Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteShort answer: you generally cannot add a video to a running FFmpeg concat playlist just by appending a line to its text file. FFmpeg’s documentation describes how the concat demuxer reads a prepared list, but does not promise that an active process monitors or reloads edits. For videos known in advance, prepare the list before starting FFmpeg. For videos that arrive mid-stream, use a queue or controller designed to hand off the next input while the FFmpeg output session remains active—and test that implementation with your installed FFmpeg version and YouTube setup.
Why editing the playlist file may not work
The concat demuxer reads a script of files and treats their packets as if they had been muxed together in sequence. Its documentation does not state that a running process watches the script for changes, so do not assume that adding a new file line will make an active stream play it. That is a limit of what the documented behavior guarantees, not a claim that every build or custom setup behaves identically. See the FFmpeg concat demuxer documentation.
FFmpeg’s general model is to read inputs supplied with -i and write an output to a destination URL; it supports RTMP as a protocol. That input/output model does not itself provide a live queue that watches a concat script. See FFmpeg’s command-line documentation and RTMP protocol documentation.
Choose the right workflow
| Question | Prepared concat list | Live queue or controller |
|---|---|---|
| When are the videos available? | Before FFmpeg starts | Additional videos may arrive during the session |
| What happens if you edit the list after startup? | Do not assume FFmpeg reloads it | The queue/controller selects and hands off subsequent inputs |
| File requirements | Inputs should have matching streams, codecs, and time bases | The controller must also handle differences or normalize/transcode inputs |
| Complexity | Lower | Higher; handoffs and failures need implementation and testing |
| Output | FFmpeg writes the prepared sequence to the configured output URL | Keep the output process/session active while changing the supplied input |
The live-queue approach is an architectural pattern, not a documented FFmpeg feature or a tested, universal command. The transition behavior depends on the controller and handoff method you choose.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
#1 Best Overall
- Get NVMe solid state performance with up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds in a portable, high-capacity drive(1) (Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device & other factors. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes.)
- Up to 3-meter drop protection and IP65 water and dust resistance mean this tough drive can take a beating(3) (Previously rated for 2-meter drop protection and IP55 rating. Now qualified for the higher, stated specs.)
- Use the handy carabiner loop to secure it to your belt loop or backpack for extra peace of mind.
- Help keep private content private with the included password protection featuring 256‐bit AES hardware encryption.(3)
- Easily manage files and automatically free up space with the SanDisk Memory Zone app.(5). Non-Operating Temperature -20°C to 85°C
When all videos are known before streaming
Use the concat demuxer with a text file containing one file directive per video, then pass that list to FFmpeg as an input. This is the straightforward case: construct the complete sequence before the process starts. The concat demuxer’s intended use requires compatible input streams, codecs, and time bases. If the files differ, stream-copy concatenation may not reconcile them; a normalization or transcoding workflow may be needed.
- Prepare the list. Create a text file with a
fileline for each source video, in the order you want them played. Use paths that the FFmpeg process can access. - Check compatibility. Confirm that the listed inputs have matching stream layouts, codecs, and time bases for the concat demuxer. If they do not, determine a suitable normalization or transcoding path before going live.
- Start FFmpeg with the list as an input. Use the concat demuxer input and write to your configured streaming URL. FFmpeg accepts inputs through
-iand sends the output to the URL you specify; the exact command depends on your media, output settings, and destination configuration. Consult the concat documentation and the documentation for your installed FFmpeg version.
Accurate durations matter when using concat scripts: inaccurate duration information can produce timestamp gaps or artifacts. Check the concat documentation for the format and constraints rather than assuming that any list of files will join cleanly.
Rank #2
- Solid state performance with up to 800MB/s read speeds in a portable drive. (Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device, interface, usage conditions and other factors. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes.)
- Back up your content and memories on a storage solution that fits seamlessly into your mobile lifestyle.
- Take it with you on your adventures—up to two-meter drop protection means this durable drive can take a beating. (Based on internal testing.)
- Secure it to your belt loop or backpack for extra peace of mind thanks to the tough rubber hook.
- From Sandisk, a brand professional photographers trust to take on assignments.
When a video arrives after the stream has started
Appending a line to the concat script is not a documented live-queue mechanism. Instead, use an external playlist manager or controller that can select the next video and hand it to FFmpeg when the current input finishes, while FFmpeg continues writing to the same output endpoint. The queue needs to manage the transition between inputs; it is not enough merely to change a text file that the running process may not reread.
