How to Use IP Camera RTSP Stream in OBS Studio

Yes, you can easily use OBS Studio to capture video from an IP camera using an RTSP (Real-Time Streaming Protocol) stream. This article provides a direct, step-by-step guide on how to integrate your IP camera’s network stream into OBS Studio as a live video source for broadcasting or recording.

Step 1: Obtain Your IP Camera’s RTSP URL

Before configuring OBS Studio, you need the specific RTSP URL of your IP camera. This address varies by manufacturer but generally follows this format: rtsp://username:password@IP_address:port/stream_path

Consult your camera’s manual or use an online tool like Connectoar or iSpy Connect to find the exact stream path for your specific camera model.

Step 2: Add the RTSP Stream to OBS Studio

There are two primary methods to add an RTSP stream to OBS Studio: using the default Media Source or using the VLC Video Source.

Method A: Using Media Source (Built-in)

1. Open OBS Studio.
2. In the Sources box at the bottom of the screen, click the + icon and select Media Source.
3. Name the source (e.g., “IP Camera”) and click OK.
4. Uncheck the box labeled Local File.
5. In the Input field, paste your complete RTSP URL.
6. In the Input Format field, type rtsp.
7. (Optional) Check the box for Use hardware decoding when available to reduce CPU usage.
8. Click OK. Your camera’s live feed should now appear in the preview window.

Method B: Using VLC Video Source (Recommended for Stability)

If you experience lag or disconnects with the Media Source, the VLC Video Source often provides a more stable connection and lower latency. Note that you must have the VLC Media Player (64-bit version) installed on your computer for this option to appear in OBS.

1. Click the + icon in the Sources box and select VLC Video Source.
2. Name the source and click OK.
3. In the properties window, scroll down to the Playlist section.
4. Click the + button on the right and select Add Path/URL.
5. Paste your RTSP URL into the field and click OK.
6. Click OK again to close the properties window.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• No Video/Black Screen: Double-check your RTSP URL structure, username, and password. Verify the camera is on the same local network as your computer running OBS.
• Lag or Delay: In the OBS Media Source settings, you can decrease the network buffer size. If the lag persists, switch to the VLC Video Source method, which handles network buffers more efficiently.