How To Stream Using Streamlabs OBS in 2025

A Beginner’s Guide With No Tech Experience

If you’ve been dreaming of going live on YouTube, Twitch, or Facebook but don’t know where to start, you’re in the right place. With Streamlabs OBS (Open Broadcaster Software), livestreaming in 2025 is more beginner-friendly than ever before. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to set up your livestream with Streamlabs—even if you’ve never done anything like this before.

Whether you’re a content creator, gamer, coach, or entrepreneur, this guide will help you:

• Download and install Streamlabs OBS
• Set up your camera and screen capture
• Use overlays, widgets, and slideshows
• Create custom scenes and transitions
• Go live on YouTube, Twitch, or multiple platforms

Let’s get started!

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Step 1: Downloading Streamlabs OBS

Before you can start streaming, you need to download and install Streamlabs OBS—one of the most beginner-friendly livestreaming tools available in 2025. Whether you’re planning to stream on YouTube, Twitch, or Facebook Live, Streamlabs OBS provides a clean, simplified interface that takes the guesswork out of going live.

Start by visiting Streamlabs.com. Once there, you’ll see a prominent download button on the homepage. Streamlabs will automatically detect your operating system—whether you’re using Windows or macOS—and present the correct version of the software.

💻 Mac Users: If you’re on a Mac, you’ll be asked to choose your processor type. Most Macs from the last few years use Apple Silicon (M1, M2, M3), while older Macs use Intel processors. If you’re unsure, click the Apple icon in the top-left corner of your screen and choose “About This Mac” to find your processor type.

Once you’ve selected the correct version:

• Click the Download button
• Open the downloaded file
• Follow the installation prompts to complete setup

After installation, launch Streamlabs OBS for the first time. You’ll be greeted with a blank layout interface—this is your creative canvas. Think of it as your virtual production studio, where you’ll build your livestream scenes, add your camera, display your screen, show alerts, and more.

Don’t worry if it looks a bit overwhelming at first. The interface is designed to be highly customizable, and you’ll only need a few essential tools to get started.

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Step 2: Understanding the Layout Editor in Streamlabs OBS

Once Streamlabs OBS is installed and open, the next step is learning how to navigate the Layout Editor. This is the control center of your livestream—where you organize everything your viewers will see and hear.

To access it, click the Layout Editor icon located in the top-right section of the Streamlabs interface. This opens a visual map of your workspace and gives you full control over the look and feel of your broadcast setup.

Here’s a breakdown of the key sections in the layout:

• 🎥 Editor Display (Top Section)
  This is your live preview window. It shows exactly what your audience will see when you hit “Go Live.” Any changes you make to your scenes, sources, or overlays will reflect here in real time.
• 🧾 Mini Feed (Bottom Section)
  The Mini Feed is where you’ll see live updates from your viewers. This includes new followers, recent donations, subscribers, super chats, and chat interactions. It’s your real-time feedback loop—great for engagement and shoutouts.
• 🎚 Audio Mixer (Bottom Right or Floating Panel)
  This section manages all of your audio inputs and outputs. You can adjust microphone volume, desktop audio, game sound, or any other source you’ve added. Use the sliders to balance sound levels and make sure you’re coming through loud and clear.

One of the biggest advantages of Streamlabs OBS is its drag-and-drop customization. Want your live stream preview on the left and your chat panel on the right? No problem. Just click and drag each panel to where it fits best for your workflow.

You can also resize sections by dragging the edges. If you’re multitasking—monitoring your camera, gameplay, chat, and alerts all at once—this layout flexibility is a huge time-saver.

🛠 Pro Tip: You can create multiple custom layouts for different stream types (e.g., gameplay vs. coaching sessions) and switch between them as needed.

Whether you’re streaming for fun or building a brand, taking a few minutes to configure your layout will improve your productivity, enhance viewer experience, and keep you in control.

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Step 3: Creating Your First Scene in Streamlabs OBS

Now that you’re familiar with the layout, it’s time to build your first scene. In Streamlabs OBS, a scene is a customized layout that determines what your viewers will see during different parts of your livestream. Think of scenes like TV segments—you can switch between them depending on what you’re doing.

