How to Fix RTMP Streaming Errors
Windows, Mac
Some users have reported seeing alert messages such as “Could not access the specified channel or stream key, please double-check your stream key. If it is correct, there may be a problem connecting to the server” or “Failed to connect to server.”
These errors can occur due to issues with your network environment, stream key settings, or changes in the streaming platform’s policies.
Please review the information below to ensure a smooth streaming experience.
1. Stream Key Expiration or Platform Policy Changes
Stream keys and connections can become invalid due to security updates or specific platform rules.
Case A: Connected via "Add Channel"
If a platform (Facebook, YouTube, etc.) updates its security policies, your existing connection might be invalidated even if you previously linked it successfully.
Solution:
Remove the existing channel from the list and then use the "Add Channel" button to reconnect it. This will refresh the access token and resolve most connection issues.
Case B: If you are using "Custom RTMP"
Stream Key Expiration (Example: Facebook): A Custom RTMP Stream Key issued in the Facebook Live Dashboard automatically expires once a broadcast has been streamed. Even if the broadcast has not started, the key may also expire if the preview screen stays open for more than 4 hours.
In addition, when connecting to Facebook’s server, unstable network conditions or firewall restrictions may cause an ETIMEDOUT (connection timeout) error.
Solution
Reissue a new stream key from the Facebook Live Dashboard. Using an expired key will cause the same error to occur repeatedly.
Enable the Persistent Stream Key option in the Live Dashboard to reuse the same key continuously.
If network instability is suspected, switch to a more stable connection (wired network or a different Wi-Fi) and try again.
2. RTMP Address Blocked from Receiving Data
Some platforms may temporarily restrict live streaming based on your account’s usage frequency or behavior. For example, starting live streams too frequently on YouTube may result in a temporary block that prevents creating new streams—this may also restrict RTMP data transmission.
Solution
Check whether your streaming platform account (YouTube, Facebook, etc.) has any usage restrictions or penalties.
Many of these restrictions are automatically lifted after a certain period.
3. Insufficient Network Bandwidth
While RTMP connections themselves require relatively little data, the video stream uses a large amount of bandwidth. If your upload speed is insufficient, the broadcast may become unstable.
Solution
Check your upload speed.
Use a stable Wi-Fi network or, if possible, a wired connection.
4. Network Environment Issues (Firewall / Port Blocking)
RTMP streaming uses the TCP protocol and typically transfers data through port 1935. If this port is blocked by a firewall or network policy, the stream connection may fail.
Solution
Review your network’s firewall settings and ensure that port 1935 is not blocked.
Corporate networks or public Wi-Fi may have restrictions. If possible, test again using a private network environment.
5.Outages on Streaming Platforms
Facebook, YouTube, Twitch, Kick, and other major streaming platforms host a large number of live broadcasts. Despite their scale, temporary service outages may still occur from time to time. In some cases, the issue may affect only certain live streaming–related components, such as RTMP servers or platform APIs.
Depending on the scope and severity of the outage, the platform may or may not make an official public announcement, and the duration of each incident can vary.
When such issues occur on the streaming platform side, PRISM Live Studio is unable to resolve them directly. If streaming via the PRISM Live Studio PC app does not work as expected, please check the service status or announcements of the relevant streaming platform.
The issue is generally indicated by an alert displaying the following error message and error code:
Error Message: Failed to connect to server
Error Code: 57998
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