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Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallFor a finite local video, add -stream_loop -1 before its input option, -i, so FFmpeg repeats the file indefinitely. For live output, also put -re before that input to read it at its native frame rate. This fixes a stream that ends because the file reached its end; it does not fix a dropped connection, a crashed encoder, or a source that stopped producing video.
Loop a local file indefinitely
In your existing command, place both input options before the relevant -i. Keep your current stream mapping, encoding options, and YouTube destination unless they have a separate problem.
ffmpeg -re -stream_loop -1 -i input.mp4 [your existing mapping/encoding options] -f flv "$YOUTUBE_RTMP_URL/$STREAM_KEY"This is a command template, not a verified command for every file, FFmpeg build, or YouTube channel. Replace the bracketed section and destination with the options and server URL used by your actual setup. Keep the stream key private: it is a credential that allows someone to send video to your channel’s stream.
What the two options do
-stream_loop -1tells FFmpeg to repeat the input indefinitely. FFmpeg documents-stream_loop 0as no loop and-stream_loop -1as an infinite loop (FFmpeg documentation).-rereads the file at its native frame rate (equivalent to-readrate 1), which is useful when sending file-based output in real time. Both options are input options, so put them before the-ithey apply to. With multiple inputs, place the options before each corresponding-ias appropriate. See the FFmpeg documentation.
Do not use a low read rate to throttle a real-time camera or incoming live feed. FFmpeg warns that doing so can cause packet loss; a live input needs source or transport troubleshooting, not file looping.
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Check that the source really reached its end
First distinguish ordinary end-of-file from a different failure. If FFmpeg exits at about the file’s duration, the input may simply have completed. If it exits earlier or reports a write, protocol, or encoder error, investigate that error rather than assuming a loop option is the answer.
- Confirm the input is a finite local file, and note whether FFmpeg exits near the end of its duration.
- Add
-stream_loop -1and, for a file-based live output,-rebefore that file’s-i. Preserve working mapping, codec, and destination options. - Test privately or with an unlisted stream. Check that both video and audio continue across the loop boundary; particular containers, timestamps, or commands can affect the transition.
- Open YouTube Live Control Room and confirm the preview receives valid media and the event is in the expected state. FFmpeg still running does not by itself prove YouTube is receiving a valid stream.
- If FFmpeg remains running but YouTube stops receiving media, inspect FFmpeg logs, the network and RTMP connection, media compatibility, and YouTube stream health. A loop flag does not provide transport reconnection.
When looping is not the right fix
- Finite file, repetition intended: loop that input with
-stream_loop -1and pace it with-refor live output. - Finite file, repetition not intended: use a planned playlist or sequence, provide another source, or end the event normally. A completed file cannot supply new content without being repeated or replaced.
- Camera or incoming network feed: diagnose whether the source, connection, or encoder stopped producing data. Repeating a finite file is unrelated, and throttling a live input with a low read rate can cause packet loss.
- Scheduled YouTube event: check the preview, Go live state, and auto-start or auto-stop settings independently of FFmpeg’s input loop.
Keep FFmpeg and YouTube settings separate
Looping controls whether FFmpeg has more file content to read. YouTube’s auto-stop setting is a separate stream control; it does not make an input file repeat. YouTube says ending a stream involves stopping content sent from the encoder. See its encoder workflow and stream settings.
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YouTube’s encoder setup uses a server URL and stream key. Its guidance recommends RTMPS and publishes encoder settings; match codecs, keyframe interval, bitrate, resolution, and frame rate to the current recommendations and your encoder’s actual output. Those compatibility and quality settings do not replace looping. Because bitrate recommendations depend on resolution, frame rate, and codec—and can change—check YouTube’s current encoder settings rather than applying an isolated number.
Before relying on a long-running setup, test it and watch the Live Control Room preview and stream health, including audio and video. YouTube Help says streams under 12 hours are automatically archived; that is an archive condition, not a promise of indefinite streaming or an exemption from platform limits. The cited guidance does not establish that streaming beyond published limits is supported.
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Common problems and fixes
| Symptom | Likely distinction | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| FFmpeg exits when the video duration is reached | The file ended without an infinite input loop. | Put -stream_loop -1 before the file’s -i; use -re there for file-based live output. |
| FFmpeg exits before the file ends | This is not explained by ordinary end-of-file. | Read the FFmpeg log for encoder, write, or protocol errors and troubleshoot that failure separately. |
| FFmpeg stays open, but YouTube loses the stream | The process is running, but valid media may not be reaching YouTube. | Check logs, network and RTMP connection, media compatibility, and stream health. The loop option is not a reconnect mechanism. |
| Video or audio stutters or changes at the repeat boundary | File timestamps, container behavior, or the specific command may affect continuity. | Inspect both tracks in a private or unlisted test before depending on the loop. |
| Stream key exposure | The key can authorize a stream connection. | Keep it out of public commands or logs; rotate it in Live Control Room if exposed. |
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Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Copyright and repeated content
An infinite loop can replay the same material indefinitely, so make sure repetition is intended and that you have the rights and permissions needed for every video and audio track. Review YouTube’s live-streaming tips and check the stream before leaving it unattended.
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