RTMP Push — streaming without a static IP

How RTMP Push works

With an ordinary RTSP connection, the rtsp.me server reaches the camera at its public address. That usually requires a public IP and port forwarding on the router.

With RTMP Push the direction of the connection is reversed: the camera connects to the address it was given and sends video to the server.

Outbound connections are normally allowed even on networks with a dynamic IP or CGNAT.

What you will need

• IP cameraSupport for sending an RTMP Push stream on its own
• Access to the cameraA web interface or app with publishing settings
• Internet accessA stable upload speed for the chosen bitrate
• The camera on rtsp.meAccess to its settings and the RTMP Push toggle

Step 1. Switch RTMP Push on

1. Open rtsp.me and go to the camera you need.
2. Open the camera settings.
3. Find the RTMP Push toggle.
4. Switch it on and save the settings.

Once it is on, the system will prepare a personal publishing address for this camera.

Step 2. Copy the link

Copy the RTMP link issued by the rtsp.me service. It ties the incoming stream to a specific camera in your account.

Use the actual address in full and unchanged. Do not replace the server, the path or the key with values from the example.

Step 3. Add the link to the camera

Open the IP camera's web interface or app. The setting you need may live under Network, Streaming, Broadcast, RTMP or Live.

1. Enable RTMP Push or RTMP Publish in the camera itself.
2. Paste the link you obtained on rtsp.me into the RTMP URL, Server URL, Push URL or Publish URL field.
3. If the camera asks for the server and the Stream Key separately, split the link according to the manufacturer's instructions.
4. Choose the video stream and save the settings.
5. Press Start, Connect or Enable if publishing is started with a separate button.

The names of these items depend on the manufacturer and the firmware. Do not paste the link into the RTSP URL field: that is a different protocol and a different direction of connection.

Recommended parameters

For stable publishing, start with the standard profile:

• CodecH.264
• Frame rate25 FPS
• GOP / I-frame50 frames, or 2 seconds
• Smart CodecOff

Further explanations are collected on the page “Recommended IP camera settings”.

Step 4. Check the stream

1. Make sure the camera reports the status Connected, Publishing or Online.
2. Go back to rtsp.me and open the camera.
3. Wait for video to appear and check playback.

The first connection can take a little while after you save the settings. Do not generate a new link while you are still checking the one you have.

If the stream does not appear

• check whether RTMP Push is switched on both in the camera settings on rtsp.me and in the IP camera itself;
• copy the link again, with no spaces and no missing characters;
• make sure the camera has internet access and correct DNS, gateway and time settings;
• select H.264 and switch Smart Codec off;
• reduce the resolution or bitrate if the upload speed is low;
• check whether the router or the provider is blocking the outbound RTMP connection;
• restart publishing in the camera after changing any settings.

If the problem persists, tell rtsp.me support the camera model, the firmware version and the status of the RTMP connection. Send the secret link itself only through a trusted support channel.

What is not required

When RTMP Push is working, there is no need to set up an inbound connection to the camera:

• a static public IP address;
• a DDNS name;
• port mapping or port forwarding;
• an open RTSP port 554;
• a DMZ for the camera.

This is especially convenient with CGNAT, mobile internet and at sites where the router settings cannot be changed.

Frequently asked questions