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To create an Amazon Interactive Video Service (IVS) channel, choose an AWS Region, create the channel in the Amazon IVS console or with the AWS CLI, then send video to its ingest endpoint using a supported broadcaster. The channel provides a separate playback URL for viewers. Keep the stream key private: it authorizes someone to broadcast to your channel, while the playback URL is for watching.
Before you create an IVS channel
You need an AWS account and IAM permissions to use Amazon IVS. Choose the AWS Region before you create the channel: IVS channels are regional resources, and you must return to that Region to manage the channel. A stream can be contributed from anywhere, and viewers can watch from anywhere. See AWS’s getting-started guide.
Decide whether you need a quick camera-and-microphone test, a desktop production workflow such as OBS, or a browser-based broadcast integration. You can create and use a channel without enabling recording; recording to Amazon S3 is optional.
Create the channel in the AWS console
- Open Amazon IVS and select a Region. Make sure the console is set to the Region where you want the channel resource to live.
- Choose Create Channel. Accept the default configuration or enter a name. Channel names do not have to be unique, so use the channel ARN—not the name alone—as the resource identifier.
- Choose whether to record. If you want recordings, create or select a recording configuration associated with an S3 bucket and enable automatic recording for the channel. Skip this if you only need live playback.
- Create the channel and save its connection details. Keep the ingest server and stream key for the broadcaster, and the playback URL for viewers. Expand the additional ingest options if your encoder will use SRT.
Anyone with the stream key can broadcast to the channel. Store it as a secret and do not put it in public code, screenshots, or logs. The AWS channel setup guide describes the console flow and the channel’s connection details.
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Choose latency and recording options
Latency mode
The IVS API defines LOW for near-real-time interaction and NORMAL for broadcast and delivery up to Full HD; the API default is LOW. Choose based on the experience you need, such as audience interaction versus a conventional broadcast. A mode setting is not a guarantee of identical end-to-end performance for every viewer or playback client. See the CreateChannel API reference.
AWS describes low-latency IVS delivery as capable of being under five seconds. That is a service capability, not a promise for every network or setup. For the lowest possible latency, AWS says to use the Amazon IVS Player; third-party HLS players are not supported for that lowest-latency mode. See the Amazon IVS service guide.
Optional recording to S3
Recording is not required to make a live stream playable. To retain a recording, associate an S3 bucket through an IVS recording configuration and enable automatic recording. For the CLI route, AWS’s documented sequence is to create the bucket and recording configuration first, then reference the configuration when creating the channel.
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Connect a video source
Quick camera test in the console
The console broadcast workflow is useful for a basic test with a camera and microphone: grant browser access to both devices, select the input devices, and start broadcasting. This method uses device resources and incurs live-video input charges; AWS does not state a current rate in the setup material. A separate camera purchase is not required if you already have a suitable input device.
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- Open OBS Studio. AWS’s guide documents OBS Studio version 30.2 or later.
- Set the service to Amazon IVS. In OBS’s stream settings, select Amazon IVS as the service and enter the channel’s stream key.
- Set output to the channel’s limits. Choose a supported resolution and bitrate for the channel type. The AWS guide recommends a two-second keyframe interval. Do not assume that settings suitable for another platform are valid for this channel.
- Start streaming, then verify playback. Keep the key private and use the channel’s playback URL to check the result.
For the exact channel-type limits and OBS workflow, follow the current AWS IVS streaming configuration guide. Input that exceeds channel limits can disconnect the stream.
Choose an ingest protocol
Amazon IVS supports RTMPS, RTMP, and SRT. AWS recommends RTMPS unless you have a specific, verified reason to use RTMP. RTMPS uses TLS 1.2 or later. SRT uses port 9000 and requires the endpoint and passphrase values supplied for the channel. Protect an SRT passphrase just as you protect a stream key. Avoid insecure RTMP unless your use case has been verified to require it.
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Broadcast from a browser application
If you are building a browser-based product, the IVS Web Broadcast SDK provides a client broadcast workflow. Initialize the client with the channel’s ingest endpoint and a broadcast preset, then ensure that preset matches the backend channel type. A mismatch between client configuration and channel type can prevent a successful broadcast. See the Web Broadcast SDK quickstart.
Create a channel with the AWS CLI
The CLI is an advanced alternative to the console. With AWS CLI credentials and the intended Region configured, the basic AWS example is:
aws ivs create-channel --name test-channel
The response contains channel details, including the ingest endpoint, stream key, and playback URL. Preserve them securely. To record to S3, first create the S3 bucket and IVS recording configuration, then pass the recording configuration when creating the channel. See AWS’s CLI channel creation instructions.
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Verify that viewers can watch
Start the broadcast, then open the channel’s playback URL or use the console’s Playback tab. AWS says the stream is usually viewable within under 30 seconds after broadcasting starts; allow for a brief delay before troubleshooting. The playback URL is globally usable and IVS delivers playback through its delivery network. AWS advises against proxying the playback URL through a custom domain.
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- Protect broadcaster credentials. The stream key authorizes contribution; do not publish it. Protect SRT passphrases as well.
- Use the correct Region. Create and manage the channel in the Region selected at creation.
- Stay within the channel’s input limits. Match resolution and bitrate to the channel type to avoid disconnection.
- Review account readiness. AWS recommends checking service quotas and taking steps to prevent undesired content and viewers.
- Budget for input and optional storage. The console broadcast workflow incurs live-video input costs. S3 recording is optional and involves an S3 bucket; the setup references here do not provide current dollar rates. Check current AWS pricing and quotas for your account and Region before launch.
Troubleshooting common setup problems
The channel is missing from the console
Check the Region selector first. IVS resources are regional, so a channel created in one Region will not appear when you are managing another.
The encoder cannot connect
Confirm that you copied the correct ingest endpoint and stream key, selected a protocol supported by IVS, and used the required endpoint and passphrase if using SRT. For RTMPS, use an encoder configured for the secure protocol. Do not expose credentials while debugging.
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The stream disconnects after starting
Check the encoder’s resolution and bitrate against the limits for the channel type. AWS warns that exceeding allowed input can disconnect the stream. For OBS, also confirm the documented configuration, including the recommended two-second keyframe interval.
The stream starts but playback is not visible
Wait briefly—the console guide says playback is usually available within under 30 seconds—then confirm you are opening the channel’s playback URL, not the ingest endpoint or stream key. If you selected the lowest-latency experience, use the Amazon IVS Player rather than a third-party HLS player.
A browser broadcast does not match the channel
Align the Web Broadcast SDK preset with the backend channel type. The client and channel configurations must match.
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Amazon IVS is for building a live-video channel from a live source. If what you need instead is a prerecorded YouTube stream that loops continuously, StreamNeo is a separate option: upload the video, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. It keeps the stream running in the cloud, so nothing has to stay on at home. The uploaded video streams at its original quality up to 4K 60fps for one flat price per slot; StreamNeo automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly pricing is $9.99 per month. StreamNeo is YouTube-only and does not broadcast from a camera. Learn more at StreamNeo, or start the free first day.
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