First identify what dropped. For a local relaxation file going to a network destination, -stream_loop -1 repeats the file, while FFmpeg’s FIFO pseudo-muxer can attempt to recover a failed output connection. For an HTTP source, use HTTP reconnect options before that source’s -i. Neither mechanism restarts FFmpeg after the process exits; that requires an external process supervisor.
Choose the recovery setting for the failure
“Restart” can mean several things. Pick the case that matches the break:
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| What failed | Relevant mechanism | What it does not do |
|---|---|---|
| A local file reaches its end | -stream_loop -1, placed before the input’s -i |
It does not reconnect a publishing destination. |
| An HTTP input disconnects | HTTP protocol reconnect options, placed before that input’s -i |
These are not general network-output recovery switches. |
| A network output disconnects while FFmpeg is running | The FIFO pseudo-muxer’s output recovery options | It cannot relaunch FFmpeg if the process has exited. |
| The FFmpeg process exits | An external service manager or restart loop | In-process FIFO recovery cannot start a new process. |
FFmpeg options are position-sensitive: input options must precede the relevant -i. Check the installed build’s help and the official FFmpeg documentation index; the online documentation is regenerated nightly for the newest revision, which may differ from an installed version.
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For a local file intended to play continuously, combine input looping with output-side recovery. This is a template, not a verified drop-in command: replace the destination URL and format with values supported by your service, and confirm the selected options exist in your FFmpeg build.
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ffmpeg -stream_loop -1 -re -i relaxation.mp4
-c:v copy -c:a copy
-f fifo
-attempt_recovery 1
-recovery_wait_time 5
-max_recovery_attempts 0
-fifo_format flv
'rtmp://DESTINATION/APP/STREAM_KEY'-stream_loop -1is an input option and goes before-i; it loops the file indefinitely. It does not loop or reconnect the network publishing connection.-rereads the file at its native rate, commonly appropriate for live-paced file output. Confirm that behavior fits the source and destination.-f fifoselects the FIFO pseudo-muxer.-fifo_format flvspecifies the underlying output muxer in this example.-attempt_recovery 1enables attempts to recover output.-recovery_wait_time 5sets the wait between attempts here;-max_recovery_attempts 0requests unlimited attempts in builds that support this option.-c:v copy -c:a copyassumes the file’s codecs are compatible with the destination and the chosen muxer. If not, use codecs and encoding settings accepted by the destination instead of stream copy.
FFmpeg describes FIFO recovery as useful with network output because it can restart streaming transparently. That describes the feature’s aim, not a guarantee: a persistent outage, rejected credentials, incompatible output, or other error may prevent recovery. See the FIFO pseudo-muxer documentation.
Reconnect an HTTP input
When the relaxation stream itself is being read from an HTTP URL, place supported HTTP reconnect options before that source’s -i. For example:
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ffmpeg -reconnect 1 -reconnect_at_eof 1
-reconnect_streamed 1 -reconnect_delay_max 30
-i 'https://SOURCE/relaxation-stream' ...Replace the example URL and trailing arguments with the real source and output settings. The HTTP protocol documentation describes these options:
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-reconnect: reconnect after a disconnect before EOF.-reconnect_at_eof: treat EOF as an error and reconnect; useful for live or endless streams.-reconnect_on_network_error: reconnect for TCP/TLS errors during connection.-reconnect_on_http_error: reconnect for specified HTTP status codes or classes such as4xxand5xx.-reconnect_streamed: allow reconnect attempts for streamed, non-seekable inputs.-reconnect_delay_max,-reconnect_max_retries, and-reconnect_delay_total_max: limit retry delay, retry count, or total retry delay.-respect_retry_after: when enabled, honor the server’sRetry-Afterheader.
Choose bounds deliberately for the source and failure mode. These options cannot guarantee uninterrupted playback: recovery depends on the protocol, server, network, source availability, and installed FFmpeg build. Consult FFmpeg’s protocol documentation.
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If FFmpeg itself exits
FIFO recovery operates while FFmpeg is running. If the process terminates, configure a separate supervisor—such as a service manager or a restart loop—to launch it again. A fresh invocation may start a local file from the beginning unless the command and source explicitly preserve position. The right supervisor configuration depends on your operating system and how you run FFmpeg; it is separate from FFmpeg’s input and output flags.
Check the destination and test the failure mode
- Confirm whether the source is a local file or HTTP input, and whether the failure is at input, output, or process level.
- Check your installed FFmpeg build’s supported options and the destination’s accepted protocol, container, codecs, and stream-key format. The official command-line reference explains option placement: FFmpeg command-line documentation.
- For a local file, verify that it plays correctly and that looping occurs before the publishing output. For HTTP, test the input reconnect options against the actual source.
- Test output recovery with the real destination and observe FFmpeg’s logs. A configuration can attempt retries without succeeding if the cause is persistent or unsupported.
- If the requirement includes recovery after an FFmpeg crash or exit, test the external supervisor separately from in-process output recovery.
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If your relaxation recording is for a YouTube channel, StreamNeo is a cloud alternative: upload the video, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. It loops uploaded videos, so your computer and home connection do not have to stay on. Each slot streams the upload as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot; it also attempts automatic recovery if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly pricing is $9.99 per month.
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