For example:

• 🎥 Camera Only Scene – Great for introductions, commentary, or face-to-face interaction. This scene uses your webcam full screen.
• 🌐 Chrome with Camera – Perfect for tutorials or reaction videos. It shows your screen (like a browser or app) with your webcam in the corner, so viewers can see both your face and what you’re presenting.

How to Create a Scene:

1. In the bottom-left panel of Streamlabs, click the “+” icon next to Scenes.
2. Give your new scene a name—for example, “Camera Only” or “Screen Share with Facecam.”
3. After creating your scene, it’s time to add sources, which are the individual elements (like video, images, or audio) that make up your broadcast.

At this stage, your scene will be empty. To populate it:

• Click the “+” icon in the Sources box.
• Choose Video Capture Device to add your webcam.
• Choose Display Capture to share your full screen, or Window Capture to share a specific app (like Chrome or PowerPoint).

You can create multiple scenes for different parts of your stream—like one for chatting, one for screen tutorials, and one for gameplay. Then, easily switch between them during your broadcast with just one click.

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Step 4: Adding and Managing Sources in Streamlabs OBS

Once you’ve created a scene in Streamlabs OBS, it’s time to bring it to life using sources. Think of sources as the individual elements—like your webcam feed, screen share, images, text, or alerts—that your viewers will see on the screen. These are the building blocks of any livestream scene.

You can add as many sources as you want, and each one can be layered, resized, and repositioned just like objects in a photo editor.

Common Source Types to Add:

• 🎥 Video Capture Device
  This is where you connect your webcam, DSLR, or capture card. It brings your face into the stream and is perfect for commentary, reaction videos, or gaming overlays.
• 🖥️ Display Capture
  This shows your entire computer screen. Ideal for walkthroughs, software tutorials, or gameplay where you want to capture everything on your monitor.
• 🪟 Window Capture
  Need to show just one app—like your web browser, PowerPoint, or Photoshop? Use this to stream a single window without showing your full desktop. It’s cleaner and more focused.
• 🖼️ Image
  Add logos, banners, background art, or even fun GIFs to personalize your stream. Supported formats include PNG, JPG, and GIF.
• 📝 Text (GDI+)
  Add custom text to your screen like stream titles, thank-you messages, or real-time commentary. You can choose the font, size, color, and positioning.
• 🎬 Media Files
  Want to play a video intro or some background music? You can add MP4 videos or MP3 audio files as media sources. Great for transitions or ambiance.
• 🌐 Browser Source
  This allows you to embed widgets or live content from URLs. Use it to add overlays from services like StreamElements or display animations hosted online.
• 🎉 Event List & Alerts
  These interactive widgets show notifications like new subscribers, donations, follows, or tips in real-time. Essential for viewer engagement and recognition during your stream.

Managing Your Sources Like a Pro:

Each source you add appears in a list within your current scene. The order of this list matters—Streamlabs stacks sources from bottom to top, just like layers in Photoshop or Canva. For example:

• If your webcam is below your screen share, it won’t be visible.
• If your alert box is at the top, it will show up on top of everything.

You can:

• Drag sources up or down to change the stacking order.
• Resize sources by dragging the corners of the element on the preview screen.
• Move sources by clicking and dragging them to different areas.
• Toggle visibility by clicking the eye icon next to each source.
• Delete sources by selecting the trash can icon.

🛠️ Pro Tip: Keep your scenes organized by naming each source clearly. For example, use names like “Main Cam,” “Game Window,” or “Alert Box” so you can manage everything at a glance.

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Step 5: Setting Up Your Webcam in Streamlabs OBS

Your webcam is one of the most important tools for building trust and connection with your audience. Whether you’re livestreaming a tutorial, reacting to content, or gaming with friends, showing your face on screen adds a personal, human element to your broadcast.

Streamlabs OBS makes it simple to integrate your webcam, even if you’ve never done it before.

How to Add Your Webcam:

1. In the Sources panel, click the “+” icon.
2. Select Video Capture Device from the list of available sources.
3. Click “Add Source” and name it something recognizable like “Main Cam” or “Facecam.”
4. In the next window, choose your camera from the dropdown menu. Common options include:
   • Built-in Mac FaceTime Camera
   • Logitech C920 or Brio
   • DSLR or GoPro (via capture card like Elgato Cam Link)

Once selected, you’ll see a preview of your webcam feed in the main editor window.

