Create a stream from an RTMP live encoder

This guide shows how to create an RTMP stream in Castlify and send a live video feed from a live encoder such as OBS, vMix, Zoom, or another RTMP-compatible encoder.

Castlify receives the live video from your encoder and can then distribute it to one or more destinations.

What you need

Before you start, make sure you have:

• An RTMP-compatible live encoder, such as:

  • OBS Studio

  • vMix

  • Zoom

  • Wirecast

  • Another encoder that supports RTMP

• At least one destination where you want to send your stream, such as YouTube, Twitch, or another RTMP/SRT endpoint.

Step-by-step

1) Create an RTMP stream

1. Go to Streams and click Create Stream.

2. In Create a Stream, choose RTMP.

3. Castlify will create the stream and take you to the RTMP Settings page.

You don't need to enter a video stream URL. The stream is ready to receive your encoder's live feed.

2) Copy the RTMP settings

On the RTMP Settings page, you'll find:

• RTMP Server: the server address your encoder should connect to.

• Stream Key: the key used to identify your stream.

Copy these values. You'll use them in your encoder.

3) Configure your encoder

Open your encoder and configure its streaming settings.

Use the values from Castlify:

• Server: paste the RTMP Server from Castlify.

• Stream Key: paste the Stream Key from Castlify.

The exact location of these settings depends on the encoder you use.

For example, in OBS Studio, open Settings → Stream and enter the Castlify server and stream key.

4) Start sending your live video

Start streaming from your encoder.

Once Castlify receives the RTMP signal, the stream will become active.

You can see the incoming video in the stream preview.

5) Add a destination

1. Go to the stream's Destinations section.

2. Click Add Destination.

3. Choose the destination you want to use:

   • YouTube / Twitch / LinkedIn / X (guided)

   • Custom RTMP

   • Custom SRT

4. Configure the destination and make sure it is toggled ON.

You can add multiple destinations if you want to distribute the same live feed to several platforms.

6) Start distributing

Once your encoder is sending a signal and at least one destination is enabled:

1. Make sure your encoder is streaming.

2. Check the stream in Streams.

3. Confirm that the status shows Distributing.

Castlify will receive the live feed from your encoder and distribute it to the enabled destinations.

Troubleshooting

No signal from the encoder

If the stream shows Stopped:

• Make sure your encoder is currently streaming.

• Check that the RTMP Server is copied correctly.

• Check that the Stream Key is copied correctly.

• Make sure your encoder is configured to use RTMP.

• Stop and start the encoder again if necessary.

The encoder is connected but the stream is not distributing

Receiving an RTMP signal and distributing it to destinations are separate steps.

First, make sure Castlify is receiving your encoder signal.

Then check that:

• At least one destination is attached to the stream.

• The destination is toggled ON.

• The destination settings are correct.

• The destination platform is ready to receive the stream.

Destination issues

If Castlify is receiving your video but the destination is not going live:

• Double-check the destination's RTMP Server URL and Stream Key.

• Some platforms require you to create or schedule the live event first.

• If the platform provides RTMPS (rtmps://), use it exactly as provided.

Next steps

• Add more destinations to distribute the same live feed to multiple platforms.

• Learn more: Destinations page overview

• Learn more: Add a destination

FAQ

Can I use OBS or vMix with Castlify?

Yes. Castlify can receive an RTMP stream from OBS, vMix, Zoom, and other RTMP-compatible encoders.

Do I need to keep my encoder running?

Yes. An RTMP stream is an incoming live feed from your encoder. The encoder must be running and sending the stream for Castlify to receive the signal.

Can I send the same RTMP stream to multiple destinations?

Yes. Add multiple destinations to the stream and Castlify will distribute the incoming feed to the enabled destinations.

Can I use Castlify without an encoder?

Yes. If you already have an HLS, DASH, or another supported video stream link, you can create a Video Stream Link stream instead.