RTMP pull means a player or media tool connects to an RTMP server and reads a stream that is already available there. To test it, you need the server’s read URL and an active stream at that path; an ingest URL used to publish video may not work as a playback URL.
What RTMP pull means
RTMP is a streaming protocol carried over TCP/IP. In a pull workflow, the client initiates a connection to a server and asks to read a stream. In a publish workflow, a source such as FFmpeg or OBS sends video to a server. RTMP can be used for both directions, but they are different connections and may use different URLs or credentials.
A pull client cannot retrieve video from a computer that is not serving a stream. The server or upstream provider must already make the stream available at the requested path. MediaMTX documents reading an RTMP stream with FFmpeg and gives rtmp://localhost/mystream as an example URL (MediaMTX: Read with FFmpeg).
What you need before connecting
- A server or streaming provider that is currently serving the stream.
- The correct read/playback URL, including the hostname, port if required, application or path, and any credentials.
- A client that supports RTMP and the source stream’s codecs.
- Network access to the server’s host and port.
Ask the service administrator for the read URL and authentication details. Do not assume a publishing or ingest URL is also a read URL: server conventions differ. FFmpeg’s protocol documentation describes URL components that can include credentials, host, port, application, instance, and playpath (FFmpeg Protocols Documentation).
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Read an existing RTMP stream with FFmpeg
Use the server’s actual read URL in place of the local example. This MediaMTX-documented command reads the stream and requests stream copy into an MP4 file:
ffmpeg -i rtmp://localhost/mystream -c copy output.mp4- Replace
localhostwith the server hostname andmystreamwith the stream’s path. Include a port or credentials only when the provider specifies them. - Run the command while the stream is live and reachable.
-iidentifies the input URL;-c copyasks FFmpeg to copy the encoded streams rather than re-encode them. - Check the resulting file and FFmpeg output for errors. Stream copy avoids transcoding, but it does not make every source codec compatible with every output container. If the codecs do not fit MP4, use a compatible container or configure transcoding as appropriate.
The command is a documented example, not a guarantee that every URL, authentication scheme, or codec combination will work unchanged (MediaMTX: Read with FFmpeg).
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Set up a local pull test with MediaMTX
For a local demonstration, start an RTMP server first, then publish a source to it. Only after the source is publishing to the server can a second FFmpeg process pull the stream. MediaMTX documents the publishing command below; run it on a machine with file.mp4 available and MediaMTX listening at the example address.
1. Publish a file to the server
ffmpeg -re -stream_loop -1 -i file.mp4 -c copy -f flv rtmp://localhost:1935/mystream-re reads the file at its normal playback rate, -stream_loop -1 repeats it indefinitely, and -f flv selects the publishing format used in the MediaMTX example. -c copy requests no re-encoding. This command assumes the local server and path match the example; configure the server and source codecs accordingly (MediaMTX: Publish with FFmpeg).
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
2. Pull the published stream
In another terminal, run the read command from the previous section against the matching server and stream path. If the publisher and reader use separate computers, replace localhost with the server’s reachable hostname or address, and ensure the configured port is reachable.
3. Publish from OBS instead
OBS can publish to MediaMTX as an RTMP client. In OBS, open Settings → Stream, choose Custom, enter the RTMP server URL, then start streaming. The MediaMTX example uses rtmp://localhost/mystream and leaves the stream-key field empty because the path is already included in the URL. That is an example-specific arrangement: other servers may require a separate stream key, a different path, authentication, or another port (MediaMTX OBS Studio publishing guide).
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
RTMP, RTMPS, and URL security
Plain rtmp:// is not encrypted. RTMPS is the TLS-encrypted RTMP variant documented by FFmpeg. Use an RTMPS endpoint only when both the client and server support it, and make sure the client trusts the server’s certificate. MediaMTX also documents encrypted RTMP publishing with certificate configuration; its setup details depend on the server configuration (FFmpeg Protocols Documentation; MediaMTX OBS Studio publishing guide).
Common connection problems
| Symptom | What to check | Practical fix |
|---|---|---|
| Connection refused or timeout | Server status, hostname, port, firewall, and network reachability. | Confirm the server is running and listening on the specified port; use the hostname and port provided for the endpoint. |
| URL connects but no stream is found | Whether a publisher is active and whether the path matches exactly. | Start the source publisher and verify the application/path with the server administrator. |
| Authentication or access failure | Whether the URL is the read endpoint, and whether credentials or tokens are required. | Obtain the playback URL and current read credentials from the provider; do not reuse publishing details unless instructed. |
| Playback or output fails despite a connection | Client codec support and, when saving, whether the source codecs fit the chosen container. | Use a compatible player/container or transcode where needed instead of assuming stream copy is universally compatible. |
| Plain RTMP works but secure RTMP does not | RTMPS support on both ends and certificate trust/configuration. | Confirm the secure endpoint and certificate setup with the server operator. |
MediaMTX documents RTMP reading while recommending RTSP for its own FFmpeg read workflow. That is a MediaMTX-specific recommendation, not a universal ranking of protocols (MediaMTX: Read with FFmpeg).
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Managed pull inputs and operational choices
A self-hosted setup gives you control over the server, path, and configuration, but you are responsible for making the stream available and keeping the service reachable. Managed services can instead accept source URLs: the AWS Elemental MediaLive User Guide documents an RTMP pull input with one or two source URLs. The cited feature description establishes that capability; it does not establish current pricing or partner terms (AWS Elemental MediaLive User Guide).
Choose based on whether you want to operate a server, the provider’s URL and authentication requirements, supported codecs and protocols, security configuration, and operating cost. The available documentation does not establish a universal RTMP latency or reliability figure, so compare those characteristics for the specific service and configuration rather than relying on a protocol-wide number.
Or let it run in the cloud
If your goal is to keep prerecorded video running as a 24/7 YouTube live stream rather than to pull an existing RTMP feed, StreamNeo is a separate cloud workflow: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. It plays uploaded videos to YouTube; it does not pull an existing RTMP feed or stream from a camera.
Quick Recap
- Your computer and home connection do not have to stay on.
- Each slot costs one flat price for any uploaded quality up to 4K 60fps, with no re-encode or quality tiers.
- Automatic recovery is included if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free with no card, one free day per account.
- Monthly: $9.99 per month.
Start your free StreamNeo day.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
