Stream OBS to Private RTMP Server with Authentication

This guide provides a step-by-step walkthrough on how to configure OBS Studio to broadcast video streams to a private RTMP server that requires username and password authentication. You will learn how to locate the correct settings in OBS, input your credentials, and establish a secure connection to your private server.

Prerequisites

Before starting, ensure you have the following details from your RTMP server administrator or hosting provider: * RTMP Server URL (e.g., rtmp://yourserver.com/live) * Stream Key (e.g., test-stream) * Username * Password

Step-by-Step Configuration

Follow these steps to configure your connection in OBS Studio:

Step 1: Open the Stream Settings

  1. Launch OBS Studio.
  2. Click on Settings in the bottom-right control panel, or go to File > Settings from the top menu.
  3. In the Settings window, click on the Stream tab in the left sidebar.

Step 2: Choose Custom Service

  1. Click the dropdown menu next to Service and select Custom…. This allows you to enter manual server destinations instead of using pre-configured platforms like Twitch or YouTube.

Step 3: Enter Server and Credentials

  1. In the Server field, paste your RTMP Server URL (for example: rtmp://yourserver.com/live).
  2. Check the box labeled Use authentication. This will expand the menu to reveal credential fields.
  3. In the Username field, enter your server’s login username.
  4. In the Password field, enter your server’s security password.
  5. In the Stream Key field, enter the unique key assigned to your stream.

Step 4: Save and Start Streaming

  1. Click Apply in the bottom-right corner, then click OK to close the Settings menu.
  2. Click Start Streaming on the main OBS dashboard.

Alternative Connection Method

If your version of OBS Studio does not display the “Use authentication” checkbox, you can pass your credentials directly through the RTMP URL.

To do this, format your Server URL in OBS as follows:

rtmp://username:password@yourserver.com/live

Replace username and password with your actual credentials, and yourserver.com/live with your server’s destination address. Keep your normal Stream Key in the designated Stream Key field.