How to Get an RTMP URL from TikTok

Unlock the ability to go live on TikTok from your desktop, and you open a door to higher-quality, professional-grade streams using powerful software like OBS Studio. The key to making this happen is obtaining a specific Server URL and Stream Key, often referred to as an RTMP URL. This guide will show you exactly what an RTMP URL is, why you need it, and the step-by-step process to find yours so you can level up your TikTok LIVE game.

What Is an RTMP URL and Why Do You Need One for TikTok?

Standing for Real-Time Messaging Protocol, RTMP is the technical standard for transmitting live audio, video, and data over the internet. Think of it as a dedicated, high-speed highway that connects your broadcasting software directly to TikTok's servers. Every broadcast needs two pieces of information to connect to this highway: a Server URL (the destination address) and a Stream Key (the unique password for your specific broadcast).

But why go through the trouble? Streaming directly from your phone is easy, but comes with limitations. Using an RTMP URL with professional desktop software like OBS Studio, Streamlabs, or vMix provides a massive creative upgrade. It allows you to:

• Improve Stream Quality: Use professional cameras instead of your phone's webcam for a crisp, high-definition video feed. Control your broadcast's bitrate and resolution for a smoother, less laggy viewer experience.
• Use Custom Overlays and Graphics: Add professional-looking graphics, animated alerts for new followers or gifts, a live chat box on screen, or branded logos. These elements make your stream more engaging and interactive.
• Share Your Screen: If you're a gamer, an artist, an educator, or a software expert, screen sharing is essential. RTMP lets you broadcast your gameplay, live tutorials, coding sessions, or digital art processes directly to your TikTok audience.
• Create Multi-Camera Setups: Switch between different camera angles for a more dynamic and television-like production quality that will make your stream stand out from the crowd.

In short, using an RTMP feed turns your TikTok LIVE from a simple mobile broadcast into a fully-featured live production. It's how top creators produce polished streams that capture attention and build dedicated communities.

The Big Hurdle: Eligibility Requirements for Desktop Streaming

Before you start hunting for a "Generate RTMP" button, there's an important reality to understand: TikTok doesn't give every user access to desktop streaming. Getting your unique Server URL and Stream Key is a privilege that depends on meeting certain account criteria. TikTok sees desktop streaming as a feature for experienced creators and wants to ensure those who use it are creating quality content.

While the exact requirements can change over time and vary by a user's region, the general criteria required to unlock this feature usually include:

• Follower Count: Historically, you've needed at least 1,000 followers to even go LIVE from a mobile device. For desktop access through tools like TikTok LIVE Studio, this threshold is often higher. Some reports suggest several thousand followers may be required to get the invitation.
• Account Age and Activity: You need an account that has been active for a period (e.g., more than 30 days) and has a clean record. This means no recent violations of TikTok's Community Guidelines. You also generally need to have gone live from your mobile device before.
• PC Gaming Access (A Common Route): One of the most common ways to gain access to RTMP credentials is by being approved for PC gaming streams. Even if you don't plan to stream games, this is often the pathway TikTok uses to grant desktop streaming permissions.

You cannot simply request an RTMP link. Access is typically granted automatically when your account meets the necessary criteria. You may receive an in-app notification inviting you to try desktop streaming, or the option may simply appear in your LIVE settings. Your best bet is to focus on growing your account, creating engaging content, and going live from your phone regularly to prove you're an active and responsible creator.

How to Get Your RTMP URL from TikTok: A Step-by-Step Guide

Once your account is eligible, gaining access to your Server URL and Stream Key is done through TikTok's own desktop software, called TikTok LIVE Studio. This official application is the gateway to controlling your desktop streams and finding the credentials you need for third-party software like OBS.

Step 1: Download and Install TikTok LIVE Studio

First, you need the official software. You can't do this from your phone. Head over to the TikTok website on your desktop computer and look for the TikTok LIVE Studio download page. If you can't find it easily via their main menu, a quick web search for "TikTok LIVE Studio download" will lead you right to it.

Download the application for your operating system (it's available for Windows) and run the installer. The process is straightforward, much like installing any other program.

Step 2: Log In and Set Up a Basic Scene

Once LIVE Studio is installed, launch the application. You'll be prompted to log in using your TikTok account credentials. Be prepared to enter your username and password, and you may have to complete a two-factor authentication step if you have it enabled.

