OBS in seven steps
- Download OBS Studio from obsproject.com (free)
- Run Tools, Auto-Configuration Wizard
- Add your webcam as a Video Capture source
- Check your microphone in the Audio Mixer
- Paste your cam site's server and stream key in Settings, Stream
- Record a short private test and watch it back
- Start streaming
You don't need OBS to start camming: most sites let you go live from the browser. But once you want more control, OBS is the standard free tool. It's what lets you add a tip goal bar, switch between two cameras, blur your background or fix a dark, grainy picture.
Step 1: Download and run the wizard
Download OBS Studio only from the official site, obsproject.com. It's free and runs on Windows 10 and 11, macOS 13 or later, and Linux. On first launch, OBS offers its Auto-Configuration Wizard, which tailors settings to your hardware and internet connection. You can rerun it any time from the Tools menu.
Step 2: Add your camera and other sources
In OBS, everything you show is a source, and sources live in scenes. Click + in the Sources dock and choose Video Capture Device for your webcam. You can add more: an image for a tip menu, text for your schedule, or a second camera.
A simple setup for most models:
| Scene | Sources | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Live | Webcam, tip menu image, goal text | Most of your show |
| Close-up | Second camera or a cropped webcam | Moments viewers tip for |
| Be right back | Image with a short message | Breaks, without ending the stream |
Step 3: Set up your audio
Watch the meters in the Audio Mixer. If they don't move when you speak, or the wrong device is picked up, go to Settings, Audio and choose your microphone manually. Mute desktop audio unless you mean to play music, and check your site's rules before playing copyrighted songs.
Step 4: Video settings
In Settings, Video, two settings matter. The Base (Canvas) Resolution is the space for your sources, usually your monitor's resolution. The Output (Scaled) Resolution is what viewers receive. OBS's guide notes that 60 FPS is more demanding than 30, so if your computer or connection struggles, drop to 30 FPS before lowering resolution.
In Settings, Output, set your video bitrate. OBS says it depends on your upload speed and your service's limits. Your cam site's broadcaster help usually lists its recommended settings.
Step 5: Connect OBS to your cam site
Cam sites that accept external streaming software give you a server URL and a stream key in your broadcaster settings. In OBS, open Settings, Stream, choose Custom as the service, and paste in the server and the key.
Treat your stream key like a password. Anyone who has it can stream into your room. Never paste it in chat, never show the OBS settings on stream, and reset it on the cam site if you think it has leaked.
If your site only accepts a webcam in its browser broadcaster, use OBS Virtual Camera instead: click Start Virtual Camera in the Controls dock, then pick "OBS Virtual Camera" as your webcam on the cam site. Viewers see your full OBS scene, overlays included.
Step 6: Test before every new setup
OBS strongly recommends a test run of a few minutes. Use Start Recording, do a short mock show, then watch it back. Check that your face and body are lit evenly, your voice is clear, nothing identifying is visible in the background or reflections, and no settings window or stream key appears on screen.
Privacy features worth using
- Background blur or a virtual background hides your room. Run a test recording to make sure edges look natural.
- A "be right back" scene lets you step away without the camera showing an empty room.
- Window capture, never full display capture, if you show anything from your computer, so notifications and messages never appear on stream.
More in our privacy and safety guide.
Common OBS problems
| Problem | First thing to try |
|---|---|
| Black screen from webcam | Close other apps using the camera (including the browser broadcaster), then re-add the source |
| Choppy or laggy stream | Lower FPS from 60 to 30, then lower output resolution; use wired internet |
| Audio meter not moving | Settings, Audio: select the right microphone |
| Picture looks dark or grainy | Add light in front of you before changing camera settings |
| Stream won't connect | Re-copy the server URL and stream key; reset the key on the site |
Questions people ask
Is OBS free?
Yes. OBS Studio describes itself as free and open-source software for video recording and live streaming, and it runs on Windows, macOS and Linux.
Do I need OBS to cam?
No. Most cam sites let you stream straight from your browser with a webcam. OBS is worth it when you want better quality, overlays, tip goals, a second camera or a blurred background.
What is a stream key?
A private code from your cam site that tells it the stream is yours. You paste it into OBS under Settings, Stream. Never share it or show it on screen: anyone with it can stream to your room.
What resolution and FPS should I use?
OBS's own advice is to run the Auto-Configuration Wizard and test. OBS notes that 30 FPS is less demanding than 60. Check your cam site's broadcaster help for the resolutions and bitrates it supports.
What is OBS Virtual Camera for?
It lets other apps use your OBS scene as if it were a webcam. That's useful when a cam site's browser broadcaster only accepts a webcam but you want OBS's overlays or filters.