How to use OBS studio: A comprehensive guide

OBS Studio is the go-to open-source tool for live streaming and recording, giving developers full control over video quality, encoding, and real-time processing. Whether you're building a live streaming app or optimizing high-resolution broadcasts, OBS delivers flexibility and performance. With NVIDIA's NVENC hardware encoder, it ensures smooth streaming without overloading the CPU.

This guide breaks down everything you need from setup to advanced configurations so you can get the most out of OBS and create high-quality, low-latency streams effortlessly.

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Installing OBS studio

Before diving into configurations and optimization, the first step is getting OBS Studio up and running. Whether you're integrating it into a larger video pipeline or using it for live broadcasting, installation is straightforward and supports multiple platforms.

But installing OBS isn’t just about downloading the software it’s about setting up a foundation for a seamless streaming experience. Choosing the right version, understanding hardware compatibility, and configuring initial settings can make all the difference in performance and video quality. A properly installed and optimized OBS setup ensures low-latency, high-quality streaming without unexpected performance bottlenecks.

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Step 1: Download and install

• Start by downloading the latest version from the official OBS website: https://obsproject.com/. Make sure to choose the version that matches your operating system Windows, macOS, or Linux so you can take full advantage of platform-specific optimization.

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• Select your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux) and download the installer.
• Follow the installation instructions. On macOS, you may need to grant additional permissions for screen recording and audio capture.
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Step 2: Verify system compatibility

OBS relies on hardware acceleration for optimal performance, particularly for encoding and real-time video processing. Before proceeding, confirm that your system meets the recommended specifications:

• Windows/macOS users: Ensure your graphics drivers are up to date to avoid performance bottlenecks when using NVENC, QuickSync, or Apple’s VideoToolbox.
• Linux users: OBS may require additional dependencies like FFmpeg and xcb. Some distributions also need manual package installations. Refer to the official installation guide for specifics.
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Step 3: First-time setup

Once installed, launch OBS Studio. The first time you open it, the Auto-Configuration Wizard will prompt you to optimize settings based on your hardware. If you’re configuring OBS as part of a larger video pipeline or custom workflow, you can skip this and manually adjust encoding, bitrate, and streaming preferences later. However, if you're looking for a quick-start setup, let OBS handle the initial optimizations to get the best balance of performance and quality.

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Setting up OBS studio

Once OBS Studio is installed, the next step is configuring it to match your workflow. Whether you're developing a custom streaming solution or optimizing live video for your application, understanding OBS’s interface is key to a smooth setup.
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Customizing the interface

OBS Studio is fully modular, allowing you to rearrange and customize the layout based on your needs. Panels can be docked for a structured view or undocked for a more flexible workspace. Right-click any panel to move it freely or snap it back into place. This makes it easy to create an interface that aligns with your specific workflow whether you’re monitoring multiple inputs, switching scenes, or fine-tuning audio.

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Key components of OBS Studio

OBS is built around five core sections that define how video, audio, and transitions work within your stream:

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• Scenes: Think of these as different "stages" for your content. Each scene acts as a container for specific setups, such as a fullscreen webcam, gameplay capture, or a presentation overlay.
• Sources: The building blocks of each scene. Sources include webcam feeds, screen captures, images, text overlays, and browser-based elements. OBS allows layering and positioning for complete customization.
• Audio Mixer: Centralized audio controls for managing input and output levels. This panel lets you adjust microphone sensitivity, suppress background noise, and balance game, voice, or system sounds.
• Scene Transitions: Smoothly switch between scenes with custom effects like fades, cuts, or stingers. Transitions are crucial for polished production value, whether you’re building a live event stream or a real-time interactive broadcast.
• Controls: The command center of OBS. From here, you can start/stop streaming, begin recording, adjust settings, and access configuration options like hotkeys and advanced output settings.

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Creating your first scene

Scenes are the foundation of any OBS setup, acting as structured layouts that determine how video, audio, and overlays are presented. Whether you're building a developer-focused live demo, integrating OBS into a custom video pipeline, or setting up a personal stream, structuring your scenes correctly ensures a smooth and polished output.

1. Click the + button in the scenes panel and name your scene. This could be something like "Live Stream," "Presentation," or "Gameplay."
   
