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You can loop a prerecorded video on YouTube Live by running an encoder on a Google Cloud Compute Engine Linux VM and sending its feed to YouTube’s Live Control Room. You need a channel eligible for live streaming, a billing-enabled Google Cloud project, an authorized video file accessible to the VM, and an encoder configured with YouTube’s stream URL and key. The VM and encoder must keep running for the loop to stay live.
Before you start
- YouTube eligibility: Your channel must be verified and must not have had live-streaming restrictions in the previous 90 days. See YouTube’s live-streaming requirements.
- Google Cloud billing: The Google Cloud project needs billing enabled before you create a Compute Engine VM. VM runtime and network use can incur charges; current prices depend on your configuration and are not listed here.
- Video rights: Use a video and audio track you have permission to stream. A live encoder does not grant rights to copyrighted material, and a technically healthy stream can still be restricted or removed.
- Media access: The VM must be able to read the source file. The cited Google and YouTube guides do not prescribe a particular storage or upload method.
Create a Linux VM in Compute Engine
- In the Google Cloud console, select or create a project and enable billing for it.
- Open Compute Engine’s Linux VM creation guide and follow its instance-creation flow. Ubuntu 24.04 LTS is an example image in Google’s guide, not a requirement for this workflow.
- Choose a VM configuration that can read the video and run your chosen encoder. No particular machine size has been established here; capacity depends on the source resolution, frame rate, encoder settings, and whether encoding is performed in software.
- Connect to the VM using the console’s SSH option, then make the authorized video file accessible to the machine.
A VM that initiates an outbound connection to YouTube generally does not need an incoming firewall opening for the stream. Google says default VPC rules allow outgoing traffic and block incoming traffic by default; actual egress depends on the machine type and network route. See Google Cloud’s networking overview.
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Create the YouTube Live stream and protect its key
- In YouTube Studio, open Live Control Room and create or schedule a stream. Choose the appropriate privacy setting for the test and intended audience.
- Copy the server URL and stream key shown for the stream. YouTube describes stream keys as “like your YouTube stream’s password and address.” Treat the key as a secret: do not put it in a public repository, public log, or screenshot. You can reset it in Live Control Room if it is exposed. See Manage live stream settings.
- Prefer the RTMPS server URL. YouTube may show an ordinary RTMP URL by default; reveal and select the RTMPS URL for an encrypted connection. See YouTube’s RTMPS guidance.
Configure the encoder for YouTube
Run an encoder on the VM and provide it with the source file, the selected YouTube server URL, and the stream key. Choose settings from YouTube’s current encoder guidance rather than relying on an old preset: the page lists RTMP/RTMPS ingest, H.264, H.265, or AV1 video, AAC or MP3 audio, constant bitrate (CBR), and frame rates up to 60 fps. YouTube recommends a two-second keyframe interval and says it should not exceed four seconds. Bitrate depends on resolution and frame rate, so consult the live settings page for the profile you intend to use: Choose live encoder settings, bitrates, and resolutions.
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The exact FFmpeg loop command, flags supported by a particular FFmpeg build, and reliable reconnect behavior have not been verified here. Do not assume a command copied from another setup will work unchanged. Check the documentation for the FFmpeg build you install, confirm the loop behavior with a test, and verify that reconnects work before relying on it for a continuous broadcast. The encoder must keep sending the file repeatedly; creating a YouTube stream alone does not loop the video.
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UNISHEEN 1080P60 HDMI Video Encoder, H.265/H.264 Live Streaming Encoder, HDMI to RTSP/RTMP/SRT/HLS/WebRTC IPTV Encoder for YouTube Facebook Live, Browser Setup, No PC Software Needed
- 【Hardware H.265/H.264 Encoding at 1080P60】Dedicated hardware encoder delivers broadcast-quality 1080P60 streams with H.265/H.264 compression. Reduces bandwidth usage by up to 50% compared to legacy H.264-only solutions, while maintaining crisp, crystal-clear video output.
