OBS Studio Setup Guide

Learn how to set up and configure OBS Studio for streaming

Welcome to the world of streaming!

Whether you're on OBS Studio or Streamlabs, this easy-to-follow guide will show you how to configure your software and begin streaming on Twitch, YouTube, or Kick.

Step 1: Download and Install OBS or Streamlabs

Download OBS Studio

Free and open source

Download OBS

Download Streamlabs

All-in-one streaming solution

Download Streamlabs

Choose and download the right version that matches your operating system—Windows, macOS, or Linux.

Step 2: Connect Your Streaming Account

  1. Open OBS or Streamlabs.
  2. Go to Settings → Stream.
  3. Choose your streaming platform (Twitch, YouTube, etc.).
  4. Log in or paste your stream key (found in your platform's dashboard).

Step 3: Set Up Your Scenes and Sources

Scenes are like different layouts for your stream. You might have one for "Just Chatting," another for gameplay, and another for BRB screens.

Sources include your:

  • Display/Game Capture (your screen or game window)
  • Video Capture Device (webcam)
  • Audio Input/Output Capture (microphone and system audio)
  • Images or Overlays (logos, webcam frames, alerts)

Use the "+" button in the Sources box to add these.

Step 4: Audio Settings

Go to Settings → Audio:

  • Set your Desktop Audio to your speakers or headset.
  • Set Mic/Auxiliary Audio to your microphone.
  • Use the Audio Mixer to adjust volume levels. Aim to keep audio out of the red zone to avoid distortion.

Step 5: Video and Output Settings

Settings → Video:

Base (Canvas) Resolution:

Usually 1920x1080 (your monitor resolution)

Output (Scaled) Resolution:

1280x720 or 1920x1080 (depending on your PC power and internet)

FPS:

30 or 60

Settings → Output:

Encoder:

Use "Hardware (NVENC)" if available; otherwise, use "Software (x264)"

Bitrate:

Set to about 4,500 kbps for 720p at 60 fps, and roughly 6,000 kbps for 1080p at 60 fps.

Step 6: Add Alerts (Optional but Recommended)

If using Streamlabs:

  1. Go to Streamlabs.com, find where the Alert Box is and open it, tweak your alerts, and copy the widget URL.
  2. In Streamlabs, make sure to add a browser source by pasting the URL.

In OBS:

Use StreamElements or another third-party alert service.

Step 7: Test Everything Before Going Live

  • Record a short video using Start Recording to check quality.
  • Run a Test Stream (Twitch has a "bandwidth test" option).

Step 8: Go Live!

Once you're ready:

  • Click Start Streaming.
  • Monitor your chat and stream health using your platform dashboard or the built-in dock in OBS/Streamlabs.

Bonus Tips

  • Use Ethernet over Wi-Fi if possible.
  • Keep your scenes organized and labeled.
  • Regularly check for software and plugin updates.
  • Backup your scenes and settings.