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How to multistream in OBS Studio: a complete guide

OBS sends one signal. From there, you choose who distributes it: a local app, a plugin or a cloud relay. Upload and control decide the best path.

Published
Reading time
2 min read
Corneta version
0.11.0
Tested with
Corneta 0.6.0 (Windows 11)

What is multistreaming in OBS Studio?

OBS builds scenes, combines audio and video and delivers one signal. Multistreaming means sending that signal to two or more destinations, such as Twitch, YouTube and Kick.

The difference is who does the distribution. In local mode, each destination uses part of your upload. With a cloud relay, your PC sends one output and the service replicates the signal out there.

Three ways to distribute the stream

Local app

OBS sends the signal to an app on the same computer. The app copies or adapts the stream for each platform. That's how Corneta works: one destination can drop, pause or reconnect without pulling the others down with it.

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Corneta's Platforms screen with Twitch and YouTube set up as independent, ready destinations.

In Corneta, each destination has its own status without hiding the signal path.

In Corneta, each destination has its own status without hiding the signal path.Source: CornetaCorneta version: 0.11.0

OBS plugin

A plugin adds new outputs inside OBS. It's the shortest path if you only want to distribute the signal, but per-destination control and diagnostics depend on the plugin you choose.

Cloud relay

OBS sends a single output to an external service, which replicates the stream. It makes sense when your upload can't handle the sum of the destinations or when you'd rather take that load off your PC.

How do you choose without guessing?

Run four checks:

  1. add up the bitrate of every local output;
  2. leave headroom for swings in your connection;
  3. confirm whether the signal will be copied or re-encoded per destination;
  4. decide whether you need to pause, reconnect and diagnose each platform independently.

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Corneta's Quality screen comparing copying, automatic adjustment and per-platform re-encoding.

The modes make the trade-off between machine load, quality and upload visible.

The modes make the trade-off between machine load, quality and upload visible.Source: CornetaCorneta version: 0.11.0

If the math doesn't work out, don't fight the router. Lower the quality or use a cloud relay. If your PC can't handle re-encoding, copy a compatible signal or lower the resolution and FPS.

Where Corneta fits in

Corneta sits between OBS and the platforms. OBS keeps handling production; Corneta distributes, monitors and reconnects each destination.

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Corneta's Live screen showing the server and the local key used to receive the signal from OBS.

OBS publishes to a local address; Corneta takes over distribution from there.

OBS publishes to a local address; Corneta takes over distribution from there.Source: CornetaCorneta version: 0.11.0

Want to put this on air? Follow the first stream walkthrough.

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Corneta's Live screen with platforms, OBS, internet and safety nets all checked before GO LIVE.

The indicators at the top confirm the full path before the destinations open.

The indicators at the top confirm the full path before the destinations open.Source: CornetaCorneta version: 0.11.0

The ground rules before GO LIVE

  • each local destination eats part of your upload;
  • re-encoding uses CPU or GPU;
  • each platform sets its own rules and limits;
  • Corneta runs on Windows first, and OBS keeps producing the stream;
  • with little upload, a cloud relay may be the right choice.