RTMP, or Real-Time Messaging Protocol, is a communication protocol developed by Macromedia, which is now owned by Adobe Systems. It is primarily used for streaming audio, video, and data over the Internet in real-time. RTMP is designed to provide high-performance transmission of multimedia content, making it a popular choice for live streaming applications, online broadcasting, and video conferencing.

The protocol operates over a persistent TCP connection and is known for its low latency, which is crucial for live streaming scenarios where real-time interaction is required. RTMP supports various types of data, including audio, video, and text, and can handle different codecs and formats, allowing for flexibility in media delivery.

RTMP works by breaking down the multimedia content into smaller chunks, which are then transmitted over the network. This chunking process helps in maintaining a steady stream of data, even in fluctuating network conditions. The protocol also supports adaptive bitrate streaming, which adjusts the quality of the stream based on the viewer’s available bandwidth, ensuring a smooth viewing experience.

In addition to its use in live streaming, RTMP is also employed in video-on-demand services, where pre-recorded content is delivered to users. While RTMP was originally designed to work with Adobe Flash Player, it has since been adapted to work with other media players and platforms, making it a versatile tool in the world of online media streaming.

Overall, RTMP remains a widely used protocol for delivering high-quality, real-time multimedia content over the Internet, despite the emergence of newer protocols like HLS (HTTP Live Streaming) and DASH (Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP).