What is RTMP?
RTMP (Real-Time Messaging Protocol) is a communication protocol designed for streaming audio, video and data over the internet in real-time. It was initially developed by Macromedia (now Adobe) to be used with their Flash player and server software.
The purpose of RTMP is to allow low-latency communication between a media server and a media player for applications like video streaming and remote procedure calls. It is designed to work efficiently for streaming even when there are high delays, data loss and jitter typical of the public internet.
RTMP works by first establishing a persistent connection between the client and server using the RTMP handshake. This allows them to exchange metadata to set up the stream. Then RTMP sends audio or video data over this connection in small chunks, rather than as a continuous stream. This makes it more resilient to network issues compared to protocols like RTP.
RTMP supports features like adaptive bitrate streaming, encrypted streams, remote procedure calls and live streaming. Major platforms like YouTube, Twitch, Facebook Live and Wowza use RTMP for some portion of their video delivery pipeline.
Overview of TikTok
TikTok is a short-form video sharing app that allows users to create and share 15-60 second videos. It was launched in September 2016 by ByteDance, a Beijing-based internet technology company. Originally called Douyin in China, the app was rebranded as TikTok for the international market. Within a few years, it became one of the most downloaded apps globally. As of January 2022, TikTok has over 1 billion monthly active users worldwide (https://influencermarketinghub.com/what-is-tiktok/).
Some key features of TikTok include:
- Video creation tools – Users can shoot, edit, and soundtrack videos right in the app.
- Hashtags and challenges – Videos can utilize hashtags and effects to take part in meme challenges.
- Duets and stitches – Users can duet with or stitch together other videos.
- For You feed – An algorithmic feed shows users trending and relevant videos.
TikTok has become hugely popular among teenagers and young adults, with over 60% of its users under the age of 30. Its fun, entertaining videos are easy to consume and highly sharable. TikTok has also evolved into a major platform for viral trends, memes, challenges and pop culture moments. Brands and content creators have leveraged it for marketing, while public figures and celebrities use it to engage with fans.
Why Stream TikTok Videos?
Streaming TikTok videos live offers several benefits for creators and viewers alike. Here are some of the top reasons to go live on TikTok:
Reach a wider audience in real time. When you stream live, it gives you the opportunity to reach more people who may not have seen your pre-recorded videos before. We recommend posting a video on TikTok first and then going live. You can alert your current followers that you’ll be streaming live soon [1].
Engage with your viewers. The live format allows for real-time interaction with viewers through comments and gifts. This creates a more engaging experience where followers can ask questions or make requests [2].
Show off skills or behind-the-scenes. Give viewers a unique perspective by streaming live while creating content, practicing a skill, or giving a behind-the-scenes look. This showcases your talents in an authentic way.
Increase followers and views. Live videos are promoted by TikTok’s algorithm, helping you get discovered by new viewers. This can lead to more followers, likes, and overall exposure for your account.
Monetization opportunities. TikTok allows gifting during live streams as a way for creators to earn money. Fans can purchase and send virtual gifts to show support.
Finding the RTMP Address on TikTok
To find your RTMP address on TikTok to stream to your computer or another platform, follow these steps:
- Open the TikTok app on your mobile device.
- Tap on the “+” icon at the bottom and swipe right until you get to the “LIVE” option.
- Underneath the “Go Live” button, tap on “Connect to professional streaming software”.
- This will open a menu that shows your Stream Name, Stream Key, and RTMP address.
- The RTMP address will look something like rtmp://lives.tiktok.com/xxx.
- Copy or take note of the full RTMP address.
This RTMP address is what you’ll need to input into your streaming software or platform to broadcast your TikTok live stream.
For more details, refer to TikTok’s support article on connecting to professional streaming tools.
Using the RTMP Address
To use the RTMP address to stream TikTok videos, you first need to generate the address within the TikTok app. Here are the steps:
- Open the TikTok app on your mobile device and tap on the “+” icon.
- Swipe right until you reach the “LIVE” option.
- Tap on “Go Live” and you will see the “Start Live Streaming” screen.
- Tap on the gear icon in the top right corner.
- This will open the “Stream Settings” where you can find the Server URL and Stream Key.
- The Server URL is the RTMP address you need to stream TikTok videos.
Once you have the RTMP address, you can use it with a third-party streaming software like OBS or Streamlabs. Simply enter the RTMP address into the software as your stream destination along with the stream key. Then configure your streaming software to capture and encode the video from your device camera and audio from your mic.
The TikTok RTMP address will allow your streaming software to connect to TikTok’s servers. This streams the live video broadcast directly to your TikTok channel. Viewers can then watch your live stream in real-time just like any other TikTok Live video.
