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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →To loop a video file into a YouTube Live broadcast from a Hetzner VPS, run FFmpeg with -stream_loop -1 to repeat the input and -re to read it at its native rate. Send the output to the RTMPS server URL and stream key shown in YouTube’s Live Control Room. The loop repeats the file; it does not guarantee that FFmpeg, the VPS connection, or the YouTube broadcast will stay live indefinitely.
What you need before starting
- A video file stored on the VPS, readable by the account that runs FFmpeg.
- A YouTube channel with access to Live Control Room and a stream URL and key for the broadcast.
- A VPS with enough CPU capacity if FFmpeg must encode the video, plus stable network capacity for the stream.
- An FFmpeg build that includes the encoder you plan to use, such as
libx264for the example below.
The correct Hetzner server size depends on the file’s resolution and frame rate, the codec and preset, and whether FFmpeg needs to encode or can pass through compatible streams. No particular Hetzner size or price is established here; check current provider specifications and benchmark your actual workload.
Set up the YouTube Live broadcast
- In YouTube Studio, open Live Control Room and create or select a stream. Copy the server URL and stream key shown for that stream. YouTube’s encoder setup instructions describe the workflow.
- Use the RTMPS URL when Live Control Room offers it. YouTube explains that RTMPS is RTMP over TLS/SSL; the interface may display ordinary RTMP by default, with a lock control to reveal the RTMPS URL. Use the exact address displayed rather than assuming a fixed endpoint format. See YouTube’s RTMPS instructions.
- Keep the stream key private. YouTube says stream keys are like a stream’s password and address. Do not publish it, commit it to a public repository, or put it in a script that others can read. See YouTube’s live stream settings guidance.
Run FFmpeg with an infinite input loop
After installing FFmpeg from a trusted distribution source and confirming the file path and available encoders, use this command shape as a starting point:
ffmpeg -re -stream_loop -1 -i /path/to/video.mp4
-c:v libx264 -preset veryfast -b:v 5000k -maxrate 5000k -bufsize 10000k
-g 60 -c:a aac -b:a 128k -f flv
'rtmps://<server-url-from-live-control-room>/<stream-key>'Replace the example file path and the destination with the exact RTMPS server URL and key from Live Control Room. Avoid saving a real key in a publicly accessible script or repository. This is an illustrative template, not a tested command or a guarantee that every input file or FFmpeg build will work unchanged. FFmpeg documents -stream_loop and -re in its manual.
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What the options do
-rereads the file at its native rate rather than sending it as fast as possible. It is useful when packet timing needs to match real-time streaming.-stream_loop -1repeats the input indefinitely. It does not restart a crashed process or repair a broken network connection.-c:v libx264encodes video as H.264. The installed FFmpeg build must include this encoder.-preset veryfasttrades some compression efficiency for lower encoding effort. Actual CPU use still depends on the source and server.-b:v 5000k -maxrate 5000k -bufsize 10000ksets the example video rate and buffer. YouTube recommends 5 Mbps for H.264 at 1080p30; that figure is video bitrate guidance, not a promise that this command is suitable for every resolution, frame rate, source, or server.-g 60sets a 60-frame GOP. At 30 fps, that is a two-second keyframe interval. If the source frame rate differs, adjust the GOP to match the desired interval.-c:a aac -b:a 128kencodes audio as AAC at the example bitrate. Confirm that the file has an audio stream; adapt the command if it does not.-f flvselects the output container commonly used for RTMP-family streaming.
YouTube’s current encoder settings guidance lists H.264, H.265 and AV1 video; AAC or MP3 audio; CBR; a recommended two-second keyframe interval, not exceeding four seconds; and the 5 Mbps H.264 recommendation for 1080p30. Match the settings to the source and the codec you can encode reliably. For CBR behavior, use an appropriate bitrate configuration for the chosen encoder and verify the stream’s health in YouTube rather than assuming a template guarantees compliance.
Choose bitrate and server capacity
A live stream needs enough sustained network capacity for its combined video and audio bitrate. YouTube recommends about 20% upload headroom above the total primary and backup bitrate; its streaming tips also note that network disruptions can break a stream. On a VPS, assess available outbound capacity, encoding CPU headroom, and the source’s resolution and frame rate.
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- Lower resolution or bitrate generally reduces bandwidth needs and may reduce encoding load.
- Higher resolution or frame rate increases the demands on bandwidth and, when re-encoding, CPU.
- If the file is already encoded in a format YouTube accepts, stream-copy may avoid video re-encoding, but compatibility depends on the input’s codecs and stream parameters. The example command re-encodes video with
libx264. - Benchmark with the actual file and settings. The provider’s advertised specifications alone do not establish that a particular workload will run continuously without overload.
Test the stream before relying on it
- Start with an unlisted test broadcast so you can inspect the result without making it public.
- Run FFmpeg and wait for video to appear in Live Control Room’s preview. Check the stream health indicators and listen for audio issues.
- For a scheduled stream, use YouTube’s Go live control after the preview arrives, following the encoder workflow shown in YouTube Help.
- Open the watch page and confirm that playback, image, sound, and the loop behave as intended.
- Monitor the process and logs on the VPS. For a long-running stream, use a process supervisor and set restart and logging behavior appropriate to your system.
FFmpeg’s documentation includes a FIFO muxer pattern that can attempt recovery after a temporary network outage. It is an optional technique, not a guarantee of uninterrupted YouTube service. A looping input, a supervised process, and reconnect handling each address different failure modes; none makes the broadcast literally permanent. YouTube’s encoder setup instructions state that a stream under 12 hours is automatically archived, so do not infer from an infinite input loop that a YouTube live event can remain live forever.
Troubleshooting common failures
FFmpeg says the encoder is unavailable
The installed build may not include libx264. Check the encoders available in that build and install or select a build with the required encoder, or adapt the command to an encoder your build supports.
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YouTube shows no preview or rejects the connection
Check that the server URL and stream key were copied from the intended Live Control Room stream, that you used the offered RTMPS address, and that the key has not been changed or revoked. Keep the key private when correcting scripts or logs.
The stream buffers, drops frames, or reports poor health
Possible causes include insufficient network headroom, unstable connectivity, or an overloaded encoder. Compare the output bitrate with available VPS capacity, leave the recommended headroom, and benchmark CPU use. If needed, reduce the output resolution or bitrate and test again.
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The video reaches YouTube but playback timing is wrong
For file input, -re reads at native rate. Check that it is present before the input and that the file’s frame rate and timestamps are sensible. A malformed or unusual source may need adjustment rather than a change to the loop option.
The stream stops even though the file is set to loop
-stream_loop -1 only repeats the input while FFmpeg continues running. It does not restore a failed process, network session, VPS, or YouTube event. Check the FFmpeg logs, use suitable supervision and recovery handling, and verify the broadcast status in Live Control Room.
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Copyright and YouTube policy checks
Before broadcasting a documentary, music, archival footage, or other recording, make sure you have the rights or permissions needed for the material and its audio. Repeating a file does not change its copyright status. YouTube’s checks and rules can affect whether a stream is allowed to continue or remains available; review the current policies that apply to your channel and content, and do not assume that an unlisted test grants permission to broadcast material.
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