How to stream on Twitch with OBS

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The dream is simple: you, your passion, and a live audience sharing the moment. But the technical path to becoming a Twitch streamer can feel overwhelming. Enter OBS Studio (Open Broadcaster Software)—the free, open-source, and industry-standard powerhouse that will be the engine of your broadcast. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, from downloading OBS to hitting “Start Streaming” on your first professional-looking Twitch channel.

Why OBS? The Cornerstone of Modern Streaming

Before we dive in, understand why OBS is non-negotiable for serious streamers. Unlike simple “stream direct from console” options, OBS gives you complete control. It’s a production studio in software form, allowing you to:

  • Mix multiple video/audio sources (gameplay, webcam, overlays, alerts).
  • Create professional scenes for different activities (Starting Soon, Gaming, Intermission).
  • Fine-tune audio with filters to eliminate background noise.
  • Record high-quality local videos while you stream.
  • And it’s completely free with no watermarks or feature limits.

Ready to build your studio? Let’s begin.

Phase 1: Foundational Setup – Download, Connect, Configure

Step 1: Download & Install OBS

  1. Go to the official website: obsproject.com.
  2. Download the installer for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
  3. Run the installer, following the prompts. Use the default settings for a standard installation.

Pro Tip: Avoid downloading OBS from any third-party site to ensure you get the official, secure version.

Step 2: Connect OBS to Your Twitch Account

OBS needs your unique Twitch stream key to know where to send your broadcast. Never share this key publicly.

  1. In a browser, log into your Twitch account and go to your Creator Dashboard.
  2. Navigate to Settings > Stream.
  3. Under “Stream Key & Preferences,” find your Primary Stream Key. Click “Copy.”
  4. In OBS, go to File > Settings > Stream.
  5. For “Service,” select Twitch. The server can usually be set to “Auto.”
  6. Paste your stream key into the field. Click Apply, then OK.

Crucial: You are now connected. Never paste this key anywhere else or show it on stream.

Phase 2: Building Your Broadcast – Sources, Scenes & Audio

This is where the magic happens. You’ll construct your stream piece by piece.

Step 3: Understanding Scenes and Sources

  • Scenes: These are different screens or layouts. You switch between them during your stream. Common scenes: “Starting Soon,” “Main Gameplay,” “BRB/Intermission,” “Ending Screen.”
  • Sources: These are the individual elements inside a scene. A typical gameplay scene has these sources:
    • Game Capture (your game window)
    • Video Capture Device (your webcam)
    • Browser Source (for Twitch alerts, chat overlay, or custom overlays)
    • Audio Input Capture (your microphone)
    • Audio Output Capture (your desktop/game audio)

Step 4: Setting Up Your Main Gameplay Scene

  1. In the Scenes box (bottom-left), click the + and name it “Gameplay.”
  2. In the Sources box (below Scenes), click the + to add your first source.

Adding Your Game:

  • For PC Games: Select Game Capture. In the properties window, set “Mode” to “Capture specific window” and choose your game from the dropdown. This is the cleanest method.
  • For Consoles via Capture Card: Select Video Capture Device. Choose your capture card from the device list. Ensure your console is connected and powered on.

Adding Your Webcam:

  • Add a new Video Capture Device source.
  • Name it “Webcam” and select your camera.
  • Click and drag the red corners in the preview to resize and position your webcam (a common spot is in a top corner with a subtle border).

Adding Twitch Alerts & Overlays (The Polish):
This is what makes a stream feel interactive and professional.

  1. Use a service like StreamElements, Streamelements, or OWN3D to create a free overlay package with alerts (for Follows, Subs, etc.).
  2. These services will give you a Browser Source URL.
  3. In OBS, add a Browser Source, paste the URL, and set the width/height as instructed (commonly 1920×1080).

Adding Audio Sources:

  • Microphone: Add an Audio Input Capture source. Select your mic.
  • Desktop Audio: Add an Audio Output Capture source. Select your primary desktop audio device.
  • Crucial: You will see audio levels move in the Audio Mixer (bottom-center). Talk and play game audio to see both bars move.

Phase 3: The Critical Tech – Bitrate, Resolution & Encoder

This is the most technical but vital section. Incorrect settings cause lag, pixelation, and a poor viewer experience.

Step 5: Optimal OBS Settings for Twitch

Go to File > Settings > Output.

