1 Introduction
The first thing that comes to mind when we talk about videos on the Internet is YouTube. What many still don't know is that YouTube also has a place for streamers from all over the world.
Although Google's video platform is best known for its VOD version, the truth is that it is the second most used platform for streaming on the planet, just behind Twitch, and it also has a lot of options that will allow you to grow as a streamer.
As in our tutorial "How to stream on Twitch with OBS Studio" below we will explain how you can stream on YouTube with OBS Studio, the TOP 1 streaming tool on the Internet.
2 How to stream on YouTube - Basics
You want to become a YouTube streamer and we are here to help you. Here we'll show you how to create your YouTube account, how to set up and which streaming software to choose, and we'll tell you how important it is to maintain a consistent design throughout your channel.
2.1 Hardware Check
Depending on whether you want to stream from your PC, your mobile or your console, you will need different hardware. For example, if you want to stream on YouTube with your mobile, you only need an Android or iOS device and the YouTube app.
To stream your PC or console games, you will need a computer. The better your CPU, GPU and RAM, the better the streaming will work and the less your game will suffer.
In addition, we recommend you acquire a microphone to be able to comment on your games, and a webcam so that your viewers can see your reactions and gestures. There are several types of microphones and webcams, and the quality varies depending on price and connection. For example, a 50€ USB microphone is better than the headset microphone or the one built into your webcam.
If you want to stream from your console, in addition to your computer you will have to buy a video capture device. This device will allow you to send the image from your console to your PC so that OBS can then transmit it to YouTube.
There are other components that will help you to improve the quality of your streaming. We are talking about a good Internet connection, lighting, a chroma to keep your room from being seen and, last but not least, a Stream Deck to control your streaming perfectly.
You have a more detailed overview of what hardware you need (CPU, GPU, RAM...) in our comprehensive Twitch article.
2.2 Create a YouTube account and customize it
You already have your computer connected, so now it's time to create your YouTube channel. The first thing you need to do is to create a Google account.
Note: To create a YouTube account you will need to have an email address. Ideally, you should create a new Gmail account to dedicate to the channel.
On PC
Go to YouTube. At the top right, click on “Sign in”. Click on “Create account”. Select the option “For me” or “To manage my business”, as you need.
Android
Open the YouTube app and look for the profile picture in the top right. Click on “Sign in” and then on Add account "+".
When you click on "Create account" from your PC or the YouTube app, you will have to fill out a form with your data: first and last name, email address and password. When finished, click "Next" and you will be asked to verify your email address with a message. When you set it up, you will be asked for a phone number (optional), an email address to recover the account (optional) and your date of birth.
When you click "Next", after choosing your gender, you will see the terms and conditions, which you must scroll through and click "Accept". Now you have your account created, go back to YouTube, click on “Login” (top right), and enter your credentials.
Now it's time to create your channel. Click on your profile picture in the upper right corner and click on "Create a channel".
Click "Get Started", and choose between your real name or a custom name. Most streamers choose a custom name for their channel. Check the checkbox and click "Create".
Congratulations, your channel is created, but now you need to customize it a bit to make it more appealing to the general public. Upload a profile image, if you don't have one, you can create one with the OWN3D Avatar Maker; write a description about your channel so viewers know what they will find, add links to your social networks (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram) and finish by clicking "Save and continue".
You can further customize your channel to, for example, add a large main banner. This banner is very important as it will be the main banner and the first thing anyone who enters your YouTube channel will see.
Go to your profile image and click on "Your channel" to return to your channel. Now, at the top you will see a "Customize channel" button, click it and you will enter the advanced customization options of your channel. In this section, you can add a trailer/intro for the channel. Click on the "Branding" tab to change your profile picture, add a watermark and upload a banner to your channel.
2.3 Choose suitable streaming software
If you want to become a streamer, you need software that records and shares your gameplay or screen. These days, there are multiple options available. Each has its advantages and disadvantages.
Our experience has taught us that OBS Studio is the most complete software solution available for streaming. Proof of this is that it is #1 among content creators and streamers on YouTube. Launched in 2012, it has been adding new features for years and, as of today, is compatible with Windows, macOS and Linux. OBS Studio is free and open source.
It allows you to stream on YouTube and other platforms without much hassle. In addition, thanks to OBS you can install different overlays and create various scenes to give more dynamism and professionalism to your streams.
2.4 Ensure a consistent design
We can't tell you enough how important it is to match all your design elements. Make sure that your logo, panels, banner, overlay and alerts, etc. have the same style.
Your channel will look professional and will attract viewers and potential subscribers. Thanks to our designs available in the OWN3D.pro OBS Plugin, you can set up your stream, like a pro, with just a few clicks. You will find more information below.
3 How to stream on YouTube with your PC and OBS Studio
Below you will find all the information you need to install and set up OBS Studio. You will also learn how to add alerts and overlays easily with the OWN3D Pro OBS plugin.
