Variations of RTMP

Over time, RTMP has been improved with special editions tailored for different streaming scenarios. Each version has its own capabilities while expanding on the basic RTMP framework.

Standard RTMP

This is the original protocol running on port 1935. You will deploy this basic version if security isn't critical, such as internal networks or testing environments. Standard RTMP doesn't encrypt the data and is faster but less secure than its variations.

RTMPS (RTMP Secure)

RTMPS encrypts data transfer by embedding an SSL/TLS layer into RTMP. You’ll want to use it if you are streaming content that may contain sensitive information or have to satisfy security requirements. Many professional streaming sites require RTMPS to shield your content over the network.

RTMPE (RTMP Encrypted)

Adobe created this low-cost encryption protocol as a compromise between RTMP and RTMPS. It’s not as secure as RTMPS but is more efficient if you need some content protection without all the overhead of SSL/TLS.

RTMPT (RTMP Tunneled)

RTMPT is great for bypassing firewalls that may intercept normal RTMP traffic. It embeds RTMP streams inside HTTP requests, making your stream look like web traffic. This will ensure your stream is seen even on restricted networks.

RTMFP (Real-Time Media Flow Protocol)

Although not exactly RTMP, this UDP implementation focuses on peer-to-peer connectivity. It could be used where viewer-to-viewer interactivity is more important than server-based broadcasting.

RTMPTE (RTMP Tunneled Encrypted)

It combines tunneling and encryption and provides firewall bypass and basic security. It’s useful for navigating closed networks while maintaining content security.

What you need for RTMP streaming

Before you start streaming, you'll need several key elements to create a professional broadcast. Each component plays an essential role in delivering quality content to your viewers.

1. Reliable internet connection: You need stable, high-speed Internet with sufficient upload bandwidth. Aim for at least 5 Mbps upload speed for HD streaming — though more is better for maintaining consistent quality.

2. Encoding software: Choose a streaming application that can encode your content into RTMP format. Your encoding software acts as the control center for your stream, managing everything from audio levels to scene transitions.

3. Camera: While your device's built-in webcam works for basic streams, a dedicated USB or HDMI camera offers better image quality. Consider your content type when selecting a camera — what works for a gaming stream might differ from what you need for a business presentation.

4. Microphone: Clear audio matters as much as good video. A dedicated microphone helps ensure your viewers can hear you clearly, whether you choose a USB mic for simplicity or an XLR setup for professional-grade sound.

5. RTMP server or streaming destination: You need somewhere to send your stream. This could be a streaming platform, a custom RTMP server, or a content delivery network that accepts RTMP inputs.

6. Stream key and URL: These credentials connect your encoder to your streaming destination. Keep your stream key private — consider it the password that allows your content to reach your platform.

7. Decent processing power: Your computer needs enough processing capability to handle encoding and streaming simultaneously. Modern CPUs or GPUs can manage the workload but verify your system meets your encoding software's requirements.

How to set up RTMP

Getting started with an RTMP stream might seem overwhelming, but it can be broken down into steps. Let’s walk you through how to start your stream with everything you need to succeed.

1. Choose your streaming platform: Decide where you’d like your content to appear. Navigate to the streaming options on your platform of choice. There, you'll see two pieces of information you'll need: your unique RTMP URL and stream key — these serve as your stream's address and password.

2. Set up your streaming software: Download and install your encoder software. Open the options menu and select the stream or output settings. You’ll have to copy your RTMP URL and stream key here—you should copy them exactly as they appear in your streaming app.

3. Configure your video settings: You can adjust the resolution and bitrate of your video depending on your speed and platform. If you are new to streaming, start with 720p 30fps— it is very balanced in quality and stability. You can always jump to 1080p when you’re comfortable with the experience.

4. Set up your audio: Connect and choose your microphone in your stream software. Do a small audio sample test—your voice must be clear but not too loud. If you're playing music or game audio, balance these against your microphone volume.

5. Create your scenes: Divide your content into scenes—consider them different views for your stream. Add your camera, screenshot, overlays, or visual elements. Check all the scenes to make sure they work as you intended.

6. Test your connection: Record a test stream to a private channel or your software’s recording option. This allows you to spot any audio syncing, video quality, or performance issues before you publish it to your audience.

7. Monitor your stream health: Monitor your software's stats window while streaming. Don’t forget about dropped frames or encode issues. You can tweak your settings to keep the stream in good shape as you find things out.

8. Start streaming: Once everything looks good, hit that "Start Streaming" button. Your encoder will connect to your streaming platform using RTMP, and within a few seconds, you'll be live.

Remember to save your settings once you find a configuration that works well. This will save you time when you start your next stream and help maintain consistent quality for your viewers.

The disadvantages of RTMP

While RTMP has served the streaming community well for many years, it comes with certain limitations you should consider when planning your streaming strategy. Understanding these drawbacks helps you make informed decisions about your streaming setup.

• Limited scalability: As your viewer count grows, RTMP can struggle to maintain consistent performance. When thousands of viewers try to watch simultaneously, you might need additional server resources or a content delivery network to handle the load effectively.

• Flash legacy challenges: RTMP's roots in Flash technology mean it hasn't evolved as quickly as newer streaming protocols. This can limit your options when implementing modern streaming features, especially on platforms that have moved away from Flash-era technologies.

• Higher server resource usage: Your streaming server needs more processing power to handle RTMP connections than newer protocols. This can increase your hosting costs, particularly when running your own streaming infrastructure.

• Firewall complications: Some corporate networks block RTMP traffic by default, which might prevent viewers from accessing your stream. While RTMPT can help bypass these restrictions, it adds complexity to your setup and can increase latency.

RTMP alternatives

Several protocols have emerged to address modern streaming needs as streaming technology evolves. Each alternative brings unique advantages that might better suit your specific streaming requirements.

WebRTC 

Web Real-Time Communication allows streaming without plug-ins through the browser. You’ll enjoy its ultra-low latency and peer-to-peer features, making it ideal for video conferencing and interactive streaming applications.

HLS (HTTP Live Streaming) 

Apple developed this protocol to provide high-quality streaming across multiple devices. HLS streams at adaptive bitrates, automatically adapting quality according to your viewers’ internet connections.

DASH (Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP) 

This open-source version of HLS has similar adaptive streaming capabilities. DASH offers more flexibility, as it is compatible with several codecs and can run across different platforms.

SRT (Secure Reliable Transport) 

If you have to broadcast on unstable networks, SRT makes things better. It’s becoming popular for broadcast professionals because of excellent error correction and security features.

RTMP vs. HTTP streaming compared

These two approaches to streaming serve different needs in modern video delivery. Here’s how they compare to each other:

RTMP vs. RTSP: What’s the difference?

While both protocols handle real-time media streaming, they serve different purposes in the streaming ecosystem.