Is multistreaming with OBS free?

Yes, multistreaming with OBS is completely free using plugins like OBS Multi-RTMP, or server solutions like NGINX and FFmpeg. You only need sufficient upload bandwidth for multiple streams. Paid cloud services exist but aren't necessary for most streamers.

What do I need to multistream with OBS?

To multistream with OBS you need: OBS Studio installed, sufficient upload bandwidth (stream bitrate × number of platforms), stream keys from each platform, and a multistreaming solution (plugin, server, or cloud service). A stable internet connection is essential.

Can You Multistream on OBS? Yes! Here's How (2025 Guide)

Q: Can you multistream on OBS?

Yes, you can multistream on OBS Studio using several methods: the OBS Multi-RTMP plugin for easy setup, NGINX RTMP server for advanced control, FFmpeg for flexibility, or cloud-based services. While OBS doesn't have built-in multistreaming, these free solutions enable streaming to multiple platforms simultaneously.

Quick Answer: Yes, You Can!

While OBS Studio doesn't have built-in multistreaming, you can absolutely stream to multiple platforms simultaneously using free plugins, server software, or our configuration tool below.

The Definitive Answer: Yes, You Can Multistream on OBS!

Yes, you can definitely multistream on OBS Studio, even though it doesn't come with this feature built-in. Thousands of streamers use OBS to broadcast to multiple platforms every day, and you can too – completely free.

The confusion comes from the fact that OBS Studio, by default, only allows streaming to one destination at a time. However, the OBS community has developed multiple solutions to overcome this limitation:

Free Plugins: Add multistreaming directly to OBS interface
Local Servers: Use NGINX or similar to relay streams
FFmpeg Scripts: Command-line solution for tech-savvy users
Cloud Services: Paid options for convenience (not required)

💡 Pro Tip:

Most streamers start with the OBS Multi-RTMP plugin – it's free, easy to install, and works great for streaming to 2-4 platforms simultaneously.

Why Doesn't OBS Have Built-in Multistreaming?

Many new streamers wonder why such a popular feature isn't included by default. There are several good reasons:

Technical Reasons

Complexity: Multistreaming adds significant complexity to the codebase
Resource Usage: Multiple outputs can strain system resources
Maintenance: Each platform has different requirements and APIs
Philosophy: OBS focuses on being a solid, single-output broadcaster

Strategic Reasons

Modularity: Keeping it as a plugin allows faster updates
User Choice: Not everyone needs multistreaming
Platform Changes: Streaming services frequently update their requirements
Legal Considerations: Some platforms have exclusivity clauses

This modular approach actually benefits users – you can choose the multistreaming solution that best fits your needs without bloating OBS for those who don't need it.

How to Enable Multistreaming in OBS: 4 Methods

Method 1: OBS Multi-RTMP Plugin

The easiest solution for most users. Adds multiple outputs directly to OBS.

Free and open-source
Simple GUI interface
No command line needed
Works on Windows, Mac, Linux

✓ Best for: Beginners

Method 2: NGINX RTMP Server

Professional solution with maximum control and reliability.

Rock-solid stability
Advanced configuration options
Can handle many streams
Requires technical knowledge

✓ Best for: Power Users

Method 3: FFmpeg Relay

Flexible command-line solution with good performance.

Lightweight and efficient
Platform-specific settings
Scriptable and automatable
Medium difficulty

✓ Best for: Intermediate Users

Method 4: Cloud Services

Paid services that handle everything for you.

Zero setup required
Professional features
Costs $10-50/month
Bandwidth included

✓ Best for: Professionals

Not sure which to choose?

Start with our free configuration tool below – it uses the reliable FFmpeg method and requires no installation!

The Easiest Method for Beginners

If you're new to multistreaming, here's the simplest way to get started:

Quick Start with OBS Multi-RTMP Plugin

1
Download the Plugin
Get it from the official GitHub releases page
2
Install to OBS
Close OBS, run installer, restart OBS
3
Add Platforms
Go to View → Docks → Multiple Output
4
Enter Stream Keys
Add each platform with its RTMP URL and key
5
Start Streaming!
Click "Start" in the Multiple Output dock

Common Issue: If the plugin doesn't appear after installation, make sure your OBS version matches the plugin version exactly. Plugin version 0.5.0 works with OBS 31.0.0, for example.

