Troubleshooting: Stream not “Distributing”

If your stream doesn't switch to Distributing, use the checklist below.

The steps depend on whether you're using a Video Stream Link or an RTMP encoder.

1) Check the input

Video Stream Link

If your stream uses a Video Stream Link:

• Make sure the input URL is correct.

• The HLS .m3u8 or DASH .mpd source must be live and reachable from the internet.

• Some URLs expire or require tokens or headers. If your link changes often, generate a fresh one.

Fast test: create a new stream using Castlify's demo HLS.

If the demo works, your original input source is likely the problem.

RTMP

If your stream uses an RTMP encoder:

• Make sure OBS, vMix, Zoom, or your encoder is currently streaming.

• Check that the RTMP Server is correct.

• Check that the Stream Key is correct.

• Make sure your encoder is configured to use RTMP.

• If you recently changed the settings, stop and restart the encoder.

If the stream shows Stopped/Waiting for signal, Castlify is not currently receiving an RTMP signal from your encoder.

2) Check that a destination is attached to the stream

On the Streams page, look at the Destinations column for that stream:

• If you don't see any destination listed, click + Destination and add one.

• Start with one destination first. This makes troubleshooting easier.

3) Check the destination

RTMP destination

If your destination is RTMP:

• Re-copy the RTMP Server URL and Stream Key from the platform.

• Some platforms require you to create or schedule a live event first before they accept RTMP ingest.

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

SRT destination

If your destination is SRT:

• Confirm the host and port are correct.

• If required by the receiver, add the correct StreamID and passphrase by adding them to the server URL.

• Make sure the destination expects the same mode (caller/listener) as your setup.

4) Try the simplest working setup

To isolate the issue:

Video Stream Link

1. Use one stream and one destination.

2. Use a known-good input, such as the demo HLS if available.

3. Start the stream.

4. Confirm it goes Distributing.

5. Then switch back to your real input and test again.

RTMP

1. Use one RTMP stream and one destination.

2. Open the stream's RTMP Settings.

3. Copy the RTMP Server and Stream Key into your encoder.

4. Start streaming from OBS, vMix, Zoom, or your encoder.

5. Confirm Castlify receives the signal.

6. Check that the destination is enabled.

What to send to support

If you still need help, send us:

• Stream name

• Input type (Video Stream Link or RTMP)

• Input URL, if using Video Stream Link

• Encoder name, if using RTMP

• Destination type (RTMP or SRT)

• Destination platform (YouTube, Twitch, etc.)

• Any error or status message shown in the UI

Next step

Once your stream is distributing, you can add more destinations directly from the Streams page using + Destination.