What Is RTSP Streaming and Why It Is Still Relevant in 2026

What is RTSP, and why is it still widely used in modern streaming workflows? RTSP, or Real Time Streaming Protocol, is a control protocol designed for managing real-time audio and video streams, especially from devices like IP cameras and encoders. In this guide, I will explain how RTSP works, where it fits in the streaming pipeline, and why it remains relevant in 2026. What is RTSP? The Real Time Streaming Protocol, or RTSP, is an application-level protocol for control over the delivery of data