How to use and stream OBS Studio with TikTok

TikTok content creators are using OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) Studio these days. The open source video streaming and recording tool is ideal for PC users. If you use Windows, Mac, or Linux, you can stream to TikTok with OBS.

This article will explain all the steps to follow when streaming TikTok from OBS.

Why should you choose OBS for TikTok live streams?

OBS works on all platforms. Some people use it to stream content to YouTube, Twitch, and Facebook. Few know that they can use OBS Studio to stream to TikTok. Since OBS has specific streaming and screen recording features, you can use it for TikTok live streams, although TikTok is not a live streaming site. It also allows you to create more elaborate TikToks that include your monitor or phone screens as part of the video.

When recording video directly within the application, the maximum duration is three minutes. However, if you upload a video, the maximum duration is ten minutes. This gives you more options to connect and provide meaningful content on the platform.

Since OBS is commonly used for streaming on Twitch, you can stream simultaneously on both platforms as long as there are some differences in the overlap. You can create them by changing the OBS settings.

How to stream TikTok content from OBS Studio

If you use TikTok for advertising and business, you know how important it is to apply each new trick. OBS isn’t new, but most TikTok users don’t use it. It’s easy to get started with OBS, as you first need a PC. Then follow the steps below.

Download and install OBS

The first thing you need to do is download and install OBS Studio on your computer:

1. Visit the OBS Downloads Page. Select your operating system to get the correct version. OBS currently supports Windows, MacOS, and Linux.
   
2. Then “Run” the downloaded file to install the OBS software.
   
3. Launch the software to link to TikTok.
   

Link OBS to TikTok

After finishing the first step above, you need to connect your OBS to your TikTok account. It is a vital step to allow you to obtain a unique RTMP/server URL for your streams. You will also receive a secret transmission key that no one else should ever touch.

OBS Studio will always use these elements to stream your content on TikTok. To get your RTMP or server URL and your streaming key, link OBS and TikTok like this:

1. Open your OBS on PC.
   
2. Go to “Sources” and set the scene. In short, add video and audio sources like webcam, browser, microphone, etc.
   
3. Go to the “Settings” menu and configure different things including frame rate, bit rate, and resolution.
   
4. Select “Start Broadcast.”
   

This action will start a live stream of your scene, depending on your sources. However, it won’t start until you generate an RTMP URL and streaming key. Here’s how to do it:

1. Load TikTok on your phone or use the PC version.
   
2. Tap the plus sign at the bottom.
   
3. Select the “Go Live” p and choose “Broadcast to PC.”
   
4. Write down your streaming key and URL.

Once you complete this, return to OBS:

1. Go to the “Settings” menu.
   
2. Choose the “Stream” tab.
   
3. Under “Service”, select “Custom”.
   
4. Enter or paste your “RTMP URL” and “streaming key” into the correct placeholders.
   
5. Press “OK” to save the changes you have made.
   
6. Start streaming by clicking the “Start Streaming” option on the right side of the main interface.
   

How to use TikTok Live Studio to stream without the key

What if you don’t want to get the OBS Studio streaming key? In this case, you can still go live on TikTok from TikTok’s Live Studio. The technique is easy:

1. Visit the TikTok website and locate TikTok Live Studio.
   
2. Download TikTok Live Studio by clicking the “Download” button.
   
3. Click the downloaded file to open the Run window. Follow the simple instructions to install TikTok Live Student on a desktop computer.
   
4. Start the live studio and wait for it to load. Then, enter your TikTok login details to access your account.
   

The streaming process with the live studio feature is as follows:

1. After launching TikTok Live Studio, press “Go Live.”
   
2. Add a title and description for the new stream. Choose your configuration settings.
   
3. Adjust settings for each source, including microphone and webcam.
   
4. Choose the best video quality and create your overlay.
   
5. Press “Go Live” to show your TikTok content live without an OBS key or server URL.
   

Best OBS Studio Alternatives

As stated above, OBS is a multi-purpose tool. You can apply OBS Studio on TikTok and other streaming platforms. Most people use it to stream on Twitch, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube. However, there is a way to use OBS with a third-party tool or use only the third-party tool.

Relay

What you will need is a Relay account. After creating it for free, do the following:

1. Log in to your Restream account.
   
2. Next, connect OBS to Restream.io.
   
3. After that, add your favorite streaming sites to Restream. This is where you should add TikTok and your other social media sites.
   
4. Go back to OBS and tap “Start Streaming.” This will allow you to stream on TikTok and other channels at the same time.
   

Restream and other third-party software tools that you can swap OBS Studio for have more advanced features. Therefore, you can make your streams more visually appealing with graphics. You can also add guests.

IMyFone Mirror

He IMyFone Mirror It is among the top software tools that work like OBS Studio. You can use it to record your audio and screen simultaneously. Additionally, you can use it to record gameplay footage and create high-definition clips from other types of videos. As IMyFone MirrorTo is not an open source tool, it has more advanced features. You can’t find them in OBS Studio.

If you configure the app correctly, you can make the phone work as a screen input device. This way, it can be selected as a video source for OBS directly.

Frequent questions

Is it easy to use OBS to stream to TikTok?

If you manage to connect OBS to TikTok, the rest will be manageable. You will only need to obtain the server URL and the transmission key. Most TikTok users will find OBS Studio sufficient for their needs. Anyone who wants more than what it can offer should consider a third-party software tool that works like OBS.

How can I go live on my TikTok app?

It’s easy to go live on your TikTok app. Find the “Create” button and slide it to see the “Live” feature. Select a title and image for the new broadcast and then click “Go Live.” If you try to do the same on your Windows, Mac, or Linux PC, you must first obtain a server URL and streaming key.

This is where a tool like OBS Studio can help. Alternatively, follow the instructions to stream with TikTok Live Studio.

How to get a streaming key on TikTok?

Streaming keys are awarded for having at least 1000 followers, but may not be provided immediately. If you don’t have a streaming key, you can still use OBS to create longer videos and improve your content until you receive one.

Talk to TikTok fans live from OBS

Instead of just posting short videos on TikTok, you can use OBS Studio to record screens and audio. You can then stream them live on TikTok from OBS. The process is simple once you download and install OBS. The two elements you need are the server URL and the streaming key. If you want more features, try third-party alternatives.