OBS guide

OBS setup for Loop - from download to go live.

This guide walks through a clean OBS install, building a basic scene, and wiring Loop stream credentials. It is written for first-time creators and teams setting up a reliable workflow.

Download OBSOpen Studio for RTMP details

Download + install

  1. Go to the official OBS site and download the installer for your OS.
  2. Run the installer and open OBS after install completes.
  3. If OBS offers an auto-configuration wizard, choose "Optimize for streaming."
Tip: Keep OBS updated for the latest encoder fixes and device compatibility.

Build scenes + sources

Scenes are layouts. Sources are the elements inside each scene (camera, screen, media, etc.).

  1. Create a new Scene called "Live".
  2. Add a Video Capture Device for your camera.
  3. Add Audio Input Capture for your microphone if needed.
  4. Add Display Capture or Window Capture if you are sharing your screen.
  5. Arrange and resize sources in the preview until it looks right.
Overlay tip
Add a PNG or browser source for lower-thirds and branding.
Scene order
Keep a simple "BRB" or "Starting Soon" scene for smooth starts.

Stream settings (RTMP)

  1. Open Settings → Stream.
  2. Set Service to "Custom".
  3. Paste the RTMP URL from Loop Studio into the Server field.
  4. Paste the Stream Key from Loop Studio into the Stream Key field.
  5. Click Apply and OK.
Your RTMP URL and Stream Key are unique per stream. Double-check you copied the correct pair.

Audio basics

  • Watch the Audio Mixer meters; avoid hitting red (clipping).
  • Use filters like Noise Suppression and Compressor for clean voice audio.
  • Mute sources you do not want live (desktop audio can surprise you).
If viewers report echo, disable duplicate audio sources or use "Monitor Off" for outputs.

Local recording (optional)

Recording locally gives you a backup and higher-quality footage for edits.

  • Open Settings → Output → Recording.
  • Choose a folder with enough disk space.
  • Pick a format you can edit easily (MP4 or MKV).
  • Use "Remux recordings" if you record to MKV for safety.

Go live checklist

  1. Confirm the right Scene is active.
  2. Check audio levels and mute anything sensitive.
  3. Press Start Streaming in OBS.
  4. Open Loop Studio, preview the layout, then click "Go live".
If your preview is blank in Studio, refresh stream details and confirm RTMP settings.

Troubleshooting

  • No video in Studio: verify RTMP URL + Stream Key and restart streaming.
  • No audio: check that your mic source is added and not muted.
  • Laggy stream: reduce output resolution or bitrate and try again.
  • OBS disconnects: confirm stable network and avoid VPNs during live shows.
Want tailored encoder settings? Share your hardware and target quality, and I will suggest a profile.