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If you need a video file to contain an audio stream with no sound, use FFmpeg to add one. If you only need to play a clip in OBS, add it as a Media Source instead; that does not modify the file. YouTube’s published RTMP/RTMPS guidance lists supported audio codecs but does not say every live stream must include an audio track, so treat silence as a compatibility workaround when your setup needs it—not a universal YouTube requirement.
Choose whether to change the file or just use it in OBS
| Need | Use | Does it modify the original file? |
|---|---|---|
| Play a video in an OBS scene, with controls such as looping or restarting on activation | OBS Media Source | No |
| Deliver a video file that contains a silent audio stream | FFmpeg | No; it creates a new output file |
If the file will be used only in your OBS scene, start with the Media Source workflow. If another application or ingest path expects an audio stream in the file itself, create a new file with FFmpeg.
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Add the video as an OBS Media Source
- In OBS, find the Sources dock, select +, and choose Media Source.
- Name the source if desired, then select the option to use a local file and browse to your video. OBS lists MP4, TS, MOV, FLV, MKV, AVI, GIF, and WebM among supported video types. See the OBS Media Sources guide.
- Set the playback options you need. Enable looping if the clip should repeat; enable restarting playback when the source becomes active if it should begin from the start each time it is shown.
- Check the Audio Mixer while the clip plays. A source can carry sound already, so mute or route it according to what your stream should contain. Adding a Media Source does not make its audio silent.
- Run a test stream or recording and verify both picture and audio behavior before the live event. OBS’s Quick Start Guide advises checking audio meters and testing settings.
Add a silent audio stream to the file with FFmpeg
FFmpeg’s anullsrc filter provides a null audio source. This command maps the input video and generated stereo silence into a new MP4, copies the video without re-encoding it, encodes audio as AAC, and ends when the shortest input ends:
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ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -f lavfi -i anullsrc=r=48000:cl=stereo -map 0:v:0 -map 1:a:0 -c:v copy -c:a aac -shortest output.mp4Replace input.mp4 and output.mp4 with your actual filenames. The input must be a video FFmpeg can read, and the output extension/container should suit the codecs and target workflow.
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- [Natural Audio Clarity] Operated with frequency response of 50Hz-16KHz, the podcasting XLR mic delivers balanced audio range, likely to resonate with your audience. Directional cardioid dynamic microphone corded will not exaggerate your voice, while rejects unwanted off-axis noise for vocal originality and intelligibility during your PS5 gaming streaming video recording. (Tips: Keep the top of end-addressing XLR dynamic microphone AM8 facing audio source, and suggested recording range is 2 to 6 in.)
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What the options do
-f lavfi -i anullsrc=r=48000:cl=stereocreates an indefinitely generated silent audio input at a 48 kHz sample rate with a stereo channel layout. FFmpeg documents configurable channel layout, sample rate, and duration foranullsrc; see the FFmpeg documentation.-map 0:v:0selects the first video stream from the original input.-map 1:a:0selects the generated audio stream, rather than any audio that may already be in the original file.-c:v copycopies video without re-encoding.-c:a aacencodes the new audio as AAC.-shorteststops the output when the shortest mapped stream ends. Because the generated silence has no set duration here, the video normally determines the end.
The command combines documented FFmpeg options; it is not a verbatim command from the manual. FFmpeg’s stream selection and muxing documentation explains mapping and stream-copy behavior.
Check the result before using it
- Open the output in a media player and confirm that video plays and the audio is silent.
- Inspect the file with a media information tool and confirm that it contains the expected video and audio streams and that their durations are suitable.
- Test the finished file in the exact OBS scene or streaming path you intend to use. Container and codec compatibility can cause muxing or playback failures.
Use YouTube-compatible audio settings as a guide, not a blanket requirement
YouTube’s live encoder settings page lists AAC and MP3 as audio codecs for RTMP/RTMPS. Its advanced settings recommend 44.1 kHz for stereo and 48 kHz for 5.1 audio, with listed audio bitrates of 128 Kbps for stereo and 384 Kbps for 5.1. Those are platform recommendations, not a guarantee that every encoder configuration or ingest path will work identically.
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- [Durable Metal Design] Solid sturdy metal construction design, the computer microphone for Zoom meetings with stable tripod stand is convenient when you are doing voice overs or livestreams on YouTube. Durable material extends the service life of the voice-over microphone.
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- [Widely Use] USB-powered design, the condenser microphone for recording no need the 48v Phantom power supply, works well with Cortana, Discord, voice chat and voice recognition. The podcast microphone for Mac, with USB-B to USB-A/C cable, is compatible with desktop, laptop or PS4/PS5, which meets most of your daily recording needs.
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The example command uses 48 kHz stereo silence. If you choose to follow YouTube’s stated stereo sample-rate recommendation, change the filter to anullsrc=r=44100:cl=stereo. YouTube’s codec guidance does not establish that a silent track is mandatory for every stream. Its live streaming tips encourage testing and monitoring stream health; test with audio and video activity representative of your planned stream.
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Common problems and fixes
- The output still has sound. Ensure the command maps
0:v:0and1:a:0, not an original audio stream. In OBS, inspect the Media Source and its Audio Mixer channel; an existing clip audio track may be audible. - FFmpeg reports a mapping or stream error. Confirm the input contains a video stream and that FFmpeg can read it. Use explicit stream maps as shown, and check the full error message for unsupported codecs or container limitations.
- The output is cut short.
-shortestends output at the shortest mapped stream. If you add an explicit duration to the silence source, ensure it is at least as long as the video. - The video will not play in the target application. The container and codecs must be compatible with that application. OBS’s Audio/Video Formats Guide identifies AAC as compatible with MP4 and describes MKV as a flexible recording container that can be remuxed to a more compatible format. Test your actual output rather than assuming the filename extension guarantees compatibility.
- YouTube reports stream-health issues. Verify OBS audio meters, encoder settings, and the actual ingest path; then run a representative test and follow the messages in YouTube Studio. A silent track by itself does not resolve unrelated video, network, or encoder problems.
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Quick Recap
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CMTECK USB Computer Microphone G009, Noise-Cancelling Recording Desktop Mic for PC/Laptop for Online Chatting, Home Studio, Podcasting, Gaming, Skype, YouTube with Mute Function(Windows/Mac)
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Logitech Creators Blue Yeti USB Microphone for PC, Mac, Gaming, Recording, Streaming, Podcasting, Studio and Computer Condenser Mic with Blue VO!CE effects, 4 Pickup Patterns, Plug and Play - Blackout
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