Getting the RTSP address right is often the hardest part of streaming a CCTV camera to OBS, VLC or a streaming box. So I've made a simple builder to do it for you. Choose your brand, type in the IP address, pick a stream, and it writes the address for you, ready to copy.

There are two tabs: one for a camera on its own, and one for a camera plugged into an NVR or DVR recorder. On Hikvision and Dahua recorders, it can even build an address to play back recorded footage between two times.

How to use the builder

Just answer the five questions, and your address appears at the bottom, ready to copy.

1. Where is your camera plugged in? Choose your router or network switch for a camera on its own, or an NVR or DVR if it's plugged into the back of a recorder.
2. Which brand is it? If you're not sure, tap Not sure? Tell me which app you use, and the builder picks the right format from the app on your phone.
3. What's its IP address? You'll find it in your router's list of devices or in the camera's app. For a recorder, also enter the channel the camera is plugged into.
4. Which picture do you want? The main stream is full quality, and best for YouTube.
5. What will you use it in? For OBS or VLC, type your camera's username and password, and they're built into the address. For a streaming box like the Kiloview MG300, the address is left without them, as the box has its own login boxes.

Then click Copy address, and test it in VLC before using it anywhere else. If you need a different port, or want to play back a recording from a Hikvision or Dahua recorder, open More options.

Your password stays with you. The builder runs entirely in your browser. Nothing you type is sent anywhere or saved.

Want the full details?

If your brand isn't in the builder, or you'd like to understand what each part of the address means, have a look at my RTSP address directory for CCTV cameras. And if you're setting up a camera for wildlife, my guide to CCTV nest box cameras and RTSP streaming explains how it all fits together, from choosing the camera to streaming it to YouTube.

Questions people ask

How do I find the RTSP address of my CCTV camera?

Choose your camera's brand in the builder, type in its IP address and pick a stream. The builder writes the full RTSP address for you, ready to copy and test in VLC.

What is the RTSP address for a camera on an NVR?

Use the NVR's IP address rather than the camera's, plus the channel number the camera is plugged into. Choose the NVR or DVR tab in the builder and enter the channel.

Is it safe to type my camera password into this builder?

Yes. The builder works entirely in your browser. Nothing you type, including your password, is sent anywhere or saved.

Why do special characters break my RTSP address?

Characters such as @, :, / and # have special meanings in a web address. The builder converts them for you automatically, for example @ becomes %40.

Can I build an address to play back recorded footage?

Yes, for Hikvision and Dahua recorders. On the NVR or DVR tab, tick the playback box and choose a start and end time.

I've been working with CCTV for over 30 years, and all the cameras on our live wildlife cameras from the Peak District are streamed using addresses just like these. If you get stuck, ask me in the chat on one of the live streams.

Paul