OBS settings

These values assume a 1080p or 720p stream at 60 FPS to Twitch or a similar RTMP platform. The rule behind all of them: in fast games, spend your resources on motion, not on static detail.

Output

Open Settings, Output and set Output Mode to Advanced.

• EncoderHardware (NVENC, AMF or QuickSync). Use x264 only without a supported GPU.
• Rate controlCBR
• Bitrate6000 to 8000 Kbps at 1080p60, 4500 to 6000 Kbps at 720p60
• Keyframe interval2 s
• Preset (x264)veryfast or faster

With limited upload speed, lower the resolution before the bitrate: a clean 720p60 reads better than an artifacted 1080p60.

Video

Open Settings, Video.

• Output resolution1920×1080, or 1280×720 below 6000 Kbps
• FPS60
• Downscale filterLanczos

Advanced

Open Settings, Advanced.

• Process priorityAbove Normal
• Color formatNV12
• Color rangePartial, unless your capture card requires Full

Which settings fit my upload speed?

Measure your upload speed first, then keep your bitrate under about 75% of it so the stream survives small drops.

Do some games need different settings?

• Very fast games such as Rocket League, Warzone and Apex Legends: 60 FPS is a must. Below 6000 Kbps, prefer 720p60 to a blurry 1080p60.
• Fighting games such as Street Fighter 6 and Tekken 8 run their logic at 60 frames per second: stream at 60 FPS so every frame of a combo reaches viewers.
• Slower games, story games and menus-heavy content tolerate 1080p30 when your upload is limited.

How do I know my settings hold up?

• In OBS, open Docks, Stats. Dropped frames point to the network, skipped frames to the encoder, missed frames to rendering.
• On Twitch, Twitch Inspector shows the bitrate your stream actually delivered and whether it stayed stable.
• Watch a minute of your own stream on a phone, during the busiest moment of your game.

Controller overlay

A controller overlay is a Browser Source, so it runs at your canvas frame rate. Once the canvas holds a steady 60 FPS, the overlay follows your inputs at the same pace. If only the overlay lags, see Fix overlay delay.

FAQ