OBS Studio, also known as Open Broadcaster Software or just as OBS, is the perfect tool if you want to capture your computer screen and record it as a video, or simply use it on a video live-streaming service like Twitch.
What is OBS Studio?
OBS is an open-source screen capture and streaming software for video recording and live-streaming released in 2012. It allows you to broadcast your game streams to platforms, or to use it to create screencasts. Moreover, it is open-source software, so the code is open to the public, which means any user can improve upon this software whenever they want.
At first glance, it may seem difficult to use this software, but we are going to help you with it.
How to download OBS?
You can download the Open Broadcaster Software for free at obsproject.com/en/download on Windows, Mac, or Linus.
How to install your Open Broadcaster Software?
There are many functionalities on OBS so before any recording, you need to follow a few steps.
1# Set up your software
- First, you must click on “configuration” and next open OBS.
- Secondly, click under the “output” tab to check if the video bit rate is at 2500 Kbps.
- Lastly, specify the recording path (where the video can be found) and the recording format. Then, click on “apply” and confirm.
2# Add sources to create your scene
In order to create your content, you must add at least one source. Here’s a list of the different sources you can add.
— Your microphone
If you want to speak in your video, you must add a microphone (like your headset’s microphone or your internal microphone). Nevertheless, it is not an obligation, you can add an audio file later.
— Your webcam
You may have to film yourself depending on what you want to create, that is why you need to add your webcam or no one will see you.
— Your screen recorder
You have the possibility to record your screen. The captured video will record all the applications as you see them on your screen. However, you can also capture an application only, such as PowerPoint or Twitch.
3# Record your content
When you have completed all these steps, you can finally start using your software and record everything you need to create your content. You just have to click on the “start recording” button at the bottom right of the application.
If you need any help or simply more information on how to install OBS, just watch Sarah’s video here:
Go further with OBS studio :
It takes time to learn how to fully use OBS because there are many functionalities to discover depending on what content you want to share. Becoming an OBS pro will take time as a beginner, but it is not impossible.
There is also another option if you think OBS Studio is difficult to use: it is Streamlabs OBS. Unfortunately, Streamlabs is only available for Windows (although it is possible to get Streamlabs on Mac with Bootcamp).
Boost your audience by subtitling your recordings
If you are using OBS to provide quality content for your audience, it would be interesting to subtitle your streaming recordings to reach more people. For example, you can subtitle your Twitch videos to boost your audience.
