Optimizing your stream with streamlabs

Most importantly, the creation of a donation page is completely free and we do not affect any percentage on the money you receive from your viewers.

First steps with Streamlabs Desktop

Start using Streamlabs Desktop in a few simple steps and get started today!

Last update on May 05, 2023

Preparation

Keep basic resolution (canvas) as a native resolution of your computer. We recommend that you reduce outing resolution (scaling), because streaming in 1 080p can have a significant impact on your CPU. We also advise you to reduce the output resolution (scaling) to 1,280×720 to maintain a good balance between performance and quality.

Choose your encoder

There are two types of encoders: software (x264) and hardware (NVENC). The software encoder (X264) uses your CPU to encode the video, while the material encoders like NVENC use a dedicated encoder in the GPU, which allows you to play and stream without being at the expense of the performance of the game. If you use an Nvidia graphics card, we recommend that you stream with Nvenc New.

Change the CPU use preset

To modify the preset to use the CPU, select “output” in the settings window.

NVENC presets range from low latency, to optimal performance and maximum quality. We recommend that you start by applying the “quality” preset and then find the configuration that suits you best.

X264 offers a range of user preseglages. This is the speed at which the CPU encodes the video. The faster the encoding, the less CPU resources use. By default, X264 is defined on “very fast”, that is to say the preset which offers the best balance between performance and quality.

Activate dynamic binary flow

In a recent Streamlabs Desktop update, we have included a functionality called the dynamic binary speed. This feature allows our software to automatically adjust your binary flow depending on the conditions of the network to avoid image losses.

Keep in mind that if the speed of your computer and the Internet cannot manage the binary flow that you have defined, you risk undergoing image loss in order to maintain your stable stream and minimize latency.

To activate dynamic binary flow, access the settings window and click on “Advanced”. Scroll down and check the box next to the option “Dynamically modify the binary flow during a stream image loss”.

Modify the binary flow manually

You can also manually change your binary flow. You will find below the characteristics recommended by Twitch for Nvidia Nvenc depending on the resolution and the IPS you want to get. We advise you to stream in 720p and 30 IPS to benefit from the optimal performance of your streaming software.

1080p, 60 IPS

• Resolution: 1,920×1 080
• Binary flow: 6,000 kbps
• Debit control: Cbr
• Image flow: 60 or 50 IPS
• Key image interval: 2 seconds
• Preset: Quality
• B-Frames: 2

1080p 30 IPS

• Resolution: 1,920×1 080
• Binary flow: 4,500 kbps
• Debit control: Cbr
• Image flow: 25 or 30 IPS
• Key image interval: 2 seconds
• Preset: Quality
• B-Frames: 2

720p 60 IPS

• Resolution: 1,280×720
• Binary flow: 4,500 kbps
• Debit control: Cbr
• Image flow: 60 or 50 IPS
• Key image interval: 2 seconds
• Preset: Quality
• B-Frames: 2

720p, 30 IPS

• Resolution: 1,280×720
• Binary flow: 3,000 kbps
• Debit control: Cbr
• Image flow: 25 or 30 IPS
• Key image interval: 2 seconds
• Preset: Quality
• B-Frames: 2

Do not forget that each configuration is different, which is why it can be useful to test the different parameters to find the one that suits you best.

How to add live stream alerts for Twitch, YouTube or Facebook

The creation of unique alerts is a fundamental element of any live stream. They are like your personality and that of your brand. You can personalize them entirely so that they correspond to your identity or the aesthetics that you want to give your streams. By putting a little of yourself in your alerts, you make them unique, which contributes to retain your viewers and to encourage other spectators to participate in your live streams.

Screen alerts often serve as a first impression for a viewer. We recommend that you take the time and care necessary to make them memorable. Today we are going to show you how to create personalized alerts for Twitch, YouTube or Facebook.

Add an alert window widget

The first thing to do is add an alert window widget to your live stream. Widgets are features that you can add to Streamlabs Desktop to facilitate your interactions with the community. You can know more about the widgets to favor for your streams live by watching our video here.

