Shop Cameras
Articles
How to Use OBS For Live Streaming on YouTube?
Apr
Do you want to know how to use OBS for live streaming on YouTube? We’re going to walk you through the step-by-step process to broadcast PTZ camera using open broadcaster software on the world’s largest streaming platform.
Setting up Your YouTube Channel for Live Streaming
Before we discuss how to go live on YouTube using OBS, you need to enable live streaming. You can only begin live streaming if you verify your account. You can verify your account if you follow these steps:
- Click the profile icon
- Select YouTube Studio
- Click on the Create icon on the top right
- Select Go Live
You’ll need to enable the option to go live, and then you’ll be prompted to add your number as part of the verification process. You’ll be sent a code to input before you’re verified and allowed to go live.
Unfortunately, it can take 24 hours for the account to be approved.
Installing and Setting up OBS for YouTube Live Streaming
OBS is third-party software, so you’ll need to download it and install it. You can download OBS for:
- Linux
- MacOS
- Windows
You’ll execute the file after downloading it and go through the standard setup process, as always. When the installation is complete, open up OBS and find the Settings panel on the bottom right menu.
A screen will open up and you’ll need to click on the Video and Output tab. On this screen, there are a lot of settings that you can adjust. YouTube has a list of recommendations that you can follow to adjust these settings properly.
It’s important to plug in the bit rate, frame rate and resolution in accordance with the guidelines in the link above.
You’ll now need to go to Stream and select YouTube RTMPS.
Users will need to switch to their YouTube account for a second and copy their stream key. You’ll find this unique key on your settings page. OBS will require you to enter the key so that you can link the software to your YouTube stream.
While you’re on the OBS settings page, head to the Audio tab and make sure to change the devices so that they’re using your system’s output. Be sure to apply the settings.
Choose the Perfect PTZ Camera
20x PTZ Camera
Joysticks and Keypads
Bundle
How To Use OBS For Live Streaming on YouTube: Step-by-Step Setup
You’ve made it this far and are very close to starting your first live stream. You can go through both the audio and source settings. The Source will need to be the camera that you’re using for the stream, or you can even use game capture if you run a gaming channel.
Starting and Ending Your YouTube Live Stream with OBS
Once you’re confident with all of the setting changes that you’ve made, you can begin your very first live stream. You’ll simply need to navigate to the bottom right of the screen and click on the icon that says “Start Streaming.”
Switch to your YouTube, click “Go Live” and when OBS connects, you’ll be presented with a preview panel that shows what your viewers will see on the screen. The stream should have a slightly delayed start of 15-20 seconds, which you can use to prepare for the session.
Now, simply:
- Stream your content to viewers
- Engage with your audience
- Try out different lighting and camera techniques
- Adjust audio and camera settings
If you have the time, it’s always a good choice to have at least one test run to learn how your stream will look to viewers. Testing the stream will allow you to avoid common issues, such as the microphone not working or the video being out of focus.
Streaming issues are more common than creators admit, but a little due diligence ahead of your stream can help.
Once your stream is over, you can stop the stream in OBS. Don’t forget to hit End Stream on your YouTube channel, too.
Conclusions
Once you know how to use OBS for live streaming on YouTube, you can work through our list of live streaming tips and tricks to enhance your production. OBS allows you to record offline and live stream with powerful features that all professionals use.
The software is free and open source, so anyone can test it out and give it a try for themselves.
Write to us
