Custom RTMP means manually telling a streaming encoder where to send your broadcast by entering the destination’s ingest-server URL and stream key. In OBS, go to Settings → Stream, choose the custom streaming server option, and enter those two values in their separate fields. The platform or event host supplies the correct details; they are not universal.
What “custom RTMP” means
RTMP is a streaming protocol. “Custom RTMP” is common shorthand for configuring an encoder to send a stream to a destination that is not selected through a named service preset. It is a manual destination setting, not a separate protocol.
This is useful when a game-streaming platform, event host, private server, or relay accepts an encoder connection but is not available as a one-click option in OBS. You still need a compatible destination account or event and the connection details it provides.
What you need before setting it up
- An encoder: OBS is one option; other encoders may use different labels for the same settings.
- A destination that accepts encoder input: Create or select the broadcast or event in that service first.
- The destination’s current ingest URL and stream key: The URL identifies where the encoder connects; the key identifies or authorizes your stream.
- A video and audio source configured in your encoder: A webcam, capture card, or other video source may be used, but none is inherently required just to configure a custom destination.
Where to find the server URL and stream key
Look in the destination’s live control room, broadcast setup, or event settings. Create or select the specific broadcast, then copy the ingest or server URL and stream key shown there. Some services use event-specific keys, so do not assume an old key will work for a new event or that another platform’s URL is interchangeable.
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Treat the stream key like a password: anyone who obtains it may be able to send a stream to your account or event. Do not show it in a public screenshot, recording, stream overlay, or support post. If it is exposed, replace or regenerate it using that service’s account controls; the exact steps depend on the platform.
How to add a custom RTMP server in OBS
- Prepare the destination. In the platform’s live control room or event setup, create or select the broadcast and copy its current server URL and stream key.
- Open OBS’s stream settings. Select Settings → Stream.
- Choose the manual destination option. In the service selector, choose the custom streaming server option. OBS’s guide describes this as selecting an included service or setting a custom streaming server.
- Enter the details in the matching fields. Paste the destination’s server URL into the server field and its stream key into the key field. Do not combine them or substitute values from an example or another platform.
- Check the destination’s requirements. Confirm the requested protocol, endpoint, port, encoder, and output settings against the destination’s current guidance. Use its specifications rather than copying settings from a guide for a different service.
- Run a low-risk test. If the destination supports a private, unlisted, or otherwise limited test, start one before the public broadcast. Check the destination preview or status and verify that both video and audio arrive.
- Start the intended broadcast. Once the test is sound, use the destination’s live controls and OBS as directed by that service.
Other encoders may call these fields “server,” “ingest URL,” “stream URL,” or similar. The key point is to put the destination-issued URL and key into the corresponding fields in that encoder.
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RTMP or RTMPS: which should you use?
RTMPS carries RTMP over TLS/SSL, adding encryption while the stream travels to the ingest server. Prefer RTMPS when the destination and encoder support it and the destination instructs you to use it. YouTube recommends RTMPS; Vimeo also distinguishes its security benefit from ordinary RTMP.
Do not assume every destination accepts the same protocol. HLS and SRT are different ingestion options, not alternate names for RTMP. YouTube documents HLS ingestion for supported cases, including codecs that RTMP may not accept. Vimeo supports RTMP, RTMPS, and SRT, with different compatibility and feature constraints. Use the protocol specified for your particular destination and workflow.
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Why OBS may not connect
- No ingest detected or connection rejected: Confirm the broadcast or event is ready to receive, then recopy the URL and key from that exact event. Check that OBS is using the requested RTMP or RTMPS variant. For YouTube RTMPS, an incorrect server name, port, or SSL configuration can prevent a connection.
- The stream connects to the wrong event or account: Make sure the URL and key belong to the intended account and current event. A key or endpoint from another service is not a substitute.
- Video arrives but audio does not: Check that OBS has the intended audio source and output settings enabled. Use the destination preview or status to confirm whether audio is reaching it.
- The key has appeared publicly: Treat it as compromised and regenerate it through the destination’s controls. Remove or redact the exposed value where possible.
- The connection is unstable on a poor network: Vimeo notes that RTMP can struggle under poor network conditions. If the destination and encoder support it, an alternative such as SRT may suit some workflows; first check compatibility and feature limitations. There is no universal bitrate or latency setting that guarantees a fix.
- The destination feature is unavailable: Some hosted event features are plan-dependent. For example, Vimeo OTT’s OBS instructions limit live-event streaming to Growth and Enterprise sellers, and Vimeo’s custom simulcast feature also has plan eligibility requirements. Check the current terms for your service before relying on a feature.
Does custom RTMP require extra hardware or a particular plan?
Not by itself. Custom RTMP is a destination configuration in an encoder. A capture card is useful if you need to bring HDMI video into OBS, but it is unnecessary when an existing webcam or other working video source meets your needs. A destination may separately impose account, plan, event, or protocol restrictions.
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