Adjusting Your Camera Placement:

After adding your camera:

• Resize it by dragging the corners to make it larger or smaller.
• Reposition it by clicking and dragging it anywhere on the screen.

If you’re doing a screen share (like a browser walkthrough or PowerPoint presentation), place your camera feed in a corner of the screen—typically bottom right—so your face is visible without blocking important content.

Camera Layer Order Matters:

In Streamlabs, source order equals layer order. To make sure your camera appears on top of other content:

• In the Sources list, drag your Video Capture Device above your Display Capture or Window Capture source.
• This ensures your webcam overlays the screen instead of being hidden behind it.

🎯 Pro Tip: Want to get fancy? Add a webcam border graphic or use a Canva overlay with transparency to make your camera feed look more professional..

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Step 6: Sharing Your Screen or Window in Streamlabs OBS

If your livestream involves teaching, demonstrating software, reviewing websites, or doing live tutorials, you’ll want to share what’s happening on your screen. With Streamlabs OBS, you have two great options to do that: Display Capture and Window Capture.

Each method has its strengths, and the best choice depends on how much of your screen you want to show—and how clean you want your presentation to look.

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Option 1: Display Capture (Full Screen)

• Captures everything on your monitor, including your desktop, taskbar, and open applications.
• Ideal for full-screen applications, games, or presentations that span multiple windows.
• You can select which monitor to capture if you’re using more than one.

How to set it up:

1. Click the “+” icon in the Sources panel.
2. Choose Display Capture.
3. Select the monitor you want to share from the dropdown menu.
4. Click Done and resize as needed.

This method is quick and easy, but keep in mind: your audience will see everything—including notifications, browser tabs, and background clutter—unless you clean up your desktop beforehand.

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Option 2: Window Capture (One App Only)

• Captures only a specific program window (e.g., Chrome, Excel, Zoom).
• Keeps your stream clean and distraction-free.
• Hides desktop icons, toolbars, and unrelated windows.

How to set it up:

1. Click the “+” icon in the Sources panel.
2. Select Window Capture.
3. Choose the app or window you want to share (like Google Chrome).
4. Click Done and resize/position it within your scene.

Window Capture is perfect for professional presentations, software tutorials, or website walkthroughs. It shows only the window you choose, so viewers stay focused on your content.

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Cropping and Resizing Your Screen Feed

Both Display Capture and Window Capture sources can be:

• Resized to fit part of the screen
• Moved into place beside or under your webcam
• Cropped to remove unwanted edges or UI elements

To crop:

• Hold Alt (Option on Mac) while dragging the edges of your source in the editor.
  This allows you to fine-tune exactly what appears on screen.

You can also layer your webcam feed on top of your screen share for a picture-in-picture (PiP) effect. Just make sure your Video Capture Device is listed above the screen source in the Sources panel.

🎯 Pro Tip: Use Window Capture when possible for a cleaner look—especially if you’re presenting slides or web content.

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Step 7: Enhancing Your Stream With Widgets in Streamlabs OBS

Want to take your livestream from good to great? Add widgets. These powerful, interactive tools enhance the viewer experience, increase engagement, and give your stream a polished, professional vibe.

Whether you’re streaming to YouTube, Twitch, or Facebook, widgets help create real-time interactions by acknowledging your audience’s actions—like subscribing, donating, or following your channel.

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What Are Widgets in Streamlabs OBS?

Widgets are visual overlays that respond to live viewer activity. They can:

• Display the latest actions from your audience (e.g., donations, followers).
• Add dynamic visuals (like animations or sound effects).
• Show helpful info (like how many viewers are watching).

All widgets can be customized in terms of size, position, color, animation, and font.

