How to Multistream with OBS and Multistreaming Plugins

Before you start

OBS multistreaming means sending the same live video to more than one platform at the same time. You can do this locally from one computer, but it creates extra load on the encoder and the network. A basic OBS setup supports one active stream. To reach multiple destinations at once, you typically need a multistreaming plugin, a separate service, or enough hardware to run more than one encoding task.

Check that your upload bandwidth is enough for the combined bitrate of all destinations. If you stream to two platforms at 6 Mbps each, expect roughly 12 Mbps of sustained upload load. Leave headroom above that for audio, overhead, and normal variation.

Step-by-step instructions

The steps below cover two common approaches for simulcasting with OBS: using multiple recording outputs where your OBS version supports it, and using a multistreaming plugin. Menu names can differ between OBS versions, so look for the closest match in your installation.

Option 1: Use built-in multiple outputs if available

Open OBS and confirm that it is updated to a version that includes the relevant output settings. The availability of more than one active stream depends on the OBS build and the services you configure.

Option 2: Install a multistreaming plugin

If your OBS version does not expose a second stream natively, use a multistreaming plugin. Install it only from a source you trust and choose the version that matches your operating system and OBS release.

Configure capture and encoding once

Set up your capture source first. Add the camera, microphone, screen, or video source that should appear on every destination. Confirm that the frame rate and resolution are visible in the OBS preview before changing stream settings.

Then check the encoding settings. The bitrate is the main factor in stream quality and upload load. If the same encoded video is sent to all platforms, one encoding pass can be more efficient. If a workflow requires separate encoding for each destination, the CPU or GPU load increases.

Add destinations

Add the stream key and service settings for each platform you want to reach. Use a fresh stream key for every destination and do not paste the same key into more than one active target unless the service explicitly allows it.

Start with one destination as a test. Once it is live and stable, add the next destination and watch the encoder and network load. This makes it easier to find whether a problem comes from a platform or from your local setup.

Check the output

Open each destination from a different device or browser session and confirm that the live preview works. Watch for frozen frames, audio drift, or buffering. In OBS, check the status indicator and the reported dropped frames. A consistently low dropped-frame count is a better sign than a momentary reading.

Keep the recording format in mind if you also record locally. Multistreaming does not automatically change your recording settings, so confirm that the recording path, container, and quality match what you expect.

Common problems and next steps

Dropped frames usually point to upload bandwidth or a connection problem. Reduce the total bitrate, use a wired network connection, or remove one destination temporarily and compare the result.

High CPU or GPU usage often means the encoding load is too high for the machine. Lower the resolution or frame rate, switch to a hardware encoder if your hardware supports it, or avoid encoding separately for every platform.

If a plugin fails to load after an OBS update, check that the plugin version is compatible with the new OBS release. Reinstall the matching plugin version rather than continuing with a broken configuration.

If one platform rejects the stream, confirm that the stream key is correct and has not expired. Some platforms rotate keys or require a manual reset, so replace the key and reconnect before changing local video settings.