How to multistream on obs

What is Multistreaming?

Multistreaming, also known as simulcasting, is the practice of broadcasting your live stream to multiple platforms at the same time. Instead of manually starting a stream on Twitch, YouTube, Facebook, and other platforms individually, multistreaming allows you to send your single OBS output to all of them concurrently. This significantly expands your reach, allowing you to connect with a wider audience across their preferred streaming destinations.

Why Multistream?

The primary benefit of multistreaming is increased audience reach. Different viewers prefer different platforms. By streaming to multiple sites, you can capture audiences who might not be on your primary platform. This can lead to faster channel growth, more engagement, and potentially higher revenue through subscriptions, donations, and ad revenue from various sources.

How to Multistream with OBS

OBS Studio itself does not have a native multistreaming feature. Therefore, you will need to rely on third-party services that act as an intermediary. These services take your single stream from OBS and distribute it to your chosen platforms. The most common and effective methods involve using dedicated multistreaming platforms or integrated features within streaming software suites.

Method 1: Using Restream.io

Restream.io is one of the most popular and user-friendly services for multistreaming. It supports a vast number of streaming platforms, from major ones like Twitch and YouTube to smaller, niche sites.

1. Sign Up for Restream.io: Go to the Restream.io website and create a free account.
2. Connect Your Social Accounts: After signing up, you'll be prompted to connect the social media accounts or platforms you want to stream to. You'll need to authorize Restream.io to post to these accounts.
3. Get Your RTMP URL and Stream Key: Restream.io will provide you with a unique RTMP URL and a Stream Key. These are the credentials you'll use in OBS.
4. Configure OBS: Open OBS Studio. Go to 'Settings' > 'Stream'. Under 'Service', select 'Custom'. Enter the RTMP URL and Stream Key provided by Restream.io into the respective fields.
5. Start Streaming: Once configured, start your stream in OBS. Your stream will now be sent to Restream.io, which will then distribute it to all the connected platforms.
6. Manage Chat: Restream.io offers a unified chat dashboard where you can see messages from all your connected platforms in one place.

Method 2: Using Streamlabs Prime

If you are a Streamlabs Prime subscriber, you can utilize their built-in multistreaming feature. This offers a more integrated experience for users already within the Streamlabs ecosystem.

1. Subscribe to Streamlabs Prime: Ensure you have an active Streamlabs Prime subscription.
2. Enable Multistreaming: Open Streamlabs Desktop. Navigate to 'Settings' > 'Stream'. Look for the 'Multistream' option and enable it.
3. Select Platforms: You will see a list of supported platforms. Choose the ones you want to stream to and connect your accounts by authorizing Streamlabs.
4. Configure Stream: Set your stream title, game, and other details. Streamlabs will handle the distribution of your stream to the selected platforms.
5. Start Streaming: Begin your stream from Streamlabs Desktop. Your stream will automatically be sent to all enabled platforms.
6. Chat Management: Streamlabs also provides tools to manage chat from multiple platforms within its interface.

Method 3: Using Other Services (e.g., Castr.co, Speedify)

Other services like Castr.co offer similar functionality to Restream.io, providing RTMP details for OBS integration. Speedify is a VPN service that also includes a bonding feature, which can help stabilize your internet connection for demanding tasks like multistreaming, and it has its own multistreaming capabilities.

Important Considerations for Multistreaming

Before diving into multistreaming, there are several crucial factors to keep in mind to ensure a smooth and high-quality broadcast:

Internet Upload Speed

Multistreaming requires significantly more upload bandwidth than single-platform streaming. Each platform you stream to requires a certain bitrate. For example, streaming to Twitch at 6000 kbps and YouTube at 6000 kbps simultaneously means you need an upload speed of at least 12000 kbps (12 Mbps), plus overhead for other internet activity. Check the recommended bitrates for each platform and ensure your internet connection can handle the combined load. A speed test can help you determine your current upload capacity.

Bitrate Management

When using a service like Restream.io, you typically set a single bitrate in OBS. The service then distributes your stream, potentially transcoding it for different platforms. However, some platforms might have specific bitrate recommendations or limitations. It's essential to find a balance that works across all platforms without sacrificing quality or exceeding your internet's capabilities.

Platform-Specific Features and Restrictions

While multistreaming is convenient, be aware that some platforms might not support certain advanced features when you are simulcasting. For instance, some platforms might not allow for custom emotes or specific monetization options when detected as a multistreamed broadcast. Always check the terms of service and feature availability for each platform you intend to stream to.

Chat Integration

Managing chat from multiple platforms can be overwhelming. Services like Restream.io and Streamlabs offer unified chat interfaces, consolidating messages from all your connected streams into a single window. This is vital for engaging with your audience effectively across all platforms.

Monetization

Understand how each platform handles monetization when you multistream. Some platforms might have stricter rules about receiving donations or subscriptions from viewers who are watching through a multistreaming service. It's often recommended to have a primary platform where you focus most of your monetization efforts.

Terms of Service

Always review the Terms of Service for each streaming platform and the multistreaming service you use. Violating these terms can lead to stream suspensions or account bans.

Conclusion

Multistreaming with OBS opens up a world of possibilities for streamers looking to expand their audience and presence. By leveraging third-party services like Restream.io or integrated features in software like Streamlabs Prime, you can efficiently broadcast your content to multiple platforms simultaneously. Remember to assess your internet capabilities, manage your bitrate wisely, and stay informed about platform-specific rules to ensure a successful and engaging multistreaming experience.