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Popular Widgets to Add to Your Stream:

• 🎉 Event List
  Shows a live feed of recent activities—such as new followers, subscribers, or donations. It keeps your audience informed and gives social proof that people are actively engaging with your content.
• 🚨 Alert Box
  One of the most essential widgets for livestreamers. It plays a visual and/or audio alert when someone subscribes, donates, follows, becomes a member, or even redeems channel points (on Twitch).
  For example: Add a dancing bird, confetti, or a “Thank You” animation when a new subscriber joins!
• 👀 Viewer Count
  Displays how many people are watching your stream in real time. This can be helpful for both you and your viewers to know how popular and active the stream is.
• 🏷️ Stream Labels
  Shows customizable labels such as:
  • Latest subscriber
  • Top donation
  • Most recent follower
  • Monthly supporter

These labels add credibility to your stream and make your top fans feel recognized and appreciated.

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How To Add a Widget:

1. Click the “+” icon in the Sources panel.
2. Scroll down and choose Widgets.
3. Select the widget you want (e.g., Alert Box).
4. Click Add Source and give it a name.
5. Adjust the placement, size, and design in your stream preview.

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Customizing Widget Style and Behavior:

Every widget includes a settings panel where you can:

• Choose which events to trigger (subscriptions, tips, follows, etc.)
• Set fonts, colors, and animations
• Add sound effects or custom images/gifs
• Control the duration and transition style of alerts

Want to go even further? Use a service like Canva or Streamlabs Themes to create your own alert designs and upload them directly into the widget settings.

🎯 Pro Tip: Keep your widget designs consistent with your branding. For example, if you’re running a cozy coffee-themed channel, use soft colors and playful alerts like a mug popping up with steam when someone subscribes.eone subscribes!

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Step 8: Using Images and Slideshows in Streamlabs OBS

Adding images and slideshows to your stream is a great way to personalize your content and make your livestream more visually appealing. Whether you’re branding your channel with a logo, highlighting sponsors, or showcasing a series of product photos or fun moments, Streamlabs OBS makes it easy to integrate high-quality visuals into your scenes.

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Option 1: Adding Still Images

You can add static images such as:

• 🔖 Logos and watermarks – for brand identity
• 📸 Screenshots – from past videos, games, or tutorials
• 🖼️ Photos – of products, events, or personal highlights

How to add an image:

1. Click the “+” icon in the Sources panel.
2. Select Image and click Add Source.
3. Give it a name (e.g., “Logo” or “Screenshot 1”).
4. Browse your computer and select a file (supports PNG, JPG, GIF, BMP).
5. Click Done, then resize and move the image anywhere on the canvas.

You can also add transparent PNG files for cleaner overlays and branding without backgrounds.

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Option 2: Using Image Slideshows

An Image Slideshow allows you to cycle through a folder of images automatically, which is great for:

• Product displays
• Travel photos
• Event recaps
• Livestream intros or transitions

How to set up a slideshow:

1. In the Sources panel, click “+”.
2. Select Image Slideshow and click Add Source.
3. Name your slideshow (e.g., “Promo Reel” or “Photo Highlights”).
4. Under Settings, choose either:
   • Add Files (manually select individual images)
   • Add Directory (auto-rotate all images from a specific folder)
5. Adjust slideshow settings:
   • Slide duration and transition effects
   • Loop behavior (whether it plays once or repeats)
   • Direction and fade options
6. Resize and reposition the slideshow window on your layout.

This feature is ideal if you want a “set it and forget it” visual element running while you focus on live content.

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Design Tips for Using Images

• ✅ Stay consistent with your brand colors and theme
• ✅ Use high-resolution images for a professional look
• ✅ Add a subtle fade transition between slides for smoother visuals
• ✅ Place images or slideshows in corners to avoid covering key on-screen content
• ✅ Layer slideshows behind your camera or text overlays for a dynamic background

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🎯 Pro Tip: Use Canva or a similar design tool to create custom banners, alerts, or overlay graphics before uploading them into Streamlabs.

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Step 9: Adding Text Overlays in Streamlabs OBS

Adding text overlays is one of the simplest yet most powerful ways to communicate directly with your audience during a livestream. Whether you’re saying thank you, making announcements, labeling scenes, or sharing calls to action, text is a versatile tool that helps enhance viewer engagement.

You don’t need any design experience—Streamlabs OBS makes it easy to add professional-looking text in just a few clicks.

