You can run a free RTMP server with SRS and send a test stream to it from OBS. The server software can cost nothing, but a public server still needs a reachable computer or rented host, network access, power, and ongoing administration. For a local test, SRS’s documented Docker example is a practical starting point.
What “free RTMP server” means
RTMP is a protocol commonly used to send a live video feed from a publishing app such as OBS to a media server. A typical publishing address combines the server address, an application path, and a stream key. The server receives the feed; viewers may watch it through RTMP or a different output protocol such as HLS or HTTP-FLV.
Free server software does not make every part of hosting free. A local test can use a computer you already have. A publicly reachable service needs network configuration and a host that remains online; renting a VPS or dedicated server may add a recurring cost.
Choose where the RTMP server will run
- Local computer: Best for a contained test on the same machine or network. The example below uses
localhost, which is not reachable by outside viewers. - Home server: Can provide a public endpoint, but requires router and firewall configuration, a machine that stays on, and attention to access control. If your home IP changes, dynamic DNS may help keep a hostname pointed at it.
- Rented server: Gives you a hosted machine to administer rather than relying on your home network. The OBS private-hosting wiki identifies a dedicated server as a prerequisite for its workflow; actual requirements depend on the server software and scale you need.
Set up SRS with Docker
SRS is a free, MIT-licensed media server project. Its current README recommends Docker and documents publishing from OBS as well as playback checks. The project describes SRS 8.0, while its README example uses the image tag srs:6; those labels are not interchangeable. Follow the current SRS tag and configuration documentation for the version you deploy rather than assuming the example tag means SRS 8.0.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
- Install Docker using the instructions for your operating system, then consult the SRS README and getting-started documentation for the current image and run command. SRS’s documented Docker command exposes ports for its example services; use that command as written in the project documentation and adapt it only with a clear understanding of the ports and configuration.
- Start SRS and confirm the container is running. Keep the terminal output available during the first test so you can spot startup or port-binding errors.
- For a remote host, use its reachable IP address or DNS name in place of
localhost. Make sure the host firewall and any provider firewall allow the ports required by your configured SRS services.
SRS documents RTMP alongside WebRTC, HLS, HTTP-FLV, SRT, MPEG-DASH, and other protocols. These are project-supported options, not independent performance measurements; which output to choose depends on how viewers will consume the stream.
Connect OBS and publish a test stream
- Open OBS and go to Settings → Stream.
- Set Service to Custom.
- For a local test using the SRS example, enter
rtmp://localhost/livein Server. - Enter
livestreamin Stream Key. - Click Apply, then OK, and select Start Streaming.
For the local example, OBS publishes to rtmp://localhost/live/livestream: the server address and application path are followed by the stream key. A remote setup uses the reachable address instead of localhost. Treat the key like a password: use an unguessable value for a public service and do not post it or include it in screenshots.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Verify that the stream arrived
Use VLC to open rtmp://localhost/live/livestream for the local example. If OBS is publishing and SRS is receiving correctly, VLC should play the feed. For a remote server, replace localhost with its reachable address. SRS also documents HTTP-FLV and HLS playback URLs, and its getting-started material covers WebRTC options. RTMP is the ingest path in this example; it does not mean every viewer must watch over RTMP.
Make a home-hosted server reachable safely
- Assign the server computer a stable address on your home network so router rules continue pointing to the right device.
- Forward TCP port 1935 through the router to the server if your chosen RTMP configuration listens on that port. Open only the ports your configured services need, both on the router and host firewall.
- If your public IP changes, consider dynamic DNS so a hostname can track it. Test access from outside your home network; a successful connection from inside alone does not prove public reachability.
- Restrict who can publish where the server supports it. The OBS private-hosting wiki warns that in its example the stream key is not private and demonstrates an IP whitelist approach. That caveat describes the wiki’s configuration, not every RTMP server; verify how your SRS setup handles publishing authentication and access restrictions.
- Keep the operating system, Docker, and server software updated, and avoid exposing management interfaces unnecessarily.
OBS itself is a publisher, not a hosting service. The OBS Project Help Portal explains: “There are no OBS servers – the connection goes directly from your computer to the streaming service.” Self-hosting SRS or nginx-rtmp adds a separate server between OBS and the eventual playback destination.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
How SRS compares with nginx-rtmp and NGINX Plus
| Option | Setup and protocols | Compatibility and documentation | Cost context |
|---|---|---|---|
| SRS | Project recommends Docker; README documents OBS publishing and VLC playback. Project lists RTMP, WebRTC, HLS, HTTP-FLV, SRT, MPEG-DASH, and other protocols. | Current project README describes SRS 8.0 as cross-platform across listed Linux and macOS architectures. Use current project documentation and tags for deployment. | Project describes SRS 8.0 as free and MIT licensed; hosting and operations may still cost money. |
| nginx-rtmp-module | OBS community tutorial illustrates a basic RTMP application listening on port 1935, with OBS and VLC testing. | The tutorial was published and last updated in 2014; its sample nginx version and build steps are stale. Treat it as architectural or historical guidance, and consult current project and operating-system documentation before using commands. | The tutorial covers a free software route; it does not establish the cost of hosting. |
| NGINX Plus | F5 documents a packaged RTMP module for NGINX Plus. | Commercial NGINX Plus offering; not the free software path implied by this guide. | Commercial product; pricing is not stated in the cited material. |
If your goal is a bare media server with a documented Docker path and multiple ingest and playback protocols, SRS is the clearest current route in these project materials. If you specifically want nginx-rtmp, use the old OBS tutorial to understand the shape of the configuration, not as current installation instructions. Neither source set establishes a performance winner.
Troubleshoot common setup failures
- OBS cannot connect: Confirm SRS is running, the server address and application path are correct, and the required port is open on the host firewall. On a remote host, also check provider firewall rules and router forwarding where applicable.
- OBS connects but VLC shows no video: Check that OBS is actively streaming and that VLC uses the same server, application, and stream-key path. For the local example, the full URL is
rtmp://localhost/live/livestream. - Local test works but remote access fails:
localhostonly points to the machine running the client. Use the server’s reachable address, configure routing and firewall access, and test from a network outside the server’s LAN. - Server fails to start: Review Docker output for a port already in use or an invalid image/configuration. Check the current SRS documentation and avoid mixing the project’s SRS 8.0 label with the README’s
srs:6example tag. - Someone else can publish to your server: Treat the stream key as exposed and rotate it. Then configure stronger publishing restrictions, such as an IP allowlist where supported, and verify the server’s actual authentication behavior rather than assuming a key is private.
Or let it run in the cloud
For an always-on YouTube channel that plays uploaded recordings or a playlist, StreamNeo is a different option from operating your own RTMP server: upload a video, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. Nothing has to stay on at home; it streams your upload at its original quality up to 4K 60fps for one flat price per slot, and it automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly pricing is $9.99 per month. It streams to YouTube only and does not go live from a camera. See StreamNeo or start the free first day.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