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Test the stream before making it public
- Start the encoder while the stream is private or unlisted.
- Open the stream in Live Control Room and wait for the preview. Confirm that video appears and that audio is present, correctly timed, and at a suitable level.
- Check stream health and resolve warnings before changing the stream’s privacy setting or sharing it.
- Keep the VM and encoder running for the duration of the broadcast. If either stops, the feed stops until the encoder resumes and YouTube accepts it again.
YouTube’s encoder setup help says streams under 12 hours are automatically archived. For longer broadcasts, do not assume the full stream will be saved as an archive. See Create a YouTube live stream with an encoder and YouTube streaming tips.
Troubleshoot common setup failures
- You cannot start a live stream: Confirm that the channel is verified and has had no live-streaming restriction in the previous 90 days.
- YouTube does not receive the encoder feed: Check that the encoder is using the server URL and stream key for the same Live Control Room stream. Re-copy the values if needed, and confirm you selected the RTMPS URL and an RTMPS-compatible encoder configuration.
- The preview is blank or delayed: Verify that the VM can read the source file, the encoder is running, and the file is being sent rather than merely selected. Allow for the preview to appear, then check stream health.
- There is no sound or the picture is unstable: Review the encoder’s audio/video codec, CBR, frame rate, bitrate, and keyframe settings against YouTube’s current guidance. Check the actual source file and monitor the Live Control Room preview.
- The broadcast stops when you disconnect: Confirm that the encoder is running on the VM rather than on your local computer, and that the VM itself remains running.
- The key may have leaked: Reset the stream key in Live Control Room and update the encoder with the replacement.
- The loop does not repeat or recover after a disconnect: Verify the loop and reconnect behavior for the exact encoder version and test it with a private or unlisted stream. Those behaviors depend on the encoder configuration; they are not guaranteed by creating the VM.
Cost and maintenance considerations
A self-hosted loop uses a VM that must remain running, so account for Compute Engine runtime and network usage. The actual cost depends on the selected machine, region, duration, and network path; check Google Cloud pricing for your configuration before leaving a VM on continuously. Google’s Linux VM guide explains how to delete an instance when it is no longer needed to avoid further VM charges, but deleting it also ends the stream.
Rank #2
H.265 H.264 4K HDMI to IP Network Video Encoder, 1080P HD Video Audio Encoder Supports RTSP RTMPS UDP HLS SRT HTTP WebRTC ICECAST, for IPTV, Live Streaming, YouTube, Facebook, OBS, ONVIF NVR, etc.
- ⭐【Innovative Product with Leading Technology】- Equipped with an advanced H.265 /H.264 dual encoding chip, supports 4K UHD (3840x2160) video input and output, with a maximum frame rate of 30fps at 4K resolution and up to 120fps at 2K and lower resolutions, delivering a smooth and detailed visual experience. It also supports HDCP 1.4 decryption, easily decoding various HDMI ultra HD video sources, delivering a cinematic visual experience for both professional live streaming and 4K ultra HD content transmission.
- ⭐【Multi-protocol and Multi-platform Compatibility】- Fully compatible with streaming protocols such as HTTP, RTSP, RTMP(S), SRT, HLS(M3U8), MP4, Multicast(UDP, RTP, PTL), ONVIF, FLV, WebRTC, TRTC, ICECAST, it can simultaneously output 4 video streams with different protocols and push them to live streaming platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, Twitch, and Vimeo with one click. Simultaneous live streaming across multiple platforms can be achieved without additional equipment.
- ⭐【Highly Customizable Settings to Meet Individual Needs】- It supports adding static text, scrolling captions, brand logos, and timestamps. Users can freely adjust core parameters such as video resolution, frame rate, and bitrate, and also perform personalized editing functions such as video cropping, rotation, flipping, and mirroring. It supports dual input of HDMI embedded audio and line-in audio, with adjustable sound quality, making your live stream content more distinctive and allowing you to create a unique brand live stream style.