- Define the handoff. Decide how the controller detects that the current video has ended and supplies the next input without ending the outgoing session.
- Handle incompatible files. If incoming videos have different stream layouts, codecs, or time bases, the controller or media pipeline must account for those differences, potentially by normalizing or transcoding.
- Test before relying on it. Try the exact queue, handoff method, installed FFmpeg build, and destination you intend to use. Check whether the transition creates a pause or other visible or audible discontinuity; do not describe it as seamless until your specific setup demonstrates that.
- Plan for failures. Decide what the controller should do if a file is missing, unreadable, incompatible, or not ready when the current video ends. The implementation must define this behavior; FFmpeg’s concat documentation does not provide a universal queue policy.
There is no one-size-fits-all command here: the required wrapper or controller, file compatibility, and tolerance for transition gaps affect the implementation. The relevant documented distinction is that FFmpeg reads inputs and writes an output, while live selection and handoff must be provided by the system around it.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Rank #3
- Capacity Display Variance: 500GB external ssd often appears as around 465GB on Windows. MacOS can show full 500 GB capacity. This is binary calculation difference and doesn’t affect SSD hard drive actual physical storage
- 1050 MB/s Speed: Instantly access to your files with blazing-fast 10Gbps external SSD read up to 1050MB/s and write up to 1000MB/s. LED Light indicates USB SSD instant activity
- Data Security: Solid state drives S.M.A.R.T. health diagnostics and adaptive TRIM optimizing data block management ensures consistent write speeds and extends the longevity of the portable SSD
- USB-C & USB-A Cable: Both cables featuring rapid USB 3.2 Gen2, this USB SSD effortlessly bridges devices, enabling seamless cross-platform file transfers and backup between computers, smartphones, tablets and iPhone
- Always Fast: No slowdowns for large file transfers. With SLC caching (25% of current available capacity allocated as high-speed cache), this external SSD delivers steady 10Gbps for transfers within the cache capacity
Do not confuse an HLS segment playlist with an input queue
FFmpeg’s HLS muxer produces media segments and an HLS playlist. Its append_list option concerns carrying forward entries in that output segment playlist and removing #EXT-X-ENDLIST. It does not document adding a new local source video to a running FFmpeg input list for a YouTube RTMP stream. If your destination is YouTube ingest rather than HLS delivery, HLS playlist options do not solve the input-queue problem. See the FFmpeg HLS muxer documentation.
Or let it run in the cloud
If your goal is a continuous YouTube channel playing uploaded documentaries rather than building and operating an FFmpeg queue, StreamNeo is a cloud option: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. It loops uploaded videos from the cloud, so your computer and home connection do not have to stay on. It does not stream from a camera.
Rank #4
- Easily store and access 2TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
- Nothing has to stay on at home.
- Videos stream as uploaded, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot, with no re-encode or quality tiers.
- Automatic recovery if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free with no card, once per account.
- Monthly: $9.99 per month.
Start your free StreamNeo day.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Version and destination checks
FFmpeg’s online documentation is regenerated as the project evolves. Match syntax and option behavior to the version installed on the machine running the stream. This guide does not establish YouTube-specific bitrate limits, reconnect rules, protocol requirements, or session-duration guarantees; check YouTube’s current live-streaming guidance for those settings before configuring an ingest session.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- MADE FOR THE MAKERS: Create; Explore; Store; The T7 Portable SSD delivers fast speeds and durable features to back up any endeavor; Build your video editing empire, file your photographs or back up your blogs all in an instant
- SHARE IDEAS IN A FLASH: Don’t waste a second waiting and spend more time doing; The T7 is embedded with PCIe NVMe technology that brings fast read and write speeds up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s¹, making it almost twice as fast as the T5
- ALWAYS MAKE THE SAVE: Compact design with massive capacity; With capacities up to 4TB, save exactly what you need to your drive – from large working files to game data and everything in between
- ADAPTS TO EVERY NEED: Whether using a PC or mobile phone, count on the T7 for extensive compatibility²; It’s a true team player when it comes to heavy-duty application usage or file-saving
- HI RESOLUTION VIDEO RECORDING: Record Ultra High Resolution (4K 60fs) videos directly onto the T7 Portable SSD with your favorite camera or mobile devices; Supports iPhone 15 Pro Res 4K at 60fps video and more³
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
