⚙️ What is RTMP?
RTMP (Real-Time Messaging Protocol) is a streaming method that lets you stream into Crowdcast using external software like OBS, vMix, or Wirecast. This is ideal for more advanced setups that require custom layouts, multiple cameras, or enhanced production quality. If your streaming tool supports RTMP output, you can use it to broadcast your event on Crowdcast.
✅ Supported Encoders
Crowdcast works with most popular streaming tools, including:
OBS Studio
Wirecast
vMix
Ecamm Live
ffmpeg
Restream
StreamYard
Encoders that may require adjustment
Some encoders require switching from secure RTMPS to RTMP:
Vimeo
BoxCast
LiveU Solo HDMI
If your stream doesn’t connect, try updating your server URL:
rtmps:// to rtmp://
Note: Some encoders (like BoxCast) don’t support RTMPS. Check your encoder’s documentation if you're unsure.
❌ Not supported
Elgato Game Capture
Blackmagic ATEM
🎥 When should I use RTMP Mode?
RTMP Mode is best if you need:
Custom graphics, overlays, or transitions
Multi-camera or multi-microphone setups
High-quality audio production
Professional or hybrid event production
Tip: If you only need basic overlays or branding, try Crowdcast Studio first—no extra software required.
⏱️ What to expect
Latency: ~10–20 seconds (similar to YouTube Live)
Quality: HD streaming across devices
Recording: Automatically saved after your event
👉 We recommend recording locally in your encoder as a backup.
🔌 How to use RTMP Mode
Step 1: Enable RTMP Mode
Open your event
Click More (bottom-left)
Select Use RTMP Mode
Step 2: Copy your stream details
Copy your Server URL and Stream Key
Paste them into your streaming software
You can generate these anytime before your event.
👉 If the event is a multi-session event, you'll be able to call the audience to the current session.
Step 3: Stay on the RTMP page
After copying your stream details:
Stay on the RTMP screen
Crowdcast will wait for your video feed
Step 4: Start streaming
Start streaming from your encoder (e.g., OBS)
Once Crowdcast detects your signal:
Your event goes live automatically
Recording begins
Step 5: Ending streaming
End the stream from your encoder (e.g., OBS)
Once Crowdcast detects your signal:
Your stream ends automatically
End recording (bottom left) in Crowdcast
📊 Stream Health
When your encoder is connected, Crowdcast shows real-time Stream Health on the RTMP screen.
Use this to verify your stream settings:
Resolution: 1920 × 1080 recommended
Bitrate: 2000–3000 kbps recommended
Framerate: 30 FPS
Keyframe Interval: 2 seconds
If values don’t match, update your encoder settings before going live.
🖥️ Example: Connecting OBS
Open OBS and set up your scenes
Go to Settings → Stream
Set Service to Custom
Paste your Server URL and Stream Key
Click Go Live
Return to Crowdcast and stay on the RTMP screen to see the stream appear
⚙️ Recommended encoder settings
For the best experience, use:
Resolution: 1920 × 1080 (1080p)
Video bitrate: 2000–3000 kbps
Audio bitrate: 64–128 kbps
Frame rate: 30 FPS
Keyframe interval: 2 seconds (not automatic)
If you notice dropped frames:
Lower your bitrate slightly (100–500 kbps) and test again
⚠️ Important tips
🔄 Avoid disconnecting mid-stream
Stopping your encoder during a live session may:
Interrupt playback
Break your recording
🔑 Use the correct stream key
Each session has its own stream key
Don’t reuse keys across sessions
♻️ Resetting an RTMP session
If you reset your session:
You can reuse the same stream key
You can go live again in the same session
No need to create a new event
🎬 Features not available in RTMP Mode
RTMP Mode does not support:
Crowdcast Studio
Live clipping
Q&A timestamps
Audience screenshare
Multi-guest mode
👉 If you need these features, use Crowdcast Studio instead.
💾 Record a backup
Enable local recording in your encoder so you have a backup if something goes wrong.
🚦 Bitrate & quality limits
Recommended target bitrate: 5 Mbps
Short bursts above this are fine
Sustained higher bitrates may be throttled
Quality limits:
Live stream: up to 3.5 Mbps
Replay (VOD): up to 5 Mbps
Maximum resolution: 1080p
Note: 4K is not currently supported for playback or downloads.
🔊 Fixing audio/video sync issues (OBS)
If audio and video drift out of sync during your stream, it’s usually caused by scene switching or performance spikes.
Quick fixes:
Switch scenes and switch back
Restart your virtual audio device (if used)
Restart the stream (your recording will remain intact)
✅ Best practices
To avoid sync issues and ensure smooth streaming:
Audio
Use global audio devices (Settings → Audio)
Avoid adding audio sources directly into scenes
Video
Keep resolution and FPS consistent across all scenes
Match base and output resolution
Scenes & sources
Disable “Close when not visible”
Avoid duplicating sources
Transitions
Use simple transitions (Cut or Fade)
Avoid complex animations
Performance
Monitor CPU/GPU usage in OBS
Keep usage below ~70%
🛠️ Before you go live
Run a quick test event to confirm everything works smoothly:
Audio configured correctly
Resolution and FPS consistent
Stream connects successfully
No dropped frames or sync issues
Need help?
If you're having trouble maintaining a stable stream or hitting bitrate limits, reach out to us at [email protected] - we’re happy to help.
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