2. Add sources by clicking the + under the sources panel. OBS provides several capture options, each optimized for different content types:
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   • Display capture: Captures the entire screen, useful for tutorials and general screen recordings.
   • Game capture: Hooks directly into a game’s rendering pipeline for efficient, high-performance streaming.
   • Window capture: Captures a specific application window, ideal for software demos or browser-based content.
   • Video capture device: Adds a webcam or external video feed.
   • Audio input/output capture: Captures microphone input or system audio for fine-tuned audio mixing.
     
     
3. Arrange and resize your sources in the preview window. This is where you structure your layout, ensuring key elements like video feeds, overlays, and graphics are positioned for the best viewer experience.
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Optimizing scene setup

A well-structured scene isn’t just about adding sources it’s about ensuring efficiency, clarity, and performance. Here are key considerations when setting up your scene:

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• Game capture vs. Display capture:

Game capture is the best option for streaming games because it directly integrates with the rendering process, minimizing CPU and GPU load.

Display capture is a fallback option for non-game content but can be more resource-intensive, especially when capturing multiple screens.

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• Window capture limitations:

Some applications, particularly DRM-protected platforms like Netflix or certain proprietary streaming services, may not be captured due to content protection. If OBS displays a black screen when capturing a window, this is likely the cause.

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• Layer order matters:

The order of sources in the sources panel dictates their visibility. Elements like overlays, alerts, and webcam feeds should be positioned above screen captures or gameplay layers to ensure they remain visible.

Drag layers up or down in the list to adjust their priority higher layers will always appear in front of lower ones.
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Configuring OBS for streaming

Streaming with OBS requires the right setup to ensure smooth performance and high-quality output. Whether you're streaming to a popular platform like Twitch or integrating with a custom service like FastPix, configuring your settings correctly is essential.

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Step 1: Choosing your streaming platform

1. Open settings and go to the stream tab.
2. Choose a streaming service:
   • Twitch, YouTube, Facebook, etc. – Select the platform and enter your Stream Key (found in your account settings).
   • Custom RTMP Service – If streaming to a private server or third-party platform, select custom...

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Step 2: Using a custom streaming service

1. Select custom... from the service list.
2. Enter the RTMP server URL (provided by your platform, e.g., rtmp://yourserver.com/live).
3. Enter your stream key to authenticate your stream.
4. Click apply and ok to save your settings.

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Step 3: Configure video and audio settings

OBS Studio gives you full control over video and audio settings, allowing you to optimize quality based on your hardware and streaming needs. Proper configuration ensures smooth performance, minimal latency, and the best possible viewing experience.
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Opening OBS settings

1. Launch OBS studio.
2. Click on the settings button in the bottom-right corner.

From here, you can adjust both video and audio settings to match your stream’s requirements. The right configuration depends on factors like your internet speed, hardware capabilities, and streaming platform guidelines.

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Configuring video settings

Video settings in OBS define your stream’s resolution, frame rate, and encoding efficiency. Optimizing these ensures smooth playback and minimizes lag, whether you're streaming high-motion gameplay or a presentation.

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Adjust resolution and frame rate

Go to Settings > Video and configure the following:

1. Base (Canvas) resolution – The resolution OBS captures from your screen.
   • 1920x1080 (Full HD) for most setups.
   • Match your monitor’s resolution if capturing a lower-resolution display.
2. Output (Scaled) resolution – The resolution your viewers will see.
   • 1920x1080 (1080p) – Best for high-speed internet and powerful devices.
   • 1280x720 (720p) – More stable for lower bandwidth connections.
3. FPS (Frames per second) – Affects motion smoothness in your stream.
   • 60 FPS – Recommended for fast-paced content like gaming.
   • 30 FPS – Suitable for slower-moving content like presentations or tutorials.

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Optimize video performance

1. Bitrate control (CBR vs. VBR)
   • CBR (Constant Bitrate) – Recommended for live streaming to maintain stable video quality.
   • VBR (Variable Bitrate) – Ideal for recordings where file size matters.
2. Low-latency mode (NVENC) (For NVIDIA users)
   • Reduces encoding lag for fast-paced streams.
3. Buffer size adjustment
   • Helps smooth out bitrate fluctuations for a more stable stream, especially if network conditions vary.

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Setting bitrate for streaming

Bitrate directly affects the quality and smoothness of your stream. A higher bitrate improves video clarity but requires a faster internet connection. Configuring the right bitrate ensures optimal performance without buffering or dropped frames.

