How to Set Up an OBS RTMP Server in 2025: The Complete Guide

Introduction to OBS RTMP Server

Understanding RTMP and Its Role in OBS Studio

What is RTMP?

How OBS Studio Uses RTMP for Streaming

RTMP vs Other Streaming Protocols (HLS, RTSP)

• RTMP: Low latency, suitable for real-time streaming, but not natively supported in browsers without plugins.
• HLS: Higher latency, but widely supported in browsers and devices. Good for large audiences.
• RTSP: Common in IP cameras, not widely used for large-scale streaming to the public.

RTMP Workflow Diagram

Benefits of Setting Up Your Own OBS RTMP Server

• Full Control: You dictate stream quality, access, and distribution. No third-party platform restrictions.
• Multi-Streaming: Simultaneously relay your live stream to multiple destinations (YouTube, Twitch, Facebook, etc.) using a single OBS RTMP server.
• Security & Privacy: Keep your streams private or restrict access as needed. Avoid leaking stream keys or data to public services.
• Efficiency: Reduce bandwidth by uploading your stream once to your server, which then redistributes it to multiple platforms.
• Customization: Integrate open source streaming tools and tailor your workflow for unique projects (e.g., remote contribution, custom overlays). For those building cross-platform apps,

  flutter webrtc

  is a great option to add real-time video streaming to your workflow.

Server Requirements and Preparation

Hardware and Bandwidth Needs

• CPU: Modern dual-core or better (for simple relay); quad-core+ for transcoding or multi-streaming.
• RAM: Minimum 2GB (4GB+ recommended for heavy use).
• Bandwidth: Upload speed must be at least the sum of all outgoing streams (e.g., streaming 1080p @ 6 Mbps to 3 platforms requires 18 Mbps upload).

Choosing a Server

• VPS/Cloud (recommended): Scalable, reliable, accessible from anywhere.
• Raspberry Pi: Suitable for lightweight, local streaming or experimentation.
• Local Machine: Good for closed networks or testing.

Recommended OS: Ubuntu

Environment Setup Diagram

Step-by-Step: Setting Up an OBS RTMP Server with Nginx

1. Install Nginx with the RTMP Module

1sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
2sudo apt install build-essential libpcre3 libpcre3-dev libssl-dev zlib1g-dev -y
3

1wget http://nginx.org/download/nginx-1.25.3.tar.gz
2wget https://github.com/arut/nginx-rtmp-module/archive/refs/heads/master.zip
3unzip master.zip
4 tar zxvf nginx-1.25.3.tar.gz
5cd nginx-1.25.3
6./configure --with-http_ssl_module --add-module=../nginx-rtmp-module-master
7make
8sudo make install
9

2. Configure nginx.conf for RTMP

1rtmp {
2  server {
3    listen 1935;
4    chunk_size 4096;
5    application live {
6      live on;
7      record off;
8      allow publish all;
9      allow play all;
10    }
11  }
12}
13

1sudo /usr/local/nginx/sbin/nginx -s stop
2sudo /usr/local/nginx/sbin/nginx
3

3. Firewall and Network Settings

1sudo ufw allow 1935/tcp
2

4. Testing Your RTMP Server

1ffmpeg -re -i sample.mp4 -c copy -f flv rtmp://your-server-ip/live/streamkey
2

1tail -f /usr/local/nginx/logs/error.log
2

5. Common Pitfalls and Troubleshooting

• Check firewall and NAT settings if you cannot connect
• Ensure nginx is running and listening on port 1935
• Use correct stream keys and application names
• For transcoding or heavy multi-streaming, monitor CPU/RAM usage

Configuring OBS Studio to Stream to Your RTMP Server

1. Go to Settings > Stream in OBS Studio.
2. Set Service: Choose "Custom..."
3. Server URL: rtmp://your-server-ip/live
4. Stream Key: Any string (e.g., streamkey).

• Video Bitrate: 3500-6000 Kbps (1080p)
• Encoder: Hardware (NVENC/AMD) if available
• Keyframe Interval: 2 seconds
• Audio Bitrate: 128-192 Kbps

• Install the

  obs-multi-rtmp plugin

  for simultaneous streaming to multiple endpoints from OBS.

Advanced Use Cases and Plugins

• Multi-RTMP Plugin: obs-multi-rtmp lets you stream to several platforms at once from one OBS instance. Configure multiple destinations with unique stream keys and URLs.
• obs-rtspserver Plugin: Allows OBS to act as an RTSP server, enabling low-latency streaming for LAN or remote contribution workflows.
• Use Cases:
  • Multi-camera productions (each camera streams to the RTMP server)
  • Remote contributors sending feeds to a central OBS RTMP server
  • Restreaming: distribute one stream to many endpoints efficiently

Security Best Practices for Your OBS RTMP Server

• Restrict Stream Keys: Only allow known keys to publish. Update nginx.conf with allow publish and deny publish rules.
• Firewall: Only open necessary ports; limit access to known IPs if possible.
• Monitoring: Regularly check logs and usage for unauthorized access or problems.
• Encryption: Use SSL/TLS for control interfaces; consider stunnel for RTMP over SSL if needed.

Troubleshooting Common OBS RTMP Server Issues

• Stream Disconnects: Often caused by network instability, insufficient bandwidth, or server overload.
• Performance Issues: Check server CPU/RAM; lower bitrate/resolution if needed.
• Authentication Errors: Ensure stream key and URL are correct; review nginx logs for clues.
• Firewall Blocks: Confirm port 1935 is open and not filtered by upstream firewalls.

Conclusion: Is an OBS RTMP Server Right for You?