Custom RTMP Setup in the Dashboard

The Switcher Studio Dashboard enables users to create and edit custom RTMP channels from any web browser. Using a computer makes it easier to retrieve and copy and paste the RTMP parameters from the third-party streaming platform to Switcher. For general information about what Custom RTMP is and why it's used, check out Streaming to Platforms without a Direct Integration.

Note: For step-by-step instructions on streaming to Facebook or YouTube using Custom RTMP, check out Streaming to Facebook via Custom RTMP and Streaming to YouTube via Custom RTMP.

Jump to:

Setting Up a Custom RTMP Channel

To set up a custom RTMP destination:

  • Log into the Switcher Studio Dashboard.

  • Click Platforms in the left sidebar under "Creation Tools".

  • Click SET UP RTMP next to the Custom RTMP section.

  • Enter a Channel Nickname.

  • Copy the Server URL from your streaming destination platform and paste it into the Server URL field.

  • Copy the Stream Key from your streaming destination platform and paste it into the Stream Key field.

  • Select your Video Resolution and make any other necessary parameter adjustments. You can use the Speed Test to help determine the best settings based on your upload speeds.

  • Click Save.

    • You will receive a confirmation message that the channel has been saved. The channel will now appear under Custom RTMP in the Dashboard.

Going Live to Your Custom RTMP Destination

To go live to your Custom RTMP destination:

  • Open the Switcher app and enter the Studio.
  • If streaming to a single destination, choose Custom RTMP as your Broadcast Mode. If Multistreaming, choose Livestreaming.
  • When using the Custom RTMP Broadcast Mode, simply choose your channel and Go Live by tapping the red record button.
  • When using the Livestreaming Broadcast Mode,  tap New Livestream. If there is already a Livestreaming event displayed, tap Change to schedule a new one or select a different one from your Active Livestream list.
  • When setting up a new Livestream, tap the orange "Custom RTMP" icon.
  • Select your desired RTMP channel from the list, and then tap "Done" in the top-right corner.
  • Choose any additional platforms if you'll be multistreaming, and then tap the big orange "Next" button at the bottom of the window.
  • Enter in a title and description for your stream and choose when to go live.
  • Allow Switcher to run a speed test to choose the maximum stream quality that your network can handle (remember: a robust private WiFi network is required for 1080p stream quality. If you do not have this or experience poor results while live, we recommend selecting 720p)
  • Tap Create Livestream.
  • You'll be back in the Outputs tab. Tap on the big red button in the top-right corner to go live!

Note: You will need to check with the platform you are streaming to, to determine whether there are any additional steps to start the stream on their platform. Some platforms require you to manually initiate a stream on their website, too, when using third-party video streaming software.



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