Use FFmpeg’s concat demuxer to play local video files in order, -stream_loop -1 to repeat the playlist, and -re to read files at real-time speed. A typical RTMP output uses -f flv, but stream copying works only when the clips’ streams are compatible; otherwise, prepare uniform files or re-encode them.
Build the playlist file
Create a plain-text file named playlist.txt in the directory from which you will run FFmpeg. Add one file line for each clip, in the order you want them played:
file 'clip1.mp4'
file 'clip2.mp4'
file 'clip3.mp4'Paths are interpreted relative to the playlist file. For automatic format recognition, you can put ffconcat version 1.0 as the very first line, exactly as written, with no leading spaces or byte-order mark. If a path contains spaces or special characters, follow FFmpeg’s concat-script quoting and escaping rules in the concat demuxer documentation. Use paths you control.
Send the playlist to YouTube over RTMP
In YouTube Live Control Room, create or select the live stream and copy its stream key and ingest URL. Keep the key private: anyone who obtains it may be able to broadcast to your channel. Substitute the actual RTMP URL and key supplied by YouTube in this pattern:
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ffmpeg -re -stream_loop -1 -f concat -safe 0 -i playlist.txt -c copy -f flv 'rtmp://a.rtmp.youtube.com/live2/YOUR-STREAM-KEY'This is a general command pattern, not a guarantee that every playlist will work unchanged. The endpoint shown is an RTMP-style example; use the URL and stream key provided for your own YouTube Live setup.
What the options do
-rereads the file input at its native frame rate, equivalent to a read rate of 1, so prerecorded footage is paced like a live feed instead of being sent as quickly as possible. FFmpeg cautions against using low read rates on inputs that are already live capture or network streams because that can cause packet loss. See the FFmpeg command-line documentation.-stream_loop -1repeats the input indefinitely; FFmpeg defines-1as infinite looping.-f concatselects the concat demuxer for the playlist input.-safe 0allows paths outside the concat demuxer’s restricted safe default. The default issafe=1, which accepts only relative paths using a limited portable character set. Use zero only when the playlist and referenced paths are trusted.-i playlist.txtidentifies the concat script as the input.-c copycopies the media streams without re-encoding; it does not convert codecs, dimensions, or stream layouts to make clips match.-f flvselects FLV output for this RTMP-style example.
Check compatibility before using stream copy
The concat demuxer joins files by presenting their streams one after another and adjusting timestamps. FFmpeg requires the files to have the same streams, including the same codecs and time base. In practice, inspect that the clips have compatible stream layouts and encoding properties before relying on -c copy. Stream copy is efficient when those requirements are met, but it is not a conversion or repair step.
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Duration metadata matters because one file’s duration determines the timestamps of the next. Incorrect duration information can cause artifacts; the concat script’s duration directive can override a stored duration when you know the correct value. Timestamp adjustment is global, and FFmpeg notes that gaps can occur when streams do not have exactly the same length. Consult the concat demuxer documentation when diagnosing transitions.
When the files do not match
Make the clips compatible before concatenating them, or use the concat filter and re-encode to produce a uniform output. The FFmpeg Project distinguishes the two approaches in its FAQ: “FFmpeg has a concat demuxer which you can use when you want to avoid a re-encode and your format doesn’t support file level concatenation.” Its FAQ separately recommends the concat filter when re-encoding is needed. The filter route requires choosing consistent output properties appropriate to your files and destination; there is no universal setting that can be inferred without inspecting them.
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Keep RTMP and HLS requirements separate
The command above is an RTMP-style workflow. Do not add HLS-specific segment settings to it by default. YouTube’s HLS setup guidance applies when you choose HLS ingestion: it specifies 1–4 second segments, TS segments, a rolling playlist with no more than five outstanding segments, HTTPS POST/PUT, and no byte-range support. YouTube also notes that HLS has higher latency than RTMP because it sends segments rather than one continuous stream. Confirm the ingestion protocol selected in Live Control Room before applying protocol-specific requirements.
Troubleshoot common failures
- FFmpeg rejects a path as unsafe: The concat demuxer’s default safety check is rejecting the entry. Prefer safe relative paths; if you need broader paths, use
-safe 0only for playlist contents and paths you trust. - The first clip plays but a later clip fails or the transition is wrong: Compare the files’ streams, codecs, time bases, and duration metadata. The demuxer expects matching streams; correct inaccurate duration data where appropriate or prepare compatible files.
- The output is sent too quickly instead of behaving like a live stream: For prerecorded file input, include
-reso FFmpeg reads at real-time pacing. - YouTube does not receive the broadcast: Check that the selected YouTube stream is ready, the output URL and stream key match that stream, and the command uses the intended protocol. Treat the key as a credential and replace it in the shell command rather than publishing it in a script or log.
- You are applying segment settings to the wrong workflow: The listed segment, playlist, and HTTP requirements are for HLS ingestion, not the RTMP command shown here. Check the protocol in Live Control Room.
Plan for rights and YouTube’s live-stream rules
A technically valid loop is not automatically permitted content. Before broadcasting, confirm you have the necessary rights to every video and its audio, and review YouTube’s applicable copyright and live-stream policies. Repeating a recording does not grant permission to use it, and technical continuity does not establish that content meets YouTube’s rules. Check the current policies in YouTube Studio and Help for your channel and content.
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