Streams: stream keys #

A stream key connects your encoder (the camera software or hardware that sends your video) to a stream on your channel. Stream keys belong to your channel, not to a single stream. You create a key once in Settings, then link it to each stream you broadcast.

This page covers creating, editing, deleting and linking keys, and where to find the values your encoder needs. For the full broadcast process, see Live setup.

Where stream keys live #

Go to Settings at the bottom of the sidebar, then Stream > Stream keys. The page is titled Stream Keys.

The list shows each key's Title, Type, Description and Status. Your default key carries a Default tag.

What each status means #

Inactive

The key exists and is free to link to a stream.

In use

The key is linked to a stream that is set up to broadcast right now. You cannot edit or delete it until that broadcast ends.

Active

Audio keys always show Active.

Not found

The key's broadcast input no longer exists, so the key cannot carry a feed. Delete it and create a new one.

Create a stream key #

1. Open the Stream Keys page

   Go to Settings > Stream > Stream keys and select Create stream key.

2. Name the key

   Enter a Title and, if you want, a Description, so you can tell your keys apart later.

3. Choose the input type

   Pick an Input device type: RTMP Push, Encoder or Audio Device. The form then asks for what that type needs: an Audio endpoint for an audio device, or Dual input and the Input Device selection for an encoder.

4. Set the resolution

   Choose the Streaming Resolution.

5. Decide whether it is the default

   Switch on Default device if this key should be linked to new streams as the default input device.

6. Save

   Select Save. The key appears in your list and you can reuse it across streams.

Edit or delete a key #

Open the menu on a key's row. It offers Edit and Delete only.

• Edit reopens the same form so you can change the key's details.
• Delete asks you to confirm, and deletion is permanent.
• A key that is In use cannot be edited or deleted. A key that is Not found can only be deleted.

There is no control to regenerate, reset, show or reveal a key.

Link a key to a stream #

Your encoder reaches a stream through the key linked to that stream. You can link a key in two places.

If you rely on a default key, open the stream in Studio before kickoff and check that the key shown under Input is the one your encoder uses.

The values your encoder needs #

When you select a key, read-only fields show the values to enter in your encoder:

Stream URL text

The server address your encoder sends video to. Shown for RTMP Push keys.

Key text

The key your encoder sends with the feed. Shown for RTMP Push keys.

Audio Endpoint text

Shown in place of Stream URL for audio keys and audio streams.

An Encoder type key shows neither field.

These fields have no copy button. Select the text in the field and copy it, then paste it into your encoder. Enter each value exactly as shown.

Input devices #

Your hardware encoder devices are listed under Settings > Stream > Input devices. Devices are set up for you, so there is no option to add or edit one here.

Each device shows as a card with its name, ID, MAC and SN, a preview ("No preview available" when there is none), its "Device state:" and its "Connection status:".

To restart a device, select Reboot on its card and confirm. Reboot is disabled while the device is disconnected.

These are the devices you choose under Input Device when you create a stream key with the Encoder input type.

Keep your key private #

Share the Key only with the people who run your encoder, and keep it off screen when you share your screen or record a tutorial.

If you think a key has been exposed, replace it:

1. Create a new key

   Create a new stream key as described above.

2. Link the new key

   Link it to your upcoming streams on the Complete step or in Studio with Link Input, and enter the new Stream URL and Key in your encoder.

3. Delete the old key

   Once no stream is using the old key, delete it from its row menu. A key that is still In use cannot be deleted.