How to Stream on Discord Using OBS: A Comprehensive Guide

Streaming on Discord using OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) is an excellent way to share your gameplay or any content with friends or a community. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step.

Step 1: Download and Install OBS

First, download the appropriate version of OBS from the official OBS Project website. Whether you're using Windows, macOS, or Linux, the installation process is straightforward. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

Step 2: Set Up OBS

After installation, open OBS and familiarize yourself with its interface. It's time to create a scene where you'll add your sources.

Add Sources

In the Sources tab, you can add different elements to your stream. This could be your game, a webcam, or even a software that displays text.

Step 3: Configure OBS Settings

Go to the Settings tab in the bottom right corner. Here, you'll configure the video and output settings.

Video Settings

Under the Video tab, set your base canvas resolution and output scaled resolution. A common choice is 1921080 or 128720, depending on your preferences.

Output Settings

Under the Output tab, you can adjust the bitrate and encoding settings. A bitrate of around 2500-6000 kbps is typically suitable for good quality.

After making your adjustments, click OK to save the settings.

Step 4: Set Up Discord for Streaming

Open Discord and join a voice channel. Click the Share screen button at the bottom of the channel to start a screen share.

Select the OBS window as the source if you want to share a specific application. Configure the resolution and frame rate settings as needed. Higher settings may require more bandwidth.

Once everything is set up, click Start Streaming to begin your Discord stream.

Step 5: Start Streaming on OBS

In OBS, click the Live button on the right side of the window. You should now be live on Discord!

It's important to monitor your stream and chat for any feedback. If necessary, you can make adjustments on the fly.

Tips for Smooth Streaming

Ensure your audio settings in OBS are correctly configured to capture game audio and microphone input. Before going live, it's a good idea to do a private stream to test your settings and ensure everything looks and sounds as expected.

Consider your PC's performance, as streaming can be resource-intensive. If needed, adjust settings to optimize performance.

By following these steps, you should be able to successfully stream on Discord using OBS. Enjoy your streaming!