Install FFmpeg on an Ubuntu VPS with sudo apt update and sudo apt install ffmpeg, then verify it with ffmpeg -version. To stream to YouTube Live, use the current ingest address and stream key shown for your specific stream; for a secure RTMPS connection, use the correct host, port 443, and TLS hostname.
Before you install: confirm the Ubuntu release
Contabo VPS images can use different Ubuntu releases, and the available FFmpeg package version depends on the release and updates. If you need to identify the installed version, run:
lsb_release -aIf that command is unavailable, inspect /etc/os-release. Ubuntu’s package index lists FFmpeg for Ubuntu 22.04 LTS and 24.04 LTS; the package is in the Universe component. The listed versions are examples from Ubuntu Packages retrieved in 2026, not a guarantee that every machine will resolve to those exact builds: 22.04 lists 7:4.4.2-0ubuntu0.22.04.1, and 24.04 lists 7:6.1.1-3ubuntu5. Check the current package index for your release at Ubuntu Packages.
Install FFmpeg from Ubuntu’s repositories
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Refresh the package metadata:
sudo apt update -
Install FFmpeg:
sudo apt install ffmpeg -
Verify the executable and inspect its build information:
ffmpeg -version
The output should identify the FFmpeg version and build configuration. If apt reports that it cannot locate the package, confirm the Ubuntu release and check that the usual Ubuntu repositories, including Universe, are enabled. Avoid adding an arbitrary PPA as the first fix. Ubuntu’s package information and FFmpeg download guidance are available at Ubuntu Packages and FFmpeg download.
Get the correct YouTube Live ingest details
YouTube’s ingest address and stream name/key are specific to the stream. Copy the current values from YouTube Studio or retrieve them through the LiveStreams API; do not reuse a sample key from a tutorial. YouTube documents the ingest information returned for a stream at LiveStreams: list.
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Some encoders ask for the server URL and stream name separately.
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Others expect a combined destination in the form
STREAM_URL/STREAM_NAME. -
Treat the stream key as a credential. Do not put it in screenshots, public scripts, or logs that others can read.
Use RTMPS for a conventional YouTube stream
For ordinary low-latency streaming, RTMPS is the secure RTMP-style option. YouTube requires an rtmps URL and a TLS connection to the ingest server on port 443. TLS authentication also depends on sending the correct hostname through Server Name Indication (SNI). YouTube’s requirements are documented in RTMPS ingestion.
A generic FFmpeg command shape is:
ffmpeg -re -i INPUT_FILE
-c:v libx264 -preset veryfast -b:v VIDEO_BITRATE
-c:a aac -b:a AUDIO_BITRATE
-f flv 'rtmps://YOUTUBE_INGEST_HOST/YOUTUBE_APP/YOUR_STREAM_KEY'This is a starting template, not a tested Contabo command. Replace every capitalized placeholder with the input path, encoding values, ingest host, application path, and key for your active stream. Confirm that your FFmpeg build supports the selected encoder and protocol. The Ubuntu FFmpeg manual documents RTMP publishing syntax at Ubuntu’s FFmpeg manual.
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Resolution, bitrate, and VPS capacity
The template leaves bitrate and input-specific encoding choices for you to set. No Contabo VPS plan specifications or tested stream limits are established here, so there is no evidence-based resolution, bitrate, or 24/7 capacity guarantee for a particular plan. Match the VPS to the actual encode workload, consult Contabo’s current plan details, and validate performance with your own input and configuration before relying on it for a continuous stream.
RTMPS, HLS, and DASH are not interchangeable commands
| Protocol | Encryption | Codec and latency notes | Setup implication |
|---|---|---|---|
| RTMP | Not encrypted | YouTube lists H.264 support and low, normal, or ultra-low latency options. | Standard RTMP-style contribution workflow. |
| RTMPS | Encrypted with TLS | YouTube lists H.264 support and low, normal, or ultra-low latency options. | Use the secure endpoint, port 443, and correct SNI hostname. |
| HLS and DASH | Encrypted | YouTube’s protocol comparison lists additional codecs, including HEVC or VP9; segment-based delivery generally has higher latency. | These require distinct encoding and delivery setup. A basic FLV/RTMP command cannot simply be reused unchanged. |
See YouTube’s live encoder settings and protocols for the protocol comparison and workflow requirements.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Troubleshoot installation and ingest failures
“Unable to locate package ffmpeg”
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Check the installed Ubuntu release with
lsb_release -aor/etc/os-release. -
Refresh apt metadata with
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Check the package availability for that release before considering any third-party repository.
FFmpeg is installed, but the stream times out
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Confirm the destination uses the
rtmpsscheme, not cleartextrtmpaimed at an RTMPS endpoint. YouTube documents that mismatch as a cause of timeouts. -
Check the secure endpoint’s port is 443 and the TLS client sends the ingest hostname through SNI.
-
Copy the ingest address and key again from the active YouTube stream; do not rely on an old or generic value.
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FFmpeg rejects an encoder or protocol
Inspect the build details printed by ffmpeg -version and confirm the build includes the chosen encoder and protocol support. The command template depends on libx264, AAC encoding, and RTMPS-compatible output; do not assume every build has identical options.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I install FFmpeg on my Ubuntu VPS and stream to YouTube Live?
Install it with apt, verify with ffmpeg -version, and use the active stream’s YouTube ingest address and key in an RTMPS destination. Follow the installation and connection steps above.
Does this guide establish which Contabo VPS plan can handle a particular stream?
No. Choose and validate a VPS for your actual encoding workload; no plan-specific stream limit is established here.
Quick Recap
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