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To loop a playlist from a Linux server, put the video paths in an FFmpeg concat-demuxer list, then run FFmpeg with -stream_loop -1 to repeat that list indefinitely and send the output to the stream URL and key shown in YouTube Live Control Room. Use YouTube’s current encoder settings, test the preview and stream health before relying on it, and keep the server and FFmpeg process running for the duration of the broadcast.
Before you start
- A Linux server with FFmpeg installed and enough CPU capacity if you need to transcode.
- Video files accessible to the account that runs FFmpeg. For the simplest concat workflow, the clips should have compatible streams, including codecs and time bases.
- A YouTube channel able to create or schedule a live stream, plus its current stream URL and stream key.
- Reliable outbound network capacity for your chosen resolution and bitrate.
FFmpeg and YouTube’s official documentation reviewed on October 3, 2026, inform the steps below. The command is a starting template, not a tested universal preset; check your installed FFmpeg build and the values displayed for your own stream.
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Prepare the playlist
Create a text file such as /srv/videos/playlist.txt with one entry per video, in playback order:
file '/srv/videos/intro.mp4'
file '/srv/videos/main-01.mp4'
file '/srv/videos/main-02.mp4'Use paths readable by the FFmpeg process. The concat demuxer expects compatible streams across the listed files. Inaccurate duration metadata can also create timestamp gaps or artifacts at clip boundaries. Inspect the media before scheduling; ffprobe is one way to check file properties.
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The command below uses -safe 0 so the list can contain absolute paths. Only use that setting with a playlist file you control. See the FFmpeg concat demuxer documentation for list syntax and compatibility details.
Get the YouTube stream URL and key
- Open YouTube Studio and create or schedule a live stream using the encoder workflow.
- In Live Control Room, copy the stream URL and stream key for that specific stream. Enter the current values exactly as shown; do not assume a generic ingestion address.
- Use RTMPS if YouTube offers it for the stream and your FFmpeg build supports it. YouTube explains its encoder setup and stream settings in encoder setup, stream settings and RTMPS guidance.
Treat the stream key like a password. Avoid putting it in public scripts, screenshots, logs or shell history; reset it in Studio if it is exposed. The exact way to pass the server URL and key to FFmpeg depends on the values and format YouTube displays for your stream.
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Run FFmpeg to loop and stream the playlist
Combine the correct YouTube ingestion URL and key in the output format appropriate to the stream. Then adapt this illustrative command:
ffmpeg -re -stream_loop -1 -f concat -safe 0 -i /srv/videos/playlist.txt
-c:v libx264 -preset veryfast -b:v 10M -maxrate 10M -bufsize 20M
-pix_fmt yuv420p -r 30 -g 60
-c:a aac -b:a 128k -ar 44100
-f flv 'YOUTUBE_INGEST_URL_WITH_STREAM_KEY'-rereads the input at real-time rate, appropriate for a live feed from files.-stream_loop -1applies to the following input and repeats it indefinitely. FFmpeg documents-1as infinite looping; place this input option before-i.-f concatselects the concat demuxer, which reads the files in the list in sequence.-c:v libx264and-c:a aacencode video and audio. Re-encoding uses CPU; make sure the server has headroom.-b:vand-maxrateset the example video bitrate, while-bufsizesets its rate-control buffer. These example values are not a guarantee of a suitable setting for your server or source files.-r 30requests 30 frames per second, and-g 60sets a 60-frame GOP, equivalent to a two-second keyframe interval at that frame rate.-pix_fmt yuv420p, AAC audio, and FLV output are commonly used in this RTMP-style workflow; confirm compatibility with YouTube’s current instructions and your FFmpeg build.
The sample does not scale or normalize source clips. If their dimensions, frame rates, audio layouts, codecs or bitrates vary, adapt the filters and encoding settings, then test transitions. Stream-copying with -c copy may reduce CPU use when all files already have compatible streams and meet the output requirements, but mismatches can make it fail or produce an unsuitable feed. Consult the FFmpeg command-line documentation and the concat demuxer documentation.
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Choose bitrate and keyframe settings
YouTube’s encoder guidance recommends H.264 with CBR for RTMP/RTMPS, AAC or MP3 audio, frame rates up to 60 fps, and a two-second keyframe frequency; do not exceed four seconds. Its published H.264 bitrate figures include:
| Output | YouTube-listed minimum | YouTube-listed recommended bitrate |
|---|---|---|
| 720p at 30 fps | 3 Mbps | 8 Mbps |
| 1080p at 30 fps | 5 Mbps | 14 Mbps |
These are YouTube’s recommendations, not a measurement of your server’s upload capacity. Leave headroom for network variation and choose settings the server can encode reliably. If the source frame rate, resolution or codec differs, set output parameters deliberately rather than assuming this example fits. Check YouTube’s current encoder settings for other combinations and updates.
Preview, start and stop the stream
- Start FFmpeg and confirm that it remains running without persistent errors.
- Wait for the feed preview in Live Control Room. Check video, audio and stream health before going live.
- For a scheduled broadcast, follow the Live Control Room prompt to start the event. YouTube advises preparing encoders at least two hours ahead and starting them at least 15 minutes before the scheduled event; see its streaming tips.
- When finished, use End Stream in YouTube and stop FFmpeg. YouTube says streams shorter than 12 hours are automatically archived; verify current account settings and Studio instructions for the event.
Test with representative motion and audio, not just a still frame or silent opening. No stream is being tested here, so confirm the actual playlist and server under conditions similar to the planned broadcast.
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| Approach | Fits best when | Trade-offs |
|---|---|---|
Concat list plus -stream_loop -1 |
You have a fixed ordered list of compatible files and want FFmpeg to play them sequentially and repeat them. | Requires careful list paths, compatible streams and credible duration metadata; it does not provide transitions or normalization by itself. |
| Pre-rendered combined video or another playlist/encoder workflow | Clips differ substantially, or the program needs transitions, overlays, filters or a more flexible way to change sources. | Adds a preparation or encoding workflow. The right choice depends on the media, CPU capacity and how often the playlist changes. |
Neither approach guarantees continuous availability. Consider source compatibility, whether you need filtering, available CPU, the ability to update the playlist, and how you will monitor and recover the process.
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Troubleshoot common problems
| Symptom | Likely checks and fixes |
|---|---|
| No preview in Live Control Room | Verify the stream URL and key against the current stream; check outbound network access, output format, and whether the FFmpeg build supports the selected protocol. For RTMPS or SSL errors, check protocol and server spelling, port, and RTMPS support as described in YouTube’s RTMPS guidance. |
| Playback breaks or artifacts at a clip boundary | Check concat list syntax, file paths and permissions, stream compatibility, and duration metadata. The concat demuxer uses file durations when adjusting timestamps, so inaccurate values can cause gaps or artifacts; see the FFmpeg demuxer notes. |
| Dropped frames or poor stream health | Check server CPU and upload capacity. Reduce resolution or bitrate if necessary, then monitor the preview and stream health. Use YouTube’s encoder settings as guidance for the selected output. |
| Stream ends unexpectedly | Check whether FFmpeg exited, inspect its logs, and review network stability, server uptime and the stream’s duration or Studio configuration. A restart supervisor can help recover a stopped process, but it must be configured and tested separately; the FFmpeg loop option alone does not restart a failed encoder or network connection. |
Check rights before broadcasting
Having a video file does not by itself establish the right to retransmit its picture or music in a live stream. Confirm that you have permission for every asset and review your channel’s current eligibility and settings. YouTube’s stream settings include a Rights Management area, but it does not determine whether a particular playlist is licensed or eligible for monetization.
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