When going live on LinkedIn, having the right OBS settings is crucial for ensuring a high quality broadcast. OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) allows you to customize your audio and video settings for live streaming. Here are some key OBS settings to configure for LinkedIn live broadcasts:
Video Settings
LinkedIn recommends using these video settings for the best quality:
- Resolution: 1080p (1920×1080)
- FPS: 30
- Bitrate: 3500-5000 Kbps
Setting your video to 1080p resolution will provide viewers with a crisp, high-definition picture. 30 FPS (frames per second) is the standard frame rate for online video. And a bitrate between 3500-5000 Kbps will help maintain video quality without overloading your internet connection.
In OBS, go to Settings > Video to configure these options. Make sure your Base (Canvas) Resolution and Output (Scaled) Resolution are both set to 1920×1080. Set the FPS to 30 and type in your desired bitrate. 4000 Kbps is a good middle ground.
Audio Settings
Audio quality is just as important as video quality for live streams. Use these OBS audio settings:
- Track 1: Desktop Audio
- Bitrate: 160
- Track 2: Microphone
- Bitrate: 192
The desktop audio track will capture any sounds from presentations, videos, or music you want to include. Set the microphone track to your primary mic input source. A 192 bitrate will provide high-quality audio from your microphone.
In OBS, go to Settings > Audio. Configure tracks 1 and 2 as shown above. You can adjust the volume levels as needed while live.
Network Settings
OBS’ network settings impact the stability and reliability of your live stream:
- Protocol: RTMP
- Service: LinkedIn Live
- Server URL: rtmp://x.rtmp.p2.linkedin.com
- Stream key: Your unique key from LinkedIn
RTMP is the preferred protocol for low latency live streaming. Set the service to LinkedIn Live and input your personal stream key provided when you scheduled the event in LinkedIn.
Go to Settings > Stream in OBS. Select RTMP from the dropdown menu, enter the server URL, and paste in your stream key.
Output Settings
The output settings tell OBS what to do with your video stream:
- Output Mode: Simple
- Encoder: x264
- Enforce streaming settings: Checked
Simple output mode works best for a single live stream. Using the x264 encoder maintains quality while minimizing CPU usage. And checking the enforce streaming box applies your configured video and audio settings.
Go to Settings > Output in OBS. Set the output mode, encoder, and check the enforce streaming box.
Scene and Source Setup
Your scenes and sources in OBS determine what is captured and displayed in the live stream:
- Scene 1: Title Screen – Add your title/starting soon graphic
- Scene 2: Webcam – Webcam source, resized and positioned
- Scene 3: Screenshare – Capture your entire monitor or application window
Customize your scenes and sources as needed. Use images, videos, screens, webcams, etc. Position and size sources carefully.
In OBS, click the + buttons under Sources and Scenes to add what you need. Arrange them how you want live viewers to see them.
Connecting to LinkedIn Live
Once your OBS settings are configured, connect to LinkedIn Live to start streaming:
- Click Go Live in the OBS control panel
- OBS will connect to the LinkedIn Live RTMP server using your stream key
- The LinkedIn Live Dashboard will show your broadcast as Live
- Interact with your audience in the LinkedIn event page chat
Make sure to schedule and test your live stream ahead of time. Monitoring chat comments and stream health in the Live Dashboard is also recommended during the broadcast.
Optimizing OBS Performance
Here are some tips for getting the best performance from OBS while live streaming:
- Close other demanding applications – They eat up CPU and memory needed for streaming
- Disable Windows Aero theme – The basic theme uses less GPU resources
- Use Game Capture mode – This provides better performance when capturing games
- Adjust encoder settings – Start with veryfast x264 CPU preset and adjust as needed
- Lower FPS or resolution – If lagging or freezing, reduce FPS or resolution
Running OBS on a powerful PC also helps maintain optimal encoding and upload speeds. A wired internet connection is preferred over WiFi as well.
Live Streaming Best Practices
In addition to the right OBS setup, follow these best practices when going live on LinkedIn:
- Promote your event ahead of time on LinkedIn
- Test your setup and internet connection first
- Use a compelling title and description
- Engage with commenters and reply to questions
- Avoid distractions and stay focused on your stream
- Have backup content prepared in case of technical issues
- Keep sessions under 30 minutes long when possible
Thoroughly planning and preparing for your LinkedIn Live broadcast will help ensure a smooth, professional streaming experience for you and your viewers.
Common OBS Issues and Solutions
Here are some common OBS issues you may encounter when streaming on LinkedIn Live and how to fix them:
Issue | Solution |
---|---|
Choppy/Lagging Video | Lower bitrate, resolution, or FPS. Close other programs. Use wired internet. |
No Sound | Check audio sources and levels in OBS. Try headphones to monitor. |
Mic Not Working | Ensure correct mic selected as input device. Boost mic levels. |
Stream Disconnecting | Verify stable internet connection. Reset stream key. Use RTMP server. |
OBS Crashing | Update OBS and video drivers. Lower resource usages. Restart computer. |
Troubleshooting issues quickly helps avoid extended downtime or interruptions during your broadcast. Have backup connections and content ready just in case.
Getting Started with OBS
Ready to start streaming on LinkedIn Live? Here are some tips for getting started with OBS:
- Download and install OBS Studio for free from https://obsproject.com/
- Review the interface – Scenes, sources, audio mixer, settings, controls, etc.
- Set up your video, audio, and connection settings as outlined above
- Add your scenes, sources, webcam, etc. and arrange your layout
- Connect OBS to LinkedIn Live and get your stream key
- Go live and monitor stream health in the Live Dashboard
- Watch OBS tutorials if you need help with more advanced techniques
With some practice and experimentation, you’ll gain confidence using OBS for professional live streaming. Always test out your setup before going live to avoid issues.
Conclusion
Configuring OBS with the proper settings gives you the best chance for streaming success on LinkedIn Live. Optimized video, audio, network, and output settings ensure high broadcast quality for your viewers. Building well-designed scenes with carefully positioned sources also enhances the experience. Follow LinkedIn’s recommendations combined with streaming best practices for great looking and smooth live events.
Most importantly, test and troubleshoot your OBS setup thoroughly before going live. This helps identify and resolve any problems ahead of time, avoiding disruptions during your actual broadcast. With a solid OBS configuration and some practice, you can live stream engaging LinkedIn events that captivate your professional audience.