RTMP is a media protocol used by various IP cameras that allow the device to stream real-time videos over the internet.
The Real-Time Media Protocol (RTMP) provides high-performance transmission of video and audio from an IP camera to a server which casts the signal across various platforms on the internet. One of these platforms that supports RTMP streaming is YouTube.
In this article, we will demonstrate how to stream the live video feed of your IP camera to a YouTube channel using the RTMP function of the IP camera.
The instructions are applicable to all IP cameras that support the RTMP feature. Basically, you need to add your YouTube channel’s Stream URL and Stream Key into the camera’s configuration section. The YouTube channel will pull the live feed from the camera and display it Live.
In this demonstration, we are using a Dahua IP camera and the same settings are applicable to other OEM versions which are commonly sold under other brand names (check the Dahua OEM list here). The steps are the same regardless of your camera model (as long as the camera supports the RTMP).
Before you start, ensure these conditions are fulfilled:
- You have an IP camera that supports the RTMP protocol. Traditional cameras such as HD analog cameras (that use coaxial cable) don’t support this function.
- The camera needs to be set up and working fine in your local network.
- You have a valid YouTube channel.
Stream Dahua IP camera to YouTube via RTMP
Many users want to stream the video live on YouTube such as at a construction site, a public gathering, a group meeting, in public spaces, in front of their house, etc.
To stream the live feed of your IP camera to YouTube, follow the instructions listed below. We assume the camera is running properly and it’s already set up. Additionally, you need to make sure that the camera supports the RTMP functions.
If you’re not sure, check the camera’s specs or contact the seller/dealer. Also, ensure that the camera is updated to the latest firmware version.
Step 1. Log into your YouTube channel, click the plus sign, and hit the Go Live button.
Step 2. In YouTube Studio, enter a title and description for your video stream and click Save. The Visibility should be set to Public.
Step 3. Next, you need to copy the Stream URL and Stream Key from the Stream Settings. Copy this information onto a TXT file (notepad) for easy access.
Note: It’s important not to share the Stream Key with anyone, otherwise unauthorized people will be able to stream videos into your video. On the new YouTube update, the key is generated per session.
Step 4. Access the web interface of your camera using a web browser (Internet Explorer). You need to type the IP address of the camera on the URL bar, install any plugin and enter your credentials. (Read more information here).
The logic is the same even if you’re using a non-Dahua camera, you need to access the camera via the web browser and locate the RTMP section.
Step 5. Once you’re inside the camera’s settings, navigate to Setup > Network > RTMP. In the Address Type options select Customized and then click the Enable button to enable the RTMP streaming function.
Step 6. Copy and paste the StreamURL/StreamKey link into the Custom Address bar of the interface and hit Save. This is the information we previously copied from the YouTube channel.
Now the feed from your P camera will be streamed on YouTube using the RTMP function. Normally, it should work just fine, but there are a few things that may cause the fee to be laggy or unstable.
First of all, ensure that the IP camera is updated to the latest firmware. Second, the upload speed on your network should be decent and fast enough to transmit the feed onto YouTube without any lag.
You may try to lower the quality a little bit if your network can’t handle the camera’s video quality. If the picture appears to be choppy, consider lowering the frame rate (but don’t go lower than 10 FPS).
If the feed blacks out, delete the settings from the YouTube channel and re-add the camera again. Lastly, you may contact your seller or dealer for further assistance.
