A Beginner’s Comprehensive Guide to Setting Up OBS Studio for Streaming on Twitch, Kick, or YouTube

What You’ll Need to Start

Before we begin, here’s what you’ll need:

• A computer: Works with Windows, macOS, or Linux—any decent laptop or desktop will do.
• Internet: Aim for at least 3-5 Mbps upload speed for 720p streaming. Check yours at speedtest.net.
• Basic gear: Your laptop’s built-in mic is fine to start, plus an optional webcam or headset.
• OBS Studio: We’ll download it together below!

This guide is tailored for budget streamers, so we’ll focus on free tools and affordable upgrades via Amazon affiliate links where it makes sense.

Step 1: Downloading and Installing OBS Studio

Let’s get OBS on your computer—it’s super simple.

1. Go to the OBS Website:
   • Open your web browser (e.g., Chrome, Edge, or Safari).
   • Type obsproject.com into the address bar and hit Enter.
   • On the homepage, you’ll see a big blue button that says “Download”. Click it.
2. Pick Your Operating System:
   • You’ll see three options: Windows, macOS, or Linux. Click the one matching your computer (e.g., “Windows” if you’re on a PC).
3. Download the File:
   • The download starts automatically. It’s about 100 MB, so it’ll finish in a minute or two depending on your internet.
   • Once done, find the file in your Downloads folder (or wherever your browser saves files). It’ll look like OBS-Studio-30.0.0-Windows.exe (the version number might vary).
4. Install OBS:
   • Double-click the file to start the installer.
   • A window pops up—click “Next” on the welcome screen.
   • Click “Next” again to keep the default install location (C:\Program Files\OBS-Studio).
   • Click “Install”—a progress bar will fill up (takes about a minute).
   • When it’s done, click “Finish”. Check the box labeled “Launch OBS Studio” to open it right away.

Congrats! OBS is now installed. (Quick Start Guide OBS)

Step 2: First Launch and Auto-Configuration

When you open OBS, it’ll help you set up the basics automatically.

1. Open OBS Studio:
   • If it didn’t launch after installing, find the OBS Studio icon on your desktop or in your Start menu (Windows) / Applications folder (macOS) and double-click it.
2. Start the Auto-Configuration Wizard:
   • A pop-up will ask, “Do you want to run the Auto-Configuration Wizard?” Click “Yes”.
   • Missed it? No worries—click “Tools” in the top menu bar, then “Auto-Configuration Wizard”.
3. Set Your Purpose:
   • In the wizard, select “Optimize for streaming, recording is secondary” (perfect for beginners). Click “Next”.
4. Video Settings:
   • Base (Canvas) Resolution: Choose 1920×1080 (standard HD—works with most setups).
   • FPS: Pick 30 (smooth enough for beginners and light on your computer). Click “Next”.
5. Choose Your Platform:
   • In the “Service” dropdown, pick Twitch, Kick, or YouTube – RTMP. Don’t worry about the stream key yet—we’ll add it later. Click “Next”.
6. Run the Test:
   • The wizard will test your internet and PC power, then suggest settings like 720p at 30 FPS with a bitrate of 2500-4000 Kbps (good for budget setups). Click “Apply Settings”.
   • If you see a warning about your system, don’t panic—we’ll tweak manually later if needed.

Your OBS is now tuned for streaming! (OBS Studio Quickstart)

Step 3: Setting Up Scenes and Sources

Scenes are like layouts (e.g., “Gameplay” or “Starting Soon”), and sources are what viewers see (game, webcam, etc.).

1. Find the Scenes and Sources Panels:
   • At the bottom of OBS, look for two boxes: “Scenes” (left) and “Sources” (right next to it). They’re small but key!
2. Create Your First Scene:
   • In the “Scenes” box, click the “+” button at the bottom.
   • Type “Gameplay” in the pop-up and click “OK”. It’ll appear in the list.
3. Add Your Game as a Source:
   • With “Gameplay” selected, go to the “Sources” box and click the “+” button.
   • Choose “Game Capture” and click “OK”.
   • In the new window:
     • Name it “Game” (optional).
     • Set “Mode” to “Capture any fullscreen application” (easiest for beginners).
     • Click “OK”.
   • Open your game (e.g., Fortnite). It should show in the big preview window in the middle of OBS.
4. Add Your Webcam:
   • In the “Sources” box, click “+” again.
   • Select “Video Capture Device” and click “OK”.
   • Name it “Webcam” (optional).
   • In the “Device” dropdown, pick your webcam (e.g., “Integrated Webcam” or “Logitech C270”). Click “OK”.
   • Your face appears in the preview! Drag the red outline to move it (e.g., bottom-left corner) and pull the corners to resize.
5. Layer Your Sources:
   • In the “Sources” list, drag “Webcam” above “Game Capture” so it sits on top of your game in the preview.

Citation: Adapted from OBS Studio Overview Guide

Step 4: Configuring Audio

Good audio keeps viewers watching—let’s set it up.