1. Output Mode: Set to Advanced (gives you full control).

2. Stream Settings (in the Streaming Tab):

  • Encoder: This is the most important choice.
    • If you have a modern NVIDIA GPU (RTX 20/30/40 series): Use NVIDIA NVENC H.264 (new). It’s incredibly efficient and offloads encoding from your CPU.
    • If you have an AMD or Intel GPU: Use the hardware encoder option (AMD HW H.264 or Intel Quick Sync H.264).
    • If you have a powerful CPU and no good GPU encoder: Use x264 (software encoding).
  • Rate Control: CBR (Constant Bitrate).
  • Bitrate: This determines your stream’s visual quality. DO NOT exceed Twitch’s limits.
    • For 720p 60fps: 3,500 – 4,500 Kbps
    • For 1080p 60fps (Recommended for most): 5,500 – 6,500 Kbps
    • For 1080p 30fps: 4,000 – 5,000 Kbps
    • Note: If you are not a Twitch Partner, your viewers may not get Transcoding (quality options). Starting at 720p/6000kbps is a safe, high-quality option for all viewers.

3. Video Settings (in the Video Tab):

  • Base (Canvas) Resolution: Your monitor’s native resolution (e.g., 1920×1080).
  • Output (Scaled) Resolution: Your stream’s resolution. 1720×720 or 1920×1080.
  • Downscale Filter: Lanczos (best quality, sharp).
  • Common FPS Values: 60 for fast motion (FPS, action games), 30 for slower-paced games (strategy, turn-based). 60 FPS requires a higher bitrate.

Step 6: The Essential Audio Tune-Up

Go to the Audio Mixer. Click the gear icon next to your microphone source and select Filters.

  • Add a Noise Suppression filter to cut out fan noise and keyboard clicks.
  • Add a Noise Gate filter so your mic only activates when you speak above a certain volume.
  • Add a Gain filter if your mic is too quiet.
    Test these by talking while watching the audio meter. Aim for your voice to peak in the yellow, not the red (which causes distortion).

Phase 4: Final Checks & Going Live

Step 7: The Pre-Stream Checklist

  1. Run a Test Stream: Use Twitch’s built-in Inspector. In your Creator Dashboard under Stream, find “Test your stream with Twitch Inspector.” Use the stream key it provides in OBS to broadcast privately. Check for dropped frames (network issues) or encoding lag (GPU/CPU overload).
  2. Preview Your Stream: Look at your OBS preview. Is your game visible? Is your webcam framed well? Are your overlays appearing?
  3. Audio Check: Use the “Start Recording” feature in OBS for 30 seconds. Playback the video. Can you hear your game and mic clearly? Is the balance good?
  4. Internet Speed: Perform a speed test (speedtest.net). Your upload speed must be consistently higher than your chosen bitrate. If your bitrate is 6000 Kbps (6 Mbps), you need at least 8-10 Mbps upload for headroom. Use an Ethernet cable. Wi-Fi is unstable for streaming.

Step 8: Hitting “Go Live” on Twitch

  1. Prepare your Twitch Dashboard: Write a compelling title, select the correct game/category, and set up your tags.
  2. Start Your Stream in OBS: Click Start Streaming in the lower-right controls.
  3. Switch to Your “Starting Soon” Scene: Have a simple graphic or countdown with music playing. This gives you 2-5 minutes for people to gather.
  4. Monitor OBS: Keep an eye on the bottom bar. If you see red dropped frames, it’s a network issue. If you see yellow encoding lag, your PC can’t keep up—lower your game’s graphics settings or stream resolution.
  5. Engage! Switch to your Gameplay scene, welcome your viewers, and start your content. Remember to keep an eye on chat.

Step 9: Essential Post-Stream Routine

  1. Click Stop Streaming in OBS.
  2. In Twitch, immediately go to your Stream Manager and publish your VOD (Video on Demand) so viewers can re-watch.
  3. If you recorded locally with OBS, find your video file (default location is in your Videos folder).
  4. Review your stream. Watch the VOD back. How was your audio balance? Were there any technical hiccups? Note what to improve for next time.

Final Pro-Tips for Your Streaming Journey

  • Consistency is King: A predictable schedule is more important than fancy graphics.
  • Audio is MORE Important Than Video: Viewers will tolerate a slightly pixelated game, but not bad audio.
  • Start Simple: Don’t get bogged down on Day 1 with 10 overlays and 20 sound alerts. A clean game feed, a clear webcam, and good audio is a perfect start.
  • The Community is Everything: Talk, even if no one is there. Respond to chat when people arrive. This is what turns viewers into a community.

You now have the complete technical blueprint. The rest is up to you, your personality, and your passion. Open OBS, start building, and welcome to the incredible world of content creation. The “Start Streaming” button is waiting.

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