How to Set Up a Video Streaming Server on a Ubuntu VPS

A video streaming server is an intermediary system that lets you broadcast content live from your local system to online audiences. The live streaming process works by encoding video content in real-time, breaking it into smaller data packets, and sending it to the client. The media transfer is continuous, meaning the server doesn’t store the media locally.

Prerequisites for Setting up a Streaming Server

To set up your own video streaming server, you need a VPS running a Linux operating system, like Ubuntu 24.04. It must also be compatible with the NGINX web server since we will utilize its data transmission module. In addition, your server must support the SSH connection to execute commands remotely. Your local system must also have an SSH client like PuTTY installed to access the VPS. Setting up your own media streaming server also requires basic Linux server administration knowledge.

How to Build a Video Streaming Server

1. Purchase a Virtual Private Server

   Since setting up a streaming server requires a VPS, purchase a plan from a reputable provider if you haven’t already done so. Hostinger is an ideal choice as it offers a VPS hosting plan with a browser terminal that simplifies the setup process. It also provides a high-speed connection and sufficient bandwidth for reliable video streaming.

2. Set Up Your VPS

   After purchasing and setting up your VPS plan, connect to your server via SSH using PuTTY or a browser terminal. Create a new superuser and grant it administrative privileges. Update the system packages to ensure you have the latest software versions.

3. Install NGINX and the RTMP Module

   NGINX will act as the streaming server, so install it on your VPS. Start NGINX automatically when your VPS reboots. Install the RTMP module to enable video content transfer.

4. Configure NGINX for Video Streaming

   Edit the NGINX configuration file to add the RTMP block that enables live video streaming. Configure the settings according to your requirements, including the port number, chunk size, and application path.

5. Set Up a CDN

   A CDN helps distribute your video stream to multiple geographical locations, reducing latency and improving loading speed. Set up a CDN service like Cloudflare and point your domain name to the CDN’s nameservers.

6. Set up Streaming Software

   Install video streaming software on your local machine to cast the content to the server. OBS Studio is a popular, free, and easy-to-set-up streaming software. Connect OBS to your RTMP server by entering the server’s URL and stream key.

7. Test Your Stream

   Check if your video stream works correctly by accessing the stream URL via a media player like VLC. Ensure the URL is correct and that your configuration allows streaming from the necessary IP addresses.

8. Secure Your Streaming Server

   Apply proper security practices to protect your streaming server. Use strong credentials, install an SSL certificate for secure data transmission, and configure firewall rules to listen only to necessary ports.

How to Use Other NGINX Streaming Protocols

NGINX offers two additional video streaming protocols: HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) and Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP (DASH). You can enable these protocols by adding the necessary configurations to the NGINX configuration file. HLS is ideal for multi-platform streaming, while DASH enables adaptive bitrate streaming over an unstable network.

Make Streaming Server Accessible via Web Browsers

To make your video stream accessible via web browsers, enable the HLS and DASH protocols in your NGINX configuration. Create a separate configuration file to simplify maintenance and allow access to the stream via a specific port. Ensure your firewall allows connections to the port you choose.

Conclusion

Setting up your own video streaming server on a Ubuntu VPS gives you more control and flexibility compared to using third-party platforms. By following the steps outlined in this tutorial, you can create your own streaming server and start broadcasting live video content to online audiences.

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