1. Check the Audio Mixer:
   • At the bottom of OBS, find the “Audio Mixer” panel. It has sliders like “Desktop Audio” and “Mic/Aux”.
2. Set Game Audio:
   • “Desktop Audio” controls your game sound. Ensure it’s not muted (no red speaker icon). Slide it to about 50%—test by playing your game and watching the green bars move.
3. Add Your Microphone:
   • Click the gear icon next to “Mic/Aux” and select “Properties”.
   • In the “Device” dropdown, choose your mic (e.g., “Default” for your laptop’s mic).
   • Click “OK”. Talk into your mic—green bars should move. Adjust the slider to peak in the yellow (around 70%), not red (too loud).
4. Budget Mic Option:
   • Your laptop mic is fine to start, but for clearer sound, try the V5LS-B Gaming Microphone. It’s super affordable, and plugs right into your USB port. Grab it on Amazon. Optional—stick with what you’ve got if you’re saving up!

See How to Use OBS Step-by-Step Guide for more audio tips.

Step 5: Connecting to Twitch, Kick, or YouTube

Let’s link OBS to your streaming platform.

1. Get Your Stream Key:
   • Twitch: Log in at twitch.tv, click your profile picture (top-right), go to “Creator Dashboard” > “Settings” > “Stream”. Copy the “Primary Stream Key” (click “Copy”).
   • Kick: Log in at kick.com, click your profile (top-right), go to “Settings” > “Stream”. Copy the stream key.
   • YouTube: Log in at youtube.com, click “Go Live” (top-right), go to “Stream” tab, and copy the “Stream Key”.
2. Add It to OBS:
   • In OBS, click “Settings” (bottom-right corner).
   • Click the “Stream” tab on the left sidebar.
   • In the “Service” dropdown, pick Twitch, Kick, or YouTube – RTMP.
   • Paste your stream key into the “Stream Key” box (right-click > “Paste”).
   • Click “Apply”, then “OK”.

Image: OBS Stream Settings Window
Citation: Adapted from How to Use OBS Studio Tutorial

Step 6: Adding Free Overlays

Overlays make your stream look pro—and you can get them free!

1. Find a Free Overlay:
   • Go to Nerd or Die and download a free pack (e.g., “Pixelated Overlay”).
   • Save the ZIP file, then extract it to a folder (right-click > “Extract All”).
2. Add It to OBS:
   • In the “Sources” box, click “+”.
   • Choose “Image” and click “OK”.
   • Name it “Overlay” (optional).
   • Click “Browse”, find your overlay file (e.g., pixelated-overlay.png), and click “Open”, then “OK”.
   • It appears in the preview—drag it to stretch over your game and webcam.
3. Paid Options:
   • Want more later? Check out OWN3D for premium overlays—optional for when you’re ready to splurge.

Learn more at Adding Overlays to OBS Studio.

Step 7: Creating More Scenes

Scenes let you switch vibes—like a “Starting Soon” screen.

1. Add a New Scene:
   • In the “Scenes” box, click “+”.
   • Name it “Starting Soon” and click “OK”.
2. Add a Background:
   • In “Sources”, click “+”, pick “Image”, and add a free “Starting Soon” graphic from Nerd or Die.
   • Position it in the preview.
3. Switch Scenes:
   • Click “Gameplay” or “Starting Soon” in the “Scenes” box to switch during your stream.

Step 8: Setting Up Alerts

Alerts tell you about new followers or tips—free with Streamlabs.

1. Get Alerts:
   • Sign up at streamlabs.com (free account).
   • Go to “Alert Box”, tweak the look (e.g., “Follower” alert), and copy the Widget URL.
2. Add to OBS:
   • In “Sources”, click “+”, select “Browser”, and click “OK”.
   • Name it “Alerts”, paste the URL, set Width to 1920 and Height to 1080, then click “OK”.

See Stream Layout Tutorial 2 Alerts.

Step 9: Watch This Video for Extra Help

Check out this quick beginner’s guide to see these steps in action:

It’s a great supplement to this guide!

Step 10: Titling Your Stream and Going Live

Let’s wrap up and hit that live button!

1. Set Your Stream Info:
   • Twitch: In “Creator Dashboard” > “Stream Manager”, set “Title” (e.g., “Chill Minecraft Night”) and “Category” (e.g., “Minecraft”).
   • Kick: In “Settings” > “Stream”, update your title and game.
   • YouTube: In “YouTube Studio” > “Go Live”, add a title and category.
2. Go Live:
   • Back in OBS, click “Start Streaming” (bottom-right). Check your platform’s dashboard—you’re live!
3. Budget Gear Upgrades:
   • Webcam: The Logitech C270 is cheap and solid. Get it on Amazon.
   • Lighting: The Neewer Ring Light Kit is budget-friendly and boosts your look. Find it on Amazon. Both are optional—your setup works as-is!

Final Tips for Success

• Test First: Use Twitch’s “Test Broadcast” or YouTube’s “Unlisted” mode to practice.
• Keep It Simple: Start with these basics, then explore more in OBS Studio Tutorial for Beginners.
• Have Fun: Your energy keeps viewers coming back!

You’re now a streamer! OBS is set up, your scenes are ready, and your budget-friendly stream looks great.  Checkout our articles on streaming in our blog section.  Happy streaming!