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An RTMP destination is the live-stream platform’s receiving endpoint. Its server URL tells an encoder where to send video and audio; the stream key identifies and authorizes the stream. Copy both from the platform’s live-stream setup, enter them in the matching encoder fields, and keep the key private. For YouTube, choose RTMPS when your encoder supports it: it encrypts the connection.
What is an RTMP destination?
RTMP stands for Real-Time Messaging Protocol. In a live-stream setup, the destination is the ingest endpoint that receives a broadcast pushed from an encoder. It is not a video source: the encoder sends its prepared audio and video to the platform, and the platform distributes the live stream to viewers. Twitch describes this encoder-to-ingest flow in its broadcast documentation.
A destination commonly consists of two parts:
- Server URL: the address of the platform’s ingest service.
- Stream key: a platform-assigned identifier or authorization value for the stream. Treat it like a password; anyone who obtains it may be able to send a broadcast to your stream.
Some software asks for the URL and key in separate fields. Other tools accept a combined address, so follow the encoder’s field labels and the platform’s instructions.
Where do I find the RTMP URL and stream key?
YouTube Live
- Open YouTube Studio’s Live Control Room and select the stream or scheduled event you intend to broadcast to.
- Open the stream’s settings. To use RTMPS, reveal and copy the RTMPS address rather than assuming the regular RTMP address is interchangeable.
- Copy the stream key from the same live setup. Keep it private.
YouTube’s RTMPS setup instructions describe finding the address in Live Control Room. For API-based integrations, YouTube exposes the RTMP ingestion address and the RTMPS ingestion address as separate values; its LiveStreams API reference also describes the associated stream name.
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Twitch
Twitch assigns a stream key that can be retrieved from the broadcaster dashboard. Its documented destination format is rtmp://<ingest-server>/app/<stream-key>[?bandwidthtest=true]. The ingest server is a Twitch receiver and the key identifies the stream. Twitch’s stream-key FAQ and developer documentation explain the key and ingest setup. Most broadcasters can use Twitch’s recommended ingest server; the optional bandwidthtest=true parameter is for bandwidth testing with Twitch Inspector, not a normal public broadcast. Do not use an example key as your own.
How do I use an RTMP destination in an encoder?
- Select or create the live stream. In the platform’s live-control area, choose the event or stream you want the encoder to feed.
- Copy that stream’s destination details. Use the URL and key supplied for that platform and stream, not values copied from another service or event.
- Choose the platform preset if available. For YouTube, select its YouTube RTMPS preset when the encoder offers one. Otherwise, use the custom server and key fields.
- Match values to fields. Put the ingest URL in the server field and the key in the stream-key field. Some tools combine them in a format such as
STREAM_URL/STREAM_NAME; use that only if the encoder expects a combined value. - Start the encoder and check reception. Confirm that the platform receives data in its preview or stream-health panel. A connected encoder does not necessarily mean the video settings are healthy.
Encoders can be software such as OBS Studio, Streamlabs, or XSplit, or dedicated hardware. A hardware encoder is not required if your existing encoder supports the platform’s destination format.
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RTMP or RTMPS: which should you use?
RTMPS is RTMP carried over TLS/SSL, which encrypts the connection between encoder and ingest endpoint. YouTube recommends its RTMPS setup when supported. Use the exact RTMPS address supplied for the stream; an RTMP URL is not made secure merely by selecting an encryption option elsewhere.
YouTube’s published ingestion comparison distinguishes these protocols and alternatives:
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| Protocol | Encryption | Codecs listed by YouTube | Latency and typical fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| RTMP | Unencrypted | H.264 | Supports normal, low, or ultra-low latency ingestion. |
| RTMPS | Encrypted | H.264 | Supports normal, low, or ultra-low latency ingestion; a practical choice for a typical encoder workflow. |
| HLS | Encrypted | H.264 and HEVC | Segment-based and generally higher latency; may suit cases where its codec support is useful. |
| DASH | Encrypted | H.264 and VP9 | Segment-based and generally higher latency; may suit cases where its codec support is useful. |
This comparison reflects YouTube’s published protocol guidance, not every platform’s options. HLS or DASH can be relevant for higher-resolution workflows, but latency and encoder support matter. Use only a protocol for which the platform provides an endpoint and your encoder supports it. Twitch’s cited documentation establishes its RTMP format; it does not establish RTMPS support.
For API-level YouTube RTMPS clients, Google’s RTMPS ingestion guide specifies port 443 and correct TLS Server Name Indication (SNI) hostname handling. YouTube’s Help page also recommends checking port 443 when SSL errors persist.
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Why is my RTMP destination not connecting?
- Wrong protocol: If the platform provided RTMPS, check that the URL begins with
rtmps://, notrtmp://. - Wrong URL or stream key: Copy both again from the current stream’s live-control setup. YouTube provides separate RTMP and RTMPS addresses; Twitch uses its own ingest-server and key format.
- Values in the wrong fields: Make sure the server field contains the URL and the key field contains the key. If the encoder expects a combined value, use its stated format instead.
- Incorrect port or TLS setup: For YouTube RTMPS, check port 443. An API client may also fail if it does not send the correct hostname through TLS SNI.
- Encoder does not support RTMPS: A timeout may mean the encoder cannot make an RTMPS connection. Check its supported protocols or use a supported platform preset.
- Data arrives but stream health is poor: Review YouTube’s preview and health status for configuration issues. This separates an ingest connection from problems with the signal being sent.
- The key was exposed: If it appeared in a screenshot, recording, or public stream, treat it as compromised and refresh it in the platform’s key-management controls. Twitch explicitly warns against sharing keys.
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