Using OBS for Streaming Presentations

What is OBS?

Open Broadcaster Software or OBS is a free open source software used for live streaming and video recording. OBS can be used to capture your screen, live or recorded. The OBS main user interface is composed of five boxes, such as Scene, Sources, Audio Mixer, Scene Transition, and Controls.

OBS Default screen

The OBS default screen have 5 boxes; Scenes, Sources, Audio Mixer, Scene Transitions, and Controls.

OBS Setup Guide

Follow this guide to start with OBS

1. Install OBS on your Computer

You can install OBS Studio for free at obsproject.com. OBS is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux.

2. Follow the prompts to install

3. Open OBS

Run the auto-configuration wizard

If you’re new to OBS, you should see the Auto-Configuration Wizard, follow the steps to get good starting settings for your setup. If you only see the main OBS Studio window, you can access the Auto-Configuration Wizard in the Tools menu at the top. Auto-Configuration Wizard will automatically test your system and attempt to find settings applicable for your PC.

Virtual Cameras in OBS for Google Meet

To add a virtual camera for the OBS, download plugin, Virtual Camer download link for OBS.

After installing OBS VirtualCam, click on the tools and select VirtualCam. If you don’t see VirtualCam, restart your OBS Studio.

Click the VirtualCam and choose among options and target camera.

After setting up, you can now go on the Google’s meet page where you have to create a settings.

Configure Google Meet Software

For Google conference settings, you can start new meeting or enter a code or link.

After starting a meeting, just click the three dots in the bottom right corner and select setting.

After selecting setting, click video and select camera, choose camera that you’ve selected from the OBS.

Now that it has been configured accordingly , you can now start your presentations and lectures through Google meet using OBS studio.

Getting Started with your Presentation

To start your presentation, go back to OBS Studio and work with the boxes on the default screen.

Add Scene

You can create multiple scenes and switch between different scenes. You can add scenes for your Webcam and Mic, as well as for your Lecture. When creating your scene, it is best to rename it to avoid confusion during your stream or presentation. If you want to create or add more scenes, click the plus “+” button under the scene box.

Add Source

In adding a source, you can choose among all options. If you want to add audio, click Audio Input Capture, and if you want to show your face during your stream, click Video Capture Device and set your webcam. In terms of showing your PowerPoint Presentation, click Window Capture to display and run your presentation.

After setting your scenes and sources, you can now run and display your PowerPoint presentation on Google Meet using OBS Studio.

To live stream on Facebook or YouTube, click “Start Streaming” on the control box. To record, click “Start Recording,” recorded video will be automatically saved on “Videos” on your computer.

Note: Stream Key is needed.

Related Links:

Using OBS with PowerPoint. How to Stream Presentations to Facebook Live and Zoom Meetings

OBS Studio: Ultimate Presentation Guide (OBS Studio Tutorial for PowerPoint Presentations)

Setting up different presentation layouts for teaching with OBS