Stream to Success: OBS Youtube Broadcast Basics

Live stream to youtube with OBS step by step guide for beginners

Richard Bennett

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

• Part1. Stream Now set up
• Part2. Set up Your Live Streaming Encoder
• Part3. Youtube Events set up
• Part4. Video tutorial

1. Stream Now set up

Follow these steps to live stream your impressive videos to YouTube using Stream Now tool:

Step 1: First of all you need to login with your account and then move to Creator Studio option directly.

Step 2: Choose the Video Manager option from top most toolbar.

Step 3: From the drop down menu, simply select Live Streaming option to begin with.

Step 4: Now hot the steam now option on your screen.

Step 5: Change or Upload your thumbnail as per need.

Step 6: It is time to provide an eye catching title to your video, add description and finally choose category from the drop down menu.

Step 7: While using stream option, never forget to click on ‘make archive unlisted when complete’ option so that you can save as well as watch your content on YouTube at later stage.

Step 8: You can monetize your ads as per need.

Step 9: It also provides options to add cards.

Step 10: Now move to encoder setup and then simply copy and paste these details to your streaming software.

Step 11: Now you can set your live chat option as per your requirement.

Step 12: The analysis window will help you to know about how many viewers are connected to your video as well as the message updates will be reflected.

Step 13: Stream health can be monitored directly.

Step 14: One can also use the social media button for live shares.

2.Set up Your Live Streaming Encoder

As soon as you have completed the above set up then next task is to adjust settings of your streaming encoder. It is possible to make easy selection out of wide range of live streaming encoders. The details below are provided with reference to OBS too that is open source type free to access software.

Step 1: First of all you need to visit official website of OBS and get your software tool installed on your system.

Step 2: Now launch OBS on your device and directly go to settings option.

Step 3: It is time to copy the stream key from YouTube and then paste it directly in the specified field of OBS.

Step 4: Users can now add their sources and scenes.

Step 5: Once all these settings are done then you can simply hit the option for start streaming and it will bring your content to YouTube directly.

3. Youtube Events set up

Live stream is little different from Stream Now platform as it allows users to schedule the streams as well as a connectivity to Google Hangouts is provided. These easy to follow steps will assist you to handle all settings for your events using Live Stream tool:

Step 1: Simply click on the schedule event option on screen.

Step 2: It is much easier to make settings for basic information as well as audience type. Make some desired changes to SNS platform. If you select the Quick type then it will directly select your webcam and you need not to make additional complicated settings whereas the custom type option provides easy set up options with OBS.

Step 3: The advance settings option works same as that of stream now features and users can adjust most of these settings as per their streaming needs.

Step 4: Users can turn monetization On or Off as per their preferences.

Step 5: As soon as you finish all above settings then simply click on the create event option.

Step 6: One more window will appear on your screen and here you can make adjustment for preferred bit rate. Also put your dedicated stream key with encoder.

Step 7: When all above steps are completed then you need to hit the option for save changes so that your tool can act accordingly.

Step 8: Now click on events and here you will be able to find your event. Move to live control room if you want to access complete details about this event and you can easily delete it.

Step 9: Users can set privacy terms or simple delete the event that is currently in action.

Video tutorial

Richard Bennett

Richard Bennett is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Richard Bennett

Richard Bennett

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

• Part1. Stream Now set up
• Part2. Set up Your Live Streaming Encoder
• Part3. Youtube Events set up
• Part4. Video tutorial

1. Stream Now set up

Follow these steps to live stream your impressive videos to YouTube using Stream Now tool:

Step 1: First of all you need to login with your account and then move to Creator Studio option directly.

Step 2: Choose the Video Manager option from top most toolbar.

Step 3: From the drop down menu, simply select Live Streaming option to begin with.

Step 4: Now hot the steam now option on your screen.

Step 5: Change or Upload your thumbnail as per need.

Step 6: It is time to provide an eye catching title to your video, add description and finally choose category from the drop down menu.

Step 7: While using stream option, never forget to click on ‘make archive unlisted when complete’ option so that you can save as well as watch your content on YouTube at later stage.

Step 8: You can monetize your ads as per need.

Step 9: It also provides options to add cards.

Step 10: Now move to encoder setup and then simply copy and paste these details to your streaming software.

Step 11: Now you can set your live chat option as per your requirement.

Step 12: The analysis window will help you to know about how many viewers are connected to your video as well as the message updates will be reflected.

Step 13: Stream health can be monitored directly.

Step 14: One can also use the social media button for live shares.

