Short answer
Before you start
- A Windows or macOS computer
- A Twitch account
- A microphone and camera, if you plan to use them
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Step by step
- 01
Install OBS and run the wizard
Watch this step on YouTube · 1:01 ↗Download OBS from obsproject.com. On first launch, choose the option that prioritizes streaming. The wizard checks your computer and connection, then gives you a practical starting configuration.
Use the recommendation as a baseline. Change resolution or frame rate after reviewing a recording, once the first scene is working.
What you should see: The wizard finishes, the canvas uses its proposed resolution, and the mixer lists the available inputs.
The tutorial shows the wizard that proposes a baseline for the computer and connection. YouTube · 1:31 ↗ - 02
Create your game scene
Watch this step on YouTube · 1:31 ↗Rename the first scene and add Game Capture. Nicole uses a specific window when a game does not appear correctly in full-screen capture mode.
Give the scene and source clear names. If the game stays black, confirm its window and reopen the source properties before changing the whole setup.
What you should see: Game Capture appears under Sources and the correct window is visible on the canvas.
Game Capture appears in the source menu used to build the scene. YouTube · 2:12 ↗ - 03
Fit the game to the canvas
Watch this step on YouTube · 3:03 ↗Drag the red handles to the canvas edges. Stray bars can mean part of the image sits outside the area your viewers will see.
Right-click the source and use Transform > Fit to Screen when its size has drifted. Check that the game keeps the correct proportions.
What you should see: The picture fills the canvas without new bars or important details being cropped.
- 04
Add your camera
Watch this step on YouTube · 4:33 ↗Add a Video Capture Device. Hold Alt while dragging an edge to crop the image, then place the camera where it will not cover the game's interface.
Leave the minimap, subtitles, and other game information clear. Switch scenes and return to make sure the camera does not freeze.
What you should see: The camera stays inside its frame and returns normally after a scene change.
The camera is checked on the canvas before choosing its crop and position. YouTube · 4:23 ↗ - 05
Choose the microphone and test desktop audio
Watch this step on YouTube · 6:04 ↗Under Settings > Audio, select your microphone by name. Play game audio and confirm that Mic/Aux and Desktop Audio each move in the mixer.
Speak while game audio plays. Listen to a recording with headphones because a moving meter proves signal, but it does not prove a clear mix.
What you should see: Mic/Aux and Desktop Audio move separately without staying in the red.
The mixer lets you check voice and desktop sound as separate signals. YouTube · 7:06 ↗ - 06
Connect Twitch and run a final test
Watch this step on YouTube · 9:06 ↗Open Settings > Stream and connect your Twitch account. Record a short local test and check the picture and audio before going live.
Play at least thirty seconds of the local file. Check voice, game, camera, and one scene change before inviting viewers.
What you should see: Twitch shows as connected and the local recording keeps both picture and sound.
If something does not work
- Game Capture stays black
- Select the game window again and try Window Capture. Reopen the source properties if the game changes display mode.
- The camera disappears behind the game
- Move the camera higher in the Sources list. OBS draws lower sources first and places higher sources on top.
- The meter moves, but the recording is silent
- Check the recording track and each source output under Advanced Audio Properties. Make another local test before streaming.
Test before you go live
- Game capture fills the canvas
- The camera does not cover game information
- Microphone and game audio move separate meters
- Twitch is connected
- A short recording looks and sounds right
Cómo configurar OBS para streaming en 10 minutos
Watch the full tutorial ↗Common questions
Should I use Game Capture or Display Capture?
Use Game Capture when you only need to show the game. Capturing the whole display exposes everything on screen and can put more load on your computer.
How do I crop a camera in OBS?
Select the camera source, hold Alt, and drag one of its edges. OBS marks the cropped edge with a green line.
Where do I connect Twitch in OBS?
Open Settings > Stream, choose Twitch, and connect your account. After sign-in, OBS can show Twitch chat and other dock panels.
Should I copy the resolution from the video?
No. Use the wizard as a starting point and keep a resolution that your computer and connection can hold during a complete test.
What should I check in the short recording?
Confirm that voice is clear above the game, the camera does not cover information, and each scene change appears without a black frame.
