If you’re looking at a streaming platform, but don’t want to spend on a monthly subscription, then try OBS.
OBS, or Open Broadcast Studio, is an open-source video streaming software that gives you a broadcast studio inside your computer. Many content creators use them for video streaming, but can different video platforms?
Can OBS stream to multiple platforms?
Streaming to Multiple Platforms with OBS:
By default, OBS only allows for single platform streaming, but you can use third-party tools to enable multiple streaming to platforms from your OBS app. You will need third-party services, such as Restream, or plugins like the Multiple RTMP Output.
Table of Contents
How Many Platforms can OBS Stream to Simultaneously?
OBS, by default, only streams to one platform. To do a multistream, you need to use a third-party service, such as Restream.
Which Platforms Does OBS Support Natively?
OBS supports many social media video platforms that use Real-Time Messaging Protocol (RTMP), such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram.
Since OBS is open-source software, it uses RTMP to broadcast video. That means, as long as the video platform supports RTMP, then OBS can stream to it.
What is RTMP?
RTMP, or Real-Time Messaging Protocol, is used for live streaming. Initially used for the Adobe Flash Player, RTMP now serves as an encoding tool for online video platforms.
In live streaming, RTMP is crucial due to its low latency streaming, which improves the real-time broadcast performance. It also minimizes buffering issues to have a more pleasing viewing experience.
RTMP allows viewers to rewind or fast-forward videos and is also used by some tools for video conferencing.
How Hard is it to Set up Multistreaming?
Setting up multiple streamings to different channels on OBS is not as straightforward compared to Streamyard.
You will need third-party services, such as Restream, or plugins like the Multiple RTMP Output.
The plugin is the better choice between the two, considering it’s free, although it is not officially a release or feature by OBS.
Also read our article on Can My Computer/Device Run OBS?
How Do you Set up Multistreaming with OBS?
If you want a free option, use the Multiple RTMP Output plugin to downloadhere.
Once you’ve installed the plugin, launch OBS and click on “Add a Destination.” Input the video platform (e.g., YouTube, Facebook), the RTMP server, and the RTMP key.
The RTMP key is a unique alpha-numeric code, and one mistake can significantly impact your live stream. So be careful when copying and pasting this code into OBS.
After setting the first destination, click on Add a Destination, and repeat the process for every new video platform you wish to add to the broadcast.
Once you’ve set your video platforms for the broadcast, you can proceed as usual in streaming. Another option would be to use Restream, which features a free plan and 30 platforms.
To enable Restream on OBS, go to settings and select Stream on the left side of the window. Under service, select Restream.io or Restream RTMP, then open your Restream dashboard, copy the RTMP key, and paste it on OBS.
Go to output, then select Advanced in the Output Mode.
For this menu, you need to do the following:
- Uncheck Enforce Streaming service encoder settings and Rescale Output.
- Set Rate Control to CBR and Bitrate to 3800.
- Set the Keyframe Interval to two seconds, and Profile to Main.
Next would be to click on the Video sub-menu. Set the Base Resolution and Output Resolution to 1280 x 720.
Then click on Advanced Settings. Set the Color Format to NV12 and 709 for Color Space.
Look into our article which reads about Can OBS Adjust The Volume?
Do People Typically Use OBS for Multistreaming?
OBS is a common streaming platform for people who want free streaming software and offers features that help you control different parameters, such as the volume of sources.
Because OBS is open-source, it’s become a popular choice for many people, given developers’ possible modifications to improve the streaming performance.
Can I use Multiple Cameras with OBS?
OBS supports multiple camera views during a broadcast.
You can have up to eight (8) cameras connected, of which you’ll need an external switcher if you wish to add more.
The Multiview feature controls the multiple camera features of OBS. You can easily change camera views with a single click on this feature.
Can you End Streaming on one Platform without Disconnecting Others?
Since each video platform is set as a separate window during the broadcast, you can quickly end broadcasting on one platform without interrupting others.
This feature is helpful for those who use subscription-based memberships and want to do exclusive streaming to a Facebook group.
What Else do I Need to Stream to Multiple Platforms?
OBS listed the following for its system requirements:
- Windows 8, 8.1, 10, and a DirectX 10.1 video card
- macOS 10.13 or later, Intel Processors, and an OpenGL 3.3 compatible video card.
- X Window System, and an OpenGL 3.3 compatible video card for Linux or Unix.
On top of that, it would be best if your computer has at least 8 GB of memory and a fast Internet connection of at least 10 Mbps for 720p resolution and can be good enough also for 1080p resolution. Unless you’re only streaming to Youtube, the 720p resolution should be acceptable.
How Does OBS Compare to Streamyard?
OBS and Streamyard are two popular broadcasting tools you can use to stream videos to your chosen platforms.
And notably, they can do multiple streaming platforms.
How Do They Compare?
First of all, OBS is open-source software, making it free to use and even modify if you know how to tinker with source codes.
Streamyard, meanwhile, is a browser-based service, which is proprietary. While you can use both for free, you need to pay to unlock more features on Streamyard. OBS gives you the full suite during installation.
OBS is a software you download, which takes up storage space on top of your memory usage. Streamyard is browser-based, which unloads your computer from storage use, but still uses memory.
OBS has support for most video platforms, provided that it uses RTMP. Streamyard, meanwhile, also supports RTMP videos but also has native support. That means you can connect media without adding the RTMP server and key, which reduces errors during the broadcast.
Setting up multiple streaming needs an extra step for OBS, as you need to download the Multiple RTMP plugin while Streamyard natively supports various streaming.
OBS natively supports up to eight (8) cameras with the Multiview feature for multiple camera setups. Streamyard also supports numerous camera setups through a switcher or sending individual links to other devices.
If you’re streaming to multiple platforms, one of your concerns would be the chat function. You need to be able to look at all platforms quickly. For OBS, you need add-ons, while Streamyard natively supports chat features in its interface.
Streamyard natively supports multiple guests, so you don’t need third-party services like Zoom. On the other hand, OBS supports single views by default, and you will need services like Zoom to do guesting.
There are other things to note about the two, which affect the whole broadcast experience.
First of all, Streamyard has a simplified interface, equating to lesser features. OBS has a lot of features but can be complicated for beginners. You can easily label cameras or views on Streamyard, while OBS will need a setup to enable these features.
OBS has an edge in recording since you get to tweak audio sources. Streamyard also allows recording and stores things on the cloud, but with limitations to editing. At most, you can add overlays to your video.
OBS has an edge with plugins if you’re looking to improve the experience. If something is missing, you’re likely to find a plugin to fix things. Streamyard does not have this feature, and there are limitations to plan upgrades.
Between the two, Streamyard is a better option for multiple streaming for beginners. OBS, meanwhile, is suitable for power users or anyone with the patience to tweak plugins and settings.
Final Thoughts
While OBS does not have multiple streaming by default, using it with third-party tools to enable various streaming gives you more potential to reach a wider audience and engage them as well.
Thanks to its open-source nature, you get more potential to make OBS your primary tool to reach your audience. You get to be indifferent platforms with only one camera.
In doing so, you can create more business opportunities to help establish your brand and presence.
Sources:
How to Connect OBS Studio to Restream!
What is RTMP? The Real-Time Messaging Protocol: What you Need to Know
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