Recommended bitrate settings *(Go to settings > output > streaming)
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Tip: A higher bitrate improves video quality but also increases upload bandwidth usage. Ensure your internet speed can handle the selected bitrate without causing buffering or frame drops. A good rule of thumb is to have at least twice the upload speed of your target bitrate.
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Configuring audio settings

Clear and well-balanced audio is just as important as video quality. OBS allows full control over input/output sources, sample rates, and monitoring options.

Adjust audio settings *(Go to settings > audio)

• Sample rate:
  • 44.1 kHz – Standard CD-quality audio.
  • 48 kHz – Recommended for professional audio setups.
• Devices:
  • Mic/Auxiliary audio: Select your microphone (e.g., USB mic, headset mic, XLR interface).
  • Desktop audio: Choose your system sound output (e.g., speakers, headphones).

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Audio optimization settings

Audio monitoring modes: (Allows you to control how audio is played and sent to your stream.)

1. Monitor and output – Lets you hear the audio while also sending it to the stream.
2. Monitor only – Plays the audio locally without broadcasting it, useful for testing.
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Optimize output settings

Optimizing output settings in OBS is key to balancing performance and quality. The right configuration ensures smooth streaming without overloading your system.

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1. Selecting the Best Encoder *(Go to Settings > Output > Streaming)

• For NVIDIA GPUs: Use NVENC (hardware encoding) for better performance and lower CPU usage.
• For CPUs: Use x264, but keep in mind that software encoding is processor-intensive and may affect system performance.

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2. Adjusting recording settings *(Go to settings > output > recording)

If you want to save local recordings alongside your stream, configure the following:

• Format: Choose MKV instead of MP4. MKV prevents file corruption if OBS crashes.
• Encoder: Select NVENC (if available) or x264 for software encoding.
• Rate Control: Set to CBR (Constant Bitrate) for consistent video quality.
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Enhancing your stream with overlays and alerts

Adding overlays and alerts makes your stream visually engaging and professional. OBS supports overlays and alerts through browser sources, allowing real-time integration with tools like StreamElements and Streamlabs.

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Adding overlays *(Go to OBS > sources > browser source)

Overlays include webcam frames, chat boxes, and stream animations, helping personalize your stream.

Use tools like StreamElements or Streamlabs to create overlays. To add an overlay in OBS:

• Open OBS and select your Scene.
• Click “+” under Sources and choose Browser Source.
• Enter the overlay URL provided by StreamElements/Streamlabs.
• Adjust the size and position as needed.

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Setting up alerts *(Go to OBS > sources > browser source)

Alerts notify your audience when someone follows, subscribes, or donates.

To enable alerts using Streamlabs:

• Go to Streamlabs Alert Box and customize alert settings.
• Copy the alert URL provided.
• In OBS, go to your Scene, click “+” under Sources, and select Browser Source.
• Paste the URL, resize, and position the alerts on your screen.

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Using scene transitions *(Go to OBS > scene transitions)

Scene transitions create smooth visual effects when switching between different setups. To configure transitions in OBS:

• Open Scene transitions in the bottom-right panel.
• Select a transition type (Fade, Cut, Slide, Stinger).
• Adjust transition duration (e.g., 300ms for quick cuts, 1000ms for smooth fades).
• For custom transitions, import a .webm animation file.

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Advanced features in OBS

OBS Studio offers several advanced features that enhance both video and audio control, making it a powerful tool for professional streaming, virtual meetings, and post-production editing.

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1. Using virtual camera *(Go to controls > start virtual camera)

OBS can function as a webcam feed, allowing you to use your customized scenes in apps like Zoom, Google Meet, and Discord.

• Open OBS and set up your scene.
• Click “Start virtual camera” in the controls panel (bottom-right).
• In Zoom, Discord, or Google Meet, select OBS virtual camera as your video input.

This feature is useful for adding overlays, background effects, or high-quality camera feeds to virtual meetings and presentations.
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2. Setting up hotkeys *(Go to Settings > Hotkeys)

Hotkeys allow you to control OBS without switching windows, improving workflow efficiency.

• Open Settings > Hotkeys.
• Assign shortcut keys for functions like scene switching, audio muting, and starting/stopping the stream.
• Click Apply and OK to save your settings.

Hotkeys are especially useful for live streaming and professional broadcasts, where quick transitions and precise control are essential.

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3. Recording multiple audio tracks *(Go to settings > output > advanced mode)

Recording separate audio tracks makes editing easier by isolating mic audio, game audio, and background music into different channels.