- ⭐【Stable and Efficient Transmission, Easy Operation】- Employing HDMI to Ethernet core connection technology, it ensures stable and reliable network transmission with low latency and no lag, adapting to various network environments. Equipped with an intuitive user interface and detailed instruction manual, no professional technical background is required; setup can be completed quickly after connecting the device. It is also compatible with multiple terminals such as computers and mobile phones for management, and the video stream status can be viewed in real time via a URL.
- ⭐【Lifetime Free Warranty and Technical Supports】- All URayCoder video codecs come with a lifetime free warranty and technical supports, supporting secondary development and feature customization to meet enterprise-level personalized needs. Meanwhile, we providing many kinds of customization services such as shell pattern printing, logo addition, hardware and function development, ensuring reliable quality and worry-free after-sales service.
This route gives you control over the VM and encoder configuration, but you are responsible for keeping the VM, media access, encoder process, and recovery behavior working. YouTube’s encoder guide also describes AJA PlayToStream as a way to schedule prerecorded media directly to YouTube Live without a computer; that is a separate workflow, not the Compute Engine setup described above. See YouTube’s encoder setup help.
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Quick Recap
Bestseller No. 4
Best Value
HEVC MPEG4 H.265 H.264 HDMI to IP Network Video Encoder, 1080P HD Digital Video Audio Encoder Hardware Supports RTSP RTMPS UDP HLS SRT, for IPTV, Live Streaming, YouTube, Facebook, OBS, NVR, etc.
- ⭐【Innovative Product with Leading Technology】- Equipped with an advanced H.265/H.264 dual encoding chip, supports 1920x1080 resolution input and output, achieving 60fps high-definition presentation with realistic and delicate color reproduction and lossless detail. It also supports HDCP 1.4 decryption, easily decoding various HDMI high-definition video sources, delivering a cinematic visual experience for both professional live streaming and high-definition content transmission.
- ⭐【Multi-protocol and Multi-platform Compatibility】- Fully compatible with streaming protocols such as HTTP, RTSP, RTMP(S), SRT, HLS(M3U8), MP4, Multicast(UDP, RTP, PTL), ONVIF, FLV, it can simultaneously output 4 video streams with different protocols and push them to live streaming platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, Twitch, and Vimeo with one click. Simultaneous live streaming across multiple platforms can be achieved without additional equipment.
- ⭐【Highly Customizable Settings to Meet Individual Needs】- It supports adding static text, scrolling captions, brand logos, and timestamps. Users can freely adjust core parameters such as video resolution, frame rate, and bitrate, and also perform personalized editing functions such as video cropping, rotation, flipping, and mirroring. It supports dual input of HDMI embedded audio and line-in audio, with adjustable sound quality, making your live stream content more distinctive and allowing you to create a unique brand live stream style.
- ⭐【Stable and Efficient Transmission, Easy Operation】- Employing HDMI to Ethernet core connection technology, it ensures stable and reliable network transmission with low latency and no lag, adapting to various network environments. Equipped with an intuitive user interface and detailed instruction manual, no professional technical background is required; setup can be completed quickly after connecting the device. It is also compatible with multiple terminals such as computers and mobile phones for management, and the video stream status can be viewed in real time via a URL.
- ⭐【Lifetime Free Warranty and Technical Supports】- All URayCoder video codecs come with a lifetime free warranty and technical supports, supporting secondary development and feature customization to meet enterprise-level personalized needs. Meanwhile, we providing many kinds of customization services such as shell pattern printing, logo addition, hardware and function development, ensuring reliable quality and worry-free after-sales service.
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- 【Innovative Product with Leading Technology】- Equipped with an advanced H.265 /H.264 dual encoding chip, supports 4K UHD (3840x2160) video input and output, with a maximum frame rate of 30fps at 4K resolution and up to 120fps at 2K and lower resolutions, delivering a smooth and detailed visual experience. It also supports HDCP 1.4 decryption, easily decoding various HDMI ultra HD video sources, delivering a cinematic visual experience for both professional live streaming and 4K ultra HD content transmission.
