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To stream a variable frame rate (VFR) file to YouTube with FFmpeg, pace the file in real time with -re, then choose output timestamp handling deliberately. These options do different jobs: -re does not convert VFR footage to constant frame rate (CFR). The command below is an untested starting point; verify its options against your FFmpeg build and match the output to YouTube Live Control Room.
Understand the two separate frame-timing decisions
Input pacing: -re
For a file input, -re reads at the input’s native frame rate; FFmpeg documents it as equivalent to -readrate 1. It makes file-based media arrive in real time for streaming. It does not regularize uneven frame intervals or convert the video to a fixed frame rate.
Output synchronization: -fps_mode
-fps_mode[:stream_specifier] is an output, per-stream video synchronization and frame-rate setting. The FFmpeg project’s June 2022 documentation change marks the global -vsync option as deprecated. Since that record is not the current full manual, check your installed version and help output before relying on a particular syntax or value.
First decide whether to preserve the source’s irregular cadence and timestamps or convert the output to a fixed cadence. Output -r or an fps filter may duplicate or drop frames; that is a conversion choice, not real-time pacing. Choose it only when a fixed cadence is intended, and account for how it changes timing and motion.
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Check your FFmpeg build and source
-
Record the installed version with
ffmpeg -version. Builds differ in supported options, encoders, and protocols. -
Inspect the input’s streams and timestamps rather than assuming a nominal frame-rate label describes every frame interval. For example, use
ffprobe -v error -show_streams -show_format input.mp4ifffprobeis installed. -
Check whether your build accepts the relevant option and values with
ffmpeg -h full. In particular, confirm support for-fps_mode:v passthroughbefore using the sample below. -
Confirm the chosen video encoder and output protocol are available in your build. Do not assume every FFmpeg package includes
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Use a version-aware command structure
This example illustrates one approach for a file input when the goal is to preserve irregular source timing. It has not been tested, and it is not guaranteed to work with every FFmpeg build, input, encoder, or YouTube ingest configuration.
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ffmpeg -re -i input.mp4
-map 0:v:0 -map '0:a?'
-c:v libx264 -pix_fmt yuv420p -fps_mode:v passthrough
-c:a aac
-f flv "$YOUTUBE_RTMPS_URL/$STREAM_KEY"-
-repaces this file input in real time. Do not blindly add it to a live capture source; verify pacing guidance for that source and FFmpeg build. -
-map 0:v:0selects the first video stream.-map '0:a?'selects audio if present, allowing a file without an audio stream to proceed. -
-fps_mode:v passthroughis an example intended to avoid forcing a regular output cadence. Confirm that your installed build supports it and that preserving the source cadence suits your goal.The Tool Desk
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Replace the URL and key placeholders with the RTMPS ingest URL and stream key shown in YouTube Live Control Room. Keep the key private. The URL/key format must match the ingest details YouTube provides.
The sample intentionally sets neither a fixed output frame rate nor a bitrate. Those choices depend on the source, desired cadence, resolution, codec, and available upload capacity. Configure rate control and keyframe interval to match YouTube’s current guidance and the selected stream settings.
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Match the output to YouTube Live ingest
YouTube’s Live encoder guidance lists RTMP and RTMPS ingest, H.264, H.265 (HEVC), and AV1 video, frame rates up to 60 fps, constant-bitrate encoding, and AAC or MP3 audio. It recommends a two-second keyframe frequency, not exceeding four seconds. Use the current encoder page and Live Control Room settings when configuring an actual stream, since requirements and recommendations can change.
The following are YouTube-published H.264 and AV1/H.265 bitrate examples; select the row matching your codec, resolution, and frame rate. They are not universal targets for every stream.
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| Codec | Resolution and frame rate | Minimum bitrate | Recommended bitrate |
|---|---|---|---|
| H.264 | 720p30 | 3 Mbps | 8 Mbps |
| H.264 | 720p60 | 3 Mbps | 8 Mbps |
| H.264 | 1080p30 | 5 Mbps | 14 Mbps |
| H.264 | 1080p60 | 6 Mbps | 17 Mbps |
| AV1 or H.265 | 720p30 | 2 Mbps | 6 Mbps |
| AV1 or H.265 | 720p60 | 2 Mbps | 6 Mbps |
| AV1 or H.265 | 1080p30 | 4 Mbps | 10 Mbps |
| AV1 or H.265 | 1080p60 | 4 Mbps | 12 Mbps |
These figures are YouTube’s published recommendations and may change. Test the actual upload path and leave headroom for reliable delivery; a speed test helps assess capacity, but does not guarantee a stable stream. YouTube recommends RTMPS, a secure extension to RTMP that encrypts data into and through Google’s servers. Use RTMPS when it is available for your ingest.
Test and monitor before and during the stream
-
Run a representative preflight with audio and motion similar to the intended broadcast. YouTube’s official encoder guidance says tests should include audio and movement like those planned for the stream.
-
Confirm that the selected resolution, frame rate, codec, bitrate, keyframe interval, protocol, and stream key match the current YouTube Live setup.
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Watch Live Control Room’s stream-health indicators and messages during the test and event. Do not treat a successful FFmpeg connection alone as proof of healthy playback.
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If playback stutters or drifts, identify whether the cause is timestamps or frame pacing, encoder overload, insufficient upload capacity, codec mismatch, or an ingest-health warning before changing frame-rate options.
Troubleshoot by separating timing from delivery
-
The stream runs faster or slower than real time: Confirm this is a file input and that it is paced with
-re. That option controls how quickly FFmpeg reads the file; it does not make irregular source timestamps uniform. -
Motion judders after adding
-ror anfpsfilter: Those may duplicate or drop frames to achieve a cadence. Remove the conversion if preserving source timing is the goal, or choose a deliberate target cadence and conversion method. -
-fps_modeis rejected: Checkffmpeg -versionandffmpeg -h full. Use syntax and supported values for that build; old examples using-vsyncmay be version-sensitive because the FFmpeg project marks it deprecated in its cited documentation change.Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.Best Value
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FFmpeg cannot find the encoder or connect to ingest: Confirm the encoder and protocol are included in the installed build, and recheck the ingest URL and key from Live Control Room. Avoid publishing or sharing the key.
-
YouTube reports poor stream health or playback buffers: Compare the codec, resolution, frame rate, CBR setting, bitrate, and keyframe interval with YouTube’s current guidance. Assess upload stability and encoder load; do not assume the VFR timestamp choice is the cause.
-
The source has no audio: The optional audio map in the sample permits that case, but ensure the intended YouTube stream’s audio behavior is appropriate. If audio exists but is not mapped or encoded correctly, inspect the input streams and command output.
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-
FFmpeg project record on
-readrate,-fps_mode, and-vsync(documentation change record, June 2022; check the installed build for current behavior). -
YouTube Help: Live encoder settings, bitrates, and stream health (official guidance accessed October 3, 2026).
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