Learning how to simulcast on OBS Studio is an arduous task, so here is a guide on how to do it quickly.
Simulcasting is the process of streaming across multiple platforms concurrently. It is a beloved phenomenon that all streamers love because it allows them to simultaneously broadcast to multiple platforms. It allows them to reach more than one group of people at once which increases their influence and reach. The most popular platforms that streamers simulcast to are YouTube, Facebook and Kick. Now, Twitch has joined the list of platforms because they are allowing simulcasting which they did not before. While simulcasting can be done with paid services, some people cannot afford that so they opt for OBS Studio which is a video recording and livestreaming free open-source software. Hence, here is a guide on how to simulcast on OBS Studio.
The Ultimate Guide on How to Simulcast on OBS Studio
Credit: @TechGrant on YouTube
As mentioned before, simulcasting allows you to broadcast to a live audience simultaneously on multiple live-streaming platforms that allow it. The main purpose of streaming as we know is to reach a target audience and increase one’s reach. Using multi-destination streaming, you can easily reach the right people for your content on various platforms and increase your viewership immensely. While it can always be done using paid service software such as Restream or Streamlabs, there are free options. The best free software that provides amazing service for simulcasting is OBS Studio as mentioned before. Hence, keep on reading to learn how to simulcast on OBS Studio.
Steps for Simulcasting on OBS Studio
Now, the main thing is how do you simulcast using the OBS Studio software? There are two main ways that you can simulcast with the live streaming software. One is using a RTMP server while the other is using a plug-in. Most of the general public opt for using the plug-ins because they are easier. Hence, we will be sharing 3 different methods to multicast on the software, one is with the RTMP server and the other two are with plug-ins. They are given as follows:
Simulcasting with RTMP Server
An RTMP server is a type of protocol that is made for streaming video and audio by maintaining low latency connections for smooth broadcasting. This method is specifically for people who need to output their broadcast at different frame rates. Hence, here are the steps on how to simulcast on OBS Studio with an RTMP server:
- Host an RTMP Server: Of course, the first and foremost step is to create an RTMP server. You can find many of them online with proper instructions on how to do it.
- Configure OBS Studio: Firstly, go to your OBS app and click on Profile > Duplicate, so that you can easily undo all the changes if you need to. Next, go to Settings and click on Stream, then set the Service to Custom. In the “Server” field, type in your RTMP server link and the Stream Key field, type “stream” and save the settings.
- Install FFMepg: Go to FFMepg’s official website and download the one suitable for your OS. Install it on your desktop and extract the files to the same folder as your RTMP Server. Then, pull up Command Prompt and test your stream with the command, “ffplay.”
After following the steps given above, you’re ready to start streaming! Remember that with this method, you need to use commands on your Command Prompt window to stream.
Simulcasting with RTMP Plug-in
This method is one of the most easy ways to simulcast with OBS Studio. It is a plug-in with multiple RTMP server outputs compiled together. This plug-in is made by Sora Yuki and you can find it on GitHub or OBS Studio’s official website. Hence, here are the steps on how to simulcast on OBS Studio with an RTMP plug-in:
- Download the RTMP plug-in: First and foremost, download the plug-in from the website and make sure to match it with the version and OS of your OBS Studio software.
- Extract the file: Extract the downloaded file which will be compressed in a zip file and place it in the same folder as your OBS Studio software.
And just like that, you’re done with this method. Yes, it is that simple and all you need to do is go on your OBS Studio application, select streaming settings as you need and you’re good to go!
Simulcasting with Restream Plug-in
Last but not least, this method is another plug-in method that uses the Restream plug-in. Restream is a live streaming service that has both paid and free plans, and this plug-in is completely free of cost. Hence, here are the steps on how to simulcast on OBS Studio with the Restream plug-in:
- Create a Restream account: First and foremost, go to Restream.io and create an account with your credentials or log in if you already have an account.
- Configure the settings: Go into your Restream account’s dashboard and click “Add Destinations” to add your preferred platforms. Next, give the website access to your account and select “Add Channel.” You have to repeat it each time to add a new channel as you want.
- Configure OBS Studio: Go into your OBS Studio application and go to Settings. Select “Stream” and choose Restream.io in the “Service” field. As for the Stream Key, you can either enter it manually or just click on the “Connect Account” option below to give automatic access to your account.
With that, you’re done with setting up the Restream plug-in and are ready to start simulcasting on multiple platforms with OBS Studio. Not only does this plug-in allow you to simulcast quite easily, but it also has other added features including being able to see the chat from all platforms in one place.
Pros and Cons of Simulcasting with OBS Studio
Here are the pros and cons of simulcasting with OBS Studio:
Pros:
Here are the pros of simulcasting with OBS Studio:
- Free open-source software that is accessible to everyone
- Easy-to-use interface which is best for beginners looking to simulcast
- Reduces bandwidth requirement so it works for lower-quality internet connections
- Various plug-ins available to suit your specific needs
Cons:
Here are the cons of simulcasting with OBS Studio:
- Limitations on select features which is inconvenient
- Limitations on the available plug-ins
- Can result in redundancy because the same image is being transmitted from multiple platforms with different levels of quality
- Increased network load and pressure
Conclusion
Needless to say, simulcasting is only a little setup away with OBS Studio and its various plug-ins. Simulcasting is something that all streamers should look into because it is a great way to increase one’s influence. You can reach your target audience through multiple mediums and increase your viewership by a lot. Instead of paying for expensive subscription plans, opt for using free open-source software such as OBS Studio. Hence, make sure to check out all the steps on how to simulcast on OBS Studio and start simulcasting today! For more live streaming guides, check out our list of the 5 best webcams for streaming and stay tuned for more!