How to Stream on YouTube with OBS in 2025

YouTube is among the leading live-streaming platforms as of 2025. Open Broadcaster Software Studio is a free, open-source tool designed for video recording and live streaming. With its user-friendly interface and robust features, OBS allows users to capture high-quality video and audio from various sources, including screens, webcams, and external devices. Here, we will walk you through how to stream on YouTube with OBS.

Part 1: How to Stream on YouTube with OBS

Learning how to stream using OBS on YouTube will improve the quality of your material and captivate your viewers like never before, regardless of your level of experience or the audience already present.

Let's dive into the step-by-step process for setting up OBS to learn how to stream with OBS on YouTube.

Step 1: Download and Install OBS Studio

You first must download and install the program on your device before beginning streaming using OBS.

• Visit the Official OBS Website: Visit https://obsproject.com and download the OBS version fit for your running system (Windows, macOS, Linux).
• Install OBS Studio: Launch the downloaded file and install OBS on your device following the installation recommendations.

Step 2: Set Up Your YouTube Account for Streaming

Make sure your account settings are correct before streaming to YouTube.

To access YouTube Studio, Log into your YouTube account, click on your profile symbol, and then visit YouTube Studio.

• Enable Live Streaming: See Settings > Channel > Feature eligibility on the YouTube Studio dashboard to make sure your account is enabled for live streaming. Live streaming new accounts could take up to 24 hours.

• Retrieve Stream Key: Click Go Live within the YouTube Studio to access the Live Control Room. Choose one Stream from the available selections here and YouTube will create a Stream Key from it. You must enter this key into OBS to link your account, hence, and copy it.

Step 3: Configure OBS for YouTube Streaming

Once you've set up YouTube, it's time to configure OBS.

• Open OBS Settings: To launch the options menu in OBS, select options in the lower-right corner.
  Set Output and Video Settings:
• Output Mode: Choose "Advanced" on the Output tab for further flexibility over your stream settings.
• Video Bitrate: Your internet connection will guide your video bitrate choice. For 720p streaming, use 2,500–5,000 kbps, and for 1080p, use 5,000–9,000 kbps.

• Audio Bitrate: Go for between 160 and 320 kbps for best audio quality.

• Video Settings: Under the Video tab, set the Base (Canvas) Resolution and Output (Scaled) Resolution to match your preferred resolution (either 720p or 1080p).

Configure Stream Settings:

• In the Stream tab, select Service > YouTube - RTMPS.
• Paste your Stream Key from YouTube.

Step 4: Set Up Your Sources in OBS

OBS lets you add several sources to create your stream layout exactly.

Add Video Sources: Click the Add button in the Sources to add video references. Here are some often-used options:

• Video Capture Device: For connecting a webcam or external camera, select Video Capture Device.
• Display Capture: Use this to show your entire screen, which is helpful for tutorials or presentations.
• Window Capture: This option captures a specific application window useful for gaming or software tutorials.
• Arrange and Resize Sources: You can move, resize, and layer your sources on the OBS canvas. Arrange everything as you'd like it to appear on your live stream.

Step 5: Adjust Audio Settings

Clear audio is key to a successful live stream, so take the time to configure audio sources in OBS.

• Set Up Audio Sources: OBS will automatically add desktop and microphone audio sources, but you can also add more if needed.
• Balance Audio Levels: Use the Audio Mixer in OBS to adjust volume levels for each source. Ensure your voice is clear and not overpowered by other audio sources, like background music.
• Test Audio Monitoring: In the Audio Mixer, you can enable audio monitoring to hear the sound in real-time. This feature helps you fine-tune audio quality before you start streaming.

Step 6: Start Streaming

Once all settings are configured, it's time to start streaming!

• Preview and Test Your Stream: Click Start Recording to test your stream locally. This helps you see how it will look and sound without broadcasting live, giving you a chance to make adjustments if needed.

• Start Streaming: Once everything is ready, click Start Streaming in OBS. You'll go live on YouTube, and your audience can start watching in real-time.

With these steps, you're now equipped with how to stream to YouTube with OBS like a pro.

Part 2: FAQs for Stream on YouTube with OBS

Do you need 1000 subscribers on YouTube to stream?

No, you may stream from a desktop on YouTube without 1,000 subscribers. Mobile streaming requires at least 50 subscribers. Depending on your streaming device and reviewing YouTube's individual live streaming rules and criteria is crucial.

Is OBS good for YouTube videos?

Indeed, OBS is quite good at producing YouTube videos. Its adaptability and open-source nature make it popular among YouTubers and free to use. OBS may be tailored to satisfy the demands of both novice and experienced users and offers premium recording choices.

How much does YouTube pay per 1,000 streams?

Content kind, audience location, and ad performance all affect YouTube's fluctuating payment per 1,000 views also known as CPM. Usually, one thousand views result in between $1 and $5 for YouTube producers. Still, profits can rise dramatically depending on audience involvement and certain ad preferences.

Conclusion

Streaming on YouTube with OBS is an effective and engaging way to reach your audience. Following these steps, you can start streaming with OBS on YouTube and create high-quality content that your viewers will enjoy. From setting up OBS to adding high-quality video sources and audio, each part of the process plays an essential role in delivering a professional-looking stream.

For streamers looking to elevate their visuals, the OBSBOT Tail 2 is a top choice. With AI tracking, gesture control, and 4K resolution, it's designed to make live streaming more accessible and dynamic. Whether new to streaming or a seasoned pro, OBS and OBSBOT offer everything you need to create captivating live content on YouTube.

With these tools and tips, you're ready to start streaming confidently on YouTube and discover how to stream OBS on YouTube in 2025!