Configure OBS for Twitch or YouTube streaming by setting output resolution, bitrate, encoder, and audio levels. This step-by-step guide covers initial setup for first-time streamers.
Download OBS Studio from obsproject.com.
Run the setup wizard, it auto-detects GPU encoder availability (NVENC for Nvidia, QuickSync for Intel) and suggests optimal settings.
Settings > Output > Output Mode: Advanced Encoder: NVENC H.264 (Nvidia) or QuickSync H.264 (Intel), use GPU encoding if available.
Bitrate: 6000 Kbps for 1080p60 on Twitch (partner limit); 4500 Kbps for 720p60.
Keyframe interval: 2 (required by Twitch).
Base (Canvas) Resolution: 1920x1080 Output (Scaled) Resolution: 1920x1080 (or 1280x720 for bandwidth-limited setups)
Service: Twitch (or YouTube) Stream Key: found in your Twitch/YouTube dashboard under Stream Settings
Scenes are layouts that you switch between (game scene, starting soon screen, BRB screen).
Sources are elements with in a scene: Game Capture: captures the game window Video Capture Device: webcam source Audio Input Capture: microphone
In the Audio Mixer: set microphone to peak at -10 to -6 dBFS during normal speaking.
Set game audio to -20 to -15 dBFS so it is audible but does not compete with voice.
Our picks
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Picks are based on manufacturer specs, independent reviews and owner reports.
Elgato
Records 1080p60 HDR10 with 4K60 HDR10 passthrough and very low latency for console streaming.
Razer
Razer's Kiyo Pro uses a large Sony STARVIS sensor for 1080p60 video that holds up in dim rooms.
Elgato
1 card passes through up to 4K144 and captures up to 4K, for high-refresh gaming setups.
FAQ
For 1080p60 streaming on Twitch: 6000 Kbps is the Twitch non-partner maximum. For 720p60: 3000-4500 Kbps provides good quality without excessive bandwidth use. For stable streaming, your upload speed should be at least 1.5x the bitrate, a 6000 Kbps stream requires at least 9 Mbps upload speed consistently.
GPU encoding (NVENC for Nvidia, QuickSync for Intel) is recommended over CPU encoding (x264) for most setups. GPU encoding handles the same quality as x264 at a fraction of the CPU usage, leaving more CPU resources for the game. The quality difference at the same bitrate is minimal for streaming purposes. Use x264 only if your GPU encoder is not available or you are rendering recording files for maximum compatibility.
For most streamers: 1080p60 is the target for PC gaming content. 720p60 is appropriate if your upload speed or PC performance limits 1080p streaming. 1080p30 is not recommended, 60fps is significantly more watchable for gaming content than 30fps at the same resolution.
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