How to Convert RTMP to HLS for Live Video Streaming in 2024

Do you know how to change RTMP to HLS for live video streaming?

RTMP and HTTP live streaming HLS are two streaming protocols that help transport live streams between the recording equipment, the encoders, and the RTMP streaming platform.

With the right video streaming host, you can automatically convert a single RTMP feed from your video encoder to HTTP live streaming on the server.

Here at Dacast, we use a stream packaging tool from Akamai for this process.

Today, we’ll explore step by step how to convert RTMP to HLS for optimal live streaming, and go over the benefits of RTMP and HLS streaming protocols to enhance your viewers’ experience.

Finally, we will examine how Dacast and other live video streaming platforms use these protocols.

Are you ready to learn about RTMP and HLS? Let’s get started!

• What is a Streaming Protocol?
• What is RTMP?
• What is HLS?
• How to Convert RTMP to HLS for Live Streaming
• Benefits of HLS Streaming
• FAQs
• Conclusion

What is a Streaming Protocol?

First, when it comes to live streaming content, video files in various formats have to be transmitted from one device to another almost instantaneously. Video files are generally huge, making this feat quite impressive.

Streaming protocols are seemingly magical technology that makes live streaming possible. From a technical standpoint, video streaming protocols are standardized rules and methods for taking large media files or video files and using a streaming protocol to stream video content to viewer’s devices.

Thanks to today’s advanced streaming protocols, the files can be quickly delivered to the end user, reassembled, and turned back into videos you can watch.

There are several video streaming protocols, but at this point, HLS is the most crucial streaming protocol, with RTMP coming in second.

What is RTMP?

You must use either live stream encoding software or a hardware encoder when setting up a live stream. The encoder connects to your video camera and other mobile live streaming equipment.

It then converts its RAW video output to a digital format better suited for live streaming. Most often, the default streaming protocol format for your encoder will be RTMP

RTMP stands for Real-Time Messaging Protocol and is a Macromedia (Adobe) standard created for real-time streaming of audio, video files, and associated data over the internet.

It creates a constant connection between the client and server, which allows data to be quickly moved to the end user.

The End of Flash Player and the Birth of RTMP

This streaming protocol was initially created to transmit files from a server to a Flash video player. Since Flash is no longer used, many assume RTMP’s streaming protocol has gone down.

Rather than dying out completely like other streaming protocols, RTMP, or real-time messaging protocol, has shifted gears. The streaming protocol is now responsible for feeding data to the streaming solution from the encoder.

That’s a more minor role in the live streaming process, but it is still imperative. The process is called ingest, and according to a 2021 Video Streaming Latency Report study, 76.6% of surveyed used RTMP streaming protocols for ingesting.

Various streaming encoders—used by small operations and broadcast-level professionals, such as Wirecast, vMix, or OBS Studio—create feeds using real time messaging protocol.

What is HLS?

Apple created HLS as a better alternative to RTMP and Flash Player.

Have you heard of HLS streaming? If you haven’t, you must know it is an essential piece of streaming protocol technology.

Apple created the HLS streaming protocol to allow video streaming on mobile devices with an iOS operating system, such as the iPhone and iPad.

That was necessary because mobile devices using the iOS operating system were not compatible with Flash Player and the RTMP technology used by Flash Player.

Why Is HLS So Popular With Broadcasters?

HLS requires little more than the ordinary web server to stream video data without compromising on video playback speed.

Another key feature of using an HLS stream was video quality. The video stream would automatically adjust video quality according to available network conditions.

Mobile devices with an iOS operating system, including the iPhone and iPad, are incompatible with Flash Player, which primarily uses RTMP.

HLS, shorthand for HTTP live streaming, was Apple’s solution to ensure that live video streaming was possible for its mobile users.

Is HLS Compatible With All Devices?

Don’t worry; HLS’s streaming protocols are compatible with more than just Apple iOS devices. It is compatible with most internet-enabled devices.

Another Android-friendly solution is Microsoft Smooth Streaming. Although not natively supported by all Android devices, this streaming protocol is primarily used for the adaptive streaming of video content.

Microsoft’s Streaming Solution- How to Use MSS to Turn RTMP Into HLS

Microsoft Smooth Streaming can also be used to convert RTMP into HLS using stream packaging tools, such as Akamai, the one used by Dacast.

These tools convert the RTMP feed from the video encoder into HLS at the server’s end using Microsoft Smooth Streaming protocol.

We’d like to point out that HTTP live streaming or HLS is sometimes called an HTML5 video, but this is erroneous. HTML5 is an entirely different standard.

How to Convert RTMP to HLS for Live Streaming

Having RTMP and HLS feeds available is valuable.

An HLS stream is based on HTTP. The HTTP protocol and HLS streaming protocol are two different formats that exist for different types of devices.

If you want to reach the largest possible audience with your live stream, you need to encode your RTMP stream to HLS. That’s known as HLS ingest for live streaming. That way, the client’s device can access any of these streams.

Here are the step-by-step instructions to convert RTMP to HLS for live streaming:

1. Set Up Your Encoder: Configure your video encoder (such as OBS Studio, Wirecast, or vMix) to produce an RTMP stream. This involves setting the appropriate video and audio parameters for optimal streaming.

2. Connect to Streaming Server: Use a streaming server (e.g., Wowza Streaming Engine, Nginx with RTMP module, or a cloud service like AWS MediaLive that can ingest RTMP. Point your encoder to this server by entering the server’s RTMP URL and stream key.

3. Stream Packaging Tool: Use a stream packaging tool or server software (e.g., FFmpeg, Wowza, Akamai) that can take the RTMP input and convert it to HLS. These tools break the RTMP stream into segments and generate an HLS playlist.

