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YouTube Stream Key Works in OBS but Not FFmpeg: What to Check

When YouTube accepts OBS but not FFmpeg, compare the actual server URL, protocol, and key first. Then isolate FFmpeg support, encoding settings, and outbound network health.
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If YouTube accepts your stream from OBS but not FFmpeg, first compare the server URL and protocol as well as the stream key. A correct key alone is not enough: OBS may be using a different ingest address or RTMPS, while FFmpeg may be pointed at a mismatched URL or unable to connect. Check connection and authentication before changing codecs or bitrate.

1. Compare the current YouTube URL and stream key

YouTube configures an encoder with two separate values: the server URL and the stream key. The key functions like the stream’s password, but it does not replace the server address. Recopy both from YouTube’s encoder setup instructions or Live Control Room and compare them with the values FFmpeg is actually using.

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  1. Open YouTube Live Control Room and select the stream you intend to send.
  2. Copy its current stream URL and key. Confirm which protocol the URL uses.
  3. Compare both values with FFmpeg’s configuration. Check for an old or reset key, a copied URL for a different stream, or a mismatch between OBS and FFmpeg.
  4. If YouTube has issued a new key while troubleshooting an encoder start error, update FFmpeg to use that key.

Keep the key private. Do not include it in a public screenshot, article, support post, or unredacted log.

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2. Check RTMP versus RTMPS

YouTube recommends RTMPS, but the ordinary RTMP address may be shown by default. Get the RTMPS address from Live Control Room rather than assuming the RTMP URL will work with the same setup. A protocol or server mismatch can look like a connection failure or an SSL problem. See YouTube’s troubleshooting guidance for live streaming.

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  • SSL certificate error: Verify that the server address is the RTMPS URL and that the protocol matches. If the URL is correct, YouTube suggests trying port 443.
  • Connection timed out: Verify the URL and confirm that the encoder supports RTMPS. A timeout is a clue, not proof that the key is wrong.

Do not treat an OBS success as proof that FFmpeg uses the same protocol or supports the same connection settings. Compare the actual URL and protocol each program uses.

3. Check what your FFmpeg build and invocation support

The information available here does not establish a universal FFmpeg command, the protocol support in your particular build, or the cause of an individual OBS-versus-FFmpeg failure. Avoid changing command syntax by guesswork. To diagnose this branch, gather the FFmpeg version and build configuration, the exact command with the stream key redacted, and the complete error output. Those details are needed to check the invocation and the protocols available in that build against current FFmpeg documentation.

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4. Check encoding settings after the connection works

If FFmpeg connects but YouTube rejects or flags the stream, then compare the output with YouTube’s current encoder settings. YouTube lists RTMP/RTMPS; H.264, H.265, or AV1 video; AAC or MP3 audio; and frame rates up to 60 fps. It recommends constant bitrate (CBR) and a two-second keyframe interval, which should not exceed four seconds.

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Choose a bitrate for the actual codec, resolution, and frame rate. YouTube’s recommendations vary across those combinations, so a bitrate that suits one mode is not a universal target. These media settings are unlikely to explain a failure to establish the connection in the first place.

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5. Separate local encoder output from network health

Inspect FFmpeg’s output and error log, then compare what it is producing with the stream status in Live Control Room. YouTube advises checking encoder errors and CPU load when local audio or video is poor. If the local output looks healthy, test outbound internet connectivity; if the test finds a network problem, YouTube’s guidance is to contact your internet service provider.

  • Connection or authentication failure: Recheck the current URL, protocol, and key first.
  • SSL error or timeout: Follow the RTMPS checks above; do not assume a codec change will fix a connection issue.
  • Connection established, but stream flagged or unhealthy: Compare codecs, bitrate, frame rate, CBR, and keyframe interval with YouTube’s settings.
  • Local output looks poor: Review FFmpeg errors and CPU load before attributing the issue to YouTube.
  • Local output looks healthy, but delivery remains poor: Test outbound connectivity and contact your ISP if that test reports a problem.
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