2.Set up Your Live Streaming Encoder

As soon as you have completed the above set up then next task is to adjust settings of your streaming encoder. It is possible to make easy selection out of wide range of live streaming encoders. The details below are provided with reference to OBS too that is open source type free to access software.

Step 1: First of all you need to visit official website of OBS and get your software tool installed on your system.

Step 2: Now launch OBS on your device and directly go to settings option.

Step 3: It is time to copy the stream key from YouTube and then paste it directly in the specified field of OBS.

Step 4: Users can now add their sources and scenes.

Step 5: Once all these settings are done then you can simply hit the option for start streaming and it will bring your content to YouTube directly.

3. Youtube Events set up

Live stream is little different from Stream Now platform as it allows users to schedule the streams as well as a connectivity to Google Hangouts is provided. These easy to follow steps will assist you to handle all settings for your events using Live Stream tool:

Step 1: Simply click on the schedule event option on screen.

Step 2: It is much easier to make settings for basic information as well as audience type. Make some desired changes to SNS platform. If you select the Quick type then it will directly select your webcam and you need not to make additional complicated settings whereas the custom type option provides easy set up options with OBS.

Step 3: The advance settings option works same as that of stream now features and users can adjust most of these settings as per their streaming needs.

Step 4: Users can turn monetization On or Off as per their preferences.

Step 5: As soon as you finish all above settings then simply click on the create event option.

Step 6: One more window will appear on your screen and here you can make adjustment for preferred bit rate. Also put your dedicated stream key with encoder.

Step 7: When all above steps are completed then you need to hit the option for save changes so that your tool can act accordingly.

Step 8: Now click on events and here you will be able to find your event. Move to live control room if you want to access complete details about this event and you can easily delete it.

Step 9: Users can set privacy terms or simple delete the event that is currently in action.

Video tutorial

Richard Bennett

Richard Bennett is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Richard Bennett

Richard Bennett

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

• Part1. Stream Now set up
• Part2. Set up Your Live Streaming Encoder
• Part3. Youtube Events set up
• Part4. Video tutorial

1. Stream Now set up

Follow these steps to live stream your impressive videos to YouTube using Stream Now tool:

Step 1: First of all you need to login with your account and then move to Creator Studio option directly.

Step 2: Choose the Video Manager option from top most toolbar.

Step 3: From the drop down menu, simply select Live Streaming option to begin with.

Step 4: Now hot the steam now option on your screen.

Step 5: Change or Upload your thumbnail as per need.

Step 6: It is time to provide an eye catching title to your video, add description and finally choose category from the drop down menu.

Step 7: While using stream option, never forget to click on ‘make archive unlisted when complete’ option so that you can save as well as watch your content on YouTube at later stage.

Step 8: You can monetize your ads as per need.

Step 9: It also provides options to add cards.

Step 10: Now move to encoder setup and then simply copy and paste these details to your streaming software.

Step 11: Now you can set your live chat option as per your requirement.

Step 12: The analysis window will help you to know about how many viewers are connected to your video as well as the message updates will be reflected.

Step 13: Stream health can be monitored directly.

Step 14: One can also use the social media button for live shares.

2.Set up Your Live Streaming Encoder

As soon as you have completed the above set up then next task is to adjust settings of your streaming encoder. It is possible to make easy selection out of wide range of live streaming encoders. The details below are provided with reference to OBS too that is open source type free to access software.

Step 1: First of all you need to visit official website of OBS and get your software tool installed on your system.

Step 2: Now launch OBS on your device and directly go to settings option.

Step 3: It is time to copy the stream key from YouTube and then paste it directly in the specified field of OBS.

Step 4: Users can now add their sources and scenes.

Step 5: Once all these settings are done then you can simply hit the option for start streaming and it will bring your content to YouTube directly.

3. Youtube Events set up

Live stream is little different from Stream Now platform as it allows users to schedule the streams as well as a connectivity to Google Hangouts is provided. These easy to follow steps will assist you to handle all settings for your events using Live Stream tool:

Step 1: Simply click on the schedule event option on screen.

Step 2: It is much easier to make settings for basic information as well as audience type. Make some desired changes to SNS platform. If you select the Quick type then it will directly select your webcam and you need not to make additional complicated settings whereas the custom type option provides easy set up options with OBS.

Step 3: The advance settings option works same as that of stream now features and users can adjust most of these settings as per their streaming needs.

Step 4: Users can turn monetization On or Off as per their preferences.

Step 5: As soon as you finish all above settings then simply click on the create event option.