The first time you open it, LIVE Studio will likely run you through a quick setup wizard. It will ask for permission to access your webcam and microphone, test your internet speed to recommend bitrate settings, and help you create a basic scene. Follow these prompts to get a simple broadcast configured with your camera as a source. This confirms everything is working before you proceed.

Step 3: Finding Your Server URL and Stream Key

This is the moment of truth. You don't have to use LIVE Studio as your main broadcasting software, but you do need to use it to get your credentials. Different versions may look slightly different, but the goal is the same.

After your initial setup where you add a source (like your webcam), you should now see your main broadcasting interface. Take a moment to navigate it.

At the bottom of the screen, you'll see a red button labeled "Go LIVE." To get your key, you need to initiate the process of starting a stream within LIVE Studio. Don't worry, you aren't actually going live yet.

1. Click the "Go LIVE" button.
2. A new window will pop up where you can set your stream's title, topic, and cover image.
3. On this screen, you should find the critical information: your Server URL and Stream Key. They are typically displayed clearly in their own text boxes with a convenient "Copy" button next to each one. This information is generated fresh for each broadcast session for security.

Now, copy both the Server URL and the Stream Key and paste them somewhere safe, like a notepad document. You're ready to take these credentials and use them in the streaming software of your choice.

Putting It All Together: Connecting TikTok to OBS Studio

With your RTMP credentials in hand, it's time to connect the dots and set up your professional broadcast in OBS Studio (or a similar program like Streamlabs, as the steps are nearly identical).

1. Open OBS Studio Settings

Launch OBS Studio. If you don't have it, it's a free and powerful open-source broadcasting software you can download from obsproject.com. In the bottom-right corner of the application window, click on the "Settings" button.

2. Navigate to the Stream Tab

A new window will open. On the left-hand menu, click on the "Stream" tab. This is where you'll tell OBS where to send your video feed.

3. Enter Your TikTok Credentials

This is where you'll use the URL and key you copied from LIVE Studio.

• Next to "Service," click the dropdown menu and select "Custom..."
• In the "Server" field, paste the Server URL you copied from TikTok LIVE Studio.
• In the "Stream Key" field, paste the Stream Key. Double-check that you haven't accidentally copied any extra spaces before or after the key.

4. Apply Your Settings and Start Broadcasting

Click the "Apply" button at the bottom of the settings window, and then click "OK" to close it. You're now fully configured! Your OBS Studio is primed to send your broadcast to your TikTok account.

Back in the main OBS window, set up your ideal scene with your professional camera, graphic overlays, and screen share sources. When you're ready, hit the "Start Streaming" button in OBS's bottom-right controls. This will start sending your video feed to TikTok's servers. You should then see a preview of your stream appear back in the TikTok LIVE Studio interface, confirming the connection is successful. From LIVE Studio, you can finally click "Go LIVE" to start your broadcast to your audience.

Common Questions and Issues

"Why don't I see the streaming option in my TikTok account?"
This almost always comes down to eligibility. If you don't meet the unspoken criteria for follower count, account activity, and have a positive account standing, the option won't appear. The focus should be on organic growth and consistent content creation first.

"Does my stream key ever change?"
Yes. For security reasons, TikTok generates a new, unique stream key for every live session. You cannot reuse an old key. You must open TikTok LIVE Studio and grab a fresh Server URL and Stream Key before a new broadcast every single time.

"My stream is lagging or looks blurry, what's wrong?"
This is likely related to your bitrate settings in OBS. A higher bitrate produces better quality but requires a more stable, high-speed internet connection. If your connection can't handle it, you'll experience buffering and dropped frames. Try lowering your bitrate in OBS (Settings >,, Output) to see if it stabilizes the stream.

Final Thoughts

Gaining access to your TikTok RTMP URL empowers you to transform your live streams from simple phone broadcasts into polished, engaging productions. The key is meeting TikTok's eligibility requirements, using LIVE Studio to generate your unique Server URL and Stream Key, and plugging those into professional software like OBS to take full creative control.

Planning a content calendar that includes a mix of polished short-form videos, live stream events, and audience engagement can quickly become chaotic. That's why we built Postbase with a beautiful visual calendar that lets you see your entire content strategy at a glance. You can plan your TikToks and Reels right alongside your live stream schedule, ensuring a consistent and professional brand presence without drowning in spreadsheets.