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To relay an existing HLS live stream to YouTube, configure MediaMTX to pull the HLS playlist, then use FFmpeg or another compatible encoder to read that MediaMTX path and publish it to YouTube using the server URL and stream key from YouTube Live Control Room. MediaMTX handles the incoming source and path; the separate encoder makes the outgoing YouTube connection.
The flow is: HLS source → MediaMTX path → local MediaMTX read URL → FFmpeg/encoder → YouTube RTMPS URL + stream key. The exact encoder command depends on the source codecs, timestamps, target settings, and whether the tracks can be copied or need transcoding. No end-to-end command is established here as tested.
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What MediaMTX does in this relay
MediaMTX is a live media server and proxy that can publish, read, proxy, record, and play back real-time audio and video streams, according to its official project overview. For this setup, it fetches an HTTP(S) HLS playlist as a configured source and makes the resulting path available to a compatible reader. A separate client such as FFmpeg then publishes that read to YouTube.
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Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Enabling MediaMTX’s HLS support alone does not configure YouTube as an output destination. YouTube ingest is a distinct connection made by the publishing encoder.
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Configure MediaMTX to pull the HLS playlist
Use the source format documented in MediaMTX’s HLS source documentation. Add a named path to the configuration file used by the running MediaMTX instance:
paths:
youtube_relay:
source: https://example.com/live/index.m3u8Replace the example with the actual playlist URL. If the source requires credentials, follow the source’s URL format and encode URL-sensitive characters as MediaMTX advises; do not paste credentials into public configuration examples or logs.
Check the configuration file and process you actually run. The MediaMTX rolling main-branch defaults accessed on October 3, 2026, show HLS on port 8888 and RTMP on port 1935, but a deployed version, configuration override, container port mapping, firewall, or hosting provider can change availability. The path’s read URL and protocol must match the enabled listener and your deployment. See the project’s configuration documentation, HLS reader documentation, and RTMP documentation for the applicable path and reader formats.
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Get the YouTube ingest URL and stream key
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Open YouTube Studio and enter Live Control Room; create or select the live stream you intend to use.
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Copy the server URL and stream key shown for that stream. YouTube’s encoder setup guidance says to enter these values into the encoder.
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Keep the stream key private. YouTube treats it like a password; avoid exposing it in shell history, logs, screenshots, or public examples. If it is exposed, use YouTube’s stream-key reset workflow.
Prefer RTMPS when supported by the encoder and the server URL YouTube provides. RTMPS encrypts the RTMP connection; use the exact ingest URL supplied by YouTube rather than assuming a fixed hostname or path.
Read the MediaMTX path and publish it to YouTube
Once MediaMTX has fetched the source, configure FFmpeg or another encoder to read the MediaMTX path and connect to YouTube with its ingest URL and stream key. For example, the FFmpeg command structure is:
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ffmpeg -i "<MediaMTX read URL for youtube_relay>"
-c:v copy -c:a copy
-f flv "<YouTube RTMPS ingest URL>/<STREAM_KEY>"This is a command template, not a verified end-to-end command. Replace both placeholders with the correct values and confirm the exact URL form expected by your encoder and YouTube. The -c:v copy -c:a copy option is appropriate only when the incoming video and audio codecs, timestamps, and stream structure are compatible with YouTube’s ingest requirements. If not, remove stream-copy settings and transcode to an accepted format with suitable rate control, keyframes, resolution, frame rate, and audio settings.
MediaMTX’s ability to route a stream does not guarantee that every HLS source can be copied directly into every RTMP(S) destination. Check the HLS tracks and timestamps and the encoder’s output before relying on the relay.
Set encoder output for YouTube Live
YouTube’s current encoder settings and bitrate guidance for RTMP/RTMPS lists H.264, H.265 (HEVC), and AV1 video, AAC or MP3 audio, constant bitrate (CBR), and up to 60 fps. It recommends a 2-second keyframe interval and says not to exceed 4 seconds. YouTube recommends RTMPS where supported.
