Use FFmpeg’s overlay video filter: pass the video as the main input, a transparent logo image as the second input, then composite the logo over the video before encoding. This guide treats “playlist stream” as source videos played in sequence; an HLS output playlist is a separate set of streaming segments.
What the overlay does—and where it belongs
The video supplies the main frames, and the logo is a second input. FFmpeg’s overlay filter documentation shows this basic form:
ffmpeg -i input -i logo -filter_complex 'overlay=10:main_h-overlay_h-10' outputThe first position expression places the logo 10 pixels from the left edge. The second places it 10 pixels above the bottom edge. For a lower-right placement with the same inset, use:
overlay=main_w-overlay_w-10:main_h-overlay_h-10main_w and main_h refer to the main video’s dimensions; overlay_w and overlay_h refer to the logo’s dimensions. Because the expressions use the frame and logo sizes, the position adjusts to the input dimensions. FFmpeg’s example uses a transparent PNG, which lets the video show through around the logo.
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Prepare the logo and choose its placement
Use an image with transparency
Use a logo image with an alpha channel, such as a transparent PNG. If the image has an opaque background, the overlay will cover the video with that background as well as the logo. Check the image’s edges and transparency before starting a long stream.
Choose a corner and margin
The filter coordinates determine where the image appears; they do not decide whether it obscures important content. A 10-pixel inset is the documented example, not a universal design recommendation. Consider the output frame size, the logo’s size, and whether captions, faces, or other important details sit near the chosen corner. If you need different placement or scale, adjust the coordinates or prepare a logo image at the desired dimensions.
Apply the logo to a source video
- Supply both inputs. Put the video first with
-iand the logo second with another-i. For example, replaceinput.mp4andlogo.pngwith your filenames. - Add the filter graph. Use
-filter_complexwith the overlay expression. A lower-right example is-filter_complex "overlay=main_w-overlay_w-10:main_h-overlay_h-10". - Choose the output and encoding settings. The overlay filter produces the composited video frames; the output container, video/audio encoders, and stream protocol are separate choices. Set them for your intended destination and source media rather than assuming the filter determines them.
- Check the result before streaming. Inspect the output for logo placement, transparency, unwanted cropping, and audio continuity. Confirm the encoded video and audio are suitable for the chosen YouTube ingestion protocol.
The official filter guide documents the overlay syntax and example, but it does not establish one complete command that fits every source playlist, audio arrangement, FFmpeg build, codec, and YouTube protocol. Treat the filter as the compositing fragment and configure the rest of the pipeline for your actual inputs and destination.
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Handle a sequence of source videos
If “playlist” means several video files played one after another, sequencing is a separate job from adding the logo. First decide how the source videos are selected and joined; then apply the overlay to the video frames that will be encoded. The sequence may require attention to differing frame sizes, frame rates, codecs, audio streams, or durations. The overlay filter does not normalize or sequence those sources by itself.
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Do not confuse source playlists with YouTube HLS playlists
An HLS media playlist is not a list of source videos. It is the playlist of output segments created for HLS delivery. For YouTube HLS ingestion, choose HLS as the stream protocol in Live Control Room and use the HTTPS ingestion URL. YouTube’s HLS setup help lists these requirements:
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- Use TS segments with durations of 1–4 seconds.
- Maintain a rolling playlist with no more than five outstanding segments.
- Send segments using HTTPS POST or PUT, not byte-range mode.
- Use supported media: YouTube Help lists H.264 or HEVC video and AAC, AC3, or EAC3 audio.
The creator-facing help page explains that HLS has higher latency than continuous RTMP because it sends video in segments. It positions HLS for HDR or codecs not supported by RTMP.
Encoder-facing HLS details
Google’s HLS ingestion guide for encoder vendors describes muxed M2TS video and audio, H.264 or HEVC video, AAC audio with one audio track, a closed GOP, and frame rates up to 60 fps. It describes sending media playlists and segments to the endpoint using HTTP PUT or POST. The guide characterizes HLS as suitable for high-quality, high-resolution content at relatively higher latency. Its encoder-oriented details are not a substitute for creator setup in Live Control Room; follow the requirements that apply to your chosen workflow.
FFmpeg’s HLS muxer documentation explains how FFmpeg can create segments and playlists. Generating an HLS playlist with FFmpeg does not, by itself, establish that the output meets YouTube’s ingestion requirements. Configure and validate the transport, segment format and duration, playlist behavior, codecs, and audio against YouTube’s current guidance.
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Choose HLS or RTMP based on the ingestion need
The logo filter works before either output protocol; protocol selection is a separate delivery decision. YouTube’s documentation establishes that HLS has higher latency than continuous RTMP and supports the HLS-specific media and transport requirements described above. Choose according to the requirements of your stream and encoder, and consult YouTube’s current setup guidance for the selected protocol. Do not assume that adding an HLS muxer flag alone makes an output acceptable to YouTube.
Troubleshoot common overlay and stream problems
- The logo is not visible: Check that the logo is supplied as the second input and that the filter graph is connected to the output video. In a complex graph, map the composited output rather than the original video.
- The logo has a solid box behind it: The source image may not contain transparency. Use a transparent logo image and confirm its alpha channel is preserved.
- The logo is in the wrong corner or clipped: Recheck the coordinate expressions and the actual overlay dimensions. The lower-right formula is
main_w-overlay_w-10:main_h-overlay_h-10; a logo larger than the available frame area cannot fit with the requested margin. - The output is rejected for HLS ingestion: Separate overlay success from delivery validity. Check protocol selection, HTTPS endpoint, TS segment duration, rolling playlist limit, transport method, byte-range setting, codecs, audio track, and GOP requirements against YouTube’s creator and encoder documentation.
- The stream has more delay than expected: YouTube documents higher latency for segmented HLS compared with continuous RTMP. Consider whether HLS-specific requirements justify that trade-off for your stream.
- Audio or transitions fail in a source-video sequence: The overlay only composites video frames. Review source sequencing, audio handling, and changes in media properties independently, then test the full output rather than only the filter fragment.
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