How to Stream to Multiple Platforms with OBS beginner’s guide

Many content providers want to start streaming to numerous platforms in order to expand their following and reach new people.

Streamers with YouTube channels, for example, may seek to increase their audience on Facebook.

Gamers that broadcast on Twitch may want their streams to be available on YouTube as well.
Previously, OBS users could only stream to one platform.

Many users have to switch to different production tools or employ a third-party service to restream the OBS output to multiple platforms in order to provide streams to multiple destinations.

While using cloud-based streaming services to reduce computer processing and upload bandwidth requirements is a terrific way to save money, many OBS users have machines and internet connections that can handle streaming to many destinations at the same time.

With the Multiple RTMP streaming plugin, you can stream to as many destinations as your computer and internet connection will allow.

Multiple RTMP Outputs Can Be Installed

The Multiple RTMP Output plug-in can be obtained from the OBS website for both Mac and PC.

For both Mac and Windows, self-installation wizards are provided.
For the majority of users, this is the best option.
Extract the.zip file and set the plug-in files in the relevant folder on your computer if you want to install the plug-in manually.
Restart OBS after you’re finished.

RTMP Outputs in Multiples

If everything is set up correctly, the plug-in should appear as a floating panel in the upper left corner.

Because this is a dockable panel, you can move it around the OBS user interface and set it wherever you like.

Set up your primary stream as usual if it hasn’t previously been done.
The primary stream setup may be found in the Settings menu on the Stream tab, while more complex choices can be found on the Output tab.

Click Add New Target in the Multiple RTMP Output Panel.

Enter the RTMP Server and RTMP Key manually.

It is advised that you leave all options in Video Settings set to “Get from OBS.”
This will allow you to use the main OBS for multiple RTMP outputs. output to the additional server and stream it
There may be times when you wish to utilize a different encoder and settings, but keep in mind that this will place a lot of strain on your computer’s CPU.
See the section below on Bandwidth and CPU Concerns for further information.

It is recommended that you use the “Get from OBS” option under Audio Settings once more.
You do, however, have the option of using a separate audio source.
This could be useful for sending out a stream in a different language.

If you want the second stream to start automatically with your primary stream, go to Other Settings and select Sync start with OBS.

Add any extra RTMP outputs by repeating the process.

CPU and Bandwidth Issues

Before you share your first broadcast to several platforms, take attention to how much bandwidth and CPU your machine is using.

To begin with, even though Numerous RTMP Output can use OBS’s primary output, it will still consume additional bandwidth to stream to multiple platforms.

As a result, adding just one more target roughly doubles the bandwidth consumed.
If your upstream bandwidth is low, this is very crucial to consider.

To obtain an idea of your possible upload and download rates, do a bandwidth test.
You may rapidly perform this by Googling “speed test” and following Google’s instructions.
Your upload bandwidth should be around double your total bitrate for all of your streams, as a general guideline.

For example, if your upload bandwidth is 10 Mbps, you should not send more than 5 Mbps.
If your primary stream is 2500 Kbps, for example, a second stream would double that, giving you 5000 Kbps, or 5Mbps.

Adding another target may push your bandwidth usage over the recommended limit of half your upload capacity.

While it is possible to use more than half of the upstream bandwidth, you should conduct comprehensive testing to ensure that there are no issues.

Your computer’s monitoring application, such as Task Manager on Windows, can help you keep track of your bandwidth usage.

It is advised that you set the video settings of your secondary sources to “Get from OBS,” as described in the setup instructions.

The ability of Multiple RTMP Outputs to share the encoding effort with the primary OBS output is used here.

If you do decide to encode a second stream separately, keep in mind that it will have a substantial impact on your CPU.

Adding a third source will increase the load on your computer even further.
Whatever settings you choose, make sure your PC or Mac can handle the additional work without crashing or missing frames.

Using the OBS Stats, you can keep track of your computer’s performance while broadcasting.

Setting the video settings of your secondary sources to “Get from OBS” is suggested, as explained in the setup instructions.

Multiple RTMP Output’s ability to share encoding work with the primary OBS output is used here.

If you decide to encode a second stream separately, keep in mind that it will drastically slow down your computer.

Adding a third source will significantly increase the burden on your PC.
Whatever settings you select, make sure your PC or Mac is capable of handling the additional workload without crashing or missing frames.

Using the OBS Stats, you may track the performance of your PC while streaming.

Gaming

Gamers are streaming their gameplay and commentary to several gaming and social media sites utilizing Multiple RTMP Output.

Gamers with the appropriate gear can even employ numerous encoders.
They can send videos with various bitrates and resolutions to match the streaming platform in this way.

Advantages and disadvantages

Pros: It’s free and simple to install.
It may be possible to do away with the requirement for third-party restreaming services.
When properly set, it does not necessitate a large amount of CPU power.

Cons: When delivering several streams, it can push the limitations of upstream bandwidth.
When employing separate encoders for each stream, it might be very CPU intensive.

Multiple RTMP Output Alternatives

Third-party services like Castr or Restream are currently the only other choices for streaming to numerous servers through OBS.