RTMP is a protocol an encoder uses to send a live video feed to YouTube. In YouTube Live Control Room, copy the stream’s Stream URL into your encoder’s server or URL field, then copy its Stream key into the separate key field. If you want an encrypted connection, use the RTMPS URL YouTube reveals and an encoder that supports RTMPS.
What RTMP means for a YouTube live stream
RTMP is a protocol for sending a live feed from an encoder to YouTube. The URL tells the encoder where to send the feed; the stream key identifies the stream. They are separate values with separate fields, not interchangeable parts of one setting.
Use the values shown for the particular stream in Live Control Room. YouTube’s Live Streaming API exposes ingestion information for each liveStream, including primary and backup addresses, so a copied URL from another stream—or a generic example—may not be right for yours.
Where to find your YouTube Stream URL and key
- Open YouTube Live Control Room and create or schedule a stream.
- Open that stream’s settings and locate the Stream URL and Stream key.
- Copy each value separately. Keep the stream key private: it is a credential used to send video to your stream.
YouTube’s interface labels these values Stream URL and Stream key. Some encoders offer a YouTube preset that may fill in or simplify the connection settings, but confirm that the correct stream is selected.
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How to enter the RTMP URL in an encoder
- In your encoder, choose YouTube or a custom RTMP destination. Use the encoder’s server, URL, or RTMP server field for YouTube’s Stream URL.
- Paste the YouTube Stream key in the encoder’s separate Stream Key field. Do not paste the key in place of the URL.
- If the encoder requires the stream name separately, follow its field layout. YouTube’s API documentation notes that an encoder may accept the stream URL and stream name separately or as
STREAM_URL/STREAM_NAME; use the format expected by your encoder. - Start streaming from the encoder. For a scheduled stream, wait for YouTube’s preview and then select Go live in Live Control Room when the on-screen workflow prompts you.
YouTube’s encoder instructions do not require a particular physical encoder model for this setup. Check the encoder you already use for support of the destination and protocol before considering another one.
RTMP vs. RTMPS: which URL should you use?
RTMPS is RTMP sent through SSL/TLS encryption. YouTube’s creator instructions say to check encoder compatibility, click the lock icon in the Stream URL field to reveal the RTMPS URL, and copy that URL into a compatible encoder. Use the endpoint that matches the protocol selected in the encoder rather than assuming RTMP and RTMPS settings can be swapped.
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| Option | What it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| RTMP | Standard RTMP connection; use the RTMP Stream URL shown for the stream. | Enter the matching URL and key in the encoder’s server and key fields. |
| RTMPS | RTMP carried through SSL/TLS for an encrypted connection. | Reveal and copy YouTube’s RTMPS URL and use an encoder that supports RTMPS. |
For RTMPS implementations, Google’s technical guide specifies the rtmps protocol, a valid YouTube ingestion server and path, port 443, and SNI hostname indication. These details matter particularly when configuring an encoder manually; an endpoint, port, TLS, or SNI mismatch can prevent the connection.
Troubleshoot a YouTube RTMP connection
- SSL certificate error: Check that you copied the RTMPS URL, that the address uses
rtmps, and that the encoder supports RTMPS. For a manual setup, verify port 443 and correct SNI hostname handling. - Connection timeout: Confirm that the encoder is making an SSL/TLS connection when using an RTMPS endpoint, rather than plain RTMP/TCP. Check its RTMPS support and use the matching URL.
- No preview or the wrong stream appears: Re-copy the URL and key from the intended Live Control Room stream. Make sure the URL is in the server field and the key is in the separate key field.
- Encoder rejects the address or stream name: Check whether it expects URL and stream name in separate fields or a combined format. Follow that encoder’s input format instead of altering a YouTube URL by guesswork.
- Considering a backup feed: YouTube’s API exposes backup ingestion fields and supports sending a simultaneous copy to the backup address in supported workflows. This is optional configuration, not a required step for every stream.
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