3.1 Install and set up OBS Studio
First go to https://obsproject.com in your web browser and choose your client, depending on your operating system. You will see the download as soon as you open the website. OBS is compatible with Windows, macOS 10.13+ and Linux.
Open the installation file you've just downloaded and start the installation process. Click "Next", "Next", select the destination folder and then click "Install" to start the installation. As soon as the installation is completed click "Finish" and OBS Studio software will start immediately.
The first time you open OBS Studio, after completing the whole installation process, the software is automatically configured. If you are streaming, click "Optimize for streaming" and click next. If you have a good computer, choose a resolution of 1920x1080 and 60FPS and then choose the streaming platform you want, in this case YouTube. Connect your YouTube account when prompted and you are ready to add the sources and scenes to your stream.
If you plan to use only one scene and want to start streaming now, you need to add a new source. This will allow you to share your screen, game or window. Go to the Sources window and click "+", and choose a "Game Capture", "Screen Capture" or "Window Capture".
Important: Here you can also add your video capture card as a source to record and share your console gameplay.
3.2 Adding design elements using OWN3D Pro
YouTube doesn't let you customize your YouTube channel a lot, so if you want it to look professional, it is best to add various elements such as an overlay and alerts. This may seem difficult at first, but do not worry, there is a very easy way to set it all up.
If you want to add an overlay or change your overlay in two clicks, we recommend downloading the OWN3D.pro plugin. Firstly login and create an account on OWN3D Pro (on the "Join Now for Free" button), connect and link your YouTube account and, next, start downloading the plugin here: https://own3d.pro/en/.
Once you have downloaded and installed the OWN3D.pro plugin, go to OBS Studio > "Tools" and open it by clicking the plugin. Then a window will open with all available overlays and alerts. Click on any overlay that fits your style or mood and click install. Easy, right?
If you want to try one, everyone can try up to 5 free overlays, but if you want to enjoy more than 900 quality overlays and alerts, and a lot more extra functions and features, subscribe to OWN3D Pro Premium.
3.3 Start your stream on YouTube
To start your live stream on YouTube, the only thing left to do is to check that everything is properly configured and in place: camera, microphone, alerts, overlay... When you are ready, click the Start Stream button in OBS Studio and your stream will start in no time.
4 How to stream on YouTube with your Console and OBS Studio
You already know how to stream your PC games on YouTube and now we will show you how to share your console gameplays with your friends and followers.
Unlike Twitch, consoles don't have a native YouTube streaming app, but that's not a drawback. The best way to stream from a console is to use a PC and a video capture device.
Next, we will show you what you need to do to stream on Twitch with your PS4/PS5 or Xbox console.
4.1 Connect your console and computer with a capture card
Step-by-step guide to stream on YouTube with OBS and your console
Turn on your PC and your PlayStation/Xbox/Nintendo Switch console (dock).
Connect the HDMI from your console to your video capture device.
Connect and set up your microphone, camera, lights, etc. ....
Open OBS Studio.
Create a "Video Capture Device" source to bring your console gameplay into OBS Studio.
Open the studio mode of OBS Studio and check that everything is in place.
Create and check the overlays.
Check all audio channels (game, music, voice etc.).
Start your game on the console.
Check that the image is OK in your streaming software.
Start your stream!
Disable HDCP
HDCP stands for "High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection" standard and is an encryption created in 2003 for video and audio transmission over DVI or HDMI cables.
Some capture cards are not compatible with this standard and therefore will block the signal coming from the console.
To disable HDCP on your console, go to Settings > System > and remove the HDCP check.
4.2 Set up OBS Studio
If you want to know how to set up OBS Studio, please refer to point 3.1 of this tutorial. There you will learn how to add scenes and sources, add a webcam and set up your microphone.
One of the most important steps when streaming from your console and using a PC is to add the video capture device as a source in OBS Studio. If you don't do this, it is impossible for your console gameplay to reach your computer.
To do this, click on "Sources" and add "+" a source. Now select "Video capture device", name it "Console" and click OK. Next, you will be able to choose the device you want to show, in this case, you will select the video capture device to which your console is connected.
One of the great advantages of streaming on YouTube using a PC + capture card is that you can add different design elements to your stream such as overlays, alerts, a banner and tags to show the latest followers, subscribers and bits. For more information on how to add an overlay to your stream, please refer to 3.2 of this tutorial.
4.3 Start your stream on YouTube
To start your stream on YouTube, make sure your console is turned on and connected to your grabber, and click the "Start stream" button in OBS Studio (bottom right) to start the live stream.
In a few seconds, you will be sharing your console gameplay with your friends and followers, in the highest possible quality.
