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OBS Studio is the control room for your stream. A scene is a layout. A source is something in that layout, such as a game, camera or microphone. Build the smallest working scene first.
CAMERA
Build one scene → add sources → check audio → record a test.
Install from the official website
Download OBS Studio from obsproject.com for your operating system. Open Tools → Auto-Configuration Wizard and choose streaming. Let OBS assess your computer and connection before fine-tuning settings.
Create a “Main” scene
In Scenes, click + and name it Main. In Sources, use Game Capture for a supported Windows game, Window Capture for one application, or macOS Screen Capture on supported Macs. Use whole-display capture only if you intend to share the entire screen.
Add camera and microphone
Add a Video Capture Device if you use a camera. In Settings → Audio select the microphone you actually use. Check that it is not also added twice as a separate source, which can cause echo.
Check the audio mixer
Speak normally and watch the microphone meter. Keep your loudest speech below clipping; turn game or music audio down so your voice stays clear. Record and listen instead of trusting the meters alone.
Connect your platform
Open Settings → Stream and choose your service. Use the platform-provided connection or stream URL and key. Treat your stream key like a password and keep the settings window out of recordings.
Record before broadcasting
Make a ten-minute recording while running the real game or activity. Check picture, audio, notifications, dropped frames and disk space. Add a simple break scene, then test switching to it.
Go live and check the viewer side
Set the right category and title on the platform. Start streaming, open the stream on another device with its audio muted and confirm it is visible. End with Stop Streaming and check the recording saved.
Your next action.
Build Main and Break scenes. Record ten minutes, switch between them and watch the result before your first public broadcast.
Make it happen.
Before you go live.
Why is my capture black?+
Check that the selected application is running and that the source points to the correct window. Try the official OBS capture troubleshooting guide; platform permissions, GPU selection and capture methods vary by operating system.
Why is there an echo?+
A microphone may be active twice, stream playback may be coming through speakers or audio monitoring may feed into desktop audio. Use headphones, mute your viewer preview and check duplicate audio sources.
Do I need overlays?+
Not to start. A readable picture, clear audio and relevant activity are enough. Add an overlay only if it helps viewers understand the stream.
Official resources for the next detail.
OBS: quick start guide OBS: audio and recording basicsSet up multistreaming
Understand direct uploads and relay services, then test a reliable Kick, Twitch and YouTube workflow.