Live Streaming has become a familiar concept in the world of marketing. With the ever-evolving landscape of marketing content, it’s essential for marketers to stay updated with the latest trends. One such trend is leveraging live streaming tools like OBS. OBS offers a solution for those who want to go live on platforms like Twitch, Kick, Facebook, and Youtube while ensuring excellent video quality.
What is OBS and Why is it Important for Live Streaming?
OBS, short for Open Broadcaster Software, is a software that enhances the quality of live videos on various platforms.
Here are some features of OBS that can be utilized:
1. Support for multicam in live streams:
If you’ve ever watched live events on TV, you may have noticed that multiple cameras are used to capture different angles and actions. These cameras alternate to provide viewers with engaging visuals based on the talent’s actions. OBS allows you to achieve a similar effect. It enables you to insert various scenes and switch between them during the live stream. This feature is particularly beneficial for conducting interviews and broadcasting them live on Instagram. To make the most of this feature, you’ll need multiple cameras.
2. Built-in audio mixer:
OBS not only supports diverse video inputs for live streaming but also includes a built-in audio mixer. This feature allows you to adjust the audio levels of each scene, ensuring a pleasant listening experience for your viewers. You can even choose to stream audio from specific scenes while switching between different scenes. This flexibility is particularly useful when using multiple external microphones.
3. Screen recording capabilities:
Originally popular among gamers, OBS gained recognition due to its real-time screen recording feature. Gamers can play games and showcase them to audiences on platforms like YouTube or Instagram. You can leverage this capability as well. By going live with OBS, you can record your sessions and repurpose them as marketing content in the future.
4. Text overlays during live streams:
OBS enables you to add text overlays to your live streams. This feature is useful for displaying captions, titles, or other textual information during your broadcasts. It enhances viewer understanding and engagement.
Connecting OBS to Streaming Platforms
The next step is connecting OBS to your preferred streaming platform. Here’s how:
1. Open OBS and click on “Settings.”
2. Select the “Stream” option from the left-side menu.
3. Ensure that the “Stream type” is set to “Streaming Services.”
4. Choose the streaming platform you want to use.
Now, you need to obtain a unique stream key, and the process varies depending on the platform.
For Twitch:
1. Log in to your Twitch account.
2. Click on “Settings” and navigate to the “Stream Key” section.
3. Click “Show Key” and copy the displayed key.
4. Go back to OBS, paste the stream key in the “Stream Key” field, and click “Apply” and “OK.”
For Kick:
- Create Your Kick Account and Edit Stream Info
- Copy Your Stream URL
- Set up OBS Studio
- Add Your Chat
- Setup Your Overlay
For YouTube:
1. Go to the “Creator Studio” page of your YouTube channel, located in the left-side menu.
2. Select “Other Features” and click on “Live Streaming.”
3. Scroll down to the “Encoder Setup” section.
4. Click the “Reveal Button” to display and copy your unique stream key.
5. Return to OBS, paste the stream key in the “Stream Key” field, and click “Apply” and “OK.”
Setting Up Games, Videos, and Audio
Let’s now explore the setup process for games, videos, and audio in OBS
Game Capture:
- Open OBS and click on the “Sources” column at the bottom.
- Click the “+” icon and choose “Game Capture” from the available options.
- Select the desired capture mode, such as capturing the entire application in fullscreen or a specific window.
- Consider whether you want to limit the frame rate or adjust the resolution based on the streaming quality and internet speed.
- Once you’ve made your choices, click “OK,” and you’re ready to record and stream your gameplay.
Webcam Video:
- Ensure that your webcam is connected to your PC.
- In the “Sources” column, click the “+” icon and select “Video Capture Device.”
- Choose the appropriate camera you want to use.
- Adjust the video quality and frame rate (FPS) settings.
- Once you’ve finished the adjustments, click “OK.”
Audio:
- Click on “Settings” in the lower-right corner of OBS.
- Select the “Audio” tab from the left-side menu.
- Adjust the audio settings to ensure clear sound from your PC and microphone.
- OBS offers options like “push-to-mute” and “push-to-talk” if you want to control when the audio sources are active.
- Click “OK” when you’ve completed the audio setup.
Conclusion
In conclusion:
1. OBS is a powerful live streaming software that provides numerous features to enhance your live broadcasts.
2. From supporting multicam setups to offering built-in audio mixing and screen recording capabilities, OBS proves to be an essential tool for content marketers in the current era.
By following the steps to connect OBS to streaming platforms and setting up games, videos, and audio sources, you’ll be able to create high-quality and engaging livestreams.
