The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Use Wowza Streaming Engine’s Linux image in Google Cloud Marketplace to deploy a preconfigured Compute Engine VM. The documented flow embeds the Wowza license in the image and bills through Google Cloud for instance time and bandwidth. The Marketplace guide, updated July 22, 2026, identifies image version 4.11.3; check the live listing because image versions and console steps can change.
What you need before deploying
- A Google account with access to a Google Cloud project. Create a project or select one where you have permission to deploy Compute Engine resources.
- Permissions appropriate to the deployment method and project. Google Cloud IAM requirements can change; consult the current Google Cloud roles documentation rather than assuming a fixed role list.
- A decision about what the server will do: deliver live streams only, or also record, support DVR, or serve video on demand (VOD). That choice affects storage.
- A plan for network exposure. Open only the protocols your workflow uses, and restrict management access to trusted administrators.
Wowza recommends the Google Cloud console as the more user-friendly provisioning route. Installing the gcloud CLI is optional for this workflow.
Deploy the Wowza Marketplace image
- In the Google Cloud console, open the Wowza Streaming Engine Marketplace listing, confirm the selected project, and choose Launch.
- Review the current listing’s software, support, and pricing details before starting. The Wowza setup guide says the image includes its license and Google manages charges for running instance time and bandwidth. It says charges begin after deployment completes; it does not provide a universal current price.
- Configure the Compute Engine deployment and storage for the workload. The Marketplace setup guide identifies the preconfigured image as Wowza Streaming Engine 4.11.3, but this is the version stated by that dated guide, not a guarantee that the live listing still deploys that version.
- Review the firewall rules carefully, then select Deploy.
- Track progress on the Resources tab of Solution deployments. When deployment completes, open its Details tab and use the deployment’s site URL and Wowza’s login instructions to access Engine Manager. The URL and credentials are specific to your deployment; do not rely on example credentials from another installation.
For a first Marketplace deployment, follow the Suggested next steps on the Details page to register with Wowza’s support portal. Wowza says registration is needed for email support and to request StreamLock SSL certificates.
Choose storage for the stream workload
| Workload | Documented storage direction | What to size |
|---|---|---|
| Live applications without server-side recording | Wowza says standard hard drive storage can be sufficient. | Choose capacity and performance for your actual application and operating needs. |
| Recording, DVR, or VOD | Wowza suggests SSD storage for caching or direct server recordings. | Estimate recording volume from bitrate, duration, and retention period; the guide does not prescribe a universal disk size. |
| Content stored in Google Cloud Storage | Wowza Media Cache can store and retrieve content from Google Cloud Storage. | Plan the Media Cache configuration and storage usage for the content workflow. |
Set firewall rules for only the protocols you use
The Marketplace guide lists these common inbound rules. The necessary set depends on how you ingest and deliver video, and whether administrators need Engine Manager access.
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| Traffic or service | Port and protocol | When to allow it |
|---|---|---|
| RTMP | TCP 1935 | Allow when the chosen workflow uses RTMP. |
| RTSP | TCP 554 | Allow only if RTSP is in use; Wowza says this rule can be disabled otherwise. |
| HTTP and HTTPS | TCP 80 and TCP 443 | Use as required for HTTP/HTTPS delivery and services. Wowza lists TCP 80 for HLS, MPEG-DASH, and RTMPT, and says inbound HTTP allows its licensing server to confirm license validity. |
| Wowza Streaming Engine Manager | TCP 8086–8088 | Restrict to trusted administrator source addresses or keep management access private; do not expose these ports broadly without a reason. |
| RTP over UDP | UDP 6970–9999 | Wowza’s general technical specification lists this range for RTP UDP streaming. Open it only when the selected workflow needs RTP/UDP. |
Wowza warns: “Creating certain firewall rules may expose your instance to the internet.” Apply that warning especially to management access: expose only the streaming endpoints required by your audience and limit administrative sources. Confirm Wowza’s current licensing and network guidance before changing rules that could affect license validation.
Understand billing before you leave the VM running
For the Marketplace offering described by Wowza, the license is embedded in the image and Google Cloud manages billing for instance runtime and bandwidth; the guide says there is no separate monthly Wowza invoice for Streaming Engine usage under this offering. That does not mean the deployment is free: Google Cloud charges accrue after deployment completes. Check the live Marketplace listing and Google Cloud pricing for your region, VM shape, disk, runtime, and bandwidth before deploying. The available guide does not establish a single cost or VM size for every workload.
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When one VM is no longer enough
Wowza documents a Google Cloud design with one origin VM and multiple edge VMs in a repeater configuration. One edge server runs the Dynamic Load Balancing AddOn to distribute connections among the edge instances. This can address an origin that cannot handle the audience load or a need to deliver across regions. It is an additional software and network architecture step, not a prerequisite for a first or small deployment. Capacity thresholds and performance figures are not stated in the cited setup material.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How this differs from a hosted YouTube looping service
Wowza on Compute Engine is a configurable streaming server deployment in your Google Cloud project. If your narrower goal is simply to keep uploaded videos looping as a YouTube live stream, StreamNeo is an alternative rather than a Wowza deployment: it is a cloud service for YouTube that plays uploaded videos, not a camera feed. It does not replace Wowza’s broader server configuration choices.
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Or let it run in the cloud
With StreamNeo, upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. Nothing has to stay on at home; it streams what you uploaded at its original quality up to 4K 60fps for one flat price per slot, with automatic recovery if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly pricing is $9.99 per month. Learn more at StreamNeo, or start your free first day.
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