Now you can include a live (RTMP) stream from any external streaming platform - mobile or desktop - that supports custom RTMP destinations. You can incorporate external live feeds into your Socialive session from a variety of sources:

• Video Conferencing: Zoom, Webex, etc.

• Software Encoders: OBS, Wirecast, Xsplit, etc.

• Hardware Encoders: Teradek, Epiphan, etc.

• Connected Cameras: LiveU devices, GoPro cameras, etc.

In this article, we will go over the following topics:

• What is RTMP?
• Enabling RTMP Sources
• Adding an RTMP Source to Your Broadcast
• Encoder Settings
• Known Issues

What is RTMP?

Real-Time Messaging Protocol (RTMP) is an open-source protocol designed for the high-performance transmission of live audio and video across the internet. Software encoders, hardware devices, and some conference solutions like Zoom can send a live RTMP video stream. Socialive uses RTMP to livestream to channels such as Facebook, Linked In, Twitter, Hopin, Brightcove, On24, and others.

Now you can use RTMP to stream from any platform into Socialive as a live source that you can use in your broadcast.

Enabling RTMP Sources

To inquire about adding RTMP Sources to your plan, contact your Customer Success Manager.

Adding an RTMP Source to Your Session

Step 1: Select Your RTMP Source

You can stream video from any external source that supports RTMP (see Encoder Settings below). Sources may be software applications on your computer, while others may be stand-alone hardware:

• Video Conferencing: Zoom, Webex, etc.

• Software Encoders: OBS, Wirecast, Xsplit, etc.

• Hardware Encoders: Teradek, Epiphan, etc.

• Connected Cameras: LiveU devices, GoPro cameras, etc.

Step 2: Enter Your Stream URL and Key Into Your RTMP Source

To add a live stream to a session, enter your Socialive Stream URL and Socialive Stream Key into your streaming source.

What Is My Socialive Stream URL?

rtmp://ingest.us-east.socialive.us/rtmp/b-YOUR_BROADCAST_ID/

Where Can I Find My Broadcast ID?

Replace YOUR_BROADCAST_ID  in the Stream URL field with your actual broadcast ID, which can be found in the browser's address bar when you have a broadcast open in Studio:

What Is My Stream Key?

Once enabled on your account, you will receive your private RTMP Stream Key from Socialive Support. It will look something like this:

key-aBcDeFgHiJk123Lm (an example) or pub-aBcDeFgHiJk123Lm (an example)

Enter the Stream URL and Stream Key into your RTMP source and start streaming. Below is an example using Zoom as the RTMP source.

Step 3: Viewing the RTMP Stream in Your Socialive Session

Once you start streaming, the RTMP stream will automatically appear in your session as a Live Source in Studio. You can drag the RTMP source into the Scene or any layout, just like any other source.

Note: People in the RTMP source (Zoom, Webex, etc.) will not be able to hear the guests in the Green Room.

Encoder Settings

RTMP sources should use the following encoder settings:

• Video codec: H.264

• Resolution: 1920x1080p, 1280x720p

• Bitrate: Up to 8Mbps

• Frame Rate: 30FPS

• Keyframe interval: 2 seconds

• Audio codec: AAC

• Audio Bitrate: Up to 192kbps

• Encoding Mode: CBR (Constant Bitrate)

Note: If your stream goes above the maximum bitrate, it will automatically disconnect from Socialive.

Known Issues

The RTMP Source May Not Appear in the Scenes When You Close and Re-Open Studio

 If you close and reopen while an RTMP source is streaming, that RTMP source may not re-appear correctly in the Scenes.

• Solution: Remove the RTMP source from the Scenes and re-add it.

Transitioning to an RTMP Source May Take 3-4 Seconds  

When you transition from another source to an RTMP feed, it can take 3-4 seconds for the transition to take effect in the broadcast. During this time, the previous source will still appear in the broadcast.

• Solution A: When transitioning to an RTMP source, send it live approximately 3 seconds early.

• Solution B: Insert a "transition" image in the Scenes before the RTMP source to avoid awkward pauses.

Brightcove Can Be Used as a Destination but Not an RTMP Source

RTMP output from the Brightcove Live Module does not correctly parse RTMP addresses. Therefore, streaming from Brightcove into Socialive as a source is not available.

• Solution: Instead of routing your live encoder into Brightcove (and then into Socialive), route your live encoder into Socialive and then live stream it to Brightcove from Socialive.

An RTMP Source May Appear "Backstage" if the Stream Drops for More Than 30 Seconds While Live

If the RTMP source is live in the broadcast and drops for more than 30 seconds, it may appear backstage to other participants in the green room when it returns.

• Solution: Ensure that your RTMP source is streaming over a solid network connection, ideally wired via ethernet.

Unable to Remove an Active RTMP Source

RTMP sources will automatically appear when the stream starts and automatically disappear when the stream ends. You cannot manually delete an active RTMP source from Studio.

• Solution: To remove an RTMP source, stop the RTMP source stream.

Still, looking for an answer?

Contact Socialive Support via live chat, email at support@socialive.us, or submit a support ticket.