Audio-Only Streaming

Modified on Tue, 21 Jul at 2:48 PM

Overview

Our current streaming infrastructure does not yet support native audio-only RTMP ingest. This is a limitation of the underlying broadcast pipeline used to process live streams.

If you need to deliver an audio-only broadcast, supported workarounds are available so your event can still stream successfully.

Why Doesn't Audio-Only RTMP Work?

The live ingest pipeline requires a valid video track to process an RTMP stream. A stream containing audio only cannot currently be processed through this workflow.

This has been logged as a feature request for future development. There is no confirmed timeline yet, but we'll update this article as soon as one is available.

Supported Workflows

Option 1: Add a Video Track to the RTMP Stream (Recommended)

The simplest workaround is to include a video track with your RTMP stream.

The video can be:

A static image
A team or conference logo
A title graphic
A black screen

As long as the RTMP stream contains both:

✅ Audio
✅ A valid video track

The JW Player infrastructure will ingest and process the stream normally.

Common Use Cases

Radio broadcasts
Audio simulcasts
Coaches shows
Press conferences

Common Encoders

OBS
Wirecast
Tricaster
Production Truck
LiveU
vMix

DO NOT USE

Wowza
Z/IP Stream
Any encoding software that does not insert video tracks automatically like the above.

Option 2: Provide an HTTPS/HLS Audio Stream from Your Media Affiliate

If your audio originates from a radio station or another provider capable of generating an HTTPS/HLS audio stream, this bypassing the need for RTMP and passes through the JW system.

This option:

Does not require RTMP
Does not require adding a video track
May simplify the workflow for radio partners already producing HLS streams

Contact your radio or streaming provider to determine whether they can supply an HTTPS/HLS audio feed.

Which Workflow Should I Use?

Scenario	Recommended Workflow
Audio delivered via RTMP	Add a static video track (image, logo, or black screen)
Audio provided by a radio station with HLS output	Use the HTTPS/HLS audio stream
Native audio-only RTMP desired	Not currently supported

Frequently Asked Questions

Can JW Player ingest an audio-only RTMP stream?

No. Native audio-only RTMP ingest is not currently supported.

Does the video need to be live video?

No. A static image, logo, title card, or even a black screen is sufficient.

Is this a SIDEARM limitation?

No. This behavior is based on the current capabilities of the underlying JW Player platform.

Will native audio-only RTMP be supported in the future?

JW Player has acknowledged this as a feature request. However, they have not provided an estimated timeline for implementation.

What is SIDEARM Doing About This?

SIDEARM is actively working with JW Player to advocate for native audio-only RTMP support within the JW Player environment.

We recognize that audio-only broadcasts are an important workflow for many of our partners, particularly those streaming radio broadcasts, coaches' shows, and other audio-centric events.

Native audio-only RTMP ingest has been submitted to JW Player as a feature request, and we continue to communicate the need for this functionality on behalf of our schools. While there is no implementation timeline to share at this time, we will continue to work with JW Player and provide updates as additional information becomes available.

In the meantime, the supported workflows outlined above (adding a video track to an RTMP stream or using an HTTPS/HLS audio stream) remain the recommended solutions.

Need Assistance?

If you're unsure which workflow best fits your setup, please contact the Streaming Support team with details about your encoder, audio source, and delivery method. We'll be happy to help determine the best solution for your event.