Choose a bitrate for the intended codec, resolution, and frame rate rather than applying a single preset to every source. Selected H.264 recommended bitrate rows in YouTube’s current table, accessed in 2026 (the access year, not a claimed publication year), are:
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| Output | YouTube H.264 recommended bitrate |
|---|---|
| 720p at 30 fps | 8 Mbps |
| 1080p at 30 fps | 14 Mbps |
| 1080p at 60 fps | 17 Mbps |
These are recommendations for those specific YouTube H.264 rows, not universal minimums or a claim that every HLS source can sustain those settings. For other resolutions or codecs, consult the relevant row in YouTube’s table. If you transcode, ensure the encoder actually emits the selected CBR, keyframe interval, and audio settings; stream-copy mode preserves the source rather than applying new encoding settings.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Test the relay before depending on it
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Confirm the origin. Check that the HLS playlist is reachable and continues to update, and that its media segments are accessible from the machine running MediaMTX.
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Confirm the MediaMTX path. Inspect MediaMTX logs and path status for source-fetch errors, then try reading the configured path locally with a compatible client.
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Confirm tracks and timestamps. Verify that the encoder can decode the incoming audio and video and that timestamps progress cleanly. Decide whether stream copy is compatible or transcoding is needed.
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Confirm the outbound connection. Check the exact YouTube URL, stream key, outbound network access, and RTMPS support. Treat authentication and connection errors separately from source-fetch errors.
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Check YouTube’s preview and stream health. Verify that the feed appears in Live Control Room, inspect its preview and health indicators, and check audio, motion, resolution, and frame rate before making the broadcast public or relying on it.
Troubleshoot by stage
| Symptom | Likely area to check | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| MediaMTX never shows the path as ready | HLS URL, credentials, playlist or segment reachability, network rules | Open the playlist from the MediaMTX host, verify any authentication and URL encoding, and inspect MediaMTX logs for fetch failures. |
| The path is ready but the reader cannot open it | Read URL, listener, port mapping, firewall, path name | Use the protocol and path format supported by the running configuration; verify the listener is enabled and reachable from the encoder host. |
| FFmpeg opens the path but reports decode or timestamp errors | Source tracks, codec support, discontinuities, timestamps | Inspect the incoming tracks and timestamps. Try a compatible transcode rather than stream-copying if the input format or timing is unsuitable. |
| YouTube does not receive the feed | Destination URL, key, transport, outbound connectivity | Copy the current server URL and key from Live Control Room, confirm RTMPS is supported by the encoder, and check firewall or provider egress rules. |
| YouTube receives video but flags poor or incompatible output | Codec, CBR, bitrate, keyframe interval, audio, resolution or frame rate | Compare the encoder output—not only the source—to YouTube’s current settings and bitrate table; adjust or transcode as needed. |
Do not confuse HLS input with YouTube HLS ingest
In this workflow, HLS is the incoming source format and RTMP(S) is the YouTube destination. YouTube also supports HLS ingest as a separate destination mode with its own segment and upload constraints. YouTube says that segmented HLS delivery has higher latency than RTMP; see its HLS ingest instructions if you specifically want to send HLS to YouTube rather than RTMP(S).
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesKeep a YouTube stream running without maintaining this relay at home
A MediaMTX-plus-encoder relay needs an always-on host with the required network access. That can be a suitably configured server; availability and cost depend on the hosting arrangement, and this setup has no established benchmark or guaranteed uptime.
Or let it run in the cloud
For a pre-recorded video or playlist that should loop as a YouTube live stream, StreamNeo is a cloud alternative: upload the video, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. Nothing has to stay on at home. It streams the uploaded file as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one price per slot regardless of quality; it can automatically recover if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly pricing is $9.99 per month. StreamNeo streams to YouTube and plays uploaded videos; it is not a live camera relay. See StreamNeo or its plans. Start the free first day.
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