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concat demuxer

How to Stream Multiple Gaming VOD Files in Order with FFmpeg on Ubuntu

Use an ordered concat list and FFmpeg stream copy to join compatible gaming VODs on Ubuntu without re-encoding.

By DocumentaryTube Team 3 min read

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To play compatible gaming VOD files sequentially without re-encoding, put their filenames in the intended order in an FFmpeg concat list, then use the concat demuxer with -c copy. This joins the encoded streams into one output; it does not broadcast them live. If you mean a continuous YouTube live stream rather than a joined video file, see the cloud option below.

Join VODs in the order you choose

In Ubuntu, create a plain-text list in the same directory as the recordings. Put one file entry on each line, in playback order:

file 'gameplay-01.mp4'
file 'gameplay-02.mp4'
file 'gameplay-03.mp4'

Save it as vod-list.txt, then run this from that directory:

ffmpeg -f concat -i vod-list.txt -c copy joined.mp4

The order of the file lines determines the sequence. Explicitly listing the files avoids relying on shell glob sorting. The command uses FFmpeg’s concat demuxer, which can join compatible inputs without decoding and re-encoding them. See the FFmpeg concat demuxer documentation.

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Check that stream copy is suitable

The concat demuxer requires the files to have the same streams, including matching codecs and time bases. Gaming recordings may differ if they were captured with different settings or contain different audio, subtitle, or other tracks. When those properties do not match, stream copy may fail or produce an unsuitable result.

-c copy copies encoded streams rather than decoding and encoding them. It is fast and avoids quality loss from a re-encode, but it cannot apply filters and may not work if the output container needs information the sources do not provide. FFmpeg’s FAQ on concatenating media files and command-line documentation explain the available approaches.

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If the files are not compatible

Use FFmpeg’s concat filter when you need to re-encode. Filtering operates on decoded frames, so it cannot be combined with stream copy. There is no single safe normalization command for every set of VODs: the right video, audio, subtitle, and container choices depend on the actual inputs. Inspect their streams and properties, choose a consistent target, and build a filter-based command for those files. The FFmpeg FAQ recommends the filter route when re-encoding is needed.

Paths, timestamps, and command details

  • Spaces in filenames: Keep each filename quoted in its file entry, as in file 'gaming session 01.mp4'. For unusual characters, check FFmpeg’s concat-list syntax and verify that the list names the intended files.
  • Files outside the working directory: The demuxer’s safe-path rule permits relative paths made of portable characters whose components do not start with a period. For trusted local files outside those rules, -safe 0 is often used: ffmpeg -f concat -safe 0 -i vod-list.txt -c copy joined.mp4. Do not disable the check for an untrusted list.
  • Timestamp artifacts: The demuxer positions each file using its duration. Incorrect duration information, including estimates or a truncated recording, can cause artifacts. FFmpeg documents a duration directive that can override a stored duration when needed.
  • Option order: FFmpeg options apply to the next input or output, so their placement matters. In this command, the concat options and input list precede the output filename and its stream-copy setting.

For the concat protocol, do not substitute simple byte-level concatenation for ordinary MP4 or MKV recordings. FFmpeg documents file-level concatenation for formats such as MPEG-1, MPEG-2 program stream, and DV; it is not a general-purpose way to join gaming VODs. See the concat protocol documentation.

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When you meant a continuous live stream

The FFmpeg command above creates a joined output file. It does not keep a YouTube channel live from your recordings. If your goal is to play uploaded videos as a continuous YouTube live stream without leaving a computer running at home, StreamNeo is the cloud alternative: upload your video or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. It loops uploaded videos from the cloud, supports any uploaded quality up to 4K 60fps at one flat price per slot, and automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly pricing is $9.99 per month. Learn more at StreamNeo, or start your free day.

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