StreamLive ProMy Instagram or TikTok stream key does not work
Instagram or TikTok stream key not working? Usually the key was already used, or Go live was not pressed in Instagram. What each key message means and the fix.
When an Instagram or TikTok live fails from StreamLive Pro, the most likely cause is a key that was already used. Instagram and TikTok give a new stream key for every live, and the key from your last broadcast no longer works. The second most likely cause, on Instagram only, is that the broadcast reached Instagram but nobody pressed Go live in the Instagram tab: until you do, Instagram receives the picture and viewers see nothing.
How to get the key and paste it, with pictures, is in Live on Instagram and TikTok with a stream key. This page is for when it does not work.
Symptom, cause, fix
| Symptom | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| The channel shows "New key needed" | The key of the last live was used | Start a new live on Instagram or TikTok, copy the new key, paste it |
| You are live in StreamLive Pro, Instagram shows nothing to viewers | Go live was not pressed in the Instagram tab | Go back to the Instagram tab and press Go live there |
| The Instagram or TikTok output failed after a few seconds | The key was already used, or the live on Instagram was closed | Stop, take a new key, start again |
| "Server URL missing" or "Stream key missing" | One field is empty | Paste both: the server URL and the key |
| "The key field has an address or a space" | The URL was pasted into the key field, or a space came with the copy | Put the rtmps:// address in the URL field and only the key in the key field |
| "That is a ... address, not Instagram" (or TikTok) | The address belongs to a different service | Copy the address again from the right app |
| "The address should start with rtmps://" | Part of the address is missing | Copy the whole Stream URL again |
| "Unusual key ... check you copied all of it" | The key may be cut short | Copy the key again, to the last character |
| TikTok has no stream key option at all | TikTok has not given the account stream-key access | Only TikTok can grant it; go live from the TikTok app meanwhile |
Why StreamLive Pro checks the key
Instagram keys are accepted only for Instagram and Meta addresses that start with rtmps://, and TikTok keys only for TikTok addresses. A paste that does not fit is stopped before you go live, with one of the messages in the table, so a broadcast never goes to a wrong address. "Key looks right" means both fields pass. The key is saved encrypted and is never shown again in full.
Steps
- Look at the badge in the channel list. "New key needed" means you must paste a fresh key before this live. "Key ready" means a fresh key is saved.
- Take a new key. On Instagram (instagram.com on a computer) start a new live and copy the Stream URL and the Stream key. On TikTok, start a new LIVE with a stream key and copy the Server URL and the key. Keep the Instagram tab open.
- Paste both into StreamLive Pro. Use the key window for that network. One box takes both at once, or use the two fields. Read the line under each field: it tells you exactly which part is wrong.
- Test without going live. The network's block on Connections has a Test connection button that tries the address without going live.
- Start your broadcast. Press Start stream.
- Finish on the network's side. On Instagram, go back to the Instagram tab and press Go live. On TikTok, if TikTok shows Go LIVE, press it. While you are live, StreamLive Pro shows a reminder bar for Instagram with Open Instagram and Done (the button you press once you have gone live there).
- If the output still fails, stop the broadcast, take another new key and start again. A key works for one session.
TikTok without a key
TikTok decides which accounts can stream with a key. If the option does not appear in your TikTok, there is nothing StreamLive Pro can do to unlock it. TikTok explains its LIVE features in the TikTok Help Center: TikTok LIVE. You can still post finished videos and Shorts to TikTok from StreamLive Pro.
When to contact support
If the key passed the check, you pressed Go live on the network, and the output still fails with a brand-new key, write to [email protected]. Send the time of the broadcast, the network, the message StreamLive Pro showed (a screenshot is best), and whether it was from the browser studio or an encoder. Never send the stream key itself: we do not need it.
More on each network's rules: Going live on each network: what it needs. Step-by-step pages: How to go live on Instagram from a computer and How to go live on TikTok from a computer. General problems: Troubleshooting the problems that come up most.
Frequently asked questions
Why do I have to paste a new key every time?
Instagram and TikTok create a new stream key for every live session. The key from your previous broadcast stops working, so StreamLive Pro asks for a fresh one.
Can StreamLive Pro press Go live on Instagram for me?
No. Instagram and TikTok do not let other apps start a live, so the last press is always in their own tab or app.
My Instagram live shows a black screen to viewers. Why?
Usually Go live was not pressed in the Instagram tab, so Instagram is receiving but not showing. If you did press it, check that the picture is fine in the studio before going live.
Can I use the same key for two broadcasts in a row?
No. Each key is good for one session. Take a new one for the next broadcast.
Is my stream key safe in StreamLive Pro?
The key is saved encrypted, is never shown again in full and is not written to logs. It is accepted only for that network's own addresses.
Keep reading
Go live on TikTok and Instagram at the same time from a computer: two fresh stream keys per session, a Go live press on each network, and a picture that suits phones.
Stream key or server URL not accepted when savingStream key or server URL not accepted in Connections? What each message means, from "The stream key does not look right" to a Vimeo URL refused, and how to fix it.
No stream key for OBS on the trialNo stream key for OBS on the StreamLive Pro trial? Why the key says browser-studio-only, what you can do in the browser studio instead, and how to get the key.
My Kick stream does not startKick stays offline while other networks go live? Usually Kick did not hand out the stream key, the sign-in expired, or the title and category are missing.
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