SRS
Self-HostedOpen-source real-time media server for low-latency live streaming
Overview
SRS (Simple RTMP Server) is an open-source, high-performance media server optimized for live video streaming. It supports protocols like RTMP, HLS, HTTP-FLV, and WebRTC, delivering sub-1-second latency for use cases such as live broadcasts, video conferencing, and online events. Easy to deploy via Docker or binary packages, it offers scalable cluster support and seamless integration with tools like OBS Studio and FFmpeg. Ideal for self-hosted setups, it balances efficiency and simplicity for hobbyists and developers alike.
Self-Hosting Resources
Below is a reference structure for docker-compose.yml.
⚠️ Do NOT run blindly. Replace placeholders with official values.
version: '3'
services:
srs:
image: <OFFICIAL_IMAGE_NAME>:latest
container_name: srs
ports:
- "8080:<APP_INTERNAL_PORT>"
volumes:
- ./data:/app/data
restart: unless-stopped Key Features
- Supports RTMP, HLS, HTTP-FLV, and WebRTC protocols
- Sub-1-second low-latency streaming with WebRTC
- Docker/Kubernetes-ready for quick deployment
- Scalable cluster support for high-traffic scenarios
Frequently Asked Questions
? Is SRS hard to install?
No—SRS offers simple deployment options like Docker (one-line command) or precompiled binaries. Configuration uses straightforward text files, and official docs provide step-by-step guides for common setups, making it accessible to users with basic server experience.
? Is it a good alternative to Wowza Streaming Engine?
Yes—SRS provides core live streaming features (RTMP, HLS, low latency) similar to Wowza without licensing costs. It’s lightweight for small/medium setups and scalable via clusters for larger deployments, though Wowza has more enterprise-focused managed features.
? Is it completely free?
Yes—SRS is licensed under GPLv3, so it’s fully free to self-host, modify, and use. There are no paid tiers for the core server, though commercial support or customizations may be available from third parties.
Top Alternatives
People Also Ask about SRS
Tool Info
Pros
- ⊕ Open-source (GPLv3) with no licensing fees
- ⊕ Low resource consumption for efficient performance
- ⊕ Wide protocol compatibility for diverse use cases
- ⊕ Active development and community support
Cons
- ⊖ Requires basic server administration knowledge for setup
- ⊖ Limited built-in UI (primarily CLI/config-driven)
- ⊖ Advanced features may need custom configuration