Noob’s Journey
Go Live Everywhere: Streaming Setup 101
A clean pipeline for Twitch, YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok. Right canvas, right bitrate, right vibes.
The Three Laws of Not-Scuffed Streams
- Canvas discipline: 16:9 for desktop platforms; 9:16 for vertical apps. Pick it on purpose.
- Bitrate sanity: Match bitrate to upload. Leave margin so the stream doesn’t cough.
- Audio hierarchy: Voice on top, game under, music ducked. Teach > noise.
Rule zero: test a private/unlisted stream first. Watch the VOD for blur, desync, or clipping.
Gear & Internet: Minimums That Matter
PC & Capture
- GPU encoder (NVENC/AMF/Quick Sync) preferred for streaming while gaming.
- Record/export to fast SSD/NVMe; keep 20% free space.
- Console path: console HDMI → capture card IN → OUT to monitor; USB to PC.
Internet
- Ethernet over Wi-Fi where possible.
- Use ≤ 70–80% of your measured upload for live bitrate.
- Keyframe interval: 2 seconds is the safe default across platforms.
Upload → Bitrate Helper
Result: —
OBS Setup — Simple & Stable
Canvas & Scenes
- Canvas: 1920×1080 (landscape) or 1080×1920 (vertical).
- Sources: Game/Display → Mic → Desktop Audio → (Optional) Cam & Overlay.
- Hotkeys: Start/Stop, Mute Mic, Toggle Cam, Replay Buffer (last 30–60s).
Encoder
- Use GPU encoder if available (NVENC/AMF/Quick Sync).
- Streaming: CBR. Recording: CQP/CRF (don’t record in CBR).
- FPS: 60 for action; 30 for low-motion or lower upload.
Replay Buffer = Free Highlights
Enable Replay Buffer to save hype moments without always recording.
Color & Range
SDR Rec.709, 8-bit. Match “Full vs Limited” range across GPU → capture → OBS.
Multi-Platform Simplicity (One PC)
- One output, many platforms: Use a restreaming service or OBS Multiple RTMP outputs. Keep each platform within its specs.
- Vertical + Horizontal: Either run two outputs (1080p60 landscape + 1080×1920 vertical) or crop/duplicate scenes with vertical canvas collections.
- Health monitoring: Watch Twitch Inspector / YouTube Stream Health / Facebook Live Producer stats for drops and keyframe warnings.
Some platforms transcode; some don’t. Lower your bitrate if viewers report buffering even when your upload is fine.
Platform-Safe Presets (Copy/Paste)
All use H.264, CBR, keyframe = 2s, audio AAC 48kHz. Start here, test, then tune.
Twitch — 1080p60
Output: 1920×1080 @ 60 FPS Encoder: NVENC/AMF/QSV (or x264 if needed) Rate control: CBR Bitrate: 6000 kbps (platform max for most creators) Keyframe interval: 2s B-frames: 2 Audio: AAC 48kHz 160 kbps
YouTube — 1080p60
Output: 1920×1080 @ 60 FPS Encoder: H.264 (AVC). (HEVC/AV1 also supported) Rate control: CBR Bitrate (H.264): ~12 Mbps recommended Keyframe interval: 2s (do not exceed 4s) Audio: AAC 48kHz 128–192 kbps
Facebook — 1080p60
Output: 1920×1080 @ 60 FPS Encoder: H.264 (Level 4.2 for 1080p60) Rate control: CBR Bitrate: up to 15,000 kbps (don’t exceed) Keyframe interval: 2s (max 4s) Audio: AAC 48kHz 128–160 kbps
TikTok — Vertical 1080×1920
Canvas: 1080×1920 @ 60 FPS (or 30) Encoder: H.264 Rate control: CBR Bitrate: ~2500 kbps (starter; some accounts allow higher) Keyframe interval: 2s Audio: AAC 48kHz 160–256 kbps
YouTube — 1440p60 (Optional)
Output: 2560×1440 @ 60 FPS Encoder: H.264 (or HEVC/AV1 if supported) Rate control: CBR Bitrate (H.264): ~24 Mbps recommended Keyframe: 2s (≤4s) Audio: AAC 48kHz 192–320 kbps
Low Upload Safe — 720p60
Output: 1280×720 @ 60 FPS Encoder: GPU (NVENC/AMF/QSV) Rate control: CBR Bitrate: 4500–6000 kbps (YT higher end; Twitch ≤6000) Keyframe: 2s Audio: AAC 48kHz 128–160 kbps
Tip: YouTube also accepts AV1/HEVC; Twitch and Facebook are safest on H.264. Test before events.
Audio Chain — Crisp Without Clipping
Gain Staging
- Mic peak around −6 dB; game/music sit under at −12 to −18 dB.
- Noise gate + light compressor (~3:1); de-esser if your S’s hiss.
Sidechain Ducking
Set music to duck when you speak (sidechain). Viewers want your words, not your war drums.
Chat, Mods & Safety
- Enable VODs/replays where supported; set slow mode if chat spikes.
- Block DMCA bait: music players off unless licensed; game soundtracks can still trigger claims.
- Add at least one mod or mod yourself with hotkeys/timeouts ready.
Go-Live Checklist (Fast)
Pocket Checklist
[ ] Canvas matches platform(s) [ ] Bitrate set to ≤ 70–80% of upload [ ] CBR + Keyframe = 2s [ ] Mic −6 dB peak, game −12 to −18 dB [ ] Test private/unlisted stream [ ] Titles/tags/thumbnail loaded [ ] Scene hotkeys tested, Replay Buffer on [ ] Stream Health (or Inspector) open [ ] VOD/Clips enabled if desired [ ] Post-game markers / chapter notes
Troubleshooting (Fast Wins)
Buffering / Dropped Frames
- Lower bitrate; hold keyframe at 2s; use Ethernet.
- Close overlays/browsers; reduce output to 720p60 or 1080p30.
Choppy Recording While Live
- Use GPU encoder; record to a different drive; cap FPS in game.
Audio Desync
- Lock 48 kHz everywhere; add delay to cam/mic if capture card adds it.
Washed Colors
- Match Full/Limited range chain; SDR Rec.709; avoid surprise HDR.