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evmux Knowledge Base

How to Bring an External Video Source into Evmux via RTMP Ingest

The RTMP Ingest app lets you receive live video streams from external software (OBS, Zoom, hardware encoders, etc.) and use them as layers in your evmux scenes.

When to Use

  • Bringing in a Zoom meeting as a video source
  • Receiving output from OBS Studio
  • Using a hardware encoder (ATEM, vMix, etc.) as a source
  • Any RTMP-compatible streaming source

Choosing RTMP vs WHIP

FeatureRTMP IngestWHIP Ingest
LatencyMedium (HLS buffering, ~5-15s delay)Very Low (WebRTC, ~1s delay)
CompatibilityWorks with almost everythingRequires WHIP-compatible software
Best ForOBS, Zoom, hardware encodersReal-time, low-latency scenarios

Steps (RTMP Ingest)

Step 1: Add the RTMP Ingest App

  1. Open the Layers tab. Apps work on both scene types:
    • Dynamic Scene: expand Apps & Widgets -> Add from marketplace
    • Pro scene: click Add New Layer -> Apps & Widgets
  2. Search for “RTMP Ingest” and click to add it

Step 2: Get Your Stream Credentials

  1. In the settings panel, you’ll see:
    • Server URL: rtmp://rtmp1.us-east-1.evmux.com/live
    • Stream Key: A unique key for this instance
  2. Copy both the Server URL and Stream Key

Step 3: Configure Your External Source

In your external streaming software (e.g., OBS):

  1. Go to Settings → Stream
  2. Set Service to Custom
  3. Paste the Server URL in the server field
  4. Paste the Stream Key in the stream key field
  5. Click Start Streaming

Step 4: Wait for Connection

  • The RTMP Ingest widget will show a loading placeholder while waiting
  • Once the external source starts streaming, the video appears automatically
  • If the stream drops, it will auto-reconnect every 5 seconds

Step 5: Adjust Settings

SettingDefaultDescription
FillOffOn = crop to fill frame, Off = show full video
MutedOffMute the incoming audio
Volume100%Adjust incoming audio level
Loading PlaceholderOnShow image while waiting for stream

Step 6: Regenerate Stream Key (If Needed)

If you need a new stream key (e.g., for security):

  1. Click “Regenerate Stream Key” in settings
  2. A new key is generated
  3. Update your external source with the new credentials

Steps (WHIP Ingest)

For ultra-low-latency scenarios, use WHIP Ingest instead:

  1. Add “WHIP Ingest” from Apps & Widgets
  2. Copy the WHIP URL from the settings panel
  3. Configure your WHIP-compatible source with this URL
  4. The stream connects via WebRTC for minimal latency

Common Setups

Zoom → Evmux

  1. In Zoom, go to Meeting Settings → enable Custom Live Streaming
  2. During the meeting, click More → Live on Custom Live Streaming Service
  3. Paste the RTMP Server URL and Stream Key
  4. The Zoom meeting appears as a layer in evmux

OBS → Evmux

  1. In OBS, go to Settings → Stream
  2. Set Service to Custom
  3. Enter the Server URL and Stream Key
  4. Click Start Streaming in OBS

Tips

  • Fill mode is great when the external source has a different aspect ratio
  • Regenerate the stream key if you’re concerned about unauthorized access
  • Free plan users will see an evmux watermark on the ingest - upgrade to Pro to remove it
  • If the stream is choppy, check your external source’s bitrate settings
  • Each RTMP Ingest widget gets its own unique URL and key - you can add multiple instances for multiple sources