4. Configure HLS Output: Ensure the server is set to output the live stream as HLS by creating the .m3u8 playlist and .ts segment files. These files are crucial for HLS and allow viewers to access the content across different devices.

5. Distribute the HLS Stream: Finally, distribute your HLS stream through a content delivery network (CDN) or hosting service that supports HTTP streaming. Share the HLS URL, or the .m3u8 link, to allow viewers to connect to your live stream on multiple devices.

These steps will allow you to reach a wide audience with a stream that is adaptive and compatible with modern devices.

How Dacast Simplifies the Conversion Process Using Akamai

With the right video streaming host, you can automatically convert a single RTMP feed from your video encoder to HLS on the server end.

Here at Dacast, we use a live streaming packaging tool from Akamai.

Akamai uses RTMP ingest for live streaming and video delivery from your encoder, then automatically transcodes the stream as HTTP live streaming in near real-time, preparing the live broadcasts for any device format.

For live streaming, The process creates a minimal (30-45 seconds) delay on the camera feed. As you can see, converting RTMP to an HLS stream for live video streaming and video delivery happens behind the scenes.

All you have to do is choose a service, like Dacast, with the right tools and streaming protocols to make this process happen for your video content.

Once the service transcodes the video content, Dacast uses two top-tier live streaming CDNs (content delivery networks) to distribute the content via hundreds of thousands of servers worldwide.

This global service network ensures that live streams are delivered quickly and seamlessly anywhere on the planet.

Using these top-tier video CDNs also helps ensure reliability. If a server goes down or a million viewers suddenly show up for your broadcast, your content will flow smoothly.

All of this also means that any device can view your content seamlessly. The content delivery network automatically selects and delivers the best streaming protocol automatically.

Using a global CDN reduces costs by ensuring that you only need one encoder. You can reach a global audience with a single setting and encoder.

Benefits of HLS Streaming

There are a few reasons why RTMP ingest to HLS streaming is so popular that you should be aware of.

1. Cross-device compatible:

 HLS streaming can be used on any device with a compatible video player, such as HTML5. Most all internet-connected devices support HLS.

2. Multiple audio tracks: 

If you are streaming content worldwide and want to provide audio in different languages, HTTP live streaming HLS supports multiple audio tracks for one video track. That makes multi-language live streams possible.

3. Ad insertion: 

Want to monetize your video content? That can easily be achieved with ad insertion through VPAID and VAST interfaces.

4. Subtitles: 

Need accessible content? most HLS streams support closed captions, making your content accessible to a larger audience.

5. Privacy protection: 

HTTP live streaming HLS streaming works with a wide variety of DRM technologies, helping to support privacy protection.

FAQS

1. Why should you convert RTMP to HLS?

You should convert RTMP to HLS because HLS is more compatible with modern devices, especially mobile platforms, and provides better streaming quality by adjusting to network conditions. It also allows for wider reach and supports adaptive bitrate streaming, enhancing the user experience.

2. What tools are used for RTMP to HLS conversion?

Tools commonly used for RTMP to HLS conversion include software like FFmpeg, AWS MediaConvert, and Wowza Streaming Engine. These tools allow real-time encoding and adaptive streaming, ensuring compatibility with HLS for broader device support. Additionally, platforms like Dacast use Akamai’s stream packaging to simplify the conversion process.

3. Is HLS better than RTMP?

HLS is generally better than RTMP for most streaming needs because it provides adaptive bitrate streaming, broader device compatibility, and improved stability, particularly for mobile and modern devices. RTMP, however, is still valuable for low-latency live streaming during the ingest stage. Overall, HLS is more suitable for reaching a larger audience with higher quality streams.

4. What are the advantages of HLS vs RMTP?

The advantages of HLS over RTMP include better compatibility with modern devices, especially mobile and web platforms, and the ability to adapt video quality to network conditions, enhancing the user experience. HLS uses HTTP-based streaming, making it more firewall-friendly and less prone to connectivity issues. Additionally, HLS supports features like adaptive bitrate streaming, which allows for a smoother viewing experience in varying network conditions.

5. What are the disadvantages of HLS?

The main disadvantages of HLS are its higher latency compared to other protocols like RTMP, which can result in delays during live streams. It also requires more server resources for segmentation, and the video stream quality might vary with network conditions, which can lead to temporary dips in visual quality. Additionally, HLS segments can cause overhead, making it less suitable for time-critical applications such as interactive streaming.

6. Which protocol is best for live streaming?

The best protocol for live streaming depends on your individual needs. HLS is ideal for adaptive bitrate streaming, wide device compatibility, and stability, making it great for reaching a broad audience. RTMP, on the other hand, is preferred for its low latency during the ingest phase, especially for professional broadcasts. For general live streaming to a mixed audience, HLS is usually the better option.

Conclusion

In this article, we’ve walked you through the basics of RTMP and HLS live streaming and the value of the RTMP to the HLS conversion process.

If you’re looking for an easy way to convert your RTMP stream to HLS, we encourage investing in a live streaming solution like Dacast that makes the process seamless.

When you live stream with Dacast, your content is automatically available in whatever format is best for your viewers.

Note: You can also access these full instructions on how to start live streaming with Dacast. When you go live, your content is automatically available in the best format for your viewers.

Want to stream live video on your website and maintain content control? We’ve got you covered!

Plan to do regular, business-related broadcasts? We’ll help you reach all your viewers with the best quality stream possible. If you need additional help figuring out how to convert RTMP to HDS and HLS, or other support with live streaming, you can contact our technical support department from within your Dacast account.

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