Google Cloud Live Stream API

What it does

Additional features

The API supports live-to-VOD, content encryption, and image or video slates.checked 11 Oct 2026

API access

Programmatic access is available through client libraries and REST.checked 11 Oct 2026

Automatic provisioning

The API supports automatic infrastructure provisioning.checked 11 Oct 2026

Encryption dependency

The API does not create or manage encryption keys or licenses directly; customers use a third-party DRM provider and pass keys through Secret Manager.checked 11 Oct 2026

Inputs and outputs

It accepts SRT or RTMP input and can produce Apple HLS or MPEG-DASH output streams saved to Cloud Storage buckets.checked 11 Oct 2026

Integrations

The API integrates with Cloud Storage, Cloud Audit Logs, and Google Cloud infrastructure.checked 11 Oct 2026

Intended users

Google describes the API as benefiting broadcasters, production companies, businesses, and individuals who adapt live video for different user devices.checked 11 Oct 2026

Live operations

Channel events can create ad break markers, mute or unmute a stream, insert a slate, return to the live program, or switch channel input.checked 11 Oct 2026

Purpose

The API transcodes live, linear video streams into formats for use across a variety of user devices.checked 11 Oct 2026

Recent capabilities

The release notes list SRT and RTMP distribution, AI-generated captions and translated captions, H.265 and UHD support, and ultra-low-latency input previews.checked 11 Oct 2026

Redundancy

A channel can include a primary and backup input stream.checked 11 Oct 2026

Security

Access control uses Identity and Access Management, and the API supports content encryption configurations including AES-128, SAMPLE-AES, and MPEG-CENC.checked 11 Oct 2026

Support

Google Cloud customers, including free-trial customers, get Basic Support with documentation, community forums, billing assistance, and Active Assist.checked 11 Oct 2026