SMMFAST Logo

Setting up OBS Studio for live streaming on YouTube

Youtube

25.10.2021

Content

Setting up OBS Studio for live streaming on YouTube involves several steps: getting a broadcast key, customizing the video stream, adding sources, and using plugins to improve image and sound quality.

Steps to set up OBS Studio for live streaming on YouTube:

  1. Getting a broadcast key
  • Go to YouTube Creative Studio.
  • Under Video Encoder Settings, find the broadcast key and server address.
  • Copy the broadcast key - you will need it in OBS Studio to connect to YouTube.
  1. Adjusting the video stream (bitrate)
  • Open OBS Studio, go to Settings and select Output.
  1. Adjust the video bitrate:
  • For 720p resolution - 2500-4000 kbps.
  • For 1080p resolution - 4500-6000 kbps.
  • Adjust the audio bitrate to 162-190 kbps and stereo with a sample rate of 44100 kHz.
  1. Adding video capture sources
  • In OBS Studio, in Sources, click the + sign at the bottom of the screen.
  • Select Game Capture (if you want to show the game) or Single Window Capture (to record other content).
  • Specify a scene name, select the home screen to capture.
  • To add a webcam, select Video Capture Device and customize its location on the screen (for example, in the upper left corner).

Customize Donations (optional)

  • If you want to receive donations, add a new source to Sources, specifying a donation server.
  • Customize the position of the donate window on the screen so that it is visible to viewers, and customize the time the messages are played.
  1. Improve image and sound quality
  • For the webcam, install noise and sharpness smoothing plugins such as sharpness and de-noiser. For FPS, set the value to:
  • 24 FPS - for calm broadcasts.
  • 60 FPS - for dynamic, action streams.
  • If you use a microphone, install plugins for noise removal and sound improvement (for example, NLS Bus NLS Channel).
  1. Start broadcasting
  • Go to YouTube to the Live Broadcasts section.
  • Fill in all the details about the stream: title, category, description (optional).
  • Click Start Broadcast in OBS Studio. The stream will start and viewers will be able to connect. After following these steps, your broadcast will be ready for viewers and you will be able to interact with them live on YouTube.