Software Setup Guide

Configure your streaming software like a pro. From choosing the right software to creating engaging scenes.

Choosing Your Software

Compare popular streaming software options to find the best fit for your needs.

OBS Studio

Recommended

The gold standard for streaming software

Features

  • Free and open-source
  • Extremely lightweight
  • Highly customizable
  • Regular updates

System Impact

CPU Usage 2-5% idle
Memory 200-300MB base
GPU Minimal impact
Storage ~250MB install

Recommended Plugins

StreamElements OBS Live

Alerts and overlays integration

Advanced Scene Switcher

Automated scene control

Move Transition

Smooth source animations

Closed Captioning

Live subtitles support

Streamlabs Desktop

User-friendly alternative with built-in features

Features

  • Intuitive interface
  • Built-in overlay themes
  • Integrated widgets
  • Cloud backup

System Impact

CPU Usage 10-15% idle
Memory 500-700MB base
GPU Moderate impact
Storage ~500MB install

Limitations

  • Higher resource usage
  • Premium features cost $149/year
  • Less customizable
  • Limited plugin support

Optimal Stream Settings

Configure your stream for the best quality and performance.

1080p 60fps

High-end streaming quality

Bitrate 6000-8000 Kbps
CPU Preset Fast
Internet 10Mbps upload
Usage Action games, high motion

720p 60fps

Balanced quality and performance

Bitrate 4500-6000 Kbps
CPU Preset Very Fast
Internet 8Mbps upload
Usage Most content types

NVIDIA NVENC

Best choice for RTX/GTX cards

Rate Control CBR
Preset Quality
Look-ahead Enabled
Psycho Visual Enabled
B-Frames 2

AMD AMF

Optimized for AMD GPUs

Rate Control CBR
Quality Preset Quality
Pre-Pass Enabled
High Motion Enabled
B-Frames 2

Professional Scene Setup

Create engaging stream layouts with these essential scenes.

Starting Soon

Professional stream start screen

  • Countdown timer
  • Social media displays
  • Recent events/donations
  • Background music visualizer
  • Chat box for early viewers
  • Stream starting text

Main Gaming

Primary streaming layout

  • Game capture source
  • Webcam overlay (16:9)
  • Chat overlay
  • Latest events
  • Alert box
  • Subscriber goal

Just Chatting

Interaction-focused layout

  • Full-screen webcam feed
  • Chat overlay
  • Social media displays
  • Channel point rewards
  • Music widget

BRB/Intermission

Professional break screen

  • Animated timer
  • Social media feeds
  • Recent events recap
  • Music credits
  • Return countdown

Audio Configuration

Optimize your stream's audio quality with professional settings.

Noise Suppression

Method RNNoise
Threshold -30dB
Release 100ms

Compressor

Ratio 4:1
Threshold -18dB
Attack 6ms
Release 60ms

Desktop Audio

85%

Microphone

100%