How to Ingest Remote RTMP Stream in OBS Studio

Setting up OBS Studio to ingest a remote Real-Time Messaging Protocol (RTMP) stream allows you to bring live video feeds from external sources—such as remote broadcasters, mobile devices, or IP cameras—directly into your production. This guide provides a straightforward, step-by-step walkthrough on how to configure OBS Studio as a receiver to display an incoming RTMP stream using a Media Source.

Step 1: Obtain the RTMP Stream URL

Before configuring OBS Studio, you must have an active RTMP server hosting the stream. You will need the exact stream URL and stream key from the remote sender. The standard format for an RTMP URL is: rtmp://[server-ip-or-domain]/[application-name]/[stream-key]

For example: rtmp://192.168.1.100/live/remote-feed

Step 2: Add a Media Source in OBS Studio

  1. Open OBS Studio on your computer.
  2. Navigate to the Sources dock at the bottom of the screen.
  3. Click the + (plus) icon to add a new source, and select Media Source from the dropdown menu.
  4. Name the source something recognizable (e.g., “Remote RTMP Feed”) and click OK.

Step 3: Configure the Media Source Settings

  1. In the properties window that appears, uncheck the box labeled Local File. This is the most crucial step, as it tells OBS to look for a network stream instead of a file on your hard drive.
  2. In the Input field, paste your full RTMP stream URL.
  3. In the Input Format field, type rtmp or flv (leaving it blank also works in most modern versions of OBS, but specifying the format helps ensure compatibility).
  4. Uncheck Show nothing when playback ends if you want to keep the last frame on screen if the connection drops.
  5. Check Close file when inactive if you want OBS to disconnect from the stream when the source is not visible in the active scene.
  6. Click OK to save the settings.

Step 4: Test and Optimize the Stream

Once you click OK, OBS Studio will attempt to connect to the remote RTMP server. If the remote source is actively broadcasting, the video and audio feeds will appear in your preview window.

If you experience lag or buffering, double-click the Media Source to reopen the properties and increase the Network Buffering size to allow for network fluctuations. Additionally, ensure that TCP/UDP port 1935 (the standard port for RTMP) is open on the host router and firewall to prevent connection blocks.