How to Stream to Custom SRT Server in OBS Studio

This guide provides a straightforward, step-by-step walkthrough on how to configure OBS Studio to stream live video to a custom remote server using the Secure Reliable Transport (SRT) protocol. You will learn how to format the SRT connection URL, input your stream credentials, and optimize your OBS output settings for a secure, low-latency broadcast.

Step 1: Retrieve Your SRT Server Details

Before configuring OBS Studio, you need the connection details from your remote SRT server. Ensure you have the following information: * Server IP Address or Domain Name (e.g., 192.168.1.100 or srt.yourserver.com) * Port Number (typically assigned by your server, e.g., 9000) * Stream ID (if required by your receiving server to identify your broadcast)

Step 2: Configure the Stream Settings in OBS

  1. Open OBS Studio.

  2. Click on Settings in the bottom-right corner, or go to File > Settings in the top menu.

  3. Select the Stream tab from the left-hand sidebar.

  4. Click the Service dropdown menu and select Custom….

  5. In the Server field, enter your SRT connection string using the following format: srt://[IP_or_Domain]:[Port]?mode=caller&latency=120000&streamid=[Your_Stream_ID]

    Example: srt://srt.yourserver.com:9000?mode=caller&latency=120000&streamid=live/stream1

    Note on parameters:

    • mode=caller tells OBS to initiate the connection to the listening server.
    • latency=120000 sets the latency buffer to 120 milliseconds (adjust this based on your network stability).
    • streamid is crucial if your receiver hosts multiple streams. If your server does not require a Stream ID, you can omit the &streamid= portion.

  6. Leave the Stream Key field empty, as all routing parameters are handled directly within the SRT Server URL.

Step 3: Optimize Video and Audio Encoder Settings

Because SRT is designed for high-performance, low-latency delivery over unpredictable networks, your encoder settings should match this capability.

  1. Navigate to the Output tab in the OBS Settings.
  2. Set the Output Mode to Advanced.
  3. Under the Streaming tab, select your preferred encoder (such as NVIDIA NVENC H.264 or x264).
  4. Set the Rate Control to CBR (Constant Bitrate) for consistent stream delivery.
  5. Set your Bitrate according to your upload bandwidth (e.g., 4000 Kbps to 6000 Kbps for 1080p at 60fps).
  6. Set the Keyframe Interval to 2 s (2 seconds), which is standard for most SRT receiving decoders.
  7. Change the Preset to Low-Latency or Max Quality depending on your hardware capability.

Step 4: Save and Start Streaming

  1. Click Apply and then OK to save your settings.
  2. Click Start Streaming in the main OBS interface.
  3. Look at the status bar in the bottom right corner of OBS. If the connection is successful, the square icon will turn green, indicating a stable, secure, and low-latency SRT broadcast to your remote server.