To send OBS to an IBM Video Streaming channel, copy that channel’s RTMP address and stream key from its Encoder Settings, then enter them in OBS under Settings > Stream > Custom Streaming Server. Those credentials send video to IBM—not YouTube. If you want viewers to watch on YouTube, configure OBS with YouTube’s own service and stream key instead; to broadcast to both destinations, set up multistreaming.
First, choose the destination
IBM Video Streaming and YouTube are separate services, with separate ingest addresses and credentials. Choose the setup that matches where viewers should watch:
| What viewers should watch | OBS destination | Credentials to use |
|---|---|---|
| Your IBM Video Streaming channel | Custom Streaming Server | The channel-specific RTMP address and stream key from IBM Encoder Settings |
| Your YouTube channel | YouTube service in OBS | YouTube’s own ingest settings and stream key |
| Both services at once | A multistream workflow | Credentials for each destination, configured through the chosen workflow |
An IBM stream key is not a YouTube stream key. Entering IBM credentials will not send the broadcast to YouTube.
Connect OBS to IBM Video Streaming
You need access to the IBM channel you intend to broadcast to and its Encoder Settings. IBM’s setup guidance recommends manually configuring third-party encoders such as OBS rather than relying on older IBM Video Streaming or Ustream encoder login plugins.
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- Select the IBM channel. Sign in to IBM Video Streaming and choose the channel that should receive the broadcast.
- Open Encoder Settings. Open Channel > Broadcast Settings (or Broadcast Settings from the channel overview), find Encoder Settings, and select View.
- Copy the channel credentials. Copy the displayed RTMP address and Stream Key. Use the values shown for this channel; do not substitute credentials from another channel.
- Set OBS to a custom destination. In OBS, open Settings > Stream. Choose Custom Streaming Server (the wording can vary by OBS version), paste the IBM RTMP address into the server field and the IBM stream key into the key field, then apply the settings.
- Use secure ingest when available. If IBM provides an RTMPS endpoint for the channel, use that endpoint in place of a plain RTMP address. IBM documents this example format:
rtmps://CHANNELID.ingest.video.ibm.com/ustreamVideo/CHANNELID. The actual endpoint in your dashboard takes precedence over the example. - Start and verify the broadcast. Start Streaming in OBS, then check the IBM channel or remote console for the incoming stream. Confirm the correct channel is receiving it before sharing the viewing link.
Where to find the IBM RTMP URL and stream key
Both values are in the selected channel’s Broadcast Settings > Encoder Settings view. IBM’s channel credentials are channel-specific. Its API documentation distinguishes an ingest URL, a secure ingest URL, a permanent channel key and a temporary streaming key; the temporary streaming key expires after 10 minutes, so it should not be mistaken for a durable credential.
Treat the stream key like a password. IBM warns that someone with both the RTMP URL and key may be able to broadcast to the channel. Do not show a readable key in a screenshot or publish it in a tutorial, chat, or shared document. If you believe it has been exposed, consult IBM’s current channel settings and support guidance about replacing or revoking it.
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If YouTube is the intended destination
For a YouTube-only broadcast, select YouTube’s service in OBS and use the YouTube ingest details and stream key supplied by YouTube. OBS maintains YouTube RTMPS as a separate service from a custom server. Do not paste IBM’s RTMP address or key into YouTube’s setup, or assume the IBM configuration also reaches YouTube.
OBS’s bitrate should be chosen with your available upload speed and the destination service’s limits in mind. IBM’s available multi-quality renditions also depend on encoder settings, account configuration, and stream setup; check the current specifications for your IBM account and use case rather than treating one bitrate or resolution as universal.
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Can OBS send to IBM and YouTube at the same time?
Yes, but that requires a separate multistream setup; configuring one destination in OBS does not automatically publish to the other. IBM documents Restream as one method for sending to multiple publishing points and notes that using IBM as a custom RTMP platform through Restream has an additional cost. Check Restream and IBM for current availability, account requirements, and pricing before choosing it. The documentation cited here does not establish a complete comparison of all multistream options.
When comparing approaches, check which destinations are supported, how each service handles stream keys, whether the service adds a fee, and whether your setup requires more upload bandwidth or local encoding resources. A relay service may take an incoming stream and distribute it; sending separate streams directly can place different demands on the encoder and connection. Confirm the requirements for the specific method you choose.
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Settings and workflow details that matter
Bitrate and quality
There is no single bitrate that is right for every channel, resolution, frame rate, network connection, and account. Use OBS’s guidance alongside the current limits and specifications for your IBM channel or YouTube stream. Leave enough upload capacity for a stable broadcast rather than setting the encoder to consume all available bandwidth.
Optional IBM recording features
IBM’s Broadcast Settings guide describes optional auto-recording and a Remote Record Console. These are not required to connect OBS; enable or use them only if they fit your recording and monitoring workflow.
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Account access
IBM’s getting-started guide describes creating an account, selecting a plan, and accessing the platform through an IBM ID. Signup terms, plan availability, and trial eligibility can change, so check IBM for current account details.
Troubleshoot a failed connection
- OBS cannot connect: Recheck that you selected the intended IBM channel and copied its current RTMP address and key without extra spaces or altered characters.
- The stream appears in the wrong place or nowhere on YouTube: Confirm whether OBS is configured for IBM custom RTMP or YouTube. IBM credentials only identify the IBM destination; YouTube requires its own service and key.
- The key is rejected: Verify that you did not use a temporary streaming key that has expired. IBM documents a 10-minute expiry for that temporary key; use the appropriate current channel credential shown for your workflow.
- The video arrives but quality or renditions differ from expectations: Check OBS encoder settings and the current IBM account and stream configuration. Multi-quality availability depends on those factors, not just the OBS profile.
- A corporate network blocks the broadcast: IBM documents firewall requirements for broadcast traffic. Ask your network administrator to check the current IBM guidance for the network in use rather than opening ports based on a generic list.
Or let it run in the cloud
If your goal is to keep a prerecorded YouTube stream running around the clock, StreamNeo is a different option from sending a live OBS production to IBM. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live; StreamNeo loops uploaded videos from the cloud, so your computer and home connection do not have to stay on.
- Nothing has to stay running at home.
- Videos stream as uploaded, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot.
- Automatic recovery is available if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free, with no card required.
The monthly option is $9.99 per month. StreamNeo is for YouTube and uploaded video, not camera-based broadcasts or IBM Video Streaming. Learn more at StreamNeo, or start the free day.
Quick Recap
Official setup references
- IBM: Broadcast to IBM Video Streaming using OBS
- IBM: Broadcast using an encoder
- OBS Studio overview
- OBS maintained services and configuration
- IBM: Using Restream with IBM Video Streaming
- IBM Video Streaming API documentation
- IBM: Broadcast Settings guide
- IBM: Account setup and getting started
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