Yes. FFmpeg can process a YouTube playlist whose videos have different resolutions, provided you retrieve the items and handle them as separate inputs or compatible segments. To produce one consistent output size, decode and scale each video before re-encoding. Simply joining files with stream copy is less flexible: FFmpeg’s concat demuxer requires matching stream layouts, codecs and time bases, and inaccurate duration metadata can cause artifacts at joins.
First, decide what “stream a playlist” means
The phrase can describe several different jobs. Retrieving playlist items, playing them one after another, joining them into one file and sending a live output are not the same workflow. FFmpeg can read network streams and write mapped output streams, but there is no single reliable command for every playlist and live destination; the source formats and target matter. FFmpeg’s command-line documentation describes its inputs, stream mapping and outputs.
- Sequential playback: retrieve the playlist’s videos and play them one by one.
- One combined file: concatenate compatible segments or decode, filter and re-encode them.
- Live output: feed the items in sequence to a streaming destination, with the precise setup determined by the source streams and destination.
Choose between stream copy and re-encoding
Stream copy: faster, but strict
Stream copy avoids decoding and re-encoding, so it can preserve the existing encoded streams. But the concat demuxer expects the files to have the same streams, including matching codecs and time bases. Different resolutions alone do not establish whether stream copy will work; inspect all relevant stream properties and durations first. FFmpeg also warns that incorrect duration information can lead to artifacts because it uses each file’s duration to adjust timestamps. See the FFmpeg concat documentation.
Decode, filter and re-encode: more flexible
When inputs differ, decoding them and using the concat filter gives you a way to process the video before joining it. If you want a uniform output canvas, scale every segment to the chosen dimensions, optionally padding to preserve its aspect ratio. Filtering requires transcoding rather than stream copy. Re-encoding takes more processing and, with a lossy codec, can reduce quality; choose output settings appropriate to your destination and source material. FFmpeg notes that it transcodes streams by default unless you specify -c copy, and that filters such as resizing require transcoding. See the FFmpeg command-line documentation.
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The concat filter can accept different frame rates, producing variable-frame-rate output, but corresponding stream parameters must be compatible. Convert differing resolutions explicitly if necessary, and account for differences such as missing audio, pixel format and stream layout. The segments also need to be synchronized. Consult the concat filter documentation before adapting a filter graph.
Retrieve playlist items deliberately
- Select the playlist items and formats. Use yt-dlp or another playlist-aware retriever to choose which items to fetch and which formats to request. The yt-dlp README documents playlist-item selection, format selection and writing downloaded video to standard output.
- Make format selection explicit. yt-dlp’s format-selection defaults differ when output is standard output, so do not rely on defaults if you need a reproducible workflow. Choose a format deliberately and retain each downloaded item as a separate input where possible.
- Inspect the files before joining. Check codecs, stream layout, time bases, resolution and duration. Confirm which files contain audio and whether their audio and video streams can be mapped consistently.
- Pick the intended output. Decide whether you need a combined file, sequential local playback or a live destination. That decision affects input handling, stream mapping and output options.
Example: normalize two local files and concatenate
This example shows the shape of a decode/filter/re-encode workflow for two local inputs, scaling both to a 1280Ă—720 canvas while preserving aspect ratio and padding as needed:
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ffmpeg -i item1.mp4 -i item2.mp4 -filter_complex "[0:v]scale=1280:720:force_original_aspect_ratio=decrease,pad=1280:720:(ow-iw)/2:(oh-ih)/2[v0];[1:v]scale=1280:720:force_original_aspect_ratio=decrease,pad=1280:720:(ow-iw)/2:(oh-ih)/2[v1];[v0][0:a][v1][1:a]concat=n=2:v=1:a=1[outv][outa]" -map "[outv]" -map "[outa]" output.mp4This is an illustrative filter graph, not a tested universal command for an arbitrary YouTube playlist. It assumes both inputs have audio and compatible corresponding streams. If an item has no audio, or the inputs differ in frame rate, pixel format, codec or stream layout, the mappings and filters need adjustment after inspection. The concat filter requires synchronized segments and compatible corresponding parameters. See the FFmpeg concat documentation.
Check the result at every join
- Play the output across each transition and check for gaps, repeated frames, sudden jumps or audio discontinuities.
- Check audio/video synchronization at the beginning and after joins.
- If stream copy produces problems, recheck stream compatibility and duration metadata; consider decoding and re-encoding with normalized parameters instead.
- If the filter graph fails, verify that each mapped stream exists, especially audio, and that the corresponding streams meet the concat filter’s requirements.
Or let it run in the cloud
If your goal is a 24/7 YouTube channel playing uploaded videos, StreamNeo is an alternative to running FFmpeg on a computer: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, then go live. It loops the uploaded videos from the cloud, so nothing has to stay on at home. Each slot supports any uploaded quality up to 4K 60fps at one flat price per slot; StreamNeo does not re-encode. It can automatically recover if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card required. Monthly pricing is $9.99 per month.
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