OBS Studio (a rewrite of the original Open Broadcaster) is a comprehensive open-source package for video recording and live streaming.
The program supports multiple sources, including media files, games, web pages, application windows, webcams, your desktop, microphone and more.
These sources can be combined. For example, you could include a web development tool, a browser window with a live preview of the site you're updating, and a microphone to tell the viewers what you're doing.
A Record option can save your show/ demonstration/ game/ presentation as an FLV/ MP4/ MOV/ TS/ M3U8 video with your choice of encoder and settings.
Alternatively, there's support for live streaming via Twitch, YouTube, hitbox.tv, DailyMotion, beam.tv, Livecoding.tv, Facebook Live or Restream.io.
The program doesn't make much of an effort to lead you through all this, but it doesn't take long to figure out the basics. Add a source, explore the settings, click Start Recording and check the video results.
Verdict:
OBS Studio could be easier to use, but you'll soon learn the basics, and overall it offers plenty of video recording/ streaming power.
Changelog
What's new in 30.0 (see changelog for more)?
- Added WHIP/WebRTC output [Sean-Der / kc5nra / DDRBoxman / tt2468]
- With the introduction of WHIP, FTL is slated for removal in a release after May 2024
- Redesigned the status bar [cg2121 / GeorgesStavracas / Warchamp7]
- The redesigned status bar now provides the same information in a more organized and well structured way, with more representative and recognizable icons.
- Added option for Full-Height docks to the "Docks" menu [ujifgc]
- When enabled, a dock such as chat can take up the entire height of the OBS window
- Added support for Intel QSV H264, HEVC, AV1 on Linux [kkartaltepe]
- Added a shader cache to improve OBS startup time on Windows [notr1ch]
- Added application audio capture on macOS [jcm93]
- Added a "Safe Mode" that runs OBS without third-party plugins, scripting, and websockets [derrod]
- When OBS detects that it was not shut down properly it will offer the user the option to launch in Safe Mode for troubleshooting purposes. It can also be manually activated via the "Help" menu.
- Reworked the virtual camera on macOS to work with all applications (on macOS 13 and newer) [gxalpha/PatTheMav]
- Added a YouTube Live Control Room Panel when streaming to YouTube [yuriy-chunak]
- Added 10-bit capture support for Decklink devices [jpark37]
- Added HDR playback support for Decklink output [jpark37]
- Added an option to hide OBS windows from macOS Screen Capture's "Display Capture" [PatTheMav]
Your Comments & Opinion
Free video recorder and live streaming tool
Free video recorder and live streaming tool
An amazing media conversion/ streaming/ recording tool
An amazing media conversion/ streaming/ recording tool
Enjoy digital and internet TV and radio with this one-stop entertainment system
Enjoy digital and internet TV and radio with this one-stop entertainment system
A full-featured audio player with many interesting options to explore
Create stylish web albums from your favourite digital photos
Create stylish web albums from your favourite digital photos