Set up a Custom RTMP in OBS (Custom RTMP)

This guide shows you how to configure OBS Studio to stream to a RTMP/RTMPS server using a Server URL and a Stream Key.

Ingest diagram: source (OBS) to server, then to viewers
Figure 1 — Typical RTMP ingest flow: encoder (OBS) ? server ? viewers. Source: Amazon IVS documentation.
Table of contents
  1. Requirements & needed details
  2. OBS Stream settings (Custom service)
  3. Recommended settings (video/audio)
  4. Test your stream
  5. Troubleshooting
  6. FAQ

1) Requirements & needed details

Before you start, make sure you have:

  • RTMP/RTMPS Server URL (e.g. rtmp://stream.yourdomain.tld/live)
  • Stream Key, often a channel name or a token
  • A connection with stable upload bandwidth
Security note
Your stream key is like a password: anyone who has it can stream to your channel. Don’t share it.
Typical format (most common) 
Server: rtmp(s)://HOST/APP
Key:    STREAM_NAME   (or token / query)
Examples 
Example 1
Server: rtmp://stream.yourdomain.tld/live
Key:    channel1

Example 2 (RTMPS + token)
Server: rtmps://stream.yourdomain.tld/live
Key:    channel1?token=ABC123

2) OBS Stream settings (Custom service)

  1. Open OBS and go to Settings.
  2. Open the Stream section.
  3. In Service, select Custom….
  4. Fill in:
    • Server: paste the RTMP/RTMPS URL
    • Stream Key: enter your stream key
  5. Click Apply ? OK.
OBS - Stream settings window with server URL and stream key fields
Figure 2 — OBS Stream section (example). Select “Custom” and enter Server and Stream Key. Source: OBS Project Knowledge Base.
RTMPS (recommended)
If your server supports RTMPS, use rtmps:// instead of rtmp:// to encrypt the connection.

3) Recommended settings (video/audio)

To reduce stuttering and disconnects, set values that match your upload bandwidth. Below is a “safe baseline” that works well with most RTMP servers.

OBS - Output settings (video bitrate and audio bitrate)
Figure 3 — OBS Output section (example). Video and audio bitrate strongly affect stability and quality. Source: OBS Project Knowledge Base.
Setting Recommendation Notes
Video encoder x264 or hardware (NVENC/AMF/QSV) Hardware encoding reduces CPU load, helpful on less powerful PCs.
Video bitrate Based on upload (e.g. 3500–6000 kbps for 1080p30) If you get dropped frames, lower bitrate or switch to 720p.
Keyframe interval 2 seconds Commonly required/recommended by many services/CDNs for compatibility.
Audio AAC, 128–192 kbps 160 kbps is a solid balance.
Resolution / FPS 720p30 or 1080p30 (depending on bandwidth) If your network is tight, 720p30 is more resilient.
Upload rule of thumb
Keep total bitrate (video+audio) at most 60–70% of your real measured upload to avoid saturation and instability.

4) Test your stream

  1. Make sure your scenes/sources are OK (meters moving, preview visible).
  2. Click Start Streaming.
  3. Check the status bar: low dropped frames and steady bitrate.
  4. Open your player/service dashboard and confirm the stream is received correctly.
OBS - Start Streaming / Start Recording controls
Figure 4 — Main OBS controls (Start Streaming / Start Recording). Source: OBS Project Knowledge Base.

5) Troubleshooting

Error: “Could not connect” / can’t connect

  • Double-check Server and Key (no extra spaces/characters).
  • Verify DNS/host (your domain resolves to the correct server).
  • Check firewall/NAT: classic RTMP is usually TCP 1935 (or the port provided by your service).
  • If using RTMPS, confirm TLS certificate validity and the correct port is open.

High dropped frames / choppy stream

  • Lower bitrate and/or use 720p instead of 1080p.
  • Switch to hardware encoding (NVENC/AMF/QSV) if CPU is maxing out.
  • Avoid Wi?Fi: prefer Ethernet.
  • If the server is far, try a closer endpoint (if available).

Audio out of sync

  • Set 48 kHz in Settings ? Audio (keep it consistent across devices).
  • Reduce heavy filters/processing and check source delays if needed.

6) FAQ

Can I use username/password?

Some RTMP servers support credentials in the URL (e.g. rtmp://user:pass@host/app), but not all do. Many providers use tokens in the Key field or as a query string (e.g. ?token=...).

What’s the difference between RTMP and RTMPS?

RTMPS is RTMP over TLS: it encrypts the connection. If available, it’s preferred.

Can I record and stream at the same time?

Yes: OBS can Start Recording and Start Streaming simultaneously (consider CPU/disk and bitrate impact).

 

Was this answer helpful? 1 Users Found This Useful (1 Votes)

Most Popular Articles

WirecastLive Streaming RTMP Configuration

  Set up a Custom RTMP in Wirecast (Telestream) This guide explains how to configure...
BlackMagicDesign Live Streaming RTMP Configuration

Set up a Custom RTMP on Blackmagic Design This guide provides two procedures (with images)...
XSplit Live Streaming RTMP Configuration

    Set up a Custom RTMP in XSplit Broadcaster (Custom RTMP) This guide shows you how to...
VMIX Live Streaming RTMP Config

    Set up a Custom RTMP in vMix (Custom RTMP) This guide shows you how to configure vMix to...
Haivision Live Streaming RTMP Configuration

  Set up a Custom RTMP on Haivision (Makito X) This guide explains how to configure an RTMP...