Live streaming has become an indispensable part of daily communication. As the technology progresses, it opens up new possibilities, like multiple people streaming to the same broadcast from different locations, adding live virtual backgrounds using chroma key, or embedding one broadcast inside another via RTMP Pull.
If you’re interested in using RTMP Pull to enhance your live streams, or just want to know what it is, then this guide’s for you.
What is an RTMP Pull link?
A Real-Time Messaging Protocol (RTMP) Pull link is a playable link of your live stream, which you can set up as a source on another broadcast. The RTMP Pull feature allows you to play one live stream inside the other. You can play an original stream in the background and your own graphic overlays with audio commentary in the foreground. Sounds pretty cool, but what would you use the RTMP Pull option for?
Where you can apply RTMP Pull links
RTMP Pull is especially useful when you want to have multiple live streams on one screen. Esports tournaments and conventions rely heavily on RTMP Pull. Live in-game replays, interview translations, and multiple-language commentary can all be easily added to one screen thanks to the RTMP Pull links.
RTMP Pull use cases:
- Embed an RTMP Pull stream into your main live stream. This option is especially useful in cases when you need an audio translation overlay. You can also treat Pull streams as separate and push them to other destinations.
- Combine two or more streams to watch simultaneously. RTMP Pull lets you embed multiple streams from different accounts into a single live stream.
- Switch between multiple broadcasters in one stream. Creating multiple points of view from incoming streams makes your broadcast more interesting and engaging.
- Monitor your live stream in an MPC-HC video player in real time. Keep in mind, RTMP live streams have a small latency (two to five seconds).
How to use RTMP Pull links
Using the RTMP Pull feature is as easy as traditional streaming via your RTMP key, and it’s definitely easier than completing a quest in your favorite RPG. Follow the steps below to create and use an RTMP Pull link. You can have up to 10 active connections to a single RTMP Pull link.
To set up an RTMP Pull link:
- Sign in to your Restream account and go to your Restream dashboard.
- Click the “RTMP Pull Links” tab on the right side of your screen.
- Click “Create Link.”
- Name your RTMP link and click “Save.”
- If you require a single-line RTMP Pull link, toggle “Merge fields” on to make it easier to copy.
- Copy your RTMP link and insert it into a video player as a file path for monitoring, or use it as a media source in your streaming software.
Important: You need at least a Professional plan to use the RTMP Pull feature.
For more detailed info on how to add RTMP Pull links, read our support article or watch this short video guide:
Keep in mind that Restream only allows embedding RTMP Pull links for internal production and monitoring. It’s prohibited to display your Restream content directly in a public player.
Wrapping up
With RTMP Pull links, you can achieve professional-looking live streams. You can make live commentaries or translations of other live streams, combine live streams and watch them simultaneously on one screen, and monitor your live stream in an MPC-HC video player.
At Restream, we want to make live streaming as easy as possible so anyone can take advantage of this cutting-edge technology. With a better understanding of the RTMP Pull feature and its use cases, as well as how to add it to your live streaming production, you can take your live streaming to the next level.
Still have questions? Reach out to our 24/7 Live Chat or Help Center for more information.
