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How to Set Up Streamlabs Desktop for Live Streaming: A Step-by-Step Guide

Jared

Jared

— 4 min read
How to Set Up Streamlabs Desktop for Live Streaming: A Step-by-Step Guide
Photo by ELLA DON / Unsplash

Live streaming has become an incredibly popular way to connect with audiences, whether you're a gamer, content creator, or business professional. One of the most user-friendly tools for beginners and seasoned streamers alike is Streamlabs Desktop. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through how to set up Streamlabs Desktop for live streaming, step-by-step. While this tutorial focuses on Streamlabs, many of these settings also apply to OBS Studio, so you can adapt them regardless of your preferred software. Let’s dive in!

Why Choose Streamlabs Desktop?

Streamlabs Desktop is a free, all-in-one streaming solution designed to simplify the process of going live. With built-in features like multi-streaming, customizable scenes, and easy integration with platforms like Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook, it’s a powerful tool for streamers. Ready to get started? and follow along with this guide.

Step 1: Initial Setup and General Settings

When you first open Streamlabs Desktop, you’ll see a clean interface with a settings menu at the bottom. Here’s how to begin:

General Tab

  • Purpose: Controls basic preferences.
  • Recommendations:
    • Leave most settings as default unless specific tweaks are needed.
    • Enable a confirmation dialog for starting streams (optional but useful for avoiding accidental broadcasts).
    • Set recordings to start automatically with your stream if desired.
  • Tip: These are personal preference settings, so adjust based on your workflow.

Multistreaming Tab

  • What It Does: Allows streaming to multiple platforms (e.g., Twitch, YouTube, Facebook) simultaneously.
  • Key Consideration: Requires high upload speed (20 Mbps or more recommended).
  • Setup: Follow the basic instructions in this tab to connect your accounts. Note that multi-streaming demands robust internet bandwidth.

Step 2: Configuring the Stream Tab

The Stream tab is where you connect Streamlabs to your streaming platform.

  • Login Method:
    • Click the “Login” button in the bottom left to sign into Twitch, YouTube, or other platforms directly. This is the easiest method and avoids dealing with stream keys.
  • Stream Key Method:
    • Select your service (e.g., Twitch or YouTube) from the dropdown.
    • Retrieve your stream key from your platform’s settings, paste it into Streamlabs, and keep it private to prevent unauthorized access.
  • Best Practice: Use the login method to minimize setup errors and security risks.

Step 3: Optimizing Output Settings

The Output tab is critical for determining your stream’s quality and performance. Streamlabs offers Simple and Advanced modes—let’s cover both.

Simple Output Mode

  • Video Bitrate:
    • Set between 4500-6000 Kbps for 1080p streaming.
    • Requires at least 10 Mbps upload speed (test yours with a speed test). For higher speeds (20 Mbps+), you’re set for 1080p at 60 FPS.
    • Platforms like Twitch cap at 6000 Kbps, while YouTube allows more flexibility—check their .
  • Encoder:
    • NVENC (NVIDIA): Recommended for NVIDIA GPU users. It offloads encoding to your graphics card, minimizing performance impact.
    • x264 (Software): Uses your CPU. Offers slightly better quality but may strain your system if gaming simultaneously.
  • Recording:
    • Set the recording path and choose High Quality, Medium File Size for a balanced output.
    • Use MP4 for convenience or MKV to avoid corruption during power outages (convert to MP4 later).

Advanced Output Mode

  • Software Encoding (x264):
    • Set Rate Control to CBR (Constant Bitrate) at 6000 Kbps.
    • CPU Usage Preset: Choose Fast or Medium for a balance of quality and performance.
  • NVENC (NVIDIA):
    • Set bitrate to 6000 Kbps.
    • Preset: Use P5 for most systems (adjust to P4-P6 based on performance).
    • Leave Key Frame Interval on auto (0).
  • Recording:
    • Use CRF (Constant Rate Factor) between 15-23 (17 is a sweet spot) for quality vs. file size balance.

Step 4: Audio Configuration

Proper audio setup ensures your viewers hear you clearly.

  • Desktop Audio: Set to your primary output device (e.g., headset or speakers).
  • Microphone: Select your mic from the dropdown. Test to confirm it’s working.
  • Tip: Avoid “default” settings—specify devices to prevent future issues. If your mic audio is one-sided, enable Downmix to Mono in the properties.

Step 5: Video Settings

The Video tab defines your stream’s resolution and frame rate.

  • Base (Canvas) Resolution: Matches your monitor (e.g., 1920x1080).
  • Output (Scaled) Resolution: Set to 1080p for most streams. Downscale from higher resolutions (e.g., 1440p or 4K) if needed.
  • Downscale Filter: Use Lanczos for best quality or Bilinear for performance.
  • FPS: Choose 60 FPS for smooth motion (fast-paced games) or 30 FPS for better quality with less bandwidth.

Step 6: Hotkeys and Advanced Settings

Hotkeys

  • Assign keys (e.g., on your keypad) to start/stop streaming or recording. This eliminates the need for a stream deck.

Advanced Tab

  • Process Priority: Set to Above Normal to allocate sufficient resources.
  • Network:
    • Select your connection (e.g., Ethernet) if you encounter streaming errors.
    • Enable Dynamically Change Bitrate to adjust quality during frame drops, especially useful with lower upload speeds (10 Mbps).

Step 7: Creating Scenes and Sources

Now, let’s set up what viewers will see.

Scenes

  • Create a new scene or use the default one. Scenes organize your layouts.

Sources

  • Video Capture Device: Add your webcam. Set resolution to the maximum supported and position it on-screen.
  • Game Capture:
    • Use Auto to detect open games or Capture Specific Window for manual selection.
    • Ensure it’s full-screen (right-click > Transform > Fit to Screen).
  • Window Capture: Alternative for non-game applications (e.g., browsers). Avoid Display Capture to prevent oversharing.
  • Layering: Drag your webcam source above the game capture in the list to ensure it’s visible.

Mixer

  • Confirm audio levels for desktop and microphone. Mute webcam mics to avoid duplicates.

Bonus Tip: Test Before Going Live

Always test your setup! Check the preview window to ensure video, audio, and sources align perfectly. Mute unnecessary audio inputs (like webcam mics) to avoid confusion.

Ready to Stream?

With Streamlabs Desktop configured, you’re ready to hit Go Live or Record. Whether you’re streaming to Twitch, YouTube, or multiple platforms, this setup ensures a smooth, high-quality broadcast. Want to try it out? and start streaming today!

Setting up Streamlabs Desktop doesn’t have to be intimidating. From output settings to scenes and sources, this guide covers everything you need to launch your streaming journey. Have questions or tips? Drop a comment below, and don’t forget to share this post with fellow streamers!