Complete Guide to go2rtc - Open Source Streaming Server Setup

What is go2rtc?

go2rtc is an ultimate camera streaming application that supports multiple protocols including RTSP, WebRTC, HomeKit, FFmpeg, and RTMP.

Key Features:

• Zero-dependency, zero-configuration small application supporting all operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux, ARM)
• Zero-latency streaming with multiple protocols (lowest possible stream delay)
• Stream from various sources: RTSP, RTMP, DVRIP, HTTP (FLV/MJPEG/JPEG/TS), USB cameras
• Support for any FFmpeg-compatible source
• Stream to RTSP, WebRTC, MSE/MP4, HomeKit, HLS, or MJPEG
• Publish to popular streaming services (YouTube, Telegram, etc.)
• First project worldwide to support streaming from HomeKit cameras
• WebRTC with H265 support in browsers (Safari only)
• Real-time transcoding for unsupported codecs via FFmpeg
• Audio playback and live streaming on supported cameras
• Multi-source bidirectional codec negotiation
  • Mix tracks from different sources into a single stream
  • Automatic codec matching for client support
  • Two-way audio on supported cameras
• Stream from private networks via ngrok
• Integration with any smart home platform or standalone use

Quick Start Guide

Binary Installation

Download the appropriate binary for your system from the latest release:

• go2rtc_win64.zip - Windows 10+ 64-bit
• go2rtc_win32.zip - Windows 7+ 32-bit
• go2rtc_win_arm64.zip - Windows ARM 64-bit
• go2rtc_linux_amd64 - Linux 64-bit
• go2rtc_linux_i386 - Linux 32-bit
• go2rtc_linux_arm64 - Linux ARM 64-bit (e.g., Raspberry 64-bit OS)
• go2rtc_linux_arm - Linux ARM 32-bit (e.g., Raspberry 32-bit OS)
• go2rtc_linux_armv6 - Linux ARMv6 (older Raspberry 1 and Zero)
• go2rtc_linux_mipsel - Linux MIPS (e.g., Xiaomi Gateway 3, Wyze cameras)
• go2rtc_mac_amd64.zip - macOS 10.13+ Intel 64-bit
• go2rtc_mac_arm64.zip - macOS ARM 64-bit

Note: For Linux and Mac, remember to set execute permissions: chmod +x go2rtc_xxx_xxx

Docker Installation

The alexxit/go2rtc Docker container supports multiple architectures including amd64, 386, arm64, and arm. This container provides the same functionality as the Home Assistant add-on but is designed to run independently. It comes pre-installed with FFmpeg, ngrok, and Python.

Home Assistant Add-on Installation

1. Install the add-on:
   • Settings > Add-ons > Add Repository > Add https://github.com/AlexxIT/hassio-addons
   • go2rtc > Install > Start
2. Configure the integration

Basic Configuration

By default, go2rtc looks for go2rtc.yaml in the current working directory:

• api server starts on port 1984 (TCP)
• rtsp server starts on port 8554 (TCP)
• webrtc uses port 8555 (TCP/UDP) for connections
• ffmpeg uses default transcoding options

Available modules:

• streams - Stream configuration
• api - HTTP API (essential for WebRTC)
• rtsp - RTSP server (essential for FFmpeg)
• webrtc - WebRTC server
• mp4 - MSE, MP4 streaming and MP4 snapshot server
• hls - HLS TS or fMP4 streaming server
• mjpeg - MJPEG server
• ffmpeg - FFmpeg integration
• ngrok - ngrok integration (external access for private networks)
• hass - Home Assistant integration
• log - Logging configuration

Stream Configuration Examples

RTSP Stream Configuration

streams:
  # Basic RTSP stream
  camera1: rtsp://admin:[email protected]:554/stream1
  
  # Multi-stream configuration (main + sub streams)
  dahua_camera:
    - rtsp://admin:[email protected]/cam/realmonitor?channel=1&subtype=0 # Main stream
    - rtsp://admin:[email protected]/cam/realmonitor?channel=1&subtype=1 # Sub stream
  
  # Configuration with two-way audio
  doorbell:
    - rtsp://admin:[email protected]:554/cam/realmonitor?channel=1&subtype=0#backchannel=1

FFmpeg Transcoding Configuration

streams:
  # Rotate video 90 degrees
  rotate_camera: ffmpeg:rtsp://camera_ip/stream#video=h264#rotate=90
  
  # Transcode audio to AAC
  audio_transcode: ffmpeg:rtsp://camera_ip/stream#audio=aac
  
  # Transcode both video and audio
  full_transcode: ffmpeg:rtsp://camera_ip/stream#video=h264#audio=aac#scale=1280:720

WebRTC Configuration

webrtc:
  # Allow external access
  listen: :8555
  
  # Configure STUN servers
  candidates:
    - stun:stun.l.google.com:19302
    
  # Enable debug logging
  debug: true

Security Configuration

# Restrict API and RTSP to local access only
api:
  listen: 127.0.0.1:1984
  # Add basic authentication
  login: admin
  password: your_password

rtsp:
  listen: 127.0.0.1:8554

# WebRTC needs external access
webrtc:
  listen: :8555

Best Practices

1. Camera Selection Tips:

• Dahua - Standard protocol implementation, rich settings, high stream quality
• Hikvision - Feature-rich but relies on proprietary protocols
• Reolink - Some models have poor RTSP implementation, consider using RTMP
• TP-Link - Limited concurrent connections, potential packet loss

2. Performance Optimization:

• Use native encoding when possible, avoid unnecessary transcoding
• Use sub-streams for performance-limited devices
• Enable TCP mode with RTSP for better stability

3. Security Recommendations:

• Restrict API and RTSP to local access only
• Enable authentication for external WebRTC access
• Use HTTPS for better security

Troubleshooting Common Issues

1. Stream Not Playing:

• Check network connectivity and firewall settings
• Verify camera URLs and authentication credentials
• Review logs for specific error messages

2. Video Stuttering:

• Check network bandwidth availability
• Try reducing video bitrate or resolution
• Consider using sub-streams

3. Audio Issues:

• Confirm camera audio support
• Check audio codec compatibility
• Verify backchannel configuration for two-way audio