What You Need to Multistream with OBS

Essential Requirements

✓
OBS Studio: Latest version installed
✓
Stream Keys: From each platform you want to stream to
✓
Upload Bandwidth: Bitrate × number of platforms
✓
Multistream Solution: Plugin, server, or script

Bandwidth Calculator

Example for 3 Platforms:

Stream bitrate: 5 Mbps
Number of platforms: 3
Total needed: 15 Mbps
Recommended: 20 Mbps (with overhead)

Always have 25-30% extra bandwidth for stability

Recommended System Specs

Minimum Requirements

• CPU: Quad-core 3.0 GHz
• RAM: 8 GB
• GPU: DirectX 10.1 compatible
• Internet: 10 Mbps upload

Recommended Specs

• CPU: 6+ cores, 3.5 GHz
• RAM: 16 GB or more
• GPU: NVENC-capable NVIDIA
• Internet: 25+ Mbps upload

Step-by-Step: Set Up OBS Multistreaming

Step 1: Prepare Your Streaming Accounts

Log into each platform (Twitch, YouTube, Facebook, etc.)
Navigate to stream settings or creator dashboard
Copy your stream key (keep these private!)
Note the RTMP server URL for each platform

Step 2: Configure OBS Settings

Optimal Settings for Multistreaming:

Video: 1920x1080, 30 or 60 FPS
Output: x264 or NVENC, CBR, 4500-6000 kbps
Audio: 48 kHz, 128-160 kbps, Stereo
Keyframe: 2 seconds (required by most platforms)

Step 3: Choose Your Multistream Method

Based on your technical level:

→
Beginner: Use OBS Multi-RTMP plugin or our configuration tool
→
Intermediate: Set up FFmpeg relay script
→
Advanced: Configure NGINX RTMP server

Step 4: Test Your Setup

Start with a private/unlisted stream
Stream for 2-3 minutes to each platform
Check video quality and audio sync
Monitor CPU and bandwidth usage
Adjust settings if needed

Platforms That Work with OBS Multistreaming

OBS can multistream to any platform that accepts RTMP input. Here are the most popular:

Twitch

rtmp://live.twitch.tv/live/

Note: Check affiliate/partner agreements

YouTube Live

rtmp://a.rtmp.youtube.com/live2/

No exclusivity requirements

Facebook Gaming

rtmps://live-api-s.facebook.com:443/rtmp/

Requires secure RTMPS

Kick

rtmp://ingest.kick.com/live/

Streamer-friendly policies

TikTok Live

Platform-specific URL

Growing streaming platform

Custom RTMP

Any RTMP server

Private servers, CDNs, etc.

⚠️ Platform Policies:

Some platforms have exclusivity requirements. Twitch affiliates and partners often cannot multistream. Always check each platform's terms of service before multistreaming.

Limitations and How to Work Around Them

Common Limitations

1. Bandwidth Constraints

Each stream requires full upload bandwidth.

Workaround: Use transcoding to send different bitrates to different platforms, or upgrade your internet plan.

2. CPU/GPU Usage

Encoding multiple streams can tax your system.

Workaround: Use hardware encoding (NVENC/QuickSync) or a dedicated streaming PC.

3. Platform Restrictions

Some platforms prohibit simultaneous streaming.

Workaround: Check terms of service, consider streaming to platforms at different times, or focus on platforms without restrictions.

4. Chat Management

Managing multiple platform chats is challenging.

Workaround: Use chat aggregation tools like Restream Chat, Chatty, or custom bot solutions.

Technical Limitations

No Per-Platform Settings: Basic multistreaming sends identical streams to all platforms
Increased Complexity: More points of failure compared to single streaming
Delayed Troubleshooting: Harder to identify which platform has issues
Storage Requirements: Local recording while multistreaming needs more disk space

Alternative Solutions to OBS Multistreaming

While OBS with multistreaming add-ons works great for most people, here are some alternatives:

Dedicated Multistreaming Software

XSplit: Built-in multistreaming (paid)
Wirecast: Professional broadcasting with multistreaming
vMix: Advanced features for professional streamers
Streamlabs Desktop: OBS fork with multistreaming (paid feature)

Cloud-Based Services

Restream: Popular cloud multistreaming service
Castr: Multistreaming with built-in CDN
OneStream: Scheduled and live multistreaming
Switchboard Live: Cloud production and multistreaming

Hardware Solutions

Hardware Encoders: Dedicated devices for streaming
Capture Cards: With built-in multistreaming features
Professional Switchers: For broadcast-quality production

Still prefer OBS? That's the right choice for most streamers!

OBS + multistreaming gives you professional features without the professional price tag.

Ready to Start Multistreaming with OBS?

You now know that yes, you can absolutely multistream on OBS! Choose your method and start reaching more viewers today.

Use Free Configuration Tool Read Full OBS Guide

Quick Reference: Platform Stream Settings

Platform	Max Bitrate	Recommended	Notes
Twitch	6000 kbps	4500-6000	8500 for partners
YouTube	51000 kbps	4500-9000	Varies by resolution
Facebook	4000 kbps	3000-4000	Requires RTMPS
Kick	8000 kbps	5000-7000	New platform

More Resources

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