To loop a local video into YouTube Live with NVIDIA encoding, use FFmpeg’s -stream_loop -1 before the input and -c:v h264_nvenc to select NVIDIA’s H.264 encoder. The command below is an illustrative starting point, not a tested recipe: choose the bitrate and keyframe interval for your actual output, confirm your FFmpeg build and GPU support NVENC, and verify the feed in YouTube Live Control Room before relying on it.
FFmpeg command for a looping YouTube Live stream
This template assumes 1080p at 30 fps and uses a two-second keyframe interval. Replace input.mp4 with your local video and STREAM_KEY with the private key shown for your YouTube live stream.
ffmpeg -re -stream_loop -1 -i input.mp4
-c:v h264_nvenc -preset p4
-rc cbr -b:v 14M -maxrate 14M -bufsize 14M
-g 60
-c:a aac -b:a 128k -ar 44100
-f flv "rtmps://a.rtmp.youtube.com:443/live2/STREAM_KEY"The example uses 14 Mbps because YouTube currently recommends that bitrate for 1080p30 H.264; it is not a universal setting. Select the row that matches your chosen resolution, frame rate, and codec. YouTube lists RTMP and RTMPS ingest and recommends RTMPS for encrypted transport. Its current encoder guidance specifies CBR, a recommended two-second keyframe frequency, and a maximum keyframe interval of four seconds. For stereo AAC, it specifies 44.1 kHz and 128 Kbps. YouTube’s live encoder settings are the reference for current platform requirements.
Check your GPU and FFmpeg build first
The command works only if the computer has supported NVIDIA hardware and its FFmpeg build exposes h264_nvenc. NVENC is a hardware encoder on supported NVIDIA GPUs; the sources do not establish one GPU model that is required for this particular command. NVIDIA documents the encoder name and notes that its examples are file-to-file demonstrations: a live broadcast also needs an appropriate live input and output destination. NVIDIA’s FFmpeg guide covers the encoder and its live-workflow context.
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- Check that FFmpeg is installed and available in your terminal:
ffmpeg -version. - List encoders and check for
h264_nvenc:ffmpeg -encoders. - Inspect the options provided by your build:
ffmpeg -h encoder=h264_nvenc. - If the encoder is missing, confirm GPU support and the FFmpeg build before changing unrelated command options. FFmpeg options can vary by build and version. See the FFmpeg documentation.
Choose the bitrate and keyframe interval
Use YouTube’s current bitrate recommendation for the output you intend to send, rather than assuming 10 Mbps will suit every stream. The following figures are YouTube Help’s H.264 ingest recommendations, current on the page accessed October 3, 2026; these are platform settings, not independent quality measurements.
| Output | Recommended bitrate | Minimum bitrate |
|---|---|---|
| 720p30 H.264 | 8 Mbps | 3 Mbps |
| 720p60 H.264 | 8 Mbps | 3 Mbps |
| 1080p30 H.264 | 14 Mbps | 5 Mbps |
| 1080p60 H.264 | 17 Mbps | 6 Mbps |
| 1440p30 H.264 | 21 Mbps | 7 Mbps |
| 1440p60 H.264 | 34 Mbps | 8 Mbps |
| 2160p30 H.264 | 42 Mbps | 11 Mbps |
| 2160p60 H.264 | 50 Mbps | 14 Mbps |
In the template, -b:v sets the target video bitrate. -maxrate caps the rate and -bufsize sets the rate-control buffer. They are equal in the example. NVIDIA documents that arrangement as a one-second buffer example for real-time broadcasting; it is distinct from its low-latency example, which uses a one-frame buffer calculated from bitrate and frame rate. Do not mix those buffer approaches without choosing the latency behavior you want. See NVIDIA’s CBR and buffer guidance.
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The -g value counts frames, not seconds. For the recommended two-second interval, use 60 at 30 fps or 120 at 60 fps. If your source or output frame rate differs, set the GOP length to approximately twice the frame rate. YouTube allows up to four seconds between keyframes, but its recommendation is two seconds.
What each command option does
-rereads the file at its normal playback rate rather than processing it as fast as possible.-stream_loop -1repeats the input indefinitely. Place it before the-iit applies to.-i input.mp4identifies the local video file.-c:v h264_nvencselects NVIDIA’s H.264 encoder when your hardware and FFmpeg build support it.-preset p4selects an NVENC preset. Preset availability or behavior can depend on the installed build and encoder.-rc cbrselects constant bitrate rate control, matching YouTube’s stated guidance.-c:a aac -b:a 128k -ar 44100encodes AAC audio at 128 Kbps and 44.1 kHz, matching YouTube’s stereo AAC specification. Check that your input has an audio stream if the broadcast requires audio.-f flvselects the output container used for this RTMP/RTMPS stream.
The template does not force a new resolution or frame rate; it assumes the source already matches the intended output. If you need to scale or change frame rate, do so deliberately and re-check the bitrate and GOP values against the resulting output. The full command, including its option combination, has not been tested here.
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Set up YouTube Live and start the stream
- In YouTube Studio, create or open the live stream in Live Control Room and retrieve its stream key and ingest details. Interface labels can change; use the current details YouTube displays for that stream.
- Replace
input.mp4andSTREAM_KEYin the command. Keep the stream key private: anyone who obtains it may be able to send a feed to your stream. - Check that the video resolution, frame rate, codec, bitrate, GOP, and audio settings agree with the intended YouTube ingest settings.
- Run the command in a terminal on the computer holding the video. Watch FFmpeg’s output for encoding or connection errors.
- Confirm that YouTube receives the feed and inspect it in Live Control Room before depending on a long-running broadcast.
Copyright, repetition, and channel policy
A technically valid stream is not automatically eligible for monetization or safe from copyright claims. You remain responsible for the rights to the video and audio you broadcast. Repeating the same recording also creates repetitive content; whether a channel meets YouTube’s monetization policies depends on the content and channel as a whole, not just the streaming method. Review YouTube’s current copyright and monetization rules before broadcasting material you did not create or do not have permission to use. The command loops one file; it does not create transitions or a varied playlist.
Troubleshooting
- “Unknown encoder” or
h264_nvencunavailable: Runffmpeg -encodersandffmpeg -h encoder=h264_nvenc. Check whether your GPU supports NVENC and whether your installed FFmpeg build includes the encoder before changing other options. - Encoder initialization or GPU error: The command requires supported NVIDIA hardware, compatible system drivers, and a build that can use the encoder. The supplied information does not establish compatibility for every GPU, driver, operating system, or FFmpeg version; verify those components for your setup.
- YouTube does not receive the stream: Check the RTMPS address and stream key against the details in Live Control Room. Keep the key intact and private.
- YouTube flags or rejects the feed: Compare ingest protocol, codec, CBR, resolution, frame rate, bitrate, AAC sample rate and bitrate, and keyframe interval with YouTube’s current settings page.
- Playback stutters or drops: Check whether the computer can encode the selected resolution and frame rate in real time and whether its internet upload connection can sustain the configured stream bitrate. Lower the target output settings to an appropriate YouTube row if needed.
- Only one file repeats, or the join is not seamless:
-stream_loop -1loops that input; it does not build a multi-file playlist or guarantee a seamless boundary. A playlist or concat workflow needs different input construction and is not covered by this single-file template.
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