• Go to Settings > Output and switch to Advanced Mode.
• Under Recording, enable multiple audio tracks and assign them to different sources (e.g., track 1 for microphone, track 2 for game audio).

This is particularly beneficial for content creators who edit their streams before uploading, allowing them to adjust audio levels independently.
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4. Applying filters to audio & video

Filters help enhance audio clarity and improve video quality, making your stream more polished.

Applying audio filters (Right-click audio source > Filters)

• Noise suppression: Removes background noise for clearer speech.
• Compressor: Balances loud and quiet sounds to prevent sudden volume spikes.
• Gain: Boosts volume levels if the input is too low.

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Applying video filters (Right-click Video Source > Filters)

• Color correction: Adjusts brightness, contrast, and saturation for better visuals.
• Chroma key: Removes backgrounds for green screen effects.
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Troubleshooting common issues

Even with the best setup, streaming issues can arise. OBS provides several ways to diagnose and fix problems to ensure a smooth streaming experience.

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Fixing laggy streams or dropped frames

• Lower the bitrate or resolution – High settings can overload your internet or PC. Reduce bitrate in Settings > Output or switch to 720p if needed.
• Switch from x264 to NVENC (if available) – If using an NVIDIA GPU, go to Settings > Output > Encoder and select NVENC for better performance.
• Use a wired connection instead of Wi-Fi – Ethernet provides a more stable connection, reducing lag and dropped frames.

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No audio in stream

• Check audio mixer levels – Ensure your microphone and desktop audio aren’t muted in the audio mixer panel.
• Ensure the correct audio device is selected – Go to Settings > Audio > Mic/Auxiliary Audio Device and choose the right input/output.
• Monitor audio through Advanced Audio Properties – Click the gear icon in the Audio Mixer, then adjust audio monitoring settings to "Monitor and Output" for troubleshooting.

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Game capture not working

• Run OBS as administrator – Right-click OBS and select run as administrator to allow it to capture games properly.
• Try window capture instead of game capture – Some games block Game Capture for security reasons. Use window capture as an alternative by adding it as a source.

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Low FPS / high CPU usage

• Check view > stats in OBS to diagnose performance issues.
• Remove unnecessary browser sources to optimize CPU usage.
• Enable dynamically change bitrate (OBS 28+) to adapt to unstable network conditions.

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Audio desync issues

• Add an audio sync offset in advanced audio properties to fix latency issues.
• USB microphones may have latency variations – Consider using ASIO drivers or manually adjusting sync settings.

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Network-related stream drops

• Use Adaptive Bitrate Streaming to maintain stability.
• Switch to Google DNS (8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4) for better connectivity.
• Enable OBS’s Auto-Reconnect feature to resume the stream if disconnected.

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Tips for a professional stream

Taking your stream to the next level goes beyond just good video and audio quality. Here are some expert tips to improve efficiency, engagement, and overall production value.

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Use a stream deck (or hotkeys) for efficiency

Automating scene switches, sound effects, and overlays can make your stream feel smoother and more professional.

• Use a stream deck: A physical Stream Deck lets you control OBS with the press of a button.
• Alternative: If you don’t have a Stream Deck, use a mobile app like Touch Portal for similar functionality.
• Set Up Hotkeys: Go to Settings > Hotkeys to assign shortcuts for scene switching, muting/unmuting audio, or starting/stopping the stream.

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Monitor your stream in real-time

Keeping an eye on performance metrics helps prevent unexpected issues mid-stream.

• Use the Twitch or YouTube Dashboard to check stream health, bitrate, and dropped frames.
• Monitor CPU and network usage in OBS – Go to View > Stats to track real-time performance, including frame rate, encoding load, and connection stability.

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Engage with your audience

Creating an interactive experience keeps viewers engaged and encourages participation.

• Add a chat overlay to display viewer comments directly on your stream.
• Use alerts from Streamlabs or StreamElements to acknowledge new followers, subscribers, and donations in real-time.

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Keep your setup updated

Regular updates ensure you have the latest features, optimizations, and bug fixes.

• Update OBS Studio and plugins frequently to take advantage of new improvements.
• Keep your hardware drivers up to date, especially GPU drivers, for the best performance and encoding efficiency.

How to use OBS Studio with FastPix for live streaming

FastPix supports both RTMPS and SRT streaming protocols, giving developers flexibility based on their requirements. OBS Studio can be configured to stream using either protocol, depending on factors like security, latency, and network stability.

