Set up a TriCaster Custom RTMP stream to Upstream
A TriCaster streams its program to a Custom connection preset with its own server and stream key. Make that connection Upstream, and Upstream sends the program to up to 10 platforms.
Saving the connection doesn't send anything yet: you also tick an encoder next to the preset, and that encoder decides the picture, sound and quality. These steps follow Vizrt's version 8-5 guides, and the number of streaming encoders varies by model.
- TriCaster Mini, Vectar, Vizion, TC1, TC2 Elite
- Software version 8
Before you start
- An Upstream account (the free plan is enough to test)
- A Vizrt TriCaster on software version 8
- The platforms you want to go live on
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 a Custom connection
Click the gear next to STREAM/ENCODE to open Streaming/Record Configuration. Open New preset ... and choose Custom. In Configure Custom Connection, enter a Connection Name, paste the RTMP Server URL into Server Address and the Stream Key into Stream ID. Leave Username and Password blank, keep Keyframe at 2 Seconds and click Close.
Tick the checkbox of an available encoder next to the new preset. Click STREAM/ENCODE once the Upstream stream is started.
Step 3
Set the encoder
Click the encoder's gear to open Configure Encoder:
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 1920x1080 1080p is a starting point. Upstream input follows the resolution selected on your stream, up to 4K on a plan that includes it. |
| Codec | An H.264 profile Not HEVC. Upstream takes in H.264. |
| Framerate | 29.97 or 30 Use 60 fps when your Upstream stream is set to 60 fps on a plan that includes it. A stream set to 30 fps still sends 30 fps. |
| Advanced: Mode | CBR The TriCaster guide recommends CBR for live streaming. |
| Advanced: Keyframe | 2 seconds The same as the connection's keyframe setting. |
Each platform also caps bitrate and stream length on its side. See the live streaming limits for YouTube, Twitch, Kick and more.
Step 4
Start the stream, then go live
Start the stream in Upstream first, then start streaming from the TriCaster. 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.
Troubleshooting
The preset is saved but nothing reaches Upstream
Tick an encoder's checkbox next to the preset. The preset only holds the destination. After clicking STREAM/ENCODE, its time counter should start.
The stream shows the wrong picture or has no sound
Click Source Setup... in Streaming/Record Configuration. It opens Output Configuration, where each encoder's video and audio sources are chosen.
For connection problems that aren't specific to the TriCaster, such as Not connected, a poor connection or a leaked key, see the full RTMP troubleshooting list.
FAQ
Can a TriCaster stream to YouTube and other platforms at once?
Yes, through Upstream. Send one Custom connection to Upstream and add YouTube and the rest to the stream in Upstream, up to 10.
Is this for bringing an RTMP feed into a TriCaster?
No. This sends the TriCaster's program out to Upstream. It doesn't set up an incoming source.
Checked against TriCaster Mini user 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.