5 How to stream on YouTube with your Smartphone
The first thing you should know is that you can stream live with your smartphone on YouTube. This option is ideal to use when traveling or to make more personal live streams with your followers.
IMPORTANT: Unlike the PC, you need to have at least 1000 subscribers on your YouTube channel to be able to stream from the YouTube app on your phone. In addition, your account must be verified.
5.1 YouTube app
To stream on YouTube from your phone you need two things: a YouTube account (see point 2) and to download and install the YouTube app available for your phone.
Normally, almost all smartphones come with the YouTube app preinstalled, but if you don't have it, open the App Store, if you're on iOS, or Google Play, if you're on Android, and search for the YouTube app.
As soon as you open the app, it will ask for your credentials. Enter your email and Gmail password and you're ready to go!
5.2 Setup your stream
Once you have created your Google account and connected to your YouTube application, click on the camera in the upper right corner. Then click on "Go Live".
The first time you stream with your smartphone, the app will ask for permissions to access your camera and microphone, click "Allow". Now, it will ask you to choose a title for your stream, a location, and ask if your live stream is suitable for minors. Click "Next" below to continue.
You will see a countdown, after which the phone will take a picture of you and use it as a thumbnail of your stream. If you don't like the photo, you can take another one. Press "Go Live".
The application will ask you to turn your phone and once you do, your live stream will start.
5.3 Start your stream on YouTube
To start your live stream on YouTube with your cell phone, just press the blue "Go Live" button after you have set up your stream and turned your phone (step 5.2).
While you are live, you will be able to read the on-screen chat, add a filter to the video, record the best moments, share the live stream and mute the microphone. To finish simply hit the X in the top right corner.
6 Becoming a Pro Streamer on YouTube
Becoming a professional streamer takes much more than just streaming. You need to prepare yourself and ensure some important points are addressed. This includes the most important thing in the streaming world: interacting with your viewers as much as possible. Your viewers are there for you, and you need to be there for them.
On the other hand, it is important to have a defined content strategy. Think about what you want to share with the world, are you good at a game, what are you good at, do you like making podcasts or can you sing, or maybe you are a great cook? Choose content that you are passionate about and that makes you happy. No one wants to see a sad and unmotivated streamer.
Once you know what you want to do as a streamer, it's time to start creating your personal brand. A personal brand is something that makes you unique. Your personal brand should be something that represents you and at the same time differentiates you from other streamers. Take your time and think about what you want to build your brand around, it can be anything from a costume like Dr Disrespect, a way of speaking or anything that people can associate with you.
Going back to the topic of interacting with your followers, the next thing you should do is create a profile on different social networks. This is a great way to share information with your followers. You can announce when your next live stream will be, ask them what they would like to see, exchange memes, etc. In this day and age, a streamer must have a presence and be very active on social media.
Last but not least, in order to become a professional streamer, you don't need to have thousands of viewers. The important thing is to have a good attitude. You must set clear goals, be persistent and persevere until you achieve them. Share your energy with your viewers.
Try to stream on a regular basis. You should also be clear about which days and times you are going to stream and try not to go too far out of your schedule. This way you will let your viewers know when you will be available. But, let's be clear, if you want to stream one day at a random hour, then go for it!
More details on how to become a pro streamer you can find in our dedicated article: How to stream on Twitch with OBS Studio
7 Frequently asked questions
Why stream on YouTube?
Although YouTube is primarily a video platform, it has a large number of users and potential viewers. If you have a channel with thousands of subscribers on YouTube, it is also a good idea to stream there so as not to separate your community.
How to stream on YouTube with OBS?
To learn how to stream on YouTube with OBS, please read point 3 of this tutorial "How to stream on YouTube with your PC and OBS Studio".
Can I stream on YouTube and Twitch at the same time?
Yes you can. Once you have set up OBS, all you have to do is create a Restream account and connect your YouTube and Twitch accounts. Then follow this tutorial!
Which is better to stream on YouTube or Twitch?
Both platforms are good for streaming, but the most used is Twitch. YouTube still has a lot of work to do to match the amount of options and features Twitch offers, such as extensions or channels with banners and panels.
What to stream on YouTube?
Only you have the answer to this question. Let your imagination run wild, because on YouTube you can stream video games, record podcasts, show off your travels, or how good you are at cooking.
Whatever you do, choose an activity that you enjoy and makes you happy.
What do I need to stream on YouTube?
To stream on YouTube you need a PC or a cell phone. If you want to stream from your console, along with the PC you will also need a video capture card.
How to stream on YouTube to increase views?
Use your social networks to let people know you are live. Use a good title and description to let viewers know what you are doing and who you are. In short, follow all the tips in point 6 of this tutorial.
How to stream on YouTube without 1000 subscribers?
You can stream on YouTube with less than 1000 subscribers from a PC. But, to stream on YouTube with your smartphone, you will need to have more than 1000 subscribers.
