RTMP vs HLS vs WebRTC: Complete Streaming Protocol Comparison

Streaming protocols are the backbone of modern media delivery. Choosing the right protocol depends on your use case, balancing latency, scalability, and compatibility.

Protocol Overview

RTMP: Real-Time Ingest

RTMP (Real-Time Messaging Protocol) is TCP-based, originally developed by Adobe. Today it is primarily used as an ingest protocol for streaming from encoders like OBS to media servers. Flash was deprecated in 2020, so RTMP is now used exclusively for contribution feeds, not browser playback.

HLS: Adaptive Delivery

HLS (HTTP Live Streaming), developed by Apple, divides video into segments (typically 2-10 seconds) for delivery over standard HTTP infrastructure and CDNs. This enables adaptive bitrate streaming, where the player automatically adjusts quality based on network conditions.

Low-Latency HLS (LL-HLS) was introduced in 2019 to reduce latency to 2-5 seconds using partial segments and blocking playlist reloads.

WebRTC: Real-Time Communication

WebRTC (Web Real-Time Communication) enables peer-to-peer streaming over UDP with sub-500ms latency. It is the standard for video calls, live auctions, and any application requiring instant feedback.

Latency Comparison (2025)

ProtocolLatencyBrowser SupportBest For RTMP1-3sNone (ingest only)Encoder to Server HLS6-30sUniversalVOD and Live delivery LL-HLS2-5sModern browsersLow-latency live WebRTCUnder 500msAll modern browsersReal-time interactive

When to Use Each Protocol

RTMP: Professional Ingest

Sports broadcasts from stadiums
News events from remote locations
Concert and event streaming
Any encoder-to-server workflow

HLS: Broad Delivery

On-demand video libraries
Global audience streaming
Mobile-first platforms
CDN-based distribution at scale

WebRTC: Real-Time Interaction

Video conferencing (Zoom, Google Meet)
Live Q&A sessions
Virtual classrooms
Interactive auctions and gaming

Hybrid Architecture

Modern streaming workflows combine protocols for optimal results:

1. RTMP ingest from encoder to origin server

2. Transcode to HLS/DASH for delivery

3. CDN distribution to global edge servers

4. Optional WebRTC for interactive features

This hybrid approach leverages each protocol's strengths while maintaining broad compatibility across devices and networks.

Implementation Considerations

Server Requirements

RTMP: Media server (nginx-rtmp, SRS, Wowza)
HLS: HTTP server with CDN
WebRTC: Signaling server plus STUN/TURN

Client Support

RTMP: No browser support (use native apps)
HLS: hls.js for non-Safari browsers
WebRTC: Native browser API

Conclusion

Choose your streaming protocol based on requirements:

Need ultra-low latency? WebRTC or LL-HLS
Need broad compatibility? Standard HLS
Professional ingest? RTMP to server

For hybrid workflows combining reliability with reach, platforms like dcast.tv support RTMP ingest with automatic HLS delivery and optional WebRTC features.