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custom RTMP

Custom RTMP Streaming: How to Set Up a Custom Destination

Connect an encoder to a custom RTMP destination using the endpoint and stream key supplied by the platform, then verify the feed. Includes YouTube RTMPS guidance and key-safety steps.

By DocumentaryTube Team 5 min read

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To set up a custom RTMP destination, get the server URL and stream key from the platform you want to stream to, enter both in your encoder’s custom-destination settings, save, and check the platform’s preview or status to confirm it is receiving your feed. Use the destination’s own endpoint—not a URL copied from another service. If your encoder offers a direct account connection to the platform, that may be simpler than entering a URL and key manually.

What a custom RTMP destination does

A custom RTMP destination is a manual connection from encoder software to a platform or relay service that accepts a server URL and stream key. The encoder sends the live video to that endpoint, and the key identifies the channel or broadcast that should receive it. The platform supplies those details; you should not guess them.

Manual setup is useful when the destination calls for an encoder feed and does not have a suitable built-in integration in your software. Many major platforms are integrated with popular streaming software, so an account-authorized connection may avoid copying credentials. Restream describes integrations for YouTube Live, Twitch, Facebook Live, X, and Kick, alongside custom RTMP for destinations that require endpoint details: Restream’s custom RTMP overview.

How to set up a custom RTMP channel

  1. Confirm the destination accepts an encoder feed. Look for live-stream settings that provide a server URL and stream key, or check whether your encoder can connect to the destination through account authorization. Menu names and available connection methods differ by platform.
  2. Create or select the live destination. In the destination platform, open its live-stream settings and copy the server URL and stream key. Use the URL for that specific destination and broadcast. For YouTube, these details are in Live Control Room; the RTMPS option is described below.
  3. Open your encoder’s stream settings. Choose the platform’s preset if the encoder provides one. Otherwise select Custom or Custom RTMP, then paste the destination’s server URL into the server field and its key into the stream-key field.
  4. Save and start the broadcast. Check the destination’s preview, stream status, or equivalent monitoring area to confirm the feed arrives. Verify reception before directing viewers to the stream; each service presents status differently.
  5. Protect the stream key. Treat it like a password. Do not expose it in screenshots, tutorials, shared documents, or public chats. If it is exposed, reset or regenerate it on the destination platform and update the encoder with the replacement. Restream explains what a stream key is.

How do I get my stream key?

Get it from the platform or relay service receiving your broadcast. Open that service’s live-stream or channel settings, create or select the destination, and copy the server URL and stream key shown there. Do not reuse a key or endpoint from a different platform, channel, or relay unless the service explicitly tells you to.

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For YouTube, open Live Control Room and use its stream settings. If you need the secure RTMPS endpoint, follow the secure-URL steps in the next section rather than assuming the URL shown by default is RTMPS.

Can I use RTMPS instead of RTMP?

Yes, when the destination and encoder support it. RTMPS is RTMP carried over a TLS/SSL connection. YouTube Help describes it as a secure extension to RTMP and recommends checking that your encoder supports RTMPS, updating it if needed, and selecting a YouTube RTMPS preset when available: YouTube’s RTMPS setup guidance.

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Set up YouTube RTMPS

  1. In the encoder, choose a YouTube RTMPS preset if one is available and supported by your version.
  2. If entering details manually, open YouTube Live Control Room and go to the Stream tab or schedule a stream.
  3. In Stream settings, use the lock icon to reveal the RTMPS URL. YouTube may show the ordinary RTMP URL by default, so verify that you have selected the secure URL.
  4. Enter the RTMPS URL and the YouTube stream key in the encoder, save the settings, and verify that Live Control Room receives the feed.

If YouTube RTMPS returns an SSL error

YouTube advises checking that both the protocol and server use rtmps. If the URL appears correct but the SSL error persists, YouTube suggests specifying port 443. This is YouTube-specific troubleshooting guidance, not a port rule to apply to other destinations.

Using Restream as a custom RTMP relay

If you are adding a platform as a custom channel in Restream, its help article dated March 10, 2026, documents this path: Channels > Add New > Custom RTMP. Enter the URL and key supplied by the destination, optionally name the channel, then select Add Channel. Restream says an RTMPS URL can be entered through the same steps: Restream’s custom-channel instructions.

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Restream states that streaming to custom RTMP channels requires a paid plan. It also says API-dependent features such as Restream Chat and Analytics do not work for custom channels, and custom-channel titles must be changed on the destination platform. Plan terms and interface labels can change, so check the current help page and your account before relying on a particular feature.

Encoder settings: what is and is not universal

There is no single server URL or set of encoder settings that works for every custom destination. The destination’s requirements take priority. Select a platform preset when available, and consult that service’s current guidance for video format, resolution, frame rate, bitrate, audio, and keyframe interval rather than assuming one profile fits all.

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For its documented OBS connection to Restream, a help guide dated April 22, 2026, recommends CBR rate control, a two-second keyframe interval, Main profile, NV12 color format, and 709 color space. Those are recommendations for that Restream workflow, not universal RTMP requirements: Restream’s OBS connection guide.

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