Wirecast streaming setup with an RTMP Server output
Wirecast sends its stream to Upstream through an RTMP Server output, and Upstream copies it to up to 10 platforms. This works in Wirecast Studio as well as Pro, on Windows or Mac. Wirecast's own cloud multistreaming is a Pro feature, but sending one output to Upstream is not.
Two things trip people up. Wirecast's built-in encoder presets can't be edited, so you save a copy first. And its keyframe setting counts frames, not seconds.
- Wirecast Studio or Pro, Windows or Mac
- One output, up to 10 platforms
Before you start
- An Upstream account (the free plan is enough to test)
- Wirecast Studio or Pro, on Windows or Mac
- 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
Paste the details into Wirecast
In Wirecast, open Output, Output Settings and click Add. Set Destination to RTMP Server and pick an Encoding preset. Paste the RTMP Server URL into Address and the Stream Key into Stream, then click OK. The Stream button in the main window starts it.
Step 3
Make your own encoder preset
Click the second gear next to Encoding and choose View Details, or open Window, Encoder Presets. Built-in presets can't be changed, so use Save As to make a copy, set these values and select the copy for your output:
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Width | 1920 For a landscape 1080p stream. |
| Height | 1080 The largest picture Upstream takes in. |
| Frames per second | 30 The highest frame rate Upstream takes in. |
| Key frame every | 60 Counted in frames: 60 at 30 fps is one full picture every 2 seconds. |
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 Wirecast. 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
I can't edit the encoder preset
Built-in presets are locked. Use Save As to copy one, change the copy, and pick it for the RTMP Server output.
I typed 2 into Key frame every
That means every 2 frames, not every 2 seconds. Enter 60 when Frames per second is 30.
Wirecast can't connect to the RTMP server
Check that Address holds the server URL and Stream holds the key, each in its own field. In Upstream, the live source has to be set to RTMP.
For connection problems that aren't specific to Wirecast, such as Not connected, a poor connection or a leaked key, see the full RTMP troubleshooting list.
FAQ
Do I need Wirecast Pro?
No. The RTMP Server destination is in Wirecast Studio too. Pro adds Wirecast's own cloud multistreaming, which you don't need when Upstream sends the stream to your platforms.
How do I stream from Wirecast to YouTube?
Add YouTube to your stream in Upstream by signing in, then send Wirecast's RTMP Server output to Upstream. The first time, YouTube can take up to 24 hours to turn on live streaming for a channel.
Checked against Wirecast user guide, Wirecast editions and the Upstream app, October 2026.
Set it up now
The free plan includes 24 hours of streaming a month and up to 10 destinations.