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To loop a prerecorded video to YouTube Live with FFmpeg, put -stream_loop -1 before the input file and use -re to pace playback in real time. For a local MP4 with video and audio, this adaptable H.264/AAC template is a starting point:
ffmpeg -re -stream_loop -1 -i input.mp4
-c:v libx264 -preset veryfast
-b:v 5M -maxrate 5M -bufsize 10M
-pix_fmt yuv420p -g 60
-c:a aac -b:a 128k -ar 44100
-f flv "rtmp://YOUR_SERVER/YOUR_STREAM_KEY"Replace input.mp4 with the file path and replace the destination with the exact server URL and stream key shown in YouTube Live Control Room. Use YouTube’s RTMPS URL when your FFmpeg build and destination configuration support it. Keep the stream key private. This is a template, not a tested command: confirm your FFmpeg build, input’s audio and video, resolution, frame rate, available encoding resources, upload capacity, and current Live Control Room settings before broadcasting.
What the command does—and where options go
-rereads the prerecorded file at its native frame rate, equivalent to FFmpeg’s-readrate 1. This simulates a live input instead of sending the file as fast as the machine can read it. Do not apply it blindly to a capture device or other live input: FFmpeg warns that a low read rate on a real-time source can cause packet loss. FFmpeg documentation-stream_loop -1loops the input indefinitely. It is an input option, so place it before the relevant-i. FFmpeg options generally apply to the next input or output, making order significant. FFmpeg documentation-i input.mp4selects the input file. The example assumes one file containing both video and audio; files with no audio need a different audio setup.-c:v libx264encodes video as H.264;-c:a aacencodes audio as AAC; and-pix_fmt yuv420pselects a widely used pixel format. These are choices for this example, not the only formats YouTube accepts: YouTube currently lists H.264, H.265, and AV1 for RTMP/RTMPS ingestion, and AAC or MP3 audio. YouTube encoder settings-preset veryfastis an illustrative, compatibility-oriented x264 preset. Its encoding quality and CPU cost depend on the material and machine.-f flvselects an output format commonly used in FFmpeg RTMP examples. Treat it as part of this practical command pattern, not as a universal YouTube requirement; YouTube’s cited guidance specifies RTMP/RTMPS rather than mandating FLV. YouTube encoder settings
Set bitrate and keyframes for the source video
The example’s 5M video rate is not right for every resolution and frame rate. YouTube’s settings page, accessed in 2026, recommends H.264 video at 5 Mbps for 1080p at 30 fps and 8 Mbps for 720p at 60 fps; its table gives distinct rates for other combinations and codecs. Choose the applicable current recommendation, then verify that your upload connection has headroom. YouTube recommends running a speed test and testing representative audio and video motion. YouTube encoder settings
-maxrate 5M and -bufsize 10M are example rate-control values, not universal settings. Adjust them with the target video rate and the encoder’s requirements; do not assume the example suits a higher resolution, frame rate, or different codec.
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-g 60 sets the GOP/keyframe interval in frames. YouTube recommends a keyframe frequency of two seconds and says not to exceed four seconds. At 30 fps, 60 frames equal two seconds; for 60 fps, use 120 frames for the same interval. YouTube encoder settings
Set audio to match the stream
The sample’s -b:a 128k -ar 44100 selects 128 Kbps AAC audio at 44.1 kHz, matching YouTube’s current recommendations for stereo. YouTube lists 48 kHz for 5.1 audio and recommends 384 Kbps for that channel layout. Confirm whether the file is stereo or 5.1 before choosing audio settings. YouTube encoder settings
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Copy streams instead of re-encoding?
Stream copying can avoid re-encoding, but whether it works depends on the source codecs, timestamps, and ingest requirements. No single copy command is established as suitable for every file in this workflow. The H.264/AAC template above gives control over codec, bitrate, pixel format, and keyframe interval, at the cost of CPU or other encoding resources; re-encoding can also affect quality. Use copying only when you have checked that the source streams and timing are suitable for the destination.
Get YouTube’s current server URL and stream key
- Open YouTube Live Control Room and go to the stream’s Stream settings.
- Reveal the RTMPS URL using the lock icon, then copy the URL and stream key into the FFmpeg output destination. YouTube describes RTMPS as RTMP over TLS/SSL and recommends it. YouTube RTMPS help
- Start FFmpeg and wait for the preview in Live Control Room. For a scheduled stream, YouTube’s encoder setup instructions say to click Go live in Live Control Room. YouTube encoder setup
If you see an SSL error, check that the scheme and server use rtmps. YouTube also suggests specifying port 443 if needed. Never expose the key in a public command, screenshot, log, or repository; anyone with access to it may be able to broadcast to your channel. YouTube RTMPS help
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What a 24/7 loop does—and does not—guarantee
-stream_loop -1 tells FFmpeg to repeat the input; it does not supervise the FFmpeg process, keep a network connection alive, or recover automatically from a server or network failure. A long-running broadcast needs monitoring and a separate restart or process-supervision plan. Check both FFmpeg’s process and YouTube’s stream health rather than assuming an endless loop means an uninterrupted stream.
YouTube’s encoder setup page says streams under 12 hours are automatically archived. Do not assume the same archive behavior for a broadcast longer than 12 hours based on that statement alone. YouTube encoder setup
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Troubleshooting common problems
- FFmpeg says it cannot open the input: check the file path, spelling, permissions, and whether the file exists where the command runs. Use a quoted path if it contains spaces.
- The stream reaches YouTube too quickly or playback is not paced: confirm
-reappears before the file’s-i. It is for prerecorded media, not a live capture input. - The video does not loop: verify
-stream_loop -1appears before the corresponding-i, and confirm FFmpeg is still running. - YouTube does not receive the stream: copy the current server URL and key from Live Control Room, check the destination for typos, and make sure the key has not been replaced. Keep the key secret.
- An SSL connection fails: use the RTMPS scheme and server shown in Live Control Room; if needed, check YouTube’s guidance to specify port 443. YouTube RTMPS help
- The stream is unstable or YouTube reports poor connection: compare the selected bitrate with YouTube’s current recommendation for the chosen codec, resolution, and frame rate, and check upload capacity with a speed test. Leave headroom rather than setting the stream rate at the full measured upload rate. YouTube encoder settings
- Encoding overload or poor output quality: re-encoding uses machine resources. Check the actual source resolution and frame rate, encoder load, bitrate choice, and preset;
veryfastis an example, not a guaranteed best setting. - FFmpeg rejects an option: check
ffmpeg -versionand the installed build’sffmpeg -houtput. FFmpeg’s nightly documentation may not match an older installed version. FFmpeg documentation
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Each slot includes one always-on stream, 10 GB storage per slot (pooled across active slots), 24/7 looping and playlists, automatic recovery if YouTube drops, and StreamNeo team support. The same product is included on every plan; only the billing length changes. Plans can be paid by day, week, month, six months, or year, and can be cancelled any time. UPI and cards are available in India; card checkout is available worldwide. For five or more slots, contact support. See StreamNeo for details.
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Copyright and YouTube policy checks before looping
Before putting a recording on repeat, confirm that you have the rights and permissions needed for every video, music track, image, and other included material. A live loop does not make copyrighted material yours or exempt it from YouTube’s rules. Check YouTube’s current policies and your channel’s Live Control Room notices before going live; the settings and command here address delivery, not permission to rebroadcast content.
Quick Recap
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