Step 6: One more window will appear on your screen and here you can make adjustment for preferred bit rate. Also put your dedicated stream key with encoder.

Step 7: When all above steps are completed then you need to hit the option for save changes so that your tool can act accordingly.

Step 8: Now click on events and here you will be able to find your event. Move to live control room if you want to access complete details about this event and you can easily delete it.

Step 9: Users can set privacy terms or simple delete the event that is currently in action.

Video tutorial

Richard Bennett

Richard Bennett is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Richard Bennett

Richard Bennett

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

• Part1. Stream Now set up
• Part2. Set up Your Live Streaming Encoder
• Part3. Youtube Events set up
• Part4. Video tutorial

1. Stream Now set up

Follow these steps to live stream your impressive videos to YouTube using Stream Now tool:

Step 1: First of all you need to login with your account and then move to Creator Studio option directly.

Step 2: Choose the Video Manager option from top most toolbar.

Step 3: From the drop down menu, simply select Live Streaming option to begin with.

Step 4: Now hot the steam now option on your screen.

Step 5: Change or Upload your thumbnail as per need.

Step 6: It is time to provide an eye catching title to your video, add description and finally choose category from the drop down menu.

Step 7: While using stream option, never forget to click on ‘make archive unlisted when complete’ option so that you can save as well as watch your content on YouTube at later stage.

Step 8: You can monetize your ads as per need.

Step 9: It also provides options to add cards.

Step 10: Now move to encoder setup and then simply copy and paste these details to your streaming software.

Step 11: Now you can set your live chat option as per your requirement.

Step 12: The analysis window will help you to know about how many viewers are connected to your video as well as the message updates will be reflected.

Step 13: Stream health can be monitored directly.

Step 14: One can also use the social media button for live shares.

2.Set up Your Live Streaming Encoder

As soon as you have completed the above set up then next task is to adjust settings of your streaming encoder. It is possible to make easy selection out of wide range of live streaming encoders. The details below are provided with reference to OBS too that is open source type free to access software.

Step 1: First of all you need to visit official website of OBS and get your software tool installed on your system.

Step 2: Now launch OBS on your device and directly go to settings option.

Step 3: It is time to copy the stream key from YouTube and then paste it directly in the specified field of OBS.

Step 4: Users can now add their sources and scenes.

Step 5: Once all these settings are done then you can simply hit the option for start streaming and it will bring your content to YouTube directly.

3. Youtube Events set up

Live stream is little different from Stream Now platform as it allows users to schedule the streams as well as a connectivity to Google Hangouts is provided. These easy to follow steps will assist you to handle all settings for your events using Live Stream tool:

Step 1: Simply click on the schedule event option on screen.

Step 2: It is much easier to make settings for basic information as well as audience type. Make some desired changes to SNS platform. If you select the Quick type then it will directly select your webcam and you need not to make additional complicated settings whereas the custom type option provides easy set up options with OBS.

Step 3: The advance settings option works same as that of stream now features and users can adjust most of these settings as per their streaming needs.

Step 4: Users can turn monetization On or Off as per their preferences.

Step 5: As soon as you finish all above settings then simply click on the create event option.

Step 6: One more window will appear on your screen and here you can make adjustment for preferred bit rate. Also put your dedicated stream key with encoder.

Step 7: When all above steps are completed then you need to hit the option for save changes so that your tool can act accordingly.

Step 8: Now click on events and here you will be able to find your event. Move to live control room if you want to access complete details about this event and you can easily delete it.

Step 9: Users can set privacy terms or simple delete the event that is currently in action.

Video tutorial

Richard Bennett

Richard Bennett is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Richard Bennett

Exploring the Essence of YouTube Live Imagery Language

Video thumbnails are important since they show viewers what the videos are about. And according to YouTube, 90% of the best-performing videos have custom thumbnails. Therefore, adding thumbnails to all your videos is wise. But how to do that with live streams? Is it any different from adding thumbnails to normal videos? You’ll find answers in this article. Here’s a comprehensive guide about YouTube Live thumbnails.

Overview of YouTube Live

Livestreaming is very popular now. The pandemic has accelerated its growth. But what made it so special? Watching live streams is different from watching regular videos. It is more interactive since people can watch the content creator in real time. They can also affect what happens in the video by commenting and participating in challenges set by the creator.

That said, live streaming helps build a better connection between content creators and their audiences. So you may want to incorporate live streaming into your strategies. You can do that on YouTube through YouTube Live. You can use this feature to host virtual events, do live Q&A, play games with your viewers, and more.

