How to set up OBS Studio for lag-free streaming

Last update: 25/02/2025
Author Daniel Terrasa

  • OBS Studio offers an automatic wizard to optimize settings based on your hardware.
  • Adjusting the bitrate and encoder is key to improving performance without losing quality.
  • It is essential to configure the video and audio sources correctly to avoid synchronization problems.
  • A good combination of resolution and FPS helps balance quality and fluidity in transmissions.
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Configure OBS Studio to record or transmit no lag (i.e. lag-free) can be a challenge if the settings are not optimized properly. A poor balance between image quality and system performance can result in lag, dropped frames, and audio sync issues.

Fortunately, OBS Studio It has tools and settings that allow us to obtain maximum performance without sacrificing quality. This is what we are going to explain to you in this article.

Automatic Configuration Wizard

When setting up OBS Studio for the first time, the program offers you the option to run the Automatic Configuration WizardThis tool analyzes your hardware specifications and automatically adjusts the recommended settings for your computer.

If this window does not open automatically, you can access it manually from the menu Tools > Automatic Configuration Wizard. It is recommended to run this option before making manual adjustments to start from a optimized base.

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Audio Settings

Another important aspect to keep in mind when setting up OBS Studio and achieving smooth streaming or recording is make sure the audio is set up correctly. To do this, you need to do the following:

  1. First we go to the menu Configuration.
  2. Then we access the section Audio.
  3. Finally, we select both the input device such as output device suitable.

If you use a external microphone or a USB audio interface, check that OBS recognizes it correctly and adjust the sampling rate to avoid synchronization failures with the video.

configure obs studio

Video Settings

Inside the section Institutional, (also accessed from the Settings menu), there are two parameters that we must adjust to configure OBS Studio optimally:

  • Base Resolution (Canvas): The resolution at which you capture your screen or video source.
  • Output Resolution (Scaled): The final resolution of the recording or stream.

If our computer has difficulty processing high levels of resolution, it is advisable to lower it. An appropriate value to not affect the visual quality too much would be output resolution to 720p.

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Encoder and Bit Rate Settings

One of the main reasons why annoying lag occurs is a Incorrect encoder and bit rate settingsTo adjust these parameters, we must follow these steps:

Encoder

  1. First we go to the menu Configuration.
  2. Then we access the section "Departure" and choose one of the following encoders:
  • x264 (CPU): Uses the processor for encoding, ideal for computers without a powerful graphics card.
  • NVENC (NVIDIA) or AMD: Uses the GPU for encoding, reducing the load on the CPU.

Bit rate

These are some recommended values according to the desired quality:

  • 1080p at 60 FPS: 5000-6000kbps
  • 1080p at 30 FPS: 4000-5000kbps
  • 720p at 60 FPS: 3500-4500kbps
  • 720p at 30 FPS: 2500-3500kbps

If we are experiencing frame drops, we can try reduce bitrate to reduce the load on the connection.

obs studio sources

Add Video Sources

 

To start recording or streaming, you need to add the video sources you want to capture. This is essential for setting up OBS Studio correctly. To do this, locate the section Fonts at the bottom of the main OBS window and click the button +Among the available options, you will find:

  • Screenshot: To record the entire desktop.
  • Window Capture: To record a specific application.
  • Game Capture: Ideal for optimizing video game capture.
  • Video Capture Device: For webcams or external capture devices.
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Make sure you set the resolution and size correctly. framing within OBS to avoid flickering or tearing in the image.

Additional Optimization to Reduce Lag

If after setting up OBS Studio and making all the settings above you are still experiencing lag, you can try these recommendations:

  • Close unnecessary programs: Background applications may consume resources.
  • Use Windows performance settings: In Control Panel, set power options to high performance.
  • Use an Ethernet connection: If you are streaming live, WiFi can cause lag and instability.
  • Reduce CPU workload: Lower the quality of some graphics settings in games or applications.

By applying these settings and optimizing each parameter according to your computer's capabilities, you will be able to use OBS Studio without lag and with a optimal quality for both recording and live broadcasts.