How to Stream Using ManyCam RTMP Server

ManyCam is an RTMP encoder that is compatible with Dacast for live streaming.

What is RTMP?

RTMP stands for Real-Time Messaging Protocol, and it is part of the technology that makes live streaming possible. This Transmission Control Protocol-based technology was originally developed by the predecessor of Adobe to work with the Adobe Flash player.

In this guide, we will teach you how to stream Dacast using the ManyCam RTMP-enabled encoder. This encoder’s main use is for live streaming from a webcam. If you don’t have this encoder installed already you can easily download it on the ManyCam website. This is a free version available with limited features.

For a general encoder setup guide, please read our dedicated post.

How to Set Up the ManyCam Encoder

To get started, log into your Dacast account. Select the channel you want to stream on and click “Encoder Setup”: Locate the required credentials. You’ll need the server URL, stream key, username, and password, as pictured below: In this example, each of these credentials is as follows:

• Server URL: rtmp://5a593eaa-e86d-2e01-c800-b74de440eb83.dacastmmd.pri.lldns.net/dacastmmd
• Stream Key: e448bec06c5c49bbbe82bdeb170fc32f_3500
• Username: 3807906125
• Password: 5dcea51493374995

From there, open ManyCam and click on the “Stream” icon as shown below: Next, click on “+ Add Custom Server” as shown below: Please name your Dacast channel (in this example we have named it Dacast) and fill out the fields using the credentials from the encoder setup page from your Dacast account:

• Enter your Server URL under “Server”
• Enter your Stream Key under “Stream Key”
• Enter your Username under “Login”
• Enter your Password under “Password”

Make sure you toggle the “Access Required” button to the right so you can input the login and password. Here is what it should look like: Once you have filled in all of those fields, you should be able to click the “Create” button to move forward. If the “Create” button is not clickable, the information has not been entered properly. Once your channel is created, you will be back on the page below, and you will see Dacast:   There is a toggle button, please toggle it to the right, so you can start the stream.  The indicator that Manycam has accepted the Dacast stream credentials is the timer beside “Dacast.”  In this example, it toggled it to the right, so the timer automatically started. In essence, it has been 4 seconds already that the stream has been live. Another indicator is the stream button is now the color red: It is important when running a live stream, that you do an upload speed test first so you can easily adjust the video bitrates on your encoder. Setting it too high for your upload speed would cause playback issues with the stream. On ManyCam you can adjust the video bitrates accordingly on the “Streaming Settings” section: Make sure you toggle the “Use recommended bitrate settings” to the left, then put in the video bitrate of your choice. In this example, it is set to a low bitrate at 500 Kbps and the audio bitrate is set at 128 Kbps, which is standard and recommended. Always use CBR for the bitrate type.  Click “Save” when you are done. To access other settings, click on the “Settings” icon:  At that point, you can click on the “Video” tab to choose the resolution you wish to stream at: Frames per second (FPS) should always be set at 30.

Required Encoder Settings

Please always use the required encoder settings we have put together to ensure a smooth live stream experience for your viewers.

Resolution & Bitrate Settings

Please select one of the following configurations and ensure your encoder is set up with these exact settings to help prevent streaming issues:

If you have any questions about Manycam, video encoding, or need help with this Dacast feature, feel free to contact us directly. Not yet a Dacast user, and interested in trying Dacast risk-free for 14 days? Sign up today to get started.

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Additional Resources:

• Discover the Best 4K Camera To Stream Live Video
• Compatible Cameras for Dacast
• Mobile Live Streaming: Why Convert RTMP to HLS?
• How to Connect a Network Camera to an RTMP Online Video Platform
• Which Ports are Required for Streaming with an RTMP Firewall?