The Hikvision RTSP link
| Stream | Path after the address |
|---|---|
| Main stream (best quality) | /Streaming/Channels/101 |
| Sub-stream (lighter) | /Streaming/Channels/102 |
The full link looks like this (replace the user, password and address with yours):
rtsp://viewer:Str0ngPass@203.0.113.10:554/Streaming/Channels/101On a Hikvision NVR or DVR, camera N uses channel N01 for the main stream and N02 for the sub-stream: camera 2 is /Streaming/Channels/201, camera 12 is /Streaming/Channels/1201.
Passwords with @ : / # ? must be written as %40 %3A %2F %23 %3F, or use a password with only letters and numbers. Test the link in VLC before adding it.
Camera settings
In the camera's web page, open Configuration → Video/Audio → Video and set Video Encoding to H.264 (not H.265). On an NVR, do this per camera in the NVR's own settings.
- Create a separate user under Configuration → System → User Management with only live-view rights, and use it in the link.
- RTSP is on port 554 by default (Configuration → Network → Basic Settings → Port).
- For a website, the sub-stream (
102) is often enough and uses far less bandwidth.
Stream your Hikvision camera to a website
- Create a StreamLink account and click Add camera (or Add several for a whole NVR).
- Paste the RTSP link and press Test. StreamLink shows the video format it finds.
- No public IP or port forwarding? Choose push and run the ready-made command on a PC or Raspberry Pi next to the camera. See push mode.
- Optionally add a viewer password, working hours or copy protection.
- Copy the live link, or paste the embed code into your website (WordPress, Wix, Google Sites…).
Viewers watch in any browser, on phones and computers, usually less than a second behind real time.
Questions about Hikvision cameras
What is the Hikvision RTSP URL?
For most Hikvision cameras and NVRs: rtsp://USER:PASSWORD@IP:554/Streaming/Channels/101 for the main stream and …/102 for the sub-stream. On an NVR, replace the first digit with the camera number (201, 301…).
Why is my Hikvision stream black in the browser?
The camera is probably sending H.265. Browsers can't play H.265 live: set the stream to H.264 under Configuration → Video/Audio → Video.
Can I stream a Hikvision camera without port forwarding?
Yes. Use push mode: a small PC or Raspberry Pi on the camera's network sends the stream to StreamLink, so nothing has to be opened on the router.
Other brands: CP Plus · Dahua · Uniview · Reolink · TP-Link Tapo · Axis · all link formats