OBS Studio Setup Guide
Set up OBS Studio with the core settings you need for a stable, clean-looking stream.
Welcome to the world of streaming!
Whether you use OBS Studio or Streamlabs, this guide walks you through the setup choices that matter most before your first live session.
Step 1: Download and Install OBS or Streamlabs
Download the version that matches your operating system: Windows, macOS, or Linux.
Step 2: Connect Your Streaming Account
- Open OBS or Streamlabs.
- Go to Settings → Stream.
- Choose your streaming platform (Twitch, YouTube, etc.).
- Log in or paste your stream key (found in your platform's dashboard).
Step 3: Set Up Your Scenes and Sources
Scenes are different layouts for your stream. You might have one for "Just Chatting," one for gameplay, and one 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 panel to add each of these elements.
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 balance levels. Keep your audio out of the red zone so it does not distort.
Step 5: Video and Output Settings
Settings → Video:
Base (Canvas) Resolution:
Usually `1920x1080`, which often matches your monitor resolution
Output (Scaled) Resolution:
`1280x720` or `1920x1080`, depending on your PC and upload speed
FPS:
30 or 60 FPS
Settings → Output:
Encoder:
Use "Hardware (NVENC)" if available. If not, use "Software (x264)."
Bitrate:
A good starting point is about 4,500 kbps for 720p60 and about 6,000 kbps for 1080p60.
Step 6: Add Alerts (Optional but Recommended)
If using Streamlabs:
- Go to Streamlabs.com, open the Alert Box, customize your alerts, and copy the widget URL.
- Add that URL as a browser source in your scene.
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, for example, offers a bandwidth test option.
Step 8: Go Live!
Once everything looks good:
- 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.