To add an alert window, click on the symbol “+” plus in the “Sources” section of Streamlabs Desktop.

Now select “Alert window” from the context menu.

Once you have finished adding the source, the viewers will see your default alert appear on the screen when you have a new subscriber, that you will receive bits, that your channel will be suggested by another user, etc.

This is an ideal opportunity to thank your viewers for their contribution to stream. This recognition confirms your viewers and also encourages others to support you.

Predefined alerts

If you do not want to use the default alert, Streamlabs also offers predefined alerts created by the best designers in the middle, such as Nerd or Die, Visuals by Impulse and Own3D. You can consult our alert window themes page and browse the full alert themes catalog.

Create personalized alerts

If you do not want to use a predefined alert, you can customize yours manually by accessing the Streamlabs dashboard and clicking on the “Alert window” tab located on the left side.

This page is the center from which you can modify your alerts. From here, you can choose to modify your “general parameters”, which will affect each type of alert and/or will personalize more specific types of alert.

The types of alerts vary depending on the platform you choose. For example, in the image below, I am connected to Twitch and I therefore have options to personalize my alerts for subscriptions, suggestions, bits, etc.

general settings

General parameters apply to each type of alert. You can modify the time limit for an alert, mods approvals, obscenity filters, add coarse personalized words to prohibit, etc.

How to customize specific alert types

To customize an alert, click on the specific event type that you want to modify. In the illustrated example below, we modify the alerts for new Twitch followers.

On this page, you can customize the format of the alert, the image or the GIF displayed, as well as the sound, the police, the animation, the duration, etc. Now, when I receive a new follower on Twitch, my viewers will see an adorable Gif of Obi-Wan Kenobi.

How to add alert variations

Alert variations allow you to distribute special alerts when a viewer meets certain conditions. For example, you can broadcast different alerts depending on if you receive a donation of 1, 5 or $ 10.

Imagine that you want to create a special alert when someone gives you $ 10 or more.

1. Click on “Create an alert variation” and add a variation by assigning it the default alert settings or your personalized alert settings

2. Give a name for your new variation. In this case, we will call it “donations greater than $ 10”.

3. Choose the right condition for donations above $ 10 trigger a different alert. Do not forget that each type of alert must be associated with specific conditions. We advise you to familiarize yourself with each type of alert as well as the conditions available for each of them.

Now when someone will donate me for $ 10 or more, my viewers will see a nice photo of my dog.

Your alerts should now be configured and ready for your first live stream. If you have questions or comments, don’t hesitate to inform us. Remember to follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. Download Streamlabs Desktop.

The main features you need to start stream live

There is a lot to discover when you enter the world of stream live. Between the configuration of your streaming settings, the preparation of your channel, the choice of a single online identity as well as interaction and engagement with viewers: all this can be a bit confusing.

At Streamlabs, we know how complicated all this initial organization can be managed to manage. This is why we have designed a series of features to offer our streamers a unique shop, in order to meet all their needs. These features that we offer provide a stable base, to help you launch your career in streaming. Today, we will approach some of the main features that we recommend to help you create your brand and develop your channel.

Multisream

As a new streamer, you may be wondering which platform you should get started.

Each platform offers a unique opportunity to interact with a viewers community. To find out which platform is the most suitable for your needs, we recommend that you start with the multi-turning.

Multistream of Streamlabs is the only fully integrated experience as a owner integration in a popular live streaming tool. The live diffusion process is simplified. Thus, multistreaming is as simple as to link your account, activate it and move to direct. Take advantage of the multistream to YouTube, Twitch, Facebook and up to two personalized RTMP destinations simultaneously.

Consult our website on Streamlabs.com/Multistream to find out more about the way in which multi -turning can make you known more and develop your audience.

Create a page of streamlabs donations

Whether you want to have a career in streaming or that this activity is simply a pleasure for you, the activation of a donation page on Streamlabs can help you throughout your experience on the platform.

The implementation of a page of STREAMLABS tips is one of the easiest ways to generate income through streaming. We work with different payment methods, including Paypal, which offers you more ways to monetize your channel than anyone else in the sector.