Importance of Thumbnail for Live Stream

Thumbnails are important for videos. Alongside the title, they inform the viewers what the video is about. It’s not different with live streams. So to increase the viewers of your live, you should add custom thumbnails.

What happens if you don’t add a custom thumbnail to your live stream? YouTube will select a random frame from the video and display it. The thing is that live streams are usually longer than recorded videos. So YouTube has more options to use as the thumbnail.

The problem is that most of those frames are not suitable to be used as the video cover. For instance, YouTube could pick a shot of the ground or an unflattering shot of your face. So, it’s a must to add a custom thumbnail for your live stream.

How To Add a YouTube Live Thumbnail

Now, you know how important adding custom thumbnails to live streams is. You probably want to know how to do that. We got you covered. Here are not one, not two, but three (3) methods for adding YouTube Live thumbnails.

Method 1. Add Live Thumbnail on YouTube Studio

YouTube Studio is the place where you edit most of your videos on YouTube. It’s where you edit the description, add or remove tags, and such. It’s also where you change thumbnails for your videos. And live videos are no exception. Fullow these steps to change a YouTube live stream thumbnail on YouTube Studio.

• Head to a computer, launch a browser, and go to YouTube.
• Click your channel icon on the top-right and select “YouTube Studio.”

• Click “Create” > “Go Live.”

• Edit the metadata for the live video.

• Click “UPLOAD CUSTOM THUMBNAIL.”

• Select the custom thumbnail that you have prepared. Click “Open.”
• Click “Create Stream.”

Method 2. Add Live Stream Thumbnail on YouTube Classic Mode

Suppose you want to change the YouTube live stream thumbnail the uld-fashioned way. You can change it on YouTube Classic Mode. How? Fullow these simple steps.

• Head to a computer, launch a browser, and go to YouTube.
• Click “Creator Studio Classic” from the left panel.

• Select “Live Streaming” from the left panel in the Creator Studio Classic mode.

• YouTube will bring you to the “Stream Now” section. Put in the video metadata.

• Click “Change thumbnail.”

• Select the thumbnail image you have prepared. Click “Open.”
• Wait for the thumbnail image to refresh.

Method 3. Upload a Thumbnail to YouTube Live With Mobile Phones

Perhaps you are live-streaming a trip somewhere. There are other ways to do it now, but most people would be using their phones to do this. So how do you change a YouTube Live thumbnail on mobile phones? Fullow these instructions:

• Launch the YouTube mobile app.
• Click the “Plus” icon at the bottom middle of the screen.
• Select “Go Live.”
• Enter the metadata. And set the advanced settings according to your preferences.

• Click “Next.”

• YouTube will take a photo of you. Don’t mind this because you’ll be changing it later.

• Click the “Pencil” icon after YouTube has taken a photo.

• Select “Upload thumbnail.”

• Select the thumbnail image you have prepared.
• Crop the image if you like. Click “Save.”

• Click “Go Live.”

How To Create a Livestream Thumbnail

So you now know how to change the live stream thumbnail. There’s one more thing we need to address. Where will you get the custom thumbnails? There are a number of good YouTube thumbnail makers out there. Let’s discuss this.

Livestream Thumbnail Makers

There are many great YouTube thumbnail makers on the market. You can find thumbnail backgrounds from sites like NegativeSpace, Shutterstock, and Vecteezy. Then, edit them to your liking using photo editing apps. Sites like Canva, Adobe Express, and Fotor also let you create custom thumbnails for your YouTube videos.

Wondershare Filmora is also a great thumbnail maker. You’d like it since it is also a powerful video editor. It is double-purpose! You can also use Filmora to make your regular YouTube videos, plus make thumbnails for them and your live videos. Talk about convenience!

Free Download For Win 7 or later(64-bit)

Free Download For macOS 10.14 or later

Steps to Make an Amazing YouTube Livestream Thumbnail

Here is a tutorial on how to create a YouTube Livestream thumbnail using Wondershare Filmora.

• Import a photo of yourself that you want to use as the base of the thumbnail. Drag it into the timeline.

• Click “Effect.”

• Drag the “Human Segmentation” effect to your image on the timeline. Do the same with “Human Border.” Alternatively, click “Touls” > “Video” > “AI Portrait” > “Ok.”

• Select the photo on the timeline. Scale it and move it to where you want it to be.

• Add backgrounds, effects, titles, etc.

• Click the “Camera” icon below the video preview to save the thumbnail. Select a format and a target fulder. Click “Ok.”

• Right-click the screenshot on the Media panel. Select “Reveal in Explorer.” That will open the fulder where the thumbnail image is saved.