Streaming with RTMPS (Recommended for most users)

RTMPS (RTMP Secure) is the most widely used streaming protocol, offering easy setup and broad compatibility with streaming software like OBS Studio. It’s ideal for most use cases, including live events, webinars, and social media broadcasts.
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Step 1: Obtain your RTMPS streaming details

Log in to your FastPix Dashboard and navigate to your livestream settings to access your stream credentials. You’ll need the following:

• RTMPS URL: rtmps://live.fastpix.io:443/live
• Stream Key: (Copy from your FastPix dashboard – this uniquely identifies your stream.)

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Step 2: Configure OBS for RTMPS streaming

1. Open OBS Studio and go to Settings > Stream.
2. Under Service, select Custom...
3. In the Server field, enter: rtmps://live.fastpix.io:443/live
4. In the Stream Key field, paste the key from your FastPix dashboard.
5. Click Apply and OK to save the settings.

Once configured, OBS is ready to stream securely using FastPix’s RTMPS protocol. If you need lower latency or greater reliability for unstable networks, consider using SRT streaming, which FastPix also supports.
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Configure OBS studio for RTMPS streaming

Once you have your FastPix streaming credentials, follow these steps to configure OBS Studio for RTMPS streaming:

1. Open OBS Studio.
2. Go to Settings > Stream.
3. Set Service to "Custom."
4. In the Server field, enter: rtmps://live.fastpix.io:443/live
5. In the Stream Key field, paste the key from your FastPix Dashboard.
6. Click "Apply" and "OK" to save your settings.
7. Click "Start Streaming" in OBS to begin broadcasting via FastPix.

With this setup, your stream will be securely transmitted over RTMPS, ensuring compatibility with FastPix’s video infrastructure. If you need lower latency or a more resilient protocol, consider using SRT streaming, which FastPix also supports.
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Streaming with SRT (For low-latency and secure streaming)

SRT (Secure reliable transport) is a powerful alternative to RTMPS, designed for low-latency, high-quality streaming with built-in encryption and network resilience. It is ideal for live broadcasts, remote productions, and environments with unpredictable network conditions.

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Step 1: Obtain your SRT streaming details

Log in to your FastPix dashboard and navigate to your livestream settings to retrieve the necessary credentials:

• SRT Base URL: srt://live.fastpix.io:778
• Stream Key: (Copy from your FastPix dashboard – uniquely identifies your stream.)
• SRT Secret Key: (Copy from the dashboard – used for encrypted transmission.)
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Step 2: Configure OBS studio for SRT streaming

1. Open OBS Studio.
2. Go to Settings > Stream.
3. Set Service to "Custom."
4. In the Server field, enter: srt://live.fastpix.io:778?streamid=your-stream-key&passphrase=your-secret-key
   • Replace your-stream-key with the copied Stream Key from FastPix.
   • Replace your-secret-key with the copied SRT Secret Key from FastPix.
5. Click "Apply" and "OK" to save the settings.
6. Click "Start Streaming" in OBS to begin broadcasting via FastPix.

With SRT, your stream benefits from adaptive bitrate adjustments, packet recovery, and secure end-to-end encryption, making it an excellent choice for mission-critical, low-latency streaming.
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Step 3: Construct the SRT server URL

Before configuring OBS, you need to construct your SRT stream URL, which includes authentication details for a secure connection.

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Use the following format:

srt://live.fastpix.io:778?passphrase=<SRT Secret Key>&streamid=<Live Stream Id>

Replace <SRT Secret Key> and <Live Stream Id> with the actual credentials from your FastPix livestream details page.

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Step 4: Configure OBS studio for SRT streaming

1. Open OBS Studio.
2. Go to Settings > Stream.
3. Set Service to "Custom."
4. Enter the SRT Server URL you built:

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srt://live.fastpix.io:778?passphrase=<SRT Secret Key>&streamid=<Live Stream Id>

5. Enter the stream key from your FastPix livestream settings.
6. Click "Apply" and "OK" to save the settings.
7. Click "Start streaming" in OBS to begin broadcasting via FastPix.
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To know more, please check out our guides and docs.
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Final thoughts

Curious to see how FastPix can make your live streaming journey better with features like real-time clipping, instant encoding, and more? let’s explore how it can fit seamlessly into your workflow reach out to us anytime.