Short answer
Before you start
- OBS with a test scene
- A scheduled video call with the guest
- Headphones to prevent return audio
- Enough storage for a local recording
- Guest consent to record and an audio backup
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Step by step
- 01
Create a profile and scene collection
Nicole, podcast profile ↗Make an output profile and scene collection for the podcast. Name scenes Guest, Me, and Both. Keep regular streaming settings outside the test.
What you should see: The podcast opens without changing your usual scenes.
- 02
Capture the call
Nicole, capturing the guest ↗Start Discord, Zoom, or your chosen app and add Window Capture. Crop controls and private details with Alt. Ask the guest not to resize the window.
What you should see: The remote camera fills its frame without showing private interface.
Window Capture brings the Discord call into a source named Discord - Guest. YouTube · 4:48 ↗ - 03
Build three shots
Nicole, scenes as sources ↗Use scenes as sources to build Both, Guest, and Me. A camera correction then carries across layouts. Add names and a simple background.
What you should see: All three shots keep consistent framing and labels.
The Both scene reuses two camera scenes, with unfinished sizing at this point in the tutorial. YouTube · 7:18 ↗ - 04
Assign shot changes
Nicole, scene hotkeys ↗Under Settings > Hotkeys, assign a different key to every scene. Avoid keys used while typing. Practice one question and two changes.
What you should see: Each key opens the correct shot without the mouse.
- 05
Separate and level audio
Nicole, podcast audio ↗Choose your microphone under Settings > Audio. Capture the call on a separate route and wear headphones. Set gain before filters. Each voice should move one meter.
What you should see: Both voices play once and can be adjusted independently.
The mixer keeps call audio on Desktop Audio and the local microphone on Mic/Aux as separate controls. YouTube · 14:03 ↗ - 06
Add filters for a reason
Nicole, microphone filters ↗Apply noise reduction, EQ, expander, compressor, or limiter only when the test reveals that problem. Values copied from another microphone often create a new one.
What you should see: Speech is clear and peaks do not clip.
- 07
Record a test with the guest
Nicole, separate tracks and review ↗Record five minutes, switch shots, and ask the guest to speak quietly and loudly. Watch the file with headphones. Check sync, resolution, and tracks before the interview.
What you should see: The file contains every shot and both voices in sync.
- 08
Run a technical check before the interview
Nicole, improving the picture ↗Meet another day or thirty minutes early. Record normal speech, silence, laughter, and movement. Check echo, noise, light, focus, and delay. Ask the guest to keep the same app and device.
What you should see: Both people approve a short file with usable picture and sound.
- 09
Prepare content and recovery
Nicole, interview preparation ↗Share topic, duration, and how to signal a disconnect. Keep questions that can change order and a waiting scene. When the call returns, recap the last answer and continue.
What you should see: You can recover from a disconnect without losing the thread or file.
If something does not work
- The call window changes size.
- Lock the call layout, capture a specific window, and reset the crop.
- The guest returns through your speakers.
- Wear headphones and remove the route feeding speaker audio into your microphone.
- A hotkey types instead of changing scenes.
- Use a combination you will not press while taking notes or chatting.
- Picture and sound drift out of sync.
- Record a clap at the start, avoid changing devices during the call, and reduce load. For editing, keep separate tracks and use the clap to realign.
Test before you go live
- Separate profile
- Three shots ready
- Private controls cropped
- Hotkeys tested
- Two voice routes
- Complete file reviewed
Cómo hacer un podcast remoto en OBS con invitados a distancia
Watch the full tutorial ↗Common questions
Do I need a transition plugin?
No. Move can soften changes, but first verify capture, audio, and shots with built-in OBS transitions.
Can I use a phone as a camera?
Yes, through a route compatible with your setup. Test it on power and check delay and heat.
Should I apply five filters?
No. Add only the filter that fixes a noise, range, or peak heard in the test.
Should I record separate tracks?
Yes when you plan to edit. One track per voice lets you fix levels independently.
What should the guest test beforehand?
Headphones, selected microphone, camera, light, connection, display name, and a short recording. They should also know how to return after a disconnect.