- 【Multi-protocol and Multi-platform Compatibility】- Fully compatible with streaming protocols such as HTTP, RTSP, RTMP(S), SRT, HLS(M3U8), MP4, Multicast(UDP, RTP, PTL), FLV, WebRTC, TRTC, ICECAST, it can simultaneously output 4 video streams with different protocols and push them to live streaming platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, Twitch, and Vimeo with one click. Simultaneous live streaming across multiple platforms can be achieved without additional equipment.
- 【Highly Customizable Settings to Meet Individual Needs】- It supports adding static text, scrolling captions, brand logos, and timestamps. Users can freely adjust core parameters such as video resolution, frame rate, and bitrate, and also perform personalized editing functions such as video cropping, rotation, flipping, and mirroring. It supports dual input of HDMI embedded audio and line-in audio, with adjustable sound quality, making your live stream content more distinctive and allowing you to create a unique brand live stream style.
- 【Stable and Efficient Transmission, Easy Operation】- Employing HDMI to Ethernet core connection technology, it ensures stable and reliable network transmission with low latency and no lag, adapting to various network environments. Equipped with an intuitive user interface and detailed instruction manual, no professional technical background is required; setup can be completed quickly after connecting the device. It is also compatible with multiple terminals such as computers and mobile phones for management, and the video stream status can be viewed in real time via a URL.
- 【Lifetime Free Warranty and Technical Supports】- All URayCoder video codecs come with a lifetime free warranty and technical supports, supporting secondary development and feature customization to meet enterprise-level personalized needs. Meanwhile, we providing many kinds of customization services such as shell pattern printing, logo addition, hardware and function development, ensuring reliable quality and worry-free after-sales service.
Rank #3
DDMALL H.265 HDMI Video Encoder, Mini 2K Hardware Live Encoder (AVC-2K)
- 【Ultra-Compact & Low-Power Design】 Experience maximum portability with this pocket-sized (2.95 x 1.26 x 0.87 in) HDMI video encoder, weighing only 1.13oz. Engineered for extreme efficiency, it consumes just 2.4W and can be powered directly via USB or the HDMI source. This eliminates the need for bulky external adapters—perfect for professional live broadcasting, mobile setups, and installations with limited space.
- 【Pro-Grade 1080P HD Encoding】 Deliver crystal-clear video transmission with support for up to 1080P60 HD input and stable 1080P30 encoding output. This versatile hardware encoder is fully compatible with a wide range of HDMI sources, including NVRs, PCs, drones, DSLR cameras, and professional camcorders. Whether for security monitoring or live broadcasting, it ensures a high-quality, low-latency video feed for a truly reliable user experience.
- 【2K SRT & Multi-Protocol Compatibility】 Experience broadcast-level stability with 2K SRT support, delivering secure, reliable, and ultra-low latency video over any network. This hardware encoder ensures peak efficiency with H.265/HEVC and H.264/AVC compression. Fully compatible with a wide range of protocols—including RTMP, RTMPS, HLS, RTSP, and UDP—it is tailor-made for social media live production, house of worship, secure IP surveillance, and corporate training.
- 【Centralized Cloud Management】 Beyond standard Web-UI, this encoder supports DDMALL LinkCloud for remote monitoring and control via the Internet. For large-scale deployments, we provide specialized support to assist you in building a self-hosted private cloud, ensuring absolute data security and efficient video distribution. This professional-grade centralized control simplifies complex workflows for multi-site corporate, educational, or broadcast environments.
- 【More Excellent Features & Reliable Support】This encoder elevates your broadcasting with dual-stream output, enabling simultaneous streaming to platforms like YouTube and Facebook. It also features real-time OSD overlays and direct Web-UI signal preview for precise control. Beyond the device, our professional technical team provides customized solutions, continuous firmware updates, and expert guidance to ensure your live production stays seamless.
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