How To Use OBS Studio (A-Z Guide)

What Is OBS studio

OBS or Open Broadcast Software is an open-source software, specifically used for recording live streaming. It captures or records your screen and audio at the same time. This software eliminates the need for an internal capture card, otherwise considered mandatory. An internal capture card is expensive and beyond the reach of everyone. It was released in 2012 and is continuously updated by OBS Studio Contributors. In this blog, we’ll show you how to use OBS studio!

Because of many gamers, vloggers and online teachers wanting to build a brand online, OBS is the most optimal choice for them. Gamers, in particular, tend to enjoy using it because it allows them to show their talent online. It allows them to focus on their game, and record it at the same time.

Those vloggers who are earning enough would use it to introduce their own brands while recording their vlogs. Going live has become such a norm even for a small YouTuber because it allows to interact with followers. With its mind-blowing features, you can do so much while broadcasting. You may add banners, copyright tags while going live or making a video. You can also add text to your social media account to bring your viewers to your account.

All in all, it is very helpful to record your gaming session, teaching session, or vlog and build your own brand. Particularly for YouTubers and gamers, OBS has become a norm and without it, they can’t survive.

To get started, firstly, you’ll have to download OBS. You’ll need a computer that can handle streaming in the first place. An older computer may not be able to handle streaming because it requires a fast processor and much more.

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How To Use OBS To Stream

Firstly you will have to connect your preferred platform to OBS to stream. OBS can connect Facebook, YouTube, and also a few other platforms as well. To connect to your preferred livestream platform, follow the steps mentioned below:

1. Right click OBS and go as Administrator.
2. Click File> Setting select the stream tab that is on your left.

Now you have to select your platform. The setup process for each service is slightly different but easy.

How To Connect With Twitch

1. Select Twitch from streaming services.
2. Then select Settings> Stream Key > Show Key on your Twitch TV dashboard.
3. You’ll see a warning to not share your key with anyone.
4. Copy and paste the stream key into the stream key box. Then click on apply.

How To Connect With YouTube

1. Firstly, Select YouTube gaming from Streaming Services menu.

2. Then select the live streaming tab from your YouTube Creator Studio.

3. Go to your Encoder Setup and click on Reveal.

4. Copy and paste the stream key into the stream key box. Then click apply and you’re done!

How To Connect With Facebook

1. Select Facebook Live from Streaming Services.
2. Then navigate to Facebook Live and click create live stream.

In the same way as above, copy and paste the key into the stream key box and click apply.

How To Set Up Responsive Stream Layout

Once you have configured your stream, the next step should be to set up the layout of your stream. It’s up to you whether you want to add images or banners around edges or your twitter handle. OBS has two windows, name: sources and scenes. Every scene is made up of multiple sources. You may load them from the scene menu and give your layout a look of your choice.

Once you’ve created your scene, you’ll need to add your sources. Here’s how to add the most important visual elements for any successful live stream.

Add Source Of Game

Most importantly, you’ll have to select the Window that you want OBS to capture and stream. To do this, follow the steps below:

1. Click the Plus icon present in source menu. Then select Game Capture
2. To identify each uniquely, give your game capture a name.
3.  Then customize your capture setting as per your wish.
4. Click OK when you’re done, and add the source to your scene.

 Add Webcam

Including a live webcam feed is a good option because it will give a better view to your followers. Specially when you’d like to add some personality to your live streams. Your followers will be able to have a good look at how you react in different situations.

1. Click the Plus icon in the sources menu. Then select Video Capture Device
2. Likewise, give your Video Capture Device a name.
3. Now you can access the webcam capture properties. You may want to tweak a few other settings as well, so do it!
4. Click Ok to add your webcam to your screen.

Add images

Want to give your live stream that custom finish, why not add a banner? It’s really easy to add any image to your OBS live stream:

1. In the Sources box, click Add > Image and name the source to easily locate it amongst other sources (best to describe the image you’re including).
2. Click Browse to find the saved image on your computer, and click Open to use it. If you want it to be transparent, change the Opacity to any number less than 100.
3. Once you’re finished tweaking the settings, click OK to add the image to your livestream.

If you want to move your image, simply drag-and-drop the image to where you want it to be.

Add Text

To add text to direct your followers to your social media, follow the steps mentioned below:

1. Click the Plus icon present in the sources menu. Then select Text (GDI+)
2. Give your textbox a name.
3. In the text menu, customize the look of your font. You can also change the size, color, and opacity.
4. Once you’re happy, Click Ok and save the text
5. See the text displayed on the screen. Drag and drop the text to the desired location.

Requirements For OBS Studio

OBS software requirements vary from platform to platform. Here, we’ll see OBS software requirements for different platforms

OBS For Windows

For windows, OBS requires:

Windows 7 or above

DirectX 10.1 compatible GPU

Intel I5/ Dual-core/quad-core

4Gb  Ram

OBS For Mac

For Max, OBS requires:

Max OS 10.10 or higher

Open GL 3.2 compatible GPU

Intel 15

4Gb Ram

OBS for Linux/Unix

OBS for Linux/Unix requires:

Any Linux OS

Open GL 3.2 compatible GPU

Intel I5

4 Gb Ram