How to multistream with OBS
Can OBS stream to multiple platforms? Not on its own. OBS Studio's stream settings send one stream to one service. To go live on several platforms at once, you have two options:
- A multistreaming plugin, such as Aitum Multistream or Multiple RTMP Outputs, adds extra outputs to OBS. Your computer then sends a separate stream to each platform.
- A cloud multistreaming service, such as Restream, receives one stream from OBS and delivers it to every platform you've connected.
Plugins are free but use more upload bandwidth, and often more CPU or GPU power, with every platform you add. A cloud service keeps the load on your computer the same however many platforms you stream to, and adds tools such as combined chat and analytics. Here's how the options compare, and how to set up OBS with Restream.
OBS multistreaming options compared
| OBS on its own | OBS + multistream plugin | OBS + Restream (cloud) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Platforms at once | One | Several, one output per platform | Several, from one stream |
| Upload from your computer | One stream | One stream per platform, so bandwidth grows with each platform | One stream, whatever the number of platforms |
| CPU/GPU load | One encode | Extra encoding for outputs with different settings | One encode |
| Settings per platform | Not applicable | Yes, each output has its own settings | Managed in Restream |
| Combined chat from all platforms | No | No | Yes, with Restream Chat |
| Cross-platform analytics | No | No | Yes |
| Cost | Free | Free plugins | Free plan available; the number of channels depends on your plan |
Swipe sideways to see the whole table.
How to multistream on OBS with Restream
Restream isn't an OBS plugin: Restream.io is built into the list of services in OBS's stream settings, so there's nothing extra to install.
- Go to Restream.io and create an account, or log in if you already have one.
- Click Channels to add the platforms you want to stream to. Our platform setup guides explain how to connect each one.
- Open OBS Studio and click Settings in the lower right corner.
- Select Stream in the left sidebar and choose Restream.io in the Service drop-down.
- Click Connect Account and log in to Restream. OBS links to the "Default RTMP" stream on your Restream Home screen. Alternatively, click Use Stream Key, then in Restream click New Stream, select Encoder | RTMP, copy the stream key and paste it into OBS.
- Leave Server on Autodetect to use the best server for your location, or pick a specific region. Click OK.
- When you're ready, click Start Streaming in OBS. Your broadcast goes live on all the channels you've turned on in Restream, and you can monitor it from the Restream Home screen.
Benefits of multistreaming on OBS with Restream
- One upload, many platforms. Restream handles delivery in the cloud, so you don't encode or upload your stream again for each platform you add. That leaves more bandwidth and processing power for your stream quality.
- All your chats in one place. Restream Chat works with OBS, so you can read and reply to messages from every platform you're streaming on.
- Cross-platform analytics. Restream analytics show viewer counts and engagement across all your channels.
- Fewer moving parts. You manage your destinations in Restream instead of configuring and updating each output inside OBS.
When a plugin is enough
A free plugin can be a good fit if you stream to two platforms, have plenty of upload bandwidth and a powerful computer, and want full control over each output's settings. If your connection or hardware is already near its limit, if you want to add more platforms, or if you need combined chat and analytics, a cloud service like Restream is the more reliable option. We compare both approaches in detail in Restream vs. multistreaming plugins.
OBS multistreaming FAQ
Can I multistream on OBS for free?
Yes. Multistreaming plugins for OBS are free to download, and Restream has a free plan that lets you multistream from OBS. The number of channels you can stream to at the same time depends on your Restream plan; see pricing for current limits.
Does multistreaming from OBS use more bandwidth?
With a plugin, yes: your computer uploads a separate stream for each platform. With Restream, OBS uploads one stream and Restream sends it to each platform from the cloud.
Is Restream an OBS plugin?
No. Restream.io is one of the built-in services in OBS's stream settings. You connect your account or paste a stream key, and there's nothing else to install.
Can I multistream to Twitch and other platforms at the same time?
Yes, as long as you follow Twitch's rules for simulcasting. Read Twitch's multistreaming rules explained before you go live.
For more ways to use OBS with Restream, see the OBS integration page.