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Prepare the playlist and video files
Create a plain-text file named playlist.txt, with one file entry per line:
file '/media/demo-a.mp4'
file '/media/demo-b.mp4'
file '/media/demo-c.mp4'For relative paths, run FFmpeg from the directory containing the playlist and use paths relative to it. The example command below uses -safe 0 to allow paths that may be rejected by the concat demuxer’s safe-path checks. Use that option only with a playlist you trust; do not point FFmpeg at an untrusted playlist.
Before streaming, check that the files have matching stream layouts, codecs and time bases. Differences in stream lengths or inaccurate duration metadata can cause timestamp artifacts and gaps. When clips do not share compatible properties, normalize them to a common video size, frame rate, pixel format and video codec, plus a common audio codec, sample rate and channel layout. Pre-transcoding a static playlist to shared properties is one approach suggested in FFmpeg-user mailing-list troubleshooting in September 2024; the right workflow depends on the media.
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Build the FFmpeg command
This illustrative command transcodes the playlist to H.264 video and AAC audio, then sends it to a YouTube ingest endpoint. Replace the endpoint and key with the values shown for your stream in YouTube Studio. Do not publish or share a real stream key.
ffmpeg -re -stream_loop -1 -f concat -safe 0 -i playlist.txt
-c:v libx264 -preset veryfast -pix_fmt yuv420p
-r 30 -g 60 -keyint_min 60 -sc_threshold 0
-b:v 5000k -maxrate 5000k -bufsize 10000k
-c:a aac -b:a 128k -ar 44100 -ac 2
-f flv 'rtmps://YOUR_YOUTUBE_INGEST/YOUR_STREAM_KEY'-f concatselects FFmpeg’s concat demuxer, and-i playlist.txtmakes the playlist the input.-stream_loop -1repeats that input indefinitely;-repaces file reading in real time. Both are input options, so they appear before the corresponding-i.-r 30sets an example output frame rate of 30 fps, while-g 60sets a 60-frame GOP—two seconds at 30 fps. The example bitrate and audio settings are not universal recommendations.-c:v libx264and-c:a aactranscode the output. That can help produce a controlled common output profile, but it uses compute resources. Stream-copying with-c copyavoids transcoding only when the inputs and output requirements are compatible; it does not fix mismatched streams or timestamps.
This is an example, not a tested command. Set codec, resolution, frame rate, keyframe interval and bitrate to match the stream configuration and current YouTube guidance. YouTube’s encoder recommendations cover H.264, HEVC or AV1 video; AAC or MP3 audio; CBR; and two-second keyframes, not over four seconds. Its bitrate guidance varies by codec, resolution and frame rate, and YouTube recommends RTMPS. Confirm that your FFmpeg build supports the selected protocol and output muxer. See YouTube’s live encoder settings and bitrate guidance, and FFmpeg’s formats and demuxers documentation and command-line documentation.
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Configure and test the YouTube Live stream
- In YouTube Studio, create or select an encoder-based live stream. Copy its stream URL and stream key into the FFmpeg output destination. Treat the key like a password; YouTube explains the setup in Create a YouTube live stream with an encoder.
- Match FFmpeg’s output codec, resolution, frame rate, keyframe interval and bitrate to YouTube’s current guidance and the selected stream settings. Start FFmpeg and check YouTube’s preview, stream health and any messages before relying on the feed.
- If appropriate for your channel, run a short private or unlisted test. Listen for audio continuity and inspect every clip boundary, especially the transition from the final playlist item back to the first.
- Plan archiving carefully: YouTube says streams under 12 hours are automatically archived. Do not assume the same outcome for a continuous stream that runs 12 hours or longer.
Why looping does not ensure gap-free transitions
The concat demuxer presents sequential files as a virtual input and adjusts timestamps using file durations. FFmpeg requires the files to have the same streams, codecs and time bases; its documentation warns that differing stream lengths can cause gaps and incorrect duration metadata can cause artifacts. A September 2024 FFmpeg-user mailing-list discussion also recommends normalizing static playlist media to common properties when troubleshooting errors at clip changes: “Using ffmpeg to stream a playlist of videos”.
Looping restarts the playlist, but it cannot repair incompatible tracks, damaged media, bad timestamps, a stopped FFmpeg process or a network interruption. Test the actual files with the intended encoding settings; do not describe a playlist as seamless without checking its transitions. Converting files to a common profile adds preparation and compute work, while stream-copying is simpler only if the files already meet the compatibility and output requirements. Neither approach guarantees a clean boundary without testing.
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Troubleshoot common failures
| Symptom | Likely cause | What to check or change |
|---|---|---|
| FFmpeg errors or stops when a clip changes | Files have different stream layouts, codecs or time bases, or a file is damaged. | Inspect each input and normalize the playlist to compatible streams and properties. Test the exact transition that fails. |
| A pause, timestamp jump or artifact at a clip boundary | Unequal stream lengths or inaccurate duration metadata can disrupt concat timestamp adjustment. | Check source durations and timestamps, normalize where needed, then test all clip changes and the final-to-first loop. |
| YouTube does not accept the stream or reports configuration problems | The output protocol, codec, keyframe interval, bitrate or other settings do not match the selected stream or current guidance. | Verify the stream URL and key in YouTube Studio, confirm RTMPS and muxer support in your FFmpeg build, and align encoder settings with YouTube’s recommendations. |
| The stream ends despite an infinite input loop | The loop applies to file input, not to FFmpeg’s process or its network connection. | Check whether FFmpeg exited, inspect its error output and verify the network connection. Restarting a failed process is a separate operational step; -stream_loop -1 does not provide process recovery. |
| The live preview has no sound or sound changes at a boundary | Audio streams may be missing or inconsistent in codec, sample rate, channel layout or duration. | Check the audio stream in every file, use consistent audio properties where required, and listen to the test stream across clip boundaries. |
Or let it run in the cloud
If maintaining an FFmpeg process, machine and network connection is not what you want to manage, StreamNeo keeps a YouTube channel live from uploaded videos. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live; the cloud loops the video, so no computer or home connection has to stay on. It plays uploaded videos rather than broadcasting a camera feed.
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