OBS Multistream: Complete Setup Guide for 2025

What is OBS Multistream?

OBS multistream refers to the ability to broadcast your content from OBS Studio (Open Broadcaster Software) to multiple streaming platforms simultaneously. Instead of choosing between Twitch, YouTube, or Facebook Live, you can stream to all of them at once, maximizing your audience reach.

OBS Studio doesn't include native multistreaming functionality, but there are several methods to achieve this capability, from free plugins to custom server setups. Each method has its own advantages depending on your technical expertise and requirements.

Why Multistream with OBS?

Benefits of OBS Multistreaming

• Increased Reach: Access audiences across multiple platforms simultaneously
• Platform Independence: Don't put all your eggs in one basket
• Better Discoverability: Different platforms have different discovery algorithms
• Backup Redundancy: If one platform goes down, your stream continues elsewhere
• Cross-Platform Community: Build communities on multiple platforms at once
• Revenue Diversification: Monetize across different platform programs

OBS Studio Advantages

• Completely free and open-source
• Professional-grade features
• Extensive plugin ecosystem
• Low system resource usage
• Cross-platform compatibility (Windows, Mac, Linux)
• Active development and community support

OBS Multistream Methods Compared

Setting Up NGINX RTMP Server for OBS Multistream

NGINX with the RTMP module is the most robust solution for OBS multistreaming. It creates a local streaming server that receives your OBS output and forwards it to multiple platforms.

Installation Steps

Windows Installation

1. Download NGINX with RTMP module from the official repository
2. Extract to C:\nginx
3. Create nginx.conf with multistream configuration
4. Run nginx.exe to start the server
5. Configure OBS to stream to rtmp://localhost/live

macOS Installation

brew install nginx-full --with-rtmp-module
nginx -c /usr/local/etc/nginx/nginx.conf

Sample NGINX Configuration

rtmp {
    server {
        listen 1935;
        application live {
            live on;
            
            # Push to Twitch
            push rtmp://live.twitch.tv/live/YOUR_STREAM_KEY;
            
            # Push to YouTube
            push rtmp://a.rtmp.youtube.com/live2/YOUR_STREAM_KEY;
            
            # Push to Facebook
            push rtmps://live-api-s.facebook.com:443/rtmp/YOUR_STREAM_KEY;
        }
    }
}

OBS Multi-RTMP Plugin Setup

The OBS Multi-RTMP plugin is the easiest way to add multistreaming capabilities to OBS Studio. It adds multiple output targets directly within the OBS interface.

Installation Guide

1. Download the latest release from the GitHub repository
2. Close OBS Studio completely
3. Run the installer (Windows) or copy to OBS plugins folder (Mac/Linux)
4. Restart OBS Studio
5. Access the plugin via View → Docks → Multiple Output

Configuration

1. Click "Add New Target" in the Multiple Output dock
2. Enter platform name (e.g., "Twitch")
3. Input RTMP server URL and stream key
4. Adjust video bitrate if needed
5. Repeat for each platform
6. Click "Start" to begin multistreaming

FFmpeg Relay Method for OBS Multistream

FFmpeg provides a flexible middle-ground solution for OBS multistreaming. It's more reliable than plugins and easier to set up than NGINX, making it perfect for intermediate users.

Basic FFmpeg Setup

ffmpeg -listen 1 -i rtmp://localhost:1935/live/stream \
  -c copy -f flv rtmp://live.twitch.tv/live/YOUR_TWITCH_KEY \
  -c copy -f flv rtmp://a.rtmp.youtube.com/live2/YOUR_YOUTUBE_KEY \
  -c copy -f flv rtmp://live-api-s.facebook.com:443/rtmp/YOUR_FB_KEY

Advanced Features

• Transcoding: Adjust quality for different platforms
• Recording: Save a local copy while streaming
• Filtering: Add overlays or effects per platform
• Scheduling: Automate stream starts and stops

Platform-Specific Settings

# Twitch (6000 kbps max)
-c:v copy -c:a copy -b:v 6000k

# YouTube (higher quality)
-c:v copy -c:a copy -b:v 8000k

# Facebook (lower bitrate)
-c:v copy -c:a copy -b:v 4000k

Free OBS Multistream Configuration Tool

Use our free configuration generator to create custom multistream setups for OBS Studio. Simply enter your stream keys and download a ready-to-use configuration.

This tool generates configurations for FFmpeg-based multistreaming, compatible with all major platforms.

OBS Multistream Best Practices

Bandwidth Requirements

Multistreaming requires upload bandwidth for each platform. Calculate your needs:

• Single stream at 5 Mbps = 5 Mbps upload needed
• 3 platforms at 5 Mbps each = 15 Mbps upload needed
• Add 20% overhead for stability = 18 Mbps recommended

OBS Settings Optimization

Video Settings

• Base Resolution: Match your monitor or camera
• Output Resolution: 1920x1080 for best compatibility
• FPS: 30 or 60 depending on content and bandwidth

Output Settings

• Encoder: x264 for compatibility, NVENC for performance
• Rate Control: CBR for streaming
• Bitrate: 4500-6000 kbps for 1080p60
• Keyframe Interval: 2 seconds

Audio Settings

• Sample Rate: 48 kHz
• Bitrate: 128-160 kbps
• Channels: Stereo

Platform-Specific Considerations

Twitch

• Maximum bitrate: 6000 kbps (8500 for partners)
• Requires consistent keyframe interval
• Supports up to 1080p60

YouTube

• Recommended bitrate: 4500-9000 kbps for 1080p60
• Supports 4K streaming
• Better buffering tolerance

Facebook

• Maximum bitrate: 4000 kbps
• Recommends 720p for better mobile viewing
• Requires secure RTMPS connection

Troubleshooting OBS Multistream Issues

Common Problems and Solutions

OBS Multistream FAQ

Additional OBS Resources

• Can You Multistream on OBS? Complete Answer →
• Ultimate Multistreaming Guide 2025 →
• OBS Project Forums ↗
• OBS Studio GitHub ↗