Crowdcast’s RTMP Mode enables you to use professional live streaming software, like OBS with Crowdcast. This works by sending video to Crowdcast via a standard method known as RTMP (Real-Time Messaging Protocol). If your software or hardware can send an RTMP output, then you can connect it to a Crowdcast event.
📌A note on encoders: Crowdcast integrates with most encoders, including OBS, Wirecast, Vmix, Ecamm Live, ffmpeg, Restream and Streamyard. Currently, Crowdcast does NOT integrate with Elgato Game Capture or Blackmagic ATEM.
RTMP Mode is a great option for incorporating advanced graphics or transitions, multi-camera or multi-mic setups, and extremely high-quality audio. Event types that might benefit from RTMP Studio include concerts, hybrid events, or professional streams that connect to multiple endpoints.
With RTMP Mode, there is a video delay (latency) of ~20 seconds similar to Facebook Live and Youtube Live. Your video will stream and record in HD to all devices.
If you are considering the use of RTMP Mode to add lower thirds, overlays, or intro/outro screens you should first check out our Studio to see if Crowdcast’s built-in features meet your needs without needing additional software.
Using RTMP Mode
To access your stream keys to go live, enter RTMP Mode via the More tab at the bottom left corner of your Crowdcast event.
You will then have access to your Server URL and Stream Key. These can be generated at any point ahead of your event. You should enter the Server URL and Stream Key into your app or device, and the session will go live automatically when a video signal is detected.
Connecting OBS to RTMP Mode
Note: Each third-party tool is different, and you should follow that tool’s instructions for broadcasting with RTMP.
Many hosts who wish to use RTMP Mode will look to OBS as it’s simple but allows for multiple scenes and inputs. To connect OBS to RTMP Mode, first set up your scene(s) and media source(s). Then open your OBS Settings. Select Stream from the menu on the left, and copy over the Server URL and Stream Key provided by Crowdcast. You’ll initiate the stream through OBS by clicking Start Streaming.
Encoding software settings for the best viewing experience
By default, RTMP Mode will deliver the video at the same quality received from your encoder app or gear. Based on our experience, we strongly recommend the following encoding software settings for the best viewing experience:
Resolution: 1920 x 1080 (1080p)
Video bitrate: 2000 - 3000 kbps
Audio bitrate: 64 or 128 kbps
Frame rate (FPS): 30
Keyframe intervals: 2 seconds (do not use automatic keyframe intervals)
If your bitrate is within our recommendations, and you're still experiencing dropped frames, try lowering the bitrate by 100 - 500 kbps and run another test event. We do have a team of external specialists who can assist you with your setup if needed.
As a rule of thumb, you should never disconnect your encoder during a broadcast. This can cause playback issues for your viewers and broken recordings.
Important Notes
If you are using RTMP Mode in a multi-session event, each of those sessions will generate a unique stream key.
If you reset an RTMP session, you need to cancel and re-enter RTMP mode in order to generate new stream keys and go live again. Learn more here.
Crowdcast's built-in Studio and some other features like clipping are not available in RTMP sessions.
Our RTMP streaming uses a token bucket algorithm that allows an average bitrate of 5Mbps (technically up to 5.1Mbps). Short bursts above this are fine, but exceeding the average over time will result in throttling. This helps manage natural fluctuations in live streaming. If you're unable to consistently stream at 5Mbps, please confirm that you have a reliable network, otherwise reach out to us at [email protected].
Quality limits:
Live streams: Capped at 3.5Mbps for stability.
VOD recordings: Higher quality, limited to 5Mbps.
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