# Enable assets for streaming

After you import, upload, or create assets in MK.IO, you need two components before viewers can play them:

- A **Streaming Endpoint**: the origin server that serves content to players and CDNs
- A **Streaming Locator**: attached to each asset, it generates playback URLs and controls access

For full step-by-step instructions including configuration options, streaming policies, and DRM, see [Publish content for streaming](/mkio/how-to/content-delivery-publishing/stream-content).

## Quick steps

### Create and start a streaming endpoint

Go to **Streaming Endpoints** and click **+ Create Streaming Endpoint**. Give it a name, choose **Shared** for testing or **Dedicated** for production, and start it.

> **Warning:** Running streaming endpoints incur costs even when idle. Stop endpoints you are not actively using.

### Create a streaming locator on your asset

Open the asset, scroll to **Streaming Locators**, and click **+ Add Streaming Locator**. Give it a unique name and select `Predefined_ClearStreamingOnly` for basic unprotected streaming.

### Apply and get playback URLs

Select your running endpoint and the locator from the dropdowns on the asset page, then click **Apply**. MK.IO generates HLS and DASH playback URLs immediately.

### Test playback

Use the built-in MKPlayer on the asset page to verify the stream plays correctly before distributing the URLs.

## Migrating from Azure Media Services

If you are enabling playback for assets imported from AMS:

- Your existing content does not need to be re-encoded: MK.IO streams files directly from your connected Azure storage.
- Streaming locator names from AMS are not automatically carried over. Create new locators with your preferred names in MK.IO.
- If you previously used AMS streaming endpoints, remember that MK.IO endpoint names form part of the playback URL. Choose names that reflect your production setup.

For large-scale AMS migrations, see [Bulk asset migration from AMS storage](/mkio/how-to/content-management/add-an-asset-in-mkio/bulk-asset-migration-from-ams-storage).