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Common Uses for Text Overlays:

• 🙌 Thank-you messages to new subscribers or donors
• 📝 Captions or lower thirds to identify topics or speakers
• 🕒 Timers or schedules for breaks or upcoming segments
• 📢 Announcements like “We’ll be right back” or “Live Q&A starting soon”
• 🔗 Calls to action such as “Subscribe now!” or “Visit my website!”

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How to Add Text to Your Scene:

1. In the Sources panel, click the “+” icon.
2. Select Text (GDI+) from the list.
3. Click Add Source and give it a name (e.g., “Thank You Text” or “Callout Banner”).
4. In the settings window:
   • Type your message into the text box.
   • Select your font (use bold fonts for better visibility).
   • Adjust size, style, and color to match your stream’s branding.
5. Once added to your scene, you can resize, rotate, and reposition the text on your stream canvas.

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Improve Readability with Background Blocks

Text alone may sometimes be hard to see, especially over a busy video background. To solve this, use a color block behind the text:

1. Add a new Color Source in the Sources panel.
2. Pick a solid color (white, black, red, etc.) that contrasts with your background.
3. Resize the block and place it behind the text in the source order.
4. Reduce the block’s opacity for a more subtle, transparent look.

This technique helps your message stand out clearly without distracting from the main content.

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Design Tips for Text:

• 🔠 Use short, punchy phrases—avoid long sentences
• 🎨 Stick to 2–3 font styles across your stream for consistency
• 📐 Keep text aligned to screen margins or centered for a clean layout
• ⬆️ Place important messages above or below your camera frame

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🎯 Pro Tip: You can duplicate your text overlay and modify it slightly to use across multiple scenes—saving time and keeping your brand consistent.

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Step 10: Mastering Transitions in Streamlabs OBS

Switching between scenes during a livestream doesn’t have to feel clunky or abrupt. In fact, with just a few clicks, you can make your scene transitions look sleek, professional, and broadcast-quality.

Streamlabs OBS includes built-in transition effects that let you control how your stream moves from one scene to another—adding polish and keeping your audience engaged.

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What Are Scene Transitions?

A scene transition is the visual effect that plays when you switch between different layouts (or scenes) during your livestream.

For example:

• You’re on your “Camera Only” scene for introductions.
• Then you switch to your “Screen Share + Camera” scene for a tutorial.
• The transition determines what your viewers see during that switch.

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How to Access Transition Settings:

1. Navigate to the bottom-right corner of your Streamlabs interface.
2. Look for the “Scene Transitions” panel.
3. Click the dropdown to select your transition type or click the gear icon for advanced settings.

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Popular Transition Types in Streamlabs OBS:

• 🎞️ Fade
  A smooth, cross-fade between scenes. This is the most commonly used transition for a clean, subtle effect.
• ↔️ Swipe
  One scene slides out while the next slides in from the opposite direction. Great for fast-paced or energetic streams.
• 🎭 Luma Wipe
  Creates a visual pattern (like a curtain or circle) that “wipes” the old scene away as the new one appears.
• 🌟 Stinger
  A custom video transition—usually branded—that plays between scenes. This is a top choice for professional streamers and esports broadcasters.

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How to Customize Transitions:

Click the gear icon next to Scene Transitions to open up settings where you can:

• Adjust duration (how fast or slow the transition plays)
• Set a default transition for all scenes
• Apply different transitions to specific scenes using the Edit Scene Transitions menu
• Upload custom stinger videos for full branding control

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Creating a Professional Stream Flow:

When used properly, transitions help guide your audience through different parts of your stream and maintain a polished, cohesive feel.

For example:

• Use a fade between your camera intro and a tutorial.
• Use a stinger transition with your logo when moving to a break screen.
• Use a swipe when jumping into gameplay or screen share mode.

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Why Transitions Matter

• ✅ Keep your livestream smooth and professional
• ✅ Avoid jarring jumps between different types of content
• ✅ Reinforce your brand with stylish visual elements
• ✅ Build anticipation during scene changes

Even simple transitions can elevate the overall quality of your content, helping you stand out in a competitive streaming world.

