Getting started
What is StreamLink?
StreamLink turns the video from an IP camera (its RTSP stream) into a link and an embed code that play in any web browser. You add the camera once. Viewers just open the link or the web page with the player.
Which cameras work?
Any IP camera, NVR or DVR with an RTSP stream: Hikvision, CP Plus, Dahua, Uniview, Reolink, TP-Link Tapo, Axis, Amcrest and most others. See how to find your RTSP link. Analog cameras work through a DVR that offers RTSP.
Do I need to install anything?
In pull mode, no: you paste the camera's link in the dashboard. In push mode, one always-on computer on the camera's network (a PC, mini PC or Raspberry Pi) runs FFmpeg to send the stream. See the push guide.
Does my camera need a public IP address?
For pull mode, yes: our server must reach the camera, usually through a port forward on your router. On 4G/5G routers, CGNAT connections or networks you can't change, use push mode instead. It needs no public IP and no router changes.
How do I get an account?
Sign up with your email or Google account and verify your email address. Accounts are opened for approved customers: if you see "No access" after signing up, contact us and we'll activate it.
What does it cost?
Plans depend on the number of cameras and viewers. Contact us for a quote.
Watching
Do viewers need an app or an account?
No. Any modern browser works (Chrome, Safari, Edge, Firefox) on phones, tablets and computers. If the camera has a viewer password, they enter it once per visit.
How long is the delay?
Usually under one second, using WebRTC. If a network blocks WebRTC (some corporate firewalls), the player switches to HLS automatically. That adds a few seconds of delay but always works.
How many people can watch at the same time?
The camera sends one stream to StreamLink however many people watch, so your camera and internet connection aren't overloaded. Our server sends the video to each viewer. For large audiences (hundreds of viewers at once), tell us in advance.
Can I choose how the player looks?
Yes. On the camera's Share tab you can turn auto-play, start muted, the camera name and the player controls on or off. The embed code updates as you change them. The player always fits the width of your page and can go full screen.
Does StreamLink record video?
No, StreamLink shows live video only. Keep using your NVR or camera's memory card for recordings. Every few minutes StreamLink grabs a still image for the thumbnail in your dashboard. Viewers don't see it.
Why do viewers see a black screen?
Most often the camera sends H.265 (HEVC), which most browsers can't play live. Set the camera's stream to H.264 or use its sub-stream. More troubleshooting.
Can viewers hear sound?
Only if you switch Sound on for that camera (it's off by default). For sound in the low-delay player, the camera's audio codec should be G.711. With Sound off, the player plays no audio and viewers can't turn it on.
Security & privacy
Can strangers find my camera?
Each camera gets a long random link that isn't listed anywhere, and player pages tell search engines not to index them. Anyone who has the link can watch, so for private cameras add a viewer password, working hours or both.
Is my camera's password safe?
Your camera's RTSP link, with its login, stays on our server. The dashboard shows it masked, and it's never sent to viewers: they only connect to StreamLink. Use a separate camera user that can only view video.
How do I stop sharing a camera right away?
Switch the camera off in the dashboard, or press New link on its Share tab: every old link and embed stops working immediately. Changing the viewer password also signs out everyone who used the old one.
Can I allow the player only on my own website?
Yes. In Access → Copy protection, list your domains. Browsers then refuse to show the player inside any other site. To also stop people opening the link directly, add a viewer password.
What do you store about viewers?
For each view: the viewer's IP address, the time and how they connected (WebRTC or HLS). You see this on the camera's Statistics tab, and can block an IP from there. Details are in our privacy policy.
Can I protect my StreamLink account with two-factor sign-in?
Yes. Click your avatar → Account → Set up authenticator app, and scan the QR code with Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator or a similar app. From then on, sign-in also asks for a 6-digit code.
Account
Can several people in my company manage cameras?
Everyone signs in with their own account and sees only their own cameras. For a shared company setup, contact us.
How do I delete my cameras or my account?
You can delete any camera in the dashboard at any time. It also deletes its statistics and thumbnail. To close your account, contact us from the email address you signed up with.
Still have a question?
Tell us your camera model and what you want to do. We'll get back to you.