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To loop a set of local videos to YouTube Live, put their paths in a text playlist and pass it to FFmpeg with the concat demuxer. Add -stream_loop -1 to repeat the playlist and -re to pace playback in real time. You must provide the files in the order you want; FFmpeg does not automatically sort a folder.
1. Create an ordered playlist
Make a plain-text file named playlist.txt in the directory you will use for FFmpeg. Add one file directive per clip, in playback order:
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file 'video-01.mp4'
file 'video-02.mp4'
file 'video-03.mp4'Use paths that resolve from FFmpeg’s working directory. The concat demuxer reads this script and presents the listed files one after another; it is not a folder wildcard. See the FFmpeg concat demuxer documentation for script syntax and path-safety behavior.
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The example command below uses -safe 0 so the playlist can contain broader path forms, including paths outside the safe subset. Use that option only with a playlist you control. If all entries use safe relative paths, you can omit it.
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2. Send the playlist to YouTube Live
Install an FFmpeg build that includes the required input and output support, then replace the playlist path and destination in this template. The command is illustrative, not a tested command for every FFmpeg build or media collection.
ffmpeg -re -stream_loop -1 -f concat -safe 0 -i playlist.txt
-c:v libx264 -preset veryfast -tune zerolatency
-b:v 4500k -maxrate 4500k -bufsize 9000k -g 60
-c:a aac -b:a 128k -f flv
'rtmps://CURRENT_INGEST_URL/CURRENT_STREAM_KEY'FFmpeg’s command structure and file/network input and output options are documented in its general documentation. The key options here are:
-rereads the input at its native rate rather than sending the files as fast as the machine can process them.-stream_loop -1repeats the input indefinitely.-f concat -i playlist.txtselects the concat demuxer and its playlist.-c:v libx264and-c:a aacencode video and audio for the example output. The remaining encoding values are starting points to adapt, not universal YouTube settings.-f flvselects the output container used with this RTMP-family ingest pattern.
3. Set the right ingest and encoding values
Copy the current YouTube destination securely
In YouTube Live Control Room, use the current stream URL and stream key shown under the event’s encoder settings. The exact endpoint and key can vary by configuration, so do not rely on a copied example destination. Keep the key private: do not put a real key in a public script, screenshot, or shared log. If it is compromised, reset it. See YouTube’s live stream settings guidance.
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YouTube recommends RTMPS, the secure extension of RTMP. Use the scheme and server details provided in Live Control Room. YouTube’s encoder settings and bitrate guidance lists support up to 60 fps and recommends a two-second keyframe frequency, with an interval no longer than four seconds.
Choose bitrate and keyframe timing for your output
The sample uses a 4,500 kbps video target and -g 60. That bitrate is only an illustrative value, not a recommendation for every resolution. A GOP of 60 frames is two seconds only at 30 fps; adjust -g to approximately twice the chosen frame rate to target YouTube’s two-second keyframe interval. If you use a different frame rate, do not leave the GOP value unchanged without checking the timing.
For H.264, YouTube’s current table lists 5 Mbps minimum and 14 Mbps recommended at 1080p30, and 3 Mbps minimum and 8 Mbps recommended at 720p30. These are platform table values, not a guarantee that your connection can sustain the stream. Choose resolution, frame rate, and bitrate together, and leave upload capacity for stable delivery. The table and other encoder guidance can change, so check YouTube’s current settings before going live.
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Choose between re-encoding and stream copy
The template re-encodes so it can produce a consistent output from sources that may not match. This uses more CPU and can affect image quality. Stream copy with -c copy avoids re-encoding, but it does not convert incompatible files; concat-demuxer inputs need matching streams, codecs, and time bases, and the streams must also suit the output container. Do not assume a mixed folder will work with stream copy. If it does not, normalize the clips to compatible formats or use a consistent re-encode.
4. Test and monitor the live event
- Start with a private or otherwise non-public test event in YouTube Live Control Room and confirm that the stream arrives.
- Use test audio and motion similar to what the real event will contain. Check that both picture and sound continue across clip boundaries.
- Watch YouTube’s stream health and messages while the playlist runs. Resolve warnings before making the event public.
- Confirm that the loop behaves as intended and that the output bitrate and resolution are appropriate for your connection.
YouTube specifically advises testing with representative audio and motion and monitoring stream health. A concat playlist places clips in sequence; it does not create crossfades or guarantee seamless visual or audio transitions.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.5. Troubleshoot common failures
FFmpeg cannot find a clip
Check the directory from which FFmpeg is running and verify each playlist path. Use a controlled playlist and an appropriate path form; -safe 0 permits broader paths but does not correct a misspelled or inaccessible filename.
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Concat reports incompatible streams or playback breaks at a boundary
Compare the clips’ stream layouts, codecs, and time bases. The concat demuxer expects these to match. If they do not, re-encode or preprocess the files into a consistent format rather than relying on -c copy.
Timing drifts or a transition has a gap
Concat adjusts timestamps so files follow one another, but inaccurate or missing duration metadata can affect timestamps at transitions. Check the source files first. FFmpeg also supports a duration directive for cases where a duration needs an explicit correction; treat that as an advanced playlist adjustment, not the first fix. Timestamp continuity does not add a transition effect.
YouTube shows no incoming stream or reports poor health
Verify the current RTMPS server URL and stream key in Live Control Room, then check the encoder settings, keyframe interval, bitrate, and available upload capacity. If the key may have been exposed, reset it in YouTube rather than continuing to use it.
Or let it run in the cloud
If your goal is a continuous YouTube loop rather than managing FFmpeg on a computer, StreamNeo runs uploaded videos from the cloud. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. Nothing has to stay on at home; it streams your files as uploaded at any quality up to 4K 60fps for one flat price per slot, and automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly is $9.99 per month. Start your free day with StreamNeo.
Copyright and YouTube channel rules
Only stream videos and audio you have the rights or permissions to use. A playlist that runs continuously does not change copyright obligations or YouTube’s channel monetization policies, including rules concerning reused content. Review the rules that apply to your channel and content before broadcasting or monetizing; a technically successful stream is not a rights or monetization clearance.
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