RTMP vs RTSP vs SRT: which streaming protocol should you use?
RTMP, RTSP and SRT are three ways to move live video from your encoder to a server, and no, you don’t need to memorise all three — you just need to know which one suits the job in front of you.
RTMP — the reliable default
RTMP is the most widely supported ingest protocol: OBS, vMix, hardware encoders and nearly every platform speak it fluently. Latency is moderate (a few seconds) and it’s rock-solid over a stable connection. For most creators sending one feed to a relay or platform, RTMP is the sensible default — brilliant at the basics, no faff.
SRT — built for dodgy networks
SRT adds error recovery and encryption on top of UDP, so it holds up far better over lossy or long-distance connections (mobile, remote venues, contribution feeds). If your network is a bit temperamental or you’re sending over the public internet across real distance, SRT is usually the tougher, more resilient choice.
RTSP — the camera and device protocol
RTSP is common on IP cameras, NVRs and surveillance gear. You’ll mostly reach for it when pulling from a device that natively outputs RTSP rather than from streaming software.
So which should you pick?
Use RTMP unless you’ve got a good reason not to. Reach for SRT when your connection is unreliable or long-haul, and RTSP when your source device speaks it natively. Best part: you don’t have to commit to just one — a relay that accepts all three lets you ingest however suits the situation.
Frequently asked questions
Is SRT better than RTMP?
For lossy or long-distance networks, yes — SRT recovers from packet loss better. On a stable local connection, RTMP is simpler and just as good, so there’s no need to overcomplicate things.
Can I ingest RTSP from an IP camera?
Yes — Stream Repeater accepts RTSP, so you can bring in a camera or device feed and relay it onward without any conversion gymnastics.