Streaming / RTMP Ingest
Streaming ingest is the process of sending video from a camera or encoder to a streaming server over a protocol such as RTMP so it can be delivered to viewers in real time.
What is RTMP?
RTMP is a widely used protocol for pushing video to a streaming server. You enter a server URL and a stream key into an encoder such as OBS, the video travels up that path, and the server distributes it to viewers.
What determines quality and latency?
Upload bandwidth, the bitrate and resolution set on the encoder, and network conditions between you and the server. Pushing bitrate higher than your connection can sustain causes stalls, so the practical goal is a stable setting your line can actually carry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is a stream key?
A secret value identifying which broadcast your video belongs to. Anyone who has it can stream into your slot, so it should never be shared.
Q. Where do you start when the stream drops out?
Check upload speed first, then lower the encoder bitrate. Switching from Wi-Fi to a wired connection resolves it more often than people expect.