normalize the files or switch to a concat-filter workflow.
- Run a private or otherwise appropriate test stream using the real output settings. Check that all files play in order, the playlist returns to its beginning, and audio and video remain synchronized across transitions.
- Test audio and motion similar to the planned stream, then monitor YouTube stream health while testing. YouTube recommends testing before going live and monitoring stream health (YouTube encoder guidance).
- Keep the stream key private. If it is exposed, replace it in YouTube rather than continuing to use a compromised key.
Troubleshooting common failures
- FFmpeg rejects the playlist header: Confirm
ffconcat version 1.0is the exact first line, with no blank line or other text before it. - A file cannot be opened: Check the spelling and working directory, then confirm the path is correct relative to the playlist. If you need broader path handling,
-safe 0permits it, but use that option only with a playlist you control. - The sequence fails at a file boundary: Compare the files’ streams, codecs, and time bases. Normalize mismatched inputs or use the concat filter with re-encoding.
- The stream is rejected or does not connect: Recheck the ingest URL and stream name/key in your YouTube live setup, use RTMPS where available, and confirm the selected video and audio encoders are supported by YouTube.
- Video quality, buffering, or stream health is poor: Match the bitrate to the chosen resolution and frame rate and to your available upload capacity. Check that encoding uses CBR and that the keyframe interval meets YouTube’s guidance for the selected frame rate.
- The loop option fails: Check the installed FFmpeg build’s help output for
-stream_loopsyntax and availability. The command is a template and has not been verified against your specific build and files.
Or let it run in the cloud
If your goal is an always-on YouTube stream rather than managing an FFmpeg process yourself, StreamNeo runs uploaded videos or playlists from the cloud. Upload the video or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. Nothing has to stay on at home; the stream keeps running with your computer off. Every slot streams the uploaded quality up to 4K 60fps at one flat price per slot, and StreamNeo automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card required; it is one free day per account. Monthly pricing is $9.99 per month. StreamNeo is YouTube-only and plays uploaded videos; it does not stream from a camera. See StreamNeo or its plans. Start your free first day with StreamNeo.
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