How To Live Stream Events With OBS Studio

If you are just getting started with live streaming or are looking for better software to make the most of your events, live streaming with OBS Studio is worth exploring. OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) is a free application available for most popular computer platforms, including macOS, Microsoft, and Linux.

The program provides everything you need to produce a professional quality live stream. You can use it to transition between multiple sources like cameras, pre-recorded video, graphics, titles, and even web-based video conferencing software like Zoom, Skype, and Microsoft Teams. The software can also handle mixing audio from microphones, audio interfaces, mixing boards, and pre-recorded media. The output can then be recorded, streamed to your content delivery network, or both.

What Makes Live Streaming With OBS Studio Different from Using Other Options?

There are more options than ever for producing a live stream. Numerous hardware options can handle mixing and switching and sometimes even graphics generation. However, in most cases, these still require a computer or additional hardware to encode the signal and send it to the content delivery system. Modern software like OBS Studio, Wirecast, vMix, and others can handle every aspect of the live stream, reducing the need for hardware or additional software. 

OBS Studio is different from other software options because it is open source. That means that it is free to use and is maintained, upgraded, and supported by a team of volunteers. This is a significant cost-saving over other options, and the program does get regular updates. Still, there is no central helpline to call or email if you run into trouble. However, there is a large community of users and experts, so help is available via videos, forums, and other sources on the web.

Getting Started with OBS Live Streaming

Step 1 – Connect OBS Studio to the live streaming platform

To make it clear, you will still need a live streaming platform to start your live streaming. Live stream with OBS Studio gives you the additional support to boost your live streams like visual and audio effects and adjustments. For this to happen, your live streaming platform needs to be connected to OBS Studio.

Most platforms that allow connecting to an external camera like YouTube or Facebook would provide a stream key. With this stream key, you can input it into OBS studio to connect the two together.

If you’re using a custom live streaming platform by BeLive Technology, you would already have the step-by-step guide to connect OBS studio to your platform, but we’ll briefly run through it again here.

First, you’re going to want to open up “Settings” on OBS Studio. You’ll see a “URL” and “Stream Key.” Keep these two codes handy. 

On your dedicated Go-Live app, start your live stream like how you would normally, and you have to select the option to “Use External Camera”. Next, tap on the Go Live button. This opens up a window showing your stream key. Copy the stream key.

Next, you’re going to want to open up “Settings” on OBS Studio. You’ll see a “Stream Key” field. Input the copied stream key and save changes.

From there, you should be good to go.

Step 2 – Connecting Cameras

If you are setting up OBS Studio live streaming, chances are, you will be sharing live video from a camera. So, we will start by getting a camera connected. Before accessing your camera from within the software, you will need to decide how to connect it to your computer. Fortunately, OBS Studio can easily handle many different types of connections. 

There are two ways to connecting cameras on OBS Studio. The first option is by using a built-in webcam or direct USB connection from an external webcam. The second option is to use consumer, prosumer, or professional cameras with HDMI or SDI outputs. This option requires the use of a capture device or card connected to or installed in your computer. OBS Studio also accepts connections using properly configured cameras using Video over IP (RTSP), including those using the new, more robust NDI standard. Note that the process for connecting a camera using Video over IP requires some additional steps not covered here.

Once your camera is connected correctly, you can add it as a source in OBS Studio. 

To add a camera to OBS Studio:

1. At the bottom left of the interface, look for “Sources” and click the “+.”
2. You will see the many options for sources. For now, click on “Video Capture Device.”
3. Be sure the “Create new” radio button is selected.
4. Name the source. Choose a name that will help you easily identify the source during production.
5. On the next screen, click on the arrows next to “Device” to show the dropdown menu.
6. Select your camera or capture device from the list.
7. If your camera is correctly connected and turned on, you should see an image in the box. If so, click “OK.”

Step 3 – Connecting Audio

There are several options for connecting audio for OBS Studio live streaming. Audio can come from cameras connected via HDMI, recorded source files on the computer, a soundboard or microphone connected to the computer’s microphone jack, or an audio source connected through an audio interface installed in or connected to the computer. 

Adding an Audio Source in OBS Studio:

1. At the bottom left of the interface, look for “Sources” and click the “+.”
2. From the list of sources, choose “Audio Input Capture.”
3. Ensure the “Create new” radio button is selected.
4. Give the source a name. Again, make sure it will be easily identifiable later.
5. Click on the arrow where it says, “device.”
6. Select the source you wish to use.
7. Click OK.

Step 4: Setting up Scenes

Scenes are at the heart of live streaming with OBS Studio. You can use them to make both audio and video sources ready to share with one click. For simple production, you may only need one scene. However, for more complex setups with multiple cameras and other sources, creating multiple scenes will make it fast and easy to switch between sources.

Adding a Scene for Live Streaming with OBS Studio:

1. At the bottom left of the screen, look for “Scenes” and click the “+.”
2. Name your scene and press OK.
3. You will notice the “Sources” box next to the “Scenes” box is now empty.
4. Now click on the “+” under “Sources.”
5. Pick the type of source you wish to add to the scene.
6. Next, choose “Add Existing” and select the device you want.
7. Click OK
8. Click the “+” again to add more sources. 

Step 5: Preparing to Stream

You are almost ready to stream. The final step is to set up OBS Studio to work with your content delivery network. 

Here is how to prepare for live streaming with OBS Studio:

1. Click on “Settings” in the lower right of the screen.
2. Choose “Stream” from the options on the left.
3. Choose your selected service from the dropdown menu next to “Service.”
4. Fill in the information, including your Stream Key, as instructed by your streaming provider.

Step 6: Begin Your Event

You can begin streaming by pressing the “Start Streaming” button on the lower right of the screen. You can now easily switch between your pre-defined scenes by clicking on the desired scene and clicking the “Transition” button. OBS Studio has many additional features to make the most of your event and live stream. These basic steps will get you started and ready for your first event live stream.

There you have it, now you can live stream your event with OBS Studio! If you need a custom live stream platform with the best features, contact BeLive Technology now.