Use FFmpeg’s -stream_loop -1 input option to repeat an ocean video indefinitely while sending it to YouTube Live. Put it before the video’s -i option, read the file at its normal speed with -re, and encode the output to match YouTube’s current guidance for your chosen ingestion protocol. The command below is a starting point, not a tested, universal configuration.
Build the looping RTMPS command
For a standard YouTube Live stream, RTMPS is the straightforward option in YouTube’s encoder guidance. Replace the destination URL and key with the values for your stream in YouTube Live Control Room. Keep the key private.
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ffmpeg -re -stream_loop -1 -i ocean.mp4
-c:v libx264 -preset veryfast -b:v 4500k -maxrate 4500k -bufsize 9000k
-g 60 -c:a aac -b:a 128k -ar 44100
-f flv 'rtmps://YOUR_INGESTION_URL/YOUR_STREAM_KEY'The example uses H.264 video and AAC audio in an FLV container. The bitrate, buffer size, and GOP value are illustrative; choose values suited to your source, YouTube’s current recommendations, and your stable upload capacity. YouTube recommends RTMPS for RTMP-family ingestion and documents the supported encoder settings in its live encoder settings.
What the loop options do
-retells FFmpeg to read the input at its native rate, which is appropriate for a live-style output.-stream_loop -1repeats the input indefinitely. It is an input option, so it must appear before the-iit applies to.-i ocean.mp4selects the video file. If you have more than one input, place each input option before the corresponding-i.
FFmpeg also has a video-loop filter for looping frames inside a filter graph. That is different from -stream_loop, which repeats the input stream. See the FFmpeg command-line documentation.
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Check the source and choose output settings
Confirm the media has the sound you want
Play the file first and check both its picture and audio. If it has no audio track, looping it will not create sound; decide whether to add an appropriate audio source before streaming.
Match the keyframe interval to the frame rate
YouTube recommends a two-second keyframe interval for RTMP/RTMPS and says it should not exceed four seconds. FFmpeg’s -g value is a number of frames, not seconds: -g 60 gives a two-second interval at 30 fps, but a different interval at another frame rate. Set the GOP value to match your output frame rate and YouTube’s current guidance.
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Set bitrate and audio for your stream
YouTube’s RTMP/RTMPS guidance lists H.264, H.265/HEVC, and AV1 video; frame rates up to 60 fps; constant bitrate (CBR); and AAC or MP3 audio. Its recommended bitrate ranges depend on resolution and frame rate, so consult its current table instead of treating the sample’s 4500 kbps as right for every video. Select an output your upload connection can sustain reliably. For stereo, YouTube’s advanced guidance recommends a 44.1 kHz audio sample rate and 128 kbps audio bitrate.
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Configure YouTube and test before going public
- Open YouTube Live Control Room and create or select the stream.
- Copy the ingestion URL and stream key provided for that stream, then use them as the RTMPS destination. Do not post the key in a tutorial, screenshot, or public message. YouTube’s Live API documentation describes the ingestion URL as the primary destination URL for supported protocols.
- Run a private or unlisted test before a public event. Include audio and movement similar to what you intend to stream, check upload capacity, and monitor YouTube’s stream-health indicators and messages.
- Once the test is healthy, set the stream’s intended visibility and start the public broadcast when ready.
RTMPS or HLS?
| Consideration | RTMPS | HLS |
|---|---|---|
| Best fit | Straightforward choice for a standard looped video using RTMP-family ingestion. | Use when its protocol or codec requirements suit your setup. |
| Destination setup | Use the RTMPS ingestion URL and stream key provided for the selected YouTube stream. | Requires an HLS stream key/protocol and HTTPS URL; do not reuse an RTMP destination. |
| Latency | Not characterized here as a numeric figure. | YouTube says HLS has higher latency because video is sent in segments. |
Follow YouTube’s separate HLS ingestion setup if you choose HLS. The HLS procedure and destination are not interchangeable with the RTMPS command above.
Troubleshoot common problems
- The input ends instead of looping: make sure
-stream_loop -1is before the relevant-iand applies to the correct input. - YouTube reports an encoder or stream configuration problem: check the selected ingestion protocol, video codec, frame rate, bitrate mode, keyframe interval, and audio codec against YouTube’s current settings.
- The stream stutters or drops: check actual upload capacity and YouTube’s stream-health messages. If the connection cannot sustain the chosen output, reduce bitrate or resolution and test again. Neither the command nor the cited documentation guarantees uninterrupted operation on a particular network.
- The picture or sound jumps at the loop point: repeating a file does not make its beginning and end match. Edit the source or create a suitable transition if you need a seamless loop.
- FFmpeg exits or the broadcast stops during a long run:
-stream_loop -1only makes the input repeat; it does not supervise the process, restore power, reconnect after every failure, or guarantee uptime. Those parts need separate engineering and testing.
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