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Prepare the MP4 files and playlist
Place the clips in the order you want them to play. Create a plain-text file named playlist.ffconcat alongside them:
ffconcat version 1.0
file 'clip-01.mp4'
file 'clip-02.mp4'
file 'clip-03.mp4'The header must be the exact first line for FFmpeg to recognize the file automatically. Use paths relative to the playlist where practical. Quote paths containing spaces or special characters, and check FFmpeg’s concat-demuxer path rules. The example command below uses -safe 0, which permits paths outside the demuxer’s safe subset; avoid that option if safe relative paths are sufficient.
The concat demuxer places the files back-to-back by adjusting timestamps. It does not convert their contents to a common format. For stream copy, the files need matching streams, codecs, and time bases. Inaccurate duration metadata can lead to timestamp problems, gaps, or artifacts at transitions.
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Check whether stream copy will work
Use stream copy for compatible inputs
The command uses -c copy, so FFmpeg passes the media through without re-encoding. That is efficient, but it is appropriate only when the source files’ stream layouts, codecs, and time bases match and the resulting streams are accepted by YouTube’s selected ingest configuration.
Normalize or re-encode mismatched inputs
If clips differ in stream layout, codec, or time base—or stream copy produces errors or unreliable transitions—prepare compatible files first or use the concat filter and re-encode. FFmpeg’s FAQ identifies the concat filter as the route when re-encoding is needed. Different resolutions, frame rates, or audio formats are common reasons not to assume that a playlist can be copied as-is.
Get the current YouTube ingest details
- Open YouTube Live Control Room and create or select the stream you intend to broadcast.
- Copy the current RTMPS ingestion address and stream name/key shown for that stream. Google’s live-streaming documentation treats the ingestion address and stream name as separate values; an encoder can combine them as
STREAM_URL/STREAM_NAME. - Keep the stream key private. Do not paste it into a public script, screenshot, or post. If it is exposed, replace or reset it in YouTube before relying on it.
Use the exact endpoint and stream name/key from YouTube. Do not assume a remembered endpoint or an old key is still current.
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Run FFmpeg and start the broadcast
For compatible source files, this is a starting command. Replace the placeholder with the exact RTMPS endpoint and stream name/key YouTube provides:
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ffmpeg -re -stream_loop -1 -f concat -safe 0 -i playlist.ffconcat
-c copy -f flv "rtmps://INGESTION_URL/STREAM_NAME"-rereads file input at approximately real-time pace rather than sending it as fast as possible.-stream_loop -1requests that FFmpeg repeat the input indefinitely.-f concat -i playlist.ffconcatselects the concat demuxer and reads the playlist.-c copyavoids re-encoding, subject to the compatibility limits above.-f flvsets the output container used for this RTMP-family ingest workflow.
This is an illustrative starting command, not a tested command for every FFmpeg build, file set, or YouTube stream configuration. Check the installed FFmpeg version’s option behavior and test the precise playlist and endpoint before a public broadcast.
Start the broadcast in YouTube Live Control Room and watch its stream-health feedback. Test with representative movement and audio. YouTube Help advises: “Make sure to test before you start your live stream. Tests should include audio and movement in the video similar to what you’ll be doing in the stream.”
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Choose ingest and encoder settings
YouTube’s current guidance lists RTMP/RTMPS ingest; RTMPS is the recommended secure form when available. It lists H.264, H.265/HEVC, and AV1 video codecs, frame rates up to 60 fps, CBR bitrate encoding, and AAC or MP3 audio. For keyframes, YouTube recommends a two-second frequency and says not to exceed four seconds.
For H.264 at 1080p and 30 fps, YouTube Help’s guidance accessed in 2026 lists 5 Mbps as the minimum and 14 Mbps as the recommended bitrate. These are encoder settings, not a guarantee that a particular connection can sustain the stream. Choose a bitrate your actual upload connection can support reliably; if stream health suffers, lower the bitrate or resolution and test again.
| Decision | Option | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| File compatibility | Stream copy (-c copy) |
Use only when input streams, codecs, and time bases match and the output is accepted. |
| File compatibility | Normalize files or use the concat filter and re-encode | Use when source streams differ or stream copy causes errors or transition problems. |
| Ingest protocol | RTMPS | Prefer the secure protocol when the current YouTube endpoint supports it. |
| Quality and connection capacity | Higher or lower resolution/bitrate | Choose a stable setting based on actual upload capacity and YouTube’s stream-health feedback. |
Troubleshoot common problems
Concat errors or glitches between clips
Compare each file’s stream layout, codecs, and time bases. Also check reported durations: the demuxer uses durations when placing subsequent timestamps, so inaccurate duration metadata can create artifacts or gaps. The concat format supports a duration directive to override inaccurate metadata. If the files are not compatible for stream copy, normalize them or use the concat filter with re-encoding.
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YouTube shows no incoming stream or rejects the connection
Re-copy the current RTMPS endpoint and stream name/key from Live Control Room, check that the command uses the correct protocol and address, and verify that the key has not been changed or mistyped. RTMPS also requires a working TLS connection. Keep the key private.
Dropped frames or poor stream health
Check the upload capacity available to the computer running FFmpeg. Lower the output bitrate or resolution if the connection cannot sustain the selected setting, then test again and monitor YouTube’s stream-health messages. A wired Ethernet connection may help avoid variable Wi-Fi conditions, but it does not increase the capacity of the internet service itself.
No audio
Check that every MP4 actually contains an audio stream and that the audio streams are compatible across the playlist. If using a re-encoding workflow, confirm audio mapping and choose an ingest-compatible codec such as AAC or MP3. If using stream copy, check that the copied audio format is accepted for the selected YouTube ingest.
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The loop stops or behaves differently on your system
Confirm that FFmpeg accepted -stream_loop -1 and that the installed build supports the options in the command as written. Test a short run with the exact playlist and settings; do not assume every build, path layout, or input set behaves identically.
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