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How to Set Optimal Video Settings in OBS Studio

Mark Sergienko avatar
Written by Mark Sergienko
Updated over 2 weeks ago

Follow these steps to set up the best video settings in OBS Studio for streaming with EventLive.


Step 1: Open OBS Studio and Add Your Video Source

  1. Open OBS Studio on your computer.

  2. In the "Sources" box, click the + button.

  3. Select Video Capture Device.

  4. Choose your camera or capture device from the list.

  5. Click OK.


Step 2: Set Video Resolution and Frame Rate

  1. Click Settings in the lower right corner of OBS.

  2. Go to the Video tab.

  3. Set the Base (Canvas) Resolution and Output (Scaled) Resolution to your desired quality.

  4. For most events, 1920x1080 (1080p) is recommended.

  5. If your internet is slow, use 1280x720 (720p).

  6. Set the Common FPS Values to 30 for smoother streaming and less CPU usage.


Step 3: Adjust Output Settings (Bitrate)

  1. In the Settings window, go to the Output tab.

  2. Set the Video Bitrate:

  3. For 1080p: 4500-6000 kbps is recommended.

  4. For 720p: 2500-4000 kbps is usually enough.

  5. Set the Encoder to x264 (software) or your hardware encoder if available.

  6. Set the Audio Bitrate to 128 kbps or higher for clear sound.


Step 4: Check Your Internet Upload Speed

  • Make sure your upload speed is at least 3-5 Mbps for stable streaming.

  • If your upload speed is lower, reduce your video resolution and bitrate to avoid choppy or buffering streams.


Step 5: Start Streaming

  1. Enter your EventLive stream key and server URL in OBS.

  2. Click Start Streaming.


Troubleshooting Tips

Choppy or Buffering Video

  • Check your internet upload speed. Low upload speed is a common cause of choppy streams.

  • Lower your video resolution and bitrate in OBS if your connection is slow.

  • Close other programs using the internet on your computer.

Video Aspect Ratio Issues

  • Make sure your Base (Canvas) Resolution and Output (Scaled) Resolution match your camera’s aspect ratio.

  • If your video looks squished or has black bars, adjust these settings in OBS.

Recording Your Stream

  • You can record your stream locally in OBS by clicking Start Recording.

  • Note: Streaming and recording at the same time uses more CPU power. Make sure your computer can handle both.


Important Notes

  • Both streaming and recording use a lot of CPU power. If your computer is slow, try lowering the resolution or closing other apps.

  • Always test your stream before your event to make sure everything works as expected.


Additional Tips

  • If you can’t see your camera in OBS, make sure it’s connected and selected as a Video Capture Device.

  • For more help, check out our guide: How to Live Stream with EventLive and OBS Studio

  • If you have questions or need help, contact EventLive support anytime!


Set your OBS settings as recommended above for the best streaming experience with EventLive. Good luck with your event!

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