Most importantly, the creation of a donation page is completely free and we do not affect any percentage on the money you receive from your viewers.

The configuration of your donation page only takes a few seconds. Consult our website on Streamlabs.com/donations to find out more.

Plug-ins streamlabs store

The diverse range of applications offered by the store allows you to improve the quality of production of your streams. The application shop has the tools that will allow you to improve your streams: from music reading adapted to streams to improving the appearance of your lives, including interaction with your viewers.

Discover our application shop on Platform.streamlabs.com/plugins to access our complete collection of plugins available for Streamlabs Desktop.

Open a merchandising shop

Merchandising is a great way to expand the contact you have with your fans, develop your brand and generate additional income. The streamlabs merchandising shop allows streamers to personalize different products by integrating their own logos and sell them in stream.

The creation of a merchandising shop is free. The whole configuration process takes less than 3 minutes, and anyone can register today and start selling for free t-shirts, hoodies and cups.

If you are streamed and you already earn money, you can consider going to Streamlabs Ultra. Although our merchandising feature is free for everyone, Ultra streamlabs users have access to high -end products, at the lowest prices and for very high profits.

To find out more about the opening of a derivative product shop, go to our website by following the address https: // streamlabs.com/merch

The features described here are only the tip of the iceberg. Streamlabs is full of additional features, all designed to help you develop your brand and create live streams always more pleasant and interactive. We recommend that you visit the dashboard and try all the available features.

If you have questions or comments, don’t hesitate to inform us. Remember to follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

You can download Streamlabs Desktop here.

Optimizing your stream with streamlabs

How to improve your stream Twitch ? Quavy shows you today how to optimize your stream compared to your equipment. Too high parameters for your computer hardware can cause performance problems for your live streaming.

To adjust these settings, open StreamLabs Obs and click on the cog in the lower left corner.

What an encoder to stream and optimize his live ?

To change encoder, go to “output” in the settings window. Regarding encoders, there are two types: software (x264) and hardware (NVENC). Software encoder (X264) uses your CPU to encode the video, while hardware encoders like NVENC unload the encoding process on your GPU. The choice of encoder that suits you best depends on a few factors.

In general, the output quality of a binary flow given for encoders based on the GPU will not be as high as that of software encoders. However, the advantage is a reduced charge on your CPU.

If you have a particularly powerful GPU or a PC dedicated to streaming, consider using a material encoder. In most cases, the software encoder (X264) will be able to manage the encoding process, provided that your CPU is not too stressed in other fields.

Quality and resolution of your stream

The resolution of your video can have a significant impact on the quality of your live flow and on the performance of Streamlabs Obs. For example, a 1080p streaming against 720p will double the number of pixels, which means that your computer will use more resources.

To adjust your resolution, select “video” in the side panel of the configuration window.

You can leave the basic resolution (canvas) to 1920 x 1080 because, in most cases, this is the standard size of the content that you broadcast continuously. However, it is recommended to reduce output resolution (scaling), as 1080p diffusion may have a significant impact on your processor. We recommend that you reduce the output resolution (scaling) to 1600×900 to obtain a good balance between performance and quality. You can reduce resolution to 1280×720 for the smallest configuration. This will reduce the lags of your stream and optimize your live.

Modify presetting the use of CPU

To modify the preset of the use of the CPU, go to “Output” in the Settings window.

The preset of the use refers to the speed at which the CPU encodes the video. The faster the coding, the less the CPU is used. By default, it is set to “very fast”, which offers the best balance between performance and quality.

Activate dynamic binary flow

‍This function allows our software to automatically adjust your binary flow depending on the network conditions in order to avoid tram losses and optimize your stream.

A static flow can cause a loss of frames, because if your connection is unable to follow, it loses frames to improve the stability of your flow and minimize latency. (“Advanced” tab).

Easily share your Twitch content on all your social networks !

Quavy aims to facilitate the work of streamers by allowing them to easily create video content from their Twitch account and to export it quickly to social networks. Use our video editor to add effects, music and transitions and choose the format adapted to your needs (portrait and landscape).

Compatible with Tiktok, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, Discord, Facebook…