🎯 Pro Tip: Combine transitions with music or audio stingers for maximum impact. A quick visual change paired with a sound effect can make your stream feel like a TV broadcast.t different transitions for different scenes. Example: Fade between camera and screen, swipe to slideshow.

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Step 11: Going Live With Streamlabs OBS

You’ve built your scenes, added your webcam, customized your overlays, and fine-tuned your transitions—now it’s time for the most exciting step: going live! Whether you’re streaming a gameplay session, a tutorial, a coaching call, or a behind-the-scenes look at your business, Streamlabs OBS makes it incredibly easy to launch your livestream with just a few clicks.

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How to Go Live in Streamlabs OBS

1. In the lower-right corner of the Streamlabs interface, click the “Go Live” button.
2. Choose your streaming platform from the available options:
   • 📺 YouTube
   • 🎮 Twitch
   • 👍 Facebook Live

If this is your first time, you’ll need to log in and connect your account for the platform you choose. Once authorized, you’ll be able to manage everything about your stream from within Streamlabs.

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Multi-Streaming (Premium Feature)

Want to reach multiple audiences at once?

Streamlabs offers a Multi-Streaming feature (available in the Prime/Paid plan), allowing you to broadcast your livestream to YouTube, Twitch, and Facebook simultaneously. This is a game-changer if you’re trying to grow your brand or reach viewers on different platforms.

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Pre-Stream Setup: Customize Your Broadcast

After selecting your platform, Streamlabs will prompt you to configure the final details of your livestream:

• 📝 Title
  Choose a compelling, keyword-rich title to attract viewers. Be specific! Instead of “Let’s Go Live,” use something like “Top 5 Tips for Growing on YouTube in 2025”.
• 🖼️ Thumbnail
  Upload a custom thumbnail image to represent your stream. This is the first impression viewers will get, especially on YouTube, so make it eye-catching and branded.
• 🔐 Visibility Settings
  Choose whether your stream is:
  • Public (anyone can find and view it)
  • Unlisted (only those with a link can view)
  • Private (only visible to you or selected viewers)
• 📅 Schedule a Stream
  Want to build anticipation and give your audience a heads-up? Use the schedule feature to pick a future date and time for your stream. This is especially useful if you’re planning a launch event, tutorial series, or recurring show.

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Pro Tips Before You Go Live:

✅ Double-check your audio and mic levels in the Audio Mixer
✅ Test your webcam feed and camera placement
✅ Review your scene selections and practice switching between them
✅ Run a private test stream (YouTube and Facebook allow this) to ensure everything works smoothly

Once you’ve reviewed everything, hit Confirm and Go Live—and just like that, your livestream is on the air!

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After You Go Live:

• Engage with your audience through live chat
• Switch between scenes for a dynamic experience
• Use widgets and alerts to respond to interactions in real time
• Keep an eye on your viewer count, stream health, and feedback

Once the stream ends, Streamlabs will either save the video to your platform (YouTube, Facebook) or allow you to download the recording for repurposing into future content.

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🎯 Pro Tip: Promote your scheduled streams in advance via social media, email newsletters, or your website. A few posts leading up to your event can dramatically boost turnout and viewer retention.

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Bonus Tips

Layer Management: Always check which source is on top. If your camera isn’t visible, it might be buried under another layer.

Copying Sources: Want the same alert box in multiple scenes? Just copy (Ctrl+C) and paste (Ctrl+V).

Editor Navigation: If you get lost, click Layout Editor to reset your view.

Audio Monitoring: You can set audio sources to “Monitor and Output” to ensure both you and your viewers hear everything.

Browser Sources: Use URLs to embed external tools or animations.

Scheduled Streams: Plan ahead by scheduling your livestreams and promoting them on social media.

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Final Thoughts

You don’t need a tech degree to stream in 2025. With Streamlabs OBS, all it takes is a little creativity, a few clicks, and a willingness to experiment. Whether you’re broadcasting tutorials, gameplay, coaching sessions, or live interviews, Streamlabs makes it simple and powerful.

So, what are you waiting for?

✅ Download Streamlabs OBS today ✅ Follow the steps in this guide ✅ Go live and start connecting with your audience

Have questions or want help troubleshooting your setup? Visit AskTheEarl.com and leave a comment.