Set up a Custom RTMP on Blackmagic Design

This guide provides two procedures (with images) to stream to a custom RTMP server using Blackmagic Design devices:

  • ATEM Mini Pro / Extreme / ISO (direct Ethernet streaming) ? add a custom service via Streaming.xml.
  • Blackmagic Streaming Encoder / Web Presenter ? configure a custom RTMP from Blackmagic Streaming Utility / Web Presenter Setup.
Important
The “base” ATEM Mini (non Pro/Extreme) does not include the hardware streaming engine over Ethernet: in that case you use the USB “webcam” output with software (OBS/vMix/XSplit) to push RTMP.
Table of contents
  1. Required details (URL + Stream Key)
  2. ATEM Mini Pro/Extreme: add a custom RTMP service (Streaming.xml)
  3. Streaming Encoder / Web Presenter: custom RTMP from the Utility
  4. Recommended settings (video/audio)
  5. Troubleshooting
  6. FAQ

1) Required details (URL + Stream Key)

From your provider (or your RTMP server) get:

  • RTMP URL (also called “Ingest URL” / “Server URL”): e.g. rtmp://stream.yourdomain.tld/live
  • Stream Key (or “Stream Name”): e.g. channel1 or channel1?token=ABC123
Typical format 
RTMP URL  : rtmp(s)://HOST[:PORT]/APP
Stream Key: STREAM_KEY (or STREAM_KEY?token=...)
Security note
Your Stream Key is like a password: do not share or publish it.

2) ATEM Mini Pro/Extreme: add a custom RTMP service (Streaming.xml)

With ATEM Mini Pro/Extreme/ISO models you can stream over Ethernet. To add a service that is not listed, you edit Streaming.xml, which defines the streaming platforms in ATEM Software Control.

ATEM Software Control: Output palette with Platform, Server, Key and ON AIR indicator
Figure 1 — Output palette: choose platform/server and enter the Key (stream key). Source: Blackmagic Design (ATEM Mini Getting Started).

2.1 Locate Streaming.xml

Typical locations:

  • macOS: /Library/Application Support/Blackmagic Design/Switchers/Streaming.xml
  • Windows: C:\Program Files (x86)\Blackmagic Design\Blackmagic ATEM Switchers\ATEM Software Control\Streaming.xml
Tip
Create a backup before editing (e.g. Streaming.xml.bak).

2.2 Edit Streaming.xml and add your RTMP server

  1. Open Streaming.xml with a text editor (Visual Studio Code recommended).
  2. Copy an existing <service>...</service> block and paste it below the last one.
  3. Edit at least:
    • <name>: the label you’ll see in ATEM Software Control (e.g. “Custom RTMP”)
    • <url>: your RTMP URL (application endpoint)
  4. Save the file (on Windows you may need admin privileges).
  5. Close and re-open ATEM Software Control to reload the services.
Streaming.xml example: service with name, Default server and RTMP url
Figure 2 — Example Streaming.xml edit (adding a service with an RTMP <url>). Source: Here to Record (Streaming.xml example).
Minimal example (adapt to your case) 
<service>
  <name>Custom RTMP</name>
  <servers>
    <server>
      <name>Default</name>
      <url>rtmp://stream.yourdomain.tld/live</url>
    </server>
  </servers>
</service>

The Stream Key is usually entered in ATEM Software Control in the Key field (not inside the URL).

2.3 Select the service in ATEM Software Control and go ON AIR

  1. Open ATEM Software Control ? Output (Live Streaming) palette.
  2. In Platform, select your custom service (e.g. “Custom RTMP”).
  3. Enter your Stream Key in the Key field.
  4. Select a quality/bitrate profile (Low/Medium/High) based on your upload.
  5. Press ON AIR (on the ATEM panel or in the UI) and verify on your provider/player.

3) Streaming Encoder / Web Presenter: custom RTMP from the Utility

With Blackmagic Streaming Encoder (or Web Presenter), you can configure streaming using Blackmagic Streaming Utility / Web Presenter Setup (Mac/Windows), connecting the device via USB or Ethernet.

Blackmagic Streaming Utility: Live Stream/Setup showing Platform, Server, Key and ON AIR
Figure 3 — Blackmagic Streaming Utility: choose a platform and enter the Key (stream key) with ON AIR. Source: Blackmagic Design (Blackmagic Streaming Processors).

3.1 Quick steps

  1. Install and open Blackmagic Streaming Utility / Web Presenter Setup.
  2. Connect the device via USB (local) or Ethernet (remote on LAN).
  3. Go to the Live Stream tab.
  4. Set Protocol to RTMP (if available).
  5. Select Platform = Custom / Custom URL (wording may vary by version).
  6. Enter:
    • Server/URL = your RTMP URL
    • Key = your Stream Key
  7. Select quality and press ON AIR.
Blackmagic Streaming Encoder: device and Utility Live Stream panel with ON AIR
Figure 4 — Streaming Encoder: ON AIR status and Live Stream controls in the Utility. Source: Blackmagic Design (Blackmagic Streaming Processors).
About RTMPS (rtmps://)
If your provider requires RTMPS, confirm your firmware/utility supports it. If in doubt, ask for an RTMP endpoint on port 443/80 or another supported alternative.

4) Recommended settings (video/audio)

For best RTMP compatibility, this is a solid starting point:

Setting Recommendation Notes
Video codec H.264 Maximum RTMP compatibility.
Rate control CBR (constant bitrate) More stable for RTMP/CDN ingest.
Keyframe / GOP 2 seconds Commonly required/recommended by services.
Audio AAC 128–192 kbps (48 kHz) 160 kbps is a good balance.
Resolution / FPS 720p30 or 1080p30 Based on your available upload.
Rule of thumb
Keep total bitrate (video+audio) within 60–70% of your real measured upload to avoid saturation.

5) Troubleshooting

Can’t connect / instantly goes OFF

  • Confirm RTMP URL and Stream Key are correct (no extra spaces).
  • Verify the URL path/app (e.g. /live, /app) as provided.
  • Network/firewall: RTMP often uses TCP 1935. Some corporate networks block it.
  • If your provider requires RTMPS or other ports, use the correct endpoint.

Choppy stream / buffering

  • Lower bitrate or switch to 720p.
  • Prefer Ethernet and stop competing uploads (backups/cloud sync).
  • Make sure the selected quality profile (Low/Medium/High) matches your bandwidth.

Custom platform doesn’t appear in ATEM

  • Did you save Streaming.xml in the correct folder and with the same name?
  • Did you restart ATEM Software Control after editing?
  • On Windows you may need admin privileges to edit the file.

6) FAQ

Can I add multiple servers (primary/backup)?

Yes: in Streaming.xml you can define multiple servers for the same service, or create two separate services, depending on your provider and workflow.

Where do I enter the Stream Key on ATEM?

In the Output (Live Streaming) palette, in the Key field (see Figure 1). The server URL and the key are usually separate.


Helpful references: ATEM Mini – Getting Started • Blackmagic Streaming Processors • Custom Streaming Destination (ATEM Mini Pro)

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