Using the RTMP address is an easy way to get high-quality streams from external encoders into TikTok. It provides more configuration options compared to streaming directly from the TikTok app.
Streaming Software Options
There are several software options available for streaming video using the RTMP protocol. Some popular choices include:
OBS Studio is a free and open source software for live streaming and screen recording. It’s one of the most popular options for streaming to platforms like Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook using RTMP. OBS Studio allows you to configure custom RTMP streams to any endpoint.
Wirecast is a professional live video production software. It offers advanced switching, graphics, recording, and live streaming capabilities. Wirecast supports streaming to many destinations through RTMP, including popular platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and Twitch.
XSplit Broadcaster is another advanced live streaming and recording software. It provides chroma keying, video switching, recording, and streaming with custom RTMP endpoints. The software is popular with game streamers.
These programs allow configuring a custom RTMP server, stream key, and settings to stream video to any endpoint. By entering the RTMP address and stream key for your TikTok account, you can stream live video to TikTok using the software.
Recommended Settings
When streaming TikTok videos using the RTMP address, there are some ideal settings you’ll want to use for the best quality and performance:
Video Bitrate: A higher video bitrate between 2500-4000kbps will provide better quality video for your viewers. However, set this based on your actual upload speeds.
Audio Bitrate: 128kbps is generally sufficient for audio quality when streaming TikTok videos.
Key Frame Interval (sec): Set this to 2 seconds. Keyframes greatly improve quality and a 2 second interval optimizes streaming performance.
CPU Usage: Faster x264 CPU presets like “veryfast” or “superfast” are recommended for TikTok streaming to reduce strain on your system.
Resolution: A resolution of 720p (1280×720) balances quality and bandwidth usage. Resolution can be reduced if internet speeds are lower.
Following these best practice settings will provide you with high-quality streams while minimizing performance impacts when broadcasting TikTok videos to your audience. You may need to fine tune settings based on your available internet speeds and computer hardware.
Troubleshooting Issues
When live streaming TikTok videos, you may encounter some technical issues. Here are some common problems and potential solutions:
If your live stream is lagging or buffering, it could be due to a poor internet connection. Make sure you are connected to a strong WiFi network or high-speed mobile data. Restarting your router can also help resolve connectivity problems temporarily. You may also need to adjust your video resolution or bitrate settings in your streaming software to reduce the bandwidth required.
If you are getting an error saying your RTMP stream key is incorrect, double check that you have copied the exact stream key from your TikTok LIVE Studio settings. An incorrect or expired key will prevent your stream from connecting. Regenerate your stream key if needed.
On mobile devices, you may run into issues with TikTok denying access to your camera or microphone. Go into your device settings to make sure TikTok has permission to access your camera and mic. Restarting your phone can also fix permission issues.
If your live video quality is pixelated or blurry, try decreasing your video output resolution or increasing your bitrate. Finding the optimal balance between resolution and bitrate can maximize video quality.
If your live stream simply will not connect no matter what you try, it may be an issue on TikTok’s end. Check TikTok’s known issues page or reach out to their support team for assistance.
Other Streaming Options
While RTMP is the main way to stream TikTok videos, there are some alternative methods available. One option is to use a screen recording software to capture and stream your TikTok videos to other platforms like Twitch or YouTube. Some popular screen recorders include OBS Studio, Streamlabs OBS, and XSplit [1]. These programs allow you to display and record your TikTok app and stream it out live.
Another alternative is to use a TikTok downloader site or app to save TikTok videos and then re-stream them on other platforms. However, this violates TikTok’s terms of service and should be avoided [2]. The best method is to follow TikTok’s official RTMP streaming guidelines to properly broadcast your live content.
Summary
TikTok has become an extremely popular platform for sharing short videos, but did you know you can also stream live video from TikTok using RTMP? RTMP stands for Real-Time Messaging Protocol and allows you to take a TikTok live stream and broadcast it on other platforms. Here’s a quick recap of what we learned:
- RTMP streaming lets you rebroadcast a TikTok live video on other sites like YouTube or Twitch.
- To find your TikTok RTMP server address, go to your TikTok profile, tap the 3 dots at top right, choose Live Streaming > Stream Info.
- The RTMP URL shown there connects your streaming software to TikTok’s live video.
- Just enter that custom RTMP URL into your streaming software like OBS or Streamlabs to start streaming.
- Recommended settings are simple – just a bitrate of 2.5 Mbps up to 6 Mbps at 720p resolution.
- Overall, streaming from TikTok via RTMP opens up more ways to share your live content.
Hopefully this gives you a better understanding of how to locate and use TikTok’s RTMP server address for live streaming. The process is relatively straightforward once you find the customizable RTMP URL in your profile settings.
