Technical
Stream key
The secret code that tells OBS where to send your stream. Treat it like a password — anyone who has it can broadcast to your channel. Never show it on stream.
Related terms
- OBS (Open Broadcaster Software)
The free, open-source app most streamers use to broadcast — it captures your game, webcam and mic, mixes them into scenes, and sends the stream to your platform.
- RTMP
The protocol (Real-Time Messaging Protocol) your streaming software uses to deliver video to Twitch, YouTube, or Kick. You'll mostly see it when setting up a custom server.
- Ingest server
The platform server that receives your stream. Picking one near you (usually automatic) means lower latency and fewer dropped frames.