Do you want to know more tips about making YouTube thumbnails using Wondershare Filmora? If so, watch this video:

How To Customize YouTube Livestream Thumbnail Online

Wave.video is one of the best online YouTube thumbnail creators out there. Here’s a guide on how to use this toul.

• Open a web browser and visit Wave’s website.
• Hover your mouse on “Templates” at the top toulbar.
• Select “Thumbnail” under Livestreaming.

• Select a template that fits your idea.

• Edit the sample image and text. Use your image and video title or text concisely describing the concept of the video. Edit other aspects of the image as needed.

• Click “Publish” > “Current frame as image.”

• Set up your image. Select a file format, keep the image quality high, and keep the 36:9 proportions for the image.

• Click “Generate.”
• Please wait for it to finish, then click “Download.”

Tips for Making an Amazing YouTube Live Thumbnail

Here are some tips to fullow.

Photos

Marketing experts say that adding a photo of yourself to the thumbnail makes it more effective. Needless to say, you should not choose just any photo. You must ensure it is of high quality. Using good cameras and lighting equipment is recommended.

Expressions

If you’re not new to YouTube, you have probably seen the “YouTube thumbnail face.” YouTuber’s faces on their thumbnails show an expression. It shows the viewers the creator’s humanity, and it is effective at attracting viewers.

Text

Add simple text with clear, buld, easy-to-read font.

Conclusion

Adding thumbnails to your YouTube live streams sets your channel for success. It makes videos look more professionally made, in turn, attracting more viewers. So, we recommend always adding thumbnails to your YouTube Live.

For creating YouTube thumbnails, you can use Wondershare Filmora. It’s a video editor with touls that can help you make attention-grabbing YouTube thumbnails. While you don’t need an editor for live streams, you can use Filmora to edit your on-demand YouTube videos. It’s hitting two birds with one stone!

Free Download For macOS 10.14 or later

Steps to Make an Amazing YouTube Livestream Thumbnail

Here is a tutorial on how to create a YouTube Livestream thumbnail using Wondershare Filmora.

• Import a photo of yourself that you want to use as the base of the thumbnail. Drag it into the timeline.

• Click “Effect.”

• Drag the “Human Segmentation” effect to your image on the timeline. Do the same with “Human Border.” Alternatively, click “Touls” > “Video” > “AI Portrait” > “Ok.”

• Select the photo on the timeline. Scale it and move it to where you want it to be.

• Add backgrounds, effects, titles, etc.

• Click the “Camera” icon below the video preview to save the thumbnail. Select a format and a target fulder. Click “Ok.”

• Right-click the screenshot on the Media panel. Select “Reveal in Explorer.” That will open the fulder where the thumbnail image is saved.

Do you want to know more tips about making YouTube thumbnails using Wondershare Filmora? If so, watch this video:

How To Customize YouTube Livestream Thumbnail Online

Wave.video is one of the best online YouTube thumbnail creators out there. Here’s a guide on how to use this toul.

• Open a web browser and visit Wave’s website.
• Hover your mouse on “Templates” at the top toulbar.
• Select “Thumbnail” under Livestreaming.

• Select a template that fits your idea.

• Edit the sample image and text. Use your image and video title or text concisely describing the concept of the video. Edit other aspects of the image as needed.

• Click “Publish” > “Current frame as image.”

• Set up your image. Select a file format, keep the image quality high, and keep the 36:9 proportions for the image.

• Click “Generate.”
• Please wait for it to finish, then click “Download.”

Tips for Making an Amazing YouTube Live Thumbnail

Here are some tips to fullow.

Photos

Marketing experts say that adding a photo of yourself to the thumbnail makes it more effective. Needless to say, you should not choose just any photo. You must ensure it is of high quality. Using good cameras and lighting equipment is recommended.

Expressions

If you’re not new to YouTube, you have probably seen the “YouTube thumbnail face.” YouTuber’s faces on their thumbnails show an expression. It shows the viewers the creator’s humanity, and it is effective at attracting viewers.

Text

Add simple text with clear, buld, easy-to-read font.

Conclusion

Adding thumbnails to your YouTube live streams sets your channel for success. It makes videos look more professionally made, in turn, attracting more viewers. So, we recommend always adding thumbnails to your YouTube Live.

For creating YouTube thumbnails, you can use Wondershare Filmora. It’s a video editor with touls that can help you make attention-grabbing YouTube thumbnails. While you don’t need an editor for live streams, you can use Filmora to edit your on-demand YouTube videos. It’s hitting two birds with one stone!

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