When streaming to multiple platforms using OBS, it’s essential to configure your encoder settings properly to ensure high-quality streams with minimal interruptions. Below is a detailed guide for setting up the best OBS encoder settings for platforms like YouTube, Twitch, Facebook, and more.

1. Video Settings

Base (Canvas) Resolution:

  • Recommendation: 1920×1080
  • Explanation: This is the resolution of your preview in OBS, typically matching your display resolution.

Output (Scaled) Resolution:

  • Recommendation: 1280×720
  • Explanation: Many streaming platforms, like Twitch and YouTube, stream at 720p. Scaling down to 720p helps with bandwidth and performance, especially if you have limited upload speed.

Downscale Filter:

  • Recommendation: Lanczos (36 samples)
  • Explanation: This provides sharper scaling when reducing the resolution of your stream.

FPS (Frames Per Second):

  • Recommendation: 30 FPS
  • Explanation: 30 FPS is ideal for most content types, such as talking head videos, gaming, and casual streams. If you’re streaming fast-paced content like esports, consider 60 FPS for smoother motion.

2. Encoder Settings

Encoder:

  • Recommendation: x264 (CPU) or NVENC (GPU)
  • Explanation:
    • x264 is a software encoder that uses your CPU, producing higher quality video at the cost of more processing power.
    • NVENC uses your NVIDIA GPU for encoding, offering excellent quality with lower CPU usage. If your system supports it, NVENC is preferred.

Rate Control:

  • Recommendation: CBR (Constant Bitrate)
  • Explanation: CBR ensures a consistent stream bitrate, which is crucial for live streaming to platforms like Twitch and YouTube.

Bitrate:

  • Recommendation:
    • 4,500 to 6,000 kbps for 720p at 60 FPS
    • 3,000 to 4,500 kbps for 720p at 30 FPS
  • Explanation: The bitrate determines the quality of your stream. Higher bitrates provide better video quality but require more upload speed.

Keyframe Interval:

  • Recommendation: 2 seconds
  • Explanation: Many platforms, such as YouTube and Twitch, require a keyframe interval of 2 seconds for optimal performance.

CPU Usage Preset (x264 Only):

  • Recommendation: veryfast or faster
  • Explanation: The CPU usage preset determines how much CPU power OBS will use for encoding. “veryfast” is a good balance between quality and performance, while “faster” may provide slightly better quality at the expense of more CPU usage.

Profile:

  • Recommendation: Main
  • Explanation: The “Main” profile is best for streaming to platforms like YouTube and Twitch, as it ensures broad compatibility without sacrificing too much quality.

Tune:

  • Recommendation: None
  • Explanation: OBS does not typically require a specific tune setting unless you have a particular use case.

3. Audio Settings

Audio Bitrate:

  • Recommendation: 160 kbps
  • Explanation: A bitrate of 160 kbps for audio ensures clear sound without taking up too much bandwidth.

Sample Rate:

  • Recommendation: 48 kHz
  • Explanation: 48 kHz is the standard for video content and provides excellent audio quality for streams.

Channels:

  • Recommendation: Stereo
  • Explanation: Stereo provides the best audio experience for viewers, especially for content with music or surround effects.

4. Advanced Settings

Network Settings:

  • Enable Dynamic Bitrate (OBS 24.0+):
    • Recommendation: Enabled
    • Explanation: This allows OBS to adjust the bitrate dynamically based on your network conditions, helping to prevent stream interruptions.

Latency Mode:

  • Recommendation: Low Latency
  • Explanation: For platforms like Twitch that offer a low latency option, this reduces the delay between your live actions and when your audience sees them. It’s especially useful for interactive streams or gaming.

Recommended Upload Speed for Streaming

To maintain a stable stream, your upload speed should be at least 1.5x your target bitrate. Here’s a breakdown:

  • 4,500 kbps (720p 60 FPS) = 6.75 Mbps upload speed
  • 3,500 kbps (720p 30 FPS) = 5.25 Mbps upload speed

Test your internet speed to ensure you’re meeting the required upload speeds for your target resolution and bitrate.

Summary of Best Settings for OBS

SettingRecommended Value
Base (Canvas) Resolution1920×1080
Output (Scaled) Resolution1280×720
Downscale FilterLanczos (32 samples)
FPS30 FPS
Encoderx264 or NVENC
Bitrate3,000-6,000 kbps (depending on FPS)
Keyframe Interval2 seconds
CPU Usage Presetveryfast (or faster)
Audio Bitrate160 kbps
Sample Rate48 kHz
ChannelsStereo

By following these encoder settings, you’ll ensure that your stream runs smoothly with optimal video and audio quality. These configurations should provide a great experience for both the streamer and the viewers, regardless of the platform.