How to Stream on Twitch with OBS: Beginner's Guide

OBS Studio is free, open-source, and supports Windows, Mac, and Linux. It gives streamers full control over scenes, overlays, and sources, making it perfect for both beginners and professional creators. Twitch, on the other hand, is the largest live streaming platform for gaming and creative content, with millions of viewers daily. Read this post from EaseUS to learn how to combine OBS with Twitch and deliver high-quality, interactive streams without the need for expensive software.

Step 1. Prepare Your Twitch Account

Sign Up or Log In:

• Go to Twitch (https://www.twitch.tv/) and create an account if you haven't already.
• Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
• This is required to stream. Go to Settings → Security and Privacy → Two-Factor Authentication and follow the steps.

Don't forget to share this guide to help more streamers!

Step 2. Install OBS Studio

• Download OBS Studio from obsproject.com.
• Install it for your system (Windows, Mac, or Linux).
• Launch OBS and run the Auto-Configuration Wizard if you want OBS to suggest optimal settings based on your PC and internet speed.

Step 3. Connect OBS to Twitch

Before you can go live, you need to link OBS with your Twitch account. There are two ways to do this:

Option 1: Connect Your Twitch Account

• In OBS, go to Settings → Stream.
• Under Service, select Twitch.
• Click Connect Account (recommended).
• Log in with your Twitch username and password, then authorize OBS.

Option 2: Use Your Twitch Stream Key

• Go to your Twitch Creator Dashboard → Settings → Stream.
• Copy the Primary Stream Key.

• In OBS, go to Settings → Stream.
• Select Twitch as the Service, then paste your key into the Stream Key box.

Step 4. Configure OBS Scenes and Sources

Scenes are like separate layouts for your stream. Each scene can include multiple sources, such as your webcam, game capture, or overlay graphics.

Common Sources of OBS Studio:

• Display Capture: Shows your entire screen.
• Window Capture: Focuses on a specific program or game.
• Video Capture Device: Your webcam feed.
• Audio Input Capture: Your microphone.
• Audio Output Capture: Desktop sound or in-game audio.

Step 5. Set Up Output and Video Settings

Output Settings

1. Go to Settings → Output.

2. Use Simple Mode if you're a beginner.

3. Recommended values for 1080p/60fps streaming:

• Video Bitrate: 4500–6000 kbps. Twitch caps the maximum at 6000 kbps. Staying within this range ensures your stream is sharp and clear at 1080p/60fps without overloading your internet upload speed.
• Audio Bitrate: 160 kbps. This is more than enough for crisp commentary and game audio. It balances good sound quality with efficient bandwidth usage.
• Encoder: x264 (CPU) or NVENC (NVIDIA GPU). x264 (CPU) delivers excellent quality, especially at lower bitrates, but it's CPU-intensive. NVENC (GPU) uses a dedicated encoder on NVIDIA graphics cards, freeing up your CPU and keeping your game performance smooth.

Video Settings

1. Go to Settings → Video.

2. Base (Canvas) Resolution: 1920×1080.

3. Output (Scaled) Resolution: 1920×1080 or 1280×720

• 1080p gives the sharpest picture, ideal if your internet and PC can handle it.
• 720p is lighter on your system and makes streams more accessible to viewers with slower connections.

4. Common FPS: 30 or 60, depending on your hardware and internet speed

• 60 FPS makes fast-paced gameplay smoother and more enjoyable to watch.
• 30 FPS is easier on your system and upload speed, perfect for slower games or just chatting streams.

Step 6. Test Your Stream

Before going live:

• Click Start Recording in OBS to make a short test video.
• Play it back to check audio levels, webcam placement, and screen capture quality.
• Make adjustments to scenes, sources, or audio as needed.

Step 7. Start Streaming

• Click Start Streaming in OBS.
• Open your Twitch channel in a browser or mobile device to confirm the stream is live.
• Monitor the Twitch Dashboard for chat interaction, viewers, and stream health.
• Switch between scenes during your stream to make your content dynamic.

Tips for a Smooth Twitch Stream

1. Use a wired internet connection for stable streaming.

2. Test audio levels to avoid echo or distortion.

3. Add overlays and alerts for followers, subscribers, or donations.

4. Engage with your audience via chat, polls, or live reactions.

5. Record Twitch stream for highlights or YouTube clips.

Conclusion

Learning how to stream on Twitch with OBS might feel overwhelming at first, but once you break it down into steps, it becomes straightforward.

The key is to start simple: use recommended settings, test your stream, and improve over time. As you get more comfortable, you can add overlays, alerts, and advanced features to make your stream stand out. With OBS and Twitch working together, you're well on your way to creating engaging content and building your audience.

FAQs

1. Can I stream Twitch without OBS?

Yes, you can stream directly from Twitch Studio, Streamlabs, or even mobile apps, but OBS gives more control and flexibility.

2. What bitrate should I use for Twitch?

For 1080p/60fps, 4500–6000 kbps is recommended. Lower resolutions can use 2500–4000 kbps.

3. How do I fix lag or audio issues?

Check CPU usage, reduce output resolution, lower FPS, or use a dedicated audio interface.

4. Can I stream on Mac or Linux?

Yes, OBS supports Windows, Mac, and Linux. Make sure your hardware meets minimum requirements.