How to use OBS studio
Open Broadcaster Software, often referred to as OBS, is an open source streaming software that you can download for free and use on Windows, Mac and Linux. It enables higher video and audio quality to make your stream look professional.
Contents
How do I set it up for Stripchat?
It is very important to follow the configuration process thoroughly for a successful outcome. Beware that if not set up correctly, it may lead to significant issues in the live streaming.
Firstly, download and install OBS Studio: Download OBS
Once it’s already installed, log in to your SupportLiveCam model account and start your broadcast.
Right below the stream preview window, click on “Switch to External Broadcast Software”. Another window will appear with the button "Show OBS Broadcasting Specification" that you'll need to click on. You will then see the recommended broadcasting settings you need to set up in order to stream with OBS on SupportLiveCam. Refer to these values throughout the configuration process.
SupportLiveCam setup
This is the fastest and most convenient setup. Stripchat's profile is available in OBS Studio, making it possible to select it and therefore have most configuration already set.
Stream setup
In OBS Studio select Settings > Stream.
- Service > choose "Custom" from the dropdown.
- Server > paste the RTMP URL link displayed on your broadcast page in SupportLiveCam. (RTMP URL: rtmp://s-sd.doppiocdn.com/ext)
- Stream Key > paste your broadcast token's value (long string of letters and numbers in green) that shows on the SupportLiveCam broadcast page. For security reasons, we advise you NOT TO SHARE this token with anyone.
Output setup
In OBS Studio select Settings > Output.
At the top dropdown Output Mode menu, you can select either “Simple” or “Advanced” mode. If you stick to the default “Simple” mode, these are the parameters you must select:
- Video Bitrate > refer to the Output settings table below.
- Audio Bitrate > select 128.
In turn, if you choose “Advanced” Output Mode, you must select these parameters in the Streaming tab:
- Rate Control > CBR is preferred.
- Bitrate > refer to the Output settings table below.
- IMPORTANT: Keyframe Interval > select the value of 2 s.
- CPU Usage Preset > we recommend selecting “veryfast” or “faster”.
- Profile > we recommend selecting “Main” or “High”.
- IMPORTANT: Tune > select “zerolatency”.
In case you have selected a different Encoder than the default one on this section, ensure that you select “No B-frames”. Note that this is essential for the stream flow.
To reduce CPU load there is a possibility to use your GPU/graphic card in OBS.
There are setup examples for most common GPU at the end of this article.
Custom setup
If instead of doing the SupportLiveCam setup you would choose to do it custom, below are the steps to follow in the configuration process.
Stream setup
In OBS Studio select Settings > Stream.
- Service > choose “Custom” from the dropdown.
- Server > paste the RTMP URL link displayed on your broadcast page in SupportLiveCam.
- Stream Key > paste your broadcast token’s value (long string of letters and numbers in green) that shows on the SupportLiveCam broadcast page. For security reasons, we advise you NOT TO SHARE this token with anyone.
Output setup
Follow the exact same procedure as in Stripchat's Output setup
Audio setup
In OBS Studio select Settings > Audio.
- Sample Rate > select 48 KHz.
Video setup
In OBS Studio select Settings > Video.
- Output (Scaled) Resolution > select up to 1080p.
- Integer FPS Value > select a value of 25 or 30.
Camera selection
In OBS Studio, click on the “+” icon under the Sources tab. Then select Video Capture Device > Create new > OK.
Now select your camera from the devices list and set the resolution matching the base resolution you previously set.
Broadcasting with OBS
Make sure you’re ready to hit the spotlight, as once you click “Start Streaming” in OBS, you’ll be going live despite whether you’re logged into SupportLiveCam or not.
Same goes for when you want to end your broadcast. Simply closing your browser or logging out of SupportLiveCam will not stop your stream; you must click the “Stop Streaming” button in OBS.
General requirements for video streams (for advanced users)
1. Video codec: H264
2. Profile: Baseline, Main or High
3. Keyframe interval: 1 or 2 seconds
4. Constant bitrate mode (CBR)
5. NO B-FRAMES
6. FPS: not more than 60
7. Video bitrate: not more than 6000 KBit/sec
8. Audio codec: AAC
9. Audio bitrate: 128 KBit/sec. 44100 Hz or 48000 Hz
You can use any software (CPU) or hardware (GPU, QSV, NVENC, AMF etc.) encoders.
NVIDIA GPU/graphic card setup
You can use NVIDIA graphic cards to reduce your CPU load. Please, set up your OBS as shown in the screenshot below. Pay attention to every option, as they are all important.
For old NVIDIA GPU:
AMD GPU/graphic card setup
You can use AMD graphic cards to reduce your CPU load. Please, set up your OBS as shown in the screenshot below. You can find these options in View mode -> Advanced. Pay attention to every option, as they are all important.
Intel GPU/graphic (QSV, Quicksync) card setup
You can use Intel graphic cards to reduce your CPU load. Please, set up your OBS as shown in the screenshot below. Pay attention to every option, as they are all important. There are some differences between MacOS and Windows.
MacOS:
Windows:
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