Set up OBSBOT Tail Air or Tail 2 RTMP streaming
The OBSBOT Tail Air and Tail 2 stream over RTMP by themselves, no computer needed. Add Upstream as the destination in the Obsbot Start app, and Upstream sends the camera to up to 10 platforms.
The thing that trips people up is the camera's output mode. UVC (USB webcam), NDI, RTSP and SRT outputs each switch live streaming off, so set the output to Disabled first. The Tail 2 streams the same way.
- Tail Air or Tail 2
- No computer needed
Before you start
- An Upstream account (the free plan is enough to test)
- An OBSBOT Tail Air or Tail 2 and the Obsbot Start app
- Wi-Fi, a phone hotspot or Ethernet for the camera
Step 1
Get your server URL and stream key from Upstream
In Upstream, press Create stream, choose Multistream from OBS (it works for any RTMP app or device) and add your platforms, up to 10. The stream opens in Live Studio with the RTMP input on. For a stream you already have, open Live Studio, Source and set Live Source to RTMP.
- RTMP Server URL
rtmp://ingest.upstream.so:1935/live- Stream Key
- Unique to each stream. Copy it from Upstream and keep it private.
Step 2
Add Upstream as an RTMP destination
In Obsbot Start, connected to the camera, set Camera Settings, Output to Disabled. Then press and hold the Live Stream/Record Button, choose RTMP and tap +.
On Edit RTMP, give it a Name, paste the RTMP Server URL into RTMP URL and the Stream Key into Streaming Key, and tap Save. In the live view's top bar, choose 1080P and a bitrate your upload can sustain. Tap Start once the Upstream stream is started.
Step 3
Start the stream, then go live
Start the stream in Upstream first, then start streaming from the Tail Air. Live Studio switches from Not connected to Excellent, Good or Poor connection when the feed arrives, and Upstream sends it to every platform on the stream.
Pick the network before you go live
The Tail Air can stream over Wi-Fi, over your phone's mobile data, or over Ethernet. On Wi-Fi, OBSBOT suggests 5 GHz. For mobile data, your phone joins the camera's own hotspot (AP mode) and the stream goes out over the phone's data, which OBSBOT notes can be less steady.
For a wired connection, the Tail Air needs OBSBOT's separate USB-C to Ethernet adapter, while the Tail 2 has Ethernet built in. Turn on Full Recording if you also want a copy on the microSD card.
Troubleshooting
Live streaming vanished when I turned on NDI
NDI, UVC, RTSP and SRT outputs all switch off live streaming. Set Camera Settings, Output back to Disabled to stream to Upstream.
I can't find the RTMP settings
Connect Obsbot Start to the camera first, then press and hold the Live Stream/Record Button. A short press records instead.
For connection problems that aren't specific to the Tail Air, such as Not connected, a poor connection or a leaked key, see the full RTMP troubleshooting list.
FAQ
Can the Tail Air be a webcam and stream over RTMP at the same time?
No. The webcam (UVC) and NDI outputs switch off live streaming. Pick one: Output set to Disabled for streaming to Upstream.
Will the Tail Air's 4K reach my platforms?
Yes, if the camera sends 4K over RTMP and the destination accepts 4K. Set your Upstream stream to 4K on a plan that includes it. The 1080P setting still works for a 1080p stream.
Checked against OBSBOT Tail Air RTMP guide and the Upstream app, October 2026.
Set it up now
The free plan includes 24 hours of streaming a month and up to 10 of 30+ supported platforms.