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RTMP is a protocol an encoder uses to send a live video feed to YouTube. To connect, copy the stream-specific Stream URL from YouTube Live Control Room into your encoder’s server or URL field, then copy the separate Stream key into its key field. If you want an encrypted connection, use the RTMPS URL shown by YouTube and an encoder that supports RTMPS.
What RTMP means on YouTube
RTMP is a protocol for sending live video from an encoder to YouTube. RTMPS is RTMP sent through SSL/TLS, which encrypts the connection. YouTube’s technical guide describes RTMPS as “a regular RTMP (RealTime Messaging Protocol) video stream tunneled through an SSL connection.” Google for Developers’ RTMPS guide specifies port 443 and SNI hostname indication for implementations.
The URL and stream key are separate values with different jobs. The URL identifies the ingestion server and path; the key identifies the stream. Use the pair YouTube displays for the specific stream you are setting up, rather than copying an address from an example or assuming one endpoint works for every configuration. YouTube’s LiveStreams API documentation exposes stream-specific ingestion information, including separate RTMP and RTMPS primary and backup addresses.
Where to find your YouTube Stream URL and key
- Open YouTube Live Control Room and create or schedule a stream. Open that stream’s settings. YouTube’s encoder setup guide walks through this workflow.
- In the stream settings, copy the Stream URL shown for this stream.
- Copy the Stream key separately. Treat it like a password: do not publish it or share it with people who should not be able to send video to your stream.
- If you intend to use RTMPS, click the lock icon in the Stream URL field to reveal the RTMPS URL, then copy that address. Check that your encoder supports RTMPS. YouTube documents these steps in Encrypt your stream using RTMPS.
YouTube’s creator-facing labels are “Stream URL,” “Stream key” and “RTMPS URL.” Some encoders offer a YouTube preset that fills in or simplifies the server configuration, but you still need the correct stream key.
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How to enter the URL and start sending video
- Open your encoder’s streaming or broadcast settings. Select its YouTube preset if available, or choose a custom RTMP/RTMPS server configuration.
- Paste YouTube’s Stream URL into the encoder’s server, URL or RTMP server field. If you chose RTMPS, use the RTMPS URL rather than the ordinary RTMP URL.
- Paste the stream key into the separate Stream Key field. Do not paste the key into the URL field.
- Save or apply the settings, then start streaming from the encoder.
- For a scheduled stream, wait for the video preview to appear in Live Control Room, then select Go live when YouTube’s workflow prompts you to do so. Follow the on-screen steps for the stream you created.
The API documentation notes that some encoder configurations accept the stream URL and stream name separately; others may require them combined as STREAM_URL/STREAM_NAME. Follow your encoder’s instructions and use the values associated with your stream. Do not append the stream key to the URL unless the encoder specifically labels that value as the stream name and its instructions require this format.
RTMP vs. RTMPS: which should you use?
| Option | What it does | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| RTMP | Sends video to YouTube using the RTMP protocol. | Use the RTMP URL YouTube shows for the stream and the matching encoder setting. |
| RTMPS | Sends RTMP through an SSL/TLS connection for encryption. | Use YouTube’s RTMPS URL and an encoder that supports RTMPS. The technical guide specifies port 443 and SNI hostname indication. |
These are distinct connection configurations, not interchangeable labels to swap in a saved encoder setup. YouTube’s API exposes separate RTMP and RTMPS addresses. Copy the endpoint for the method you selected, and match it to the encoder’s protocol setting. See the technical RTMPS requirements and YouTube’s creator instructions.
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Common RTMP and RTMPS problems
- SSL certificate error: Check that you copied the RTMPS URL, that it begins with the RTMPS protocol, and that the encoder connects using TLS to YouTube’s endpoint on port 443. Implementations also need correct SNI hostname handling.
- Connection timeout: Confirm that the encoder supports RTMPS and is making an SSL/TLS connection rather than plain RTMP/TCP to an endpoint expecting RTMPS. If the encoder cannot use RTMPS, choose a compatible connection option shown by YouTube.
- No preview appears: Make sure the encoder is running, then verify that the URL and key came from the intended stream and occupy their matching fields. A URL/key mix-up or values copied from a different stream can prevent the expected feed from appearing.
- The wrong stream receives the feed: Stop sending and compare the encoder values with the settings in the intended Live Control Room stream. Re-copy both values from that stream before restarting.
- Backup ingestion is unclear: YouTube’s API includes backup ingestion fields and supports sending a simultaneous copy to a backup address in supported workflows. This is an optional configuration, not a required step for every creator.
Do you need special hardware to use a YouTube RTMP URL?
You need an encoder to send the video feed, but YouTube’s setup instructions do not require a particular physical encoder model or accessory for entering the URL and key. If you already have an encoder, first check whether it supports the protocol you plan to use and whether its field names match YouTube’s Stream URL and Stream key.
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