NewTek / Vizrt TriCaster: set up a Custom RTMP output

TriCaster family - product image (Vizrt)
Figure 0 — Example TriCaster system (product image). Source: Vizrt.

This guide shows how to configure a Custom RTMP on TriCaster to send your Program output to a platform or CDN that provides an RTMP URL and a Stream Key. Menu labels may vary slightly depending on the model (TC1, Mini, 410 Plus, Vizion, Vectar) and software version, but the overall workflow is the same.

Table of contents
  1. Required details (RTMP URL + Stream Key)
  2. Open Stream/Encode (Streaming Configuration)
  3. Create a “Custom” preset
  4. Paste Server Address and Stream ID (key)
  5. Start streaming
  6. Recommended settings (compatibility)
  7. Troubleshooting
  8. FAQ

1) Required details (RTMP URL + Stream Key)

From your provider/CDN (video platform, private CDN, etc.) gather:

  • RTMP URL (sometimes called “Server”, “Ingest URL”, “Server Address”)
  • Stream Key (sometimes called “Stream name”, “Stream ID”, “Key”)
  • If required: username/password (not always used)
  • If the port is not the default 1935: the specific port (e.g. :443, :2935)
How you’ll use them in TriCaster 
Server Address (TriCaster) = RTMP URL
Stream ID (TriCaster)      = Stream Key

Many services provide these values separately. If you’re given a single URL like rtmp://host/app/STREAMKEY, you typically paste everything before the last “/” into Server Address and the last part as Stream ID.

Example provider panel: Encoder Setup with URL and Stream name/key
Figure 1 — “Provider side” example: where to find URL and Stream name/key. Source: Dacast (UI example).
Security note
Your Stream Key is like a password: don’t share it and don’t paste it into public tickets.

2) Open Stream/Encode (Streaming Configuration)

  1. Open your TriCaster session (Live Production).
  2. Find the Stream/Encode button (usually on the dashboard/toolbar).
  3. Click the ?? (gear) icon next to Stream/Encode to open the streaming configuration.
TriCaster: Streaming Configuration with New preset selection and stream settings
Figure 2 — Streaming Configuration: where you create/select the preset. Source: Dacast (TriCaster screenshot).

3) Create a “Custom” preset

  1. In Streaming Configuration, click New preset (or “New Preset”).
  2. Select Custom.
  3. Give the preset a name (e.g. CDN - Event or RTMP - Provider).
Tip
If you stream to multiple destinations (CDN + social, etc.), create a preset for each one so you can reuse settings and avoid mistakes.

4) Paste Server Address and Stream ID (key)

After choosing “Custom”, TriCaster opens the connection configuration window. This is where you enter the provider parameters.

4.1 Configure the connection

  1. Review/fill Connection Name (preset/connection label).
  2. Enter:
    • Server Address = RTMP URL
    • Stream ID = Stream Key
    • Username/Password only if required by the provider
  3. Click Close to save and return to the session.
TriCaster: Configure Custom Connection window with Server Address, Stream ID, Username, Password
Figure 3 — Configure Custom Connection window. Source: Dacast (TriCaster screenshot).
TriCaster: example details entered (Server Address and Stream ID) for the custom connection
Figure 4 — Example with values entered in Server Address and Stream ID. Source: Dacast (TriCaster screenshot).
RTMPS
Some providers require RTMPS (RTMP over TLS). Support may depend on your TriCaster model/version and the preset/connection type. If RTMPS is required and the connection fails, consider:
  • updating TriCaster to the latest available version
  • using RTMP on an alternative port provided by the service (if available)
  • or using an external encoder that supports RTMPS

5) Start streaming

  1. Return to the main TriCaster interface (Live Production).
  2. Press Stream/Encode to start streaming.
  3. Check the status: a timer/indicator should start (often the control highlights).
  4. Verify in your provider dashboard that the stream is online and stable.
TriCaster: Stream/Encode active with running timer
Figure 5 — Stream/Encode active (running timer). Source: Dacast (TriCaster screenshot).

6) Recommended settings (compatibility)

Exact settings depend on your platform/CDN. A highly compatible RTMP ingest baseline:

Parameter Recommendation Notes
Video codec H.264 Most compatible for RTMP.
Resolution / FPS 1080p30 or 720p30 If your network is unstable, 720p is more resilient.
Video bitrate 3–6 Mbps (indicative) Adjust to your real upload (see note below).
Keyframe / GOP 2 seconds Commonly required/recommended by CDNs.
Audio AAC 128–192 kbps @ 48 kHz 160 kbps is a good balance.
Rate control CBR when possible Improves ingest/player stability.
Upload rule of thumb
Keep total bitrate (video + audio) within 60–70% of real measured upload to avoid saturation and buffering.

7) Troubleshooting

Won’t connect / publish error

  • Double-check Server Address and Stream ID (no extra spaces).
  • Make sure the URL includes the correct path/app (e.g. /live).
  • If the port is not 1935, confirm it’s included in the URL (e.g. :443, :2935).
  • If credentials are required, fill in Username/Password (only if provided by the service).

Choppy stream / buffering

  • Lower bitrate or switch to 720p30.
  • Avoid competing uploads on the same network.
  • Prefer Ethernet and a stable connection.

Nothing shows on the provider side

  • Confirm Stream/Encode is actually running (timer running).
  • Some platforms show preview with a slight delay: wait and refresh.
  • Check stream status is “Online/On” in the provider dashboard.

8) FAQ

Can I save settings for reuse?

Yes: “Custom” presets remain available, and you can create multiple presets for different destinations.

RTMP or RTMPS?

RTMPS encrypts traffic. If your platform requires it, confirm your TriCaster version supports it or use an external encoder that does.


References: Vizrt — TriCaster Family • Dacast — TriCaster Streaming (RTMP) • Restream — Connect TriCaster (Custom RTMP)

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