RTMP on Live Events
This guide helps you stream with RTMP on Live Events. For an overview of all your streaming options, see our streaming article.
RTMP (Real-time messaging protocol) is a streaming protocol that'll let you stream from other tools. Live Events provides you with a Stream Key and RTMP URL you can plug into your chosen third-party service to stream into Live Events.
When should I use RTMP?
Live Events offers a built-in streaming solution you can use for its backstage and screen share, but we recommend using RTMP if you plan to use:
- Overlays
- Lower-thirds
- Closed captioning
- Pre-recorded content at set times
- A backup or fallback stream if the primary stream drops
- Simulcast to stream to multiple channels at the same time
Which streaming software should I use?
We recommend Restream and StreamYard for your RTMP stream. They are dedicated live streaming services and easy-to-use. However, setting up custom RTMP destinations, like Live Events, are premium features.
Where do I get started?
First, you’ll need to find your Stream Key and RTMP URL in Live Events. To do so:
- Log into Live Events
- Go to your event’s dashboard
- In your menu, select Stage
- Under Provider, select Live Events
- Select the RTMP Stream tab
- Copy your Stream Key and RTMP URL
You’ll need to use both to set up your custom destination on your chosen streaming platform.
Once you’ve decided on a third-party streaming platform, their documentation can help you get set up.
Some popular guides are:
Recommended settings
Important: You should test your settings before you stream to find what works best for your setup.
Video
Resolution: 1280 x 720 or 1920 x 1080
Codec: H.264
Bitrate: 3500 - 5000 Kbps
Keyframe interval: 2 seconds
FPS: 30 - 60
Note: Video bitrate should not exceed 50% of your available upload bandwidth. For example, if your internet upload speed is 10Mbps, then your video bitrate should be 5000 Kbps or less.
Audio
Codec: AAC
Bitrate: 96 - 128 Kbps
Hardware recommendations
CPU: AMD FX series or Intel Core i5 (or higher)
RAM: At least 4GB, but we recommend 8GB (or higher)
Internet speed
When streaming, your upload speed should be at least 5Mbps. For a higher quality stream, aim for 10Mpbs or higher. Whenever possible, connect to the internet via an ethernet cable to ensure a stable connection.
If you have a slower internet speed, you may need to lower your video resolution, bitrate, and/or FPS. Find out your internet speed.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my stream choppy or pixelated?
Live streaming uses a lot of bandwidth and processing power. To ensure a smooth stream for your audience, you should:
- Use an ethernet cable to connect to the internet
- Disconnect unnecessary devices from your network
- Close any unnecessary programs or applications on your computer
- Use updated software and hardware
Why is there a delay between my presenter and stream?
The delay is called latency, and it’s normal when streaming to an audience. You should expect a delay of about 20 to 30 seconds when using an RTMP stream. Learn more about latency from BoxCast.
How can I add closed captioning to my stream?
Live Events doesn’t have closed captioning, but you can use a third-party service to add closed captioning to your RTMP stream.
For free solutions, try YouTube’s livestream service with automatic captions or add manual captions to your Zoom livestream. See their guides below:
Alternatively, Google Chrome has a feature attendees can use to display captions on their browser. Find out more about Google Chrome's Live Captions.
Can I record RTMP streams?
Yes. When you set up your Stage be sure to toggle on Enable Recording. You’ll find your recorded streams under Recordings in your menu.
Important: Recordings have a maximum 4-hour limit.