Self Hosted RTMP Server for Dev

Hello Dev, are you looking for a way to stream your live video content on your website, without relying on third-party platforms? Then, you’ve come to the right place. In this journal article, we’ll dive deep into self-hosted RTMP servers, and how you can set one up on your own. So, let’s get started!

What is Self-Hosted RTMP Server?

A self-hosted RTMP server is a type of server that allows you to stream live video content over RTMP protocol. In simple terms, it is a server that enables you to broadcast your video content on your website or app, without relying on external platforms such as YouTube or Facebook. By hosting your own server, you have full control over your video content, and you can customize the user experience to your liking.

Some popular self-hosted RTMP servers include Nginx RTMP module, Wowza Streaming Engine, and Adobe Media Server. In this article, we’ll focus on setting up Nginx RTMP server, as it is a free and open-source option that is widely used in the industry.

Setting up Self-Hosted RTMP Server

Before we get started, you’ll need to have a basic understanding of server administration, and have access to a Linux-based server. If you’re new to server administration, we recommend using a managed server provider such as AWS, Digital Ocean, or Linode. Here are the steps to set up your own self-hosted RTMP server using Nginx RTMP module:

Step 1: Install Nginx

To install Nginx on your server, you can follow the instructions provided on their website. Make sure to install the latest stable release of Nginx, as the RTMP module is only available in the newer versions. Once you have installed Nginx, you can proceed to the next step.

Step 2: Install RTMP Module

The RTMP module is not included in the default Nginx installation. To install the RTMP module, you need to download the module source code, and compile it along with Nginx.

Command	Description
wget https://github.com/arut/nginx-rtmp-module/archive/master.zip	Download the RTMP module source code
unzip master.zip	Extract the source code
cd nginx-1.18.0	Enter to Nginx directory
./configure –add-module=../nginx-rtmp-module-master	Configure Nginx with RTMP module
make	Compile Nginx with RTMP module
sudo make install	Install Nginx with RTMP module

After you’ve installed Nginx with the RTMP module, you can proceed to the next step.

Step 3: Configure Nginx for RTMP

Now that you’ve installed Nginx with RTMP module, you need to configure it to work as an RTMP server. Here’s an example configuration that you can use as a starting point:

rtmp {server {listen 1935;application live {live on;record off;}}}http {server {listen 80;location / {root /var/www/html;index index.html;}}}

This configuration sets up an RTMP server that listens on port 1935, and an HTTP server that listens on port 80. The RTMP server has an application called “live” that allows you to stream live video content, and disables recording.

Step 4: Start Nginx

After you’ve configured Nginx, you can start the server by running the following command:

sudo nginx

Once the server is running, you can start streaming your live video content by using an RTMP broadcasting tool such as OBS or ffmpeg.

FAQ

What is RTMP protocol?

RTMP (Real-Time Messaging Protocol) is a protocol that is designed for real-time streaming of multimedia content over the internet. It is commonly used for live streaming of video content, such as gaming, sports, and news.

What are the advantages of self-hosting an RTMP server?

Self-hosting an RTMP server gives you full control over your video content, and allows you to customize the user experience to your liking. It also enables you to avoid the limitations and fees of external platforms such as YouTube or Facebook.

Is it difficult to set up a self-hosted RTMP server?

Setting up a self-hosted RTMP server requires some basic knowledge of server administration and web development. However, with the right resources and guidance, it can be a relatively straightforward process.

What are some popular self-hosted RTMP servers?

Some popular self-hosted RTMP servers include Nginx RTMP module, Wowza Streaming Engine, and Adobe Media Server.

Can I use my self-hosted RTMP server with third-party platforms such as YouTube or Facebook?

Yes, you can use your self-hosted RTMP server with third-party platforms by using the “custom RTMP” option available in most streaming tools. However, keep in mind that you may still be subject to the limitations and fees of those platforms.

Conclusion

In conclusion, setting up a self-hosted RTMP server can be a great way to stream your live video content on your website or app, without relying on external platforms. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can set up your own Nginx RTMP server and start streaming your content in no time. We hope this article was helpful and informative. Good luck, Dev!