Do you want to share your gaming or hobbies, but feel stuck behind confusing software?
Setting up a professional stream often feels like trying to crack a puzzle with missing pieces.
This frustration stops many great creators before they even start.
The good news is that you don’t need a tech degree to go live.
Knowing how to use Streamlabs effectively turns your computer into a powerful broadcasting studio instantly.
This guide breaks down the best settings and tools for 2026.
You will learn to set up your stage and grow your audience with ease.
Ready to see if Streamlabs is right for you? Millions of streamers already use it. Explore it out today and unleash the power of streaming!
Streamlabs Tutorial
Learning how to use Streamlabs is simple for everyone.
First, you must download the software to your desktop computer. Connect your favorite streaming account to get started quickly.
You can now build your very first professional live video scene today.
How to use Streaming Studio
You can use this computer software to build a great live stream.
It provides many software solutions for people who make online media.
My Streamlabs review shows it is one of the best video editing tools around. You can even use the Streamlabs console if you enjoy gaming on a popular streaming platform.
If you want more power, the Streamlabs Ultra subscription is a great choice.
This plan gives you access to CrossClip Pro and the CrossClip Pro editor. It is the top streaming software for 2026.
Step 1: Install the App
- Go to the official website to download the computer software.
- Open the file and follow the steps to put it on your PC.
- Log in using your account for Twitch or YouTube.
Step 2: Add Your Video
- Look for the “Sources” box at the bottom of the screen.
- Click the plus sign to add your webcam and game.
- Move the boxes around until your live stream looks perfect.
Step 3: Check Your Sound
- Watch the audio bars move while you talk into your mic.
- Turn the bars down if they go into the red zone.
- Make sure your game sound is not louder than your voice.
How to use Streaming Overlays
Using stream overlays makes your channel look very professional for content creators.
It is incredibly easy to find a look that fits your style.
You can add multiple sources to show your face and your game at once.
Many content creation experts use a video editor pro to stand out.
If you want all the tools, you should read a Streamlabs Ultra review. This service gives you more than other services, like a basic video editor.
You can even invite remote guests using Talk Studio Pro.
Step 1: Browse the Themes
- Click on the “Themes” tab on the left side menu.
- Look through thousands of designs made for content creators.
- Pick a style that matches the colors of your brand.
Step 2: Click to Install
- Press the “Install” button on the theme you like best.
- Wait a few seconds for the video editor to load the files.
- The app will automatically set up your “Starting Soon” and “Live” scenes.
Step 3: Edit Your Alerts
- Go to the “Alert Box” setting to change how new followers appear.
- Choose a fun sound or picture that your viewers will love.
- Test the alert to make sure it shows up during your live stream.
How to use Cross Clip Generator
The cross clip generator is a powerful tool for live streaming.
It helps you share clips on many different streaming platforms. You can use the Streamlabs app to turn long videos into short ones.
This cross clip pro editor is a great way to improve viewer engagement every day.
While there is a paid version, many people start with Streamlabs Prime.
You have many customization options for your clips.
You can even use Talk Studio to edit your voice. It is time to start streaming and grow your fans!
Step 1: Upload Your Clip
- Open the cross clip generator in your browser or app.
- Paste a link from your stream or upload a video file.
- Wait for the powerful tool to load your content.
Step 2: Crop the Video
- Move the green box over your game highlights.
- Place the red box over your face so fans can see you.
- This creates a vertical video that is perfect for phones.
Step 3: Export and Share
- Click the “Compile” button to finish your new short video.
- Download the file or send it straight to your phone.
- Post it on social media to get more people to start streaming with you.
Streamlabs Alternatives
Looking for other platforms like Streamlabs that help you stream live video and engage with your audience?
Here are some streamlabs alternatives:
- Podcastle: While focused on podcast recording and editing with AI, it’s not a direct alternative for live video streaming features like alerts and overlays.
- Riverside: This platform prioritizes high-quality audio and video recording with separate tracks, making it great for podcasts with a video element, but it has different live streaming tools.
- Restream: Restream lets you broadcast your live stream to many platforms at the same time, which is a key feature for reaching a wider audience.
- Streamyard: Streamyard is a user-friendly, browser-based studio for live streaming and having guests on your stream. It’s known for its simplicity.
- Zencastr: Zencastr focuses on recording high-quality audio for podcasts with remote guests and doesn’t offer live video streaming with the same features as Streamlabs.
- Ecamm: If you use a Mac, Ecamm Live offers lots of tools and customization options for your live streams and recordings.
- Castr: Castr is a reliable platform for live video streaming to multiple destinations and also provides features for video hosting and management.
Streamlabs Compared
Let’s see how Streamlabs stacks up against these other streaming and recording platforms:
- Streamlabs vs Riverside: Streamlabs is designed for engaging live video streams. Riverside prioritizes high-quality audio and video recording, especially for podcasts with remote guests.
- Streamlabs vs Restream: Both Streamlabs and Restream let you stream to multiple platforms. Streamlabs offers more built-in tools for stream customization and audience interaction.
- Streamlabs vs Streamyard: Streamlabs is software you download with many features for live streaming. Streamyard is a simpler, browser-based tool known for easily having guests on your stream.
- Streamlabs vs Zencastr: Streamlabs focuses on live video streaming with audience engagement tools. Zencastr is specifically for recording high-quality audio for podcasts with remote participants.
- Streamlabs vs Ecamm: Streamlabs is a popular all-in-one streaming solution. Ecamm Live, for Mac users, offers more advanced control and customization for live streams and recordings.
- Streamlabs vs Castr: Streamlabs provides a wide range of features for live streaming, including monetization tools. Castr is a reliable platform focused on stable multistreaming and video delivery.
Conclusion
Now you know how to use this program for streaming and recording.
Streamlabs makes it simple for newer users to create a great channel. You can use premade overlays to look like a pro.
The ability to add features and add-ons gives you full control over your screen.
Some reviews say the app can be resource-intensive.
You might have performance issues if your computer is old.
However, using a capture card can help. For more details, the paid version is billed annually.
This platform is a powerful tool with easy customization.
Once you have started streaming, you will love these many features.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Streamlabs free or paid?
Streamlabs Desktop is fundamentally free to download and use. You can stream, set up alerts, and use basic widgets without spending a dime. However, they offer a premium subscription called “Streamlabs Ultra” for advanced features like multistreaming and premium overlays.
Is Streamlabs safe to use?
Yes, Streamlabs is legitimate software owned by Logitech. It is widely used by millions of streamers on Twitch, YouTube, and Kick. Always download the installer directly from their official website to ensure you aren’t getting a compromised version.
Is it better to use OBS or Streamlabs?
It depends on your needs. OBS Studio is lightweight and offers total control, making it better for performance. Streamlabs is built on top of OBS but adds a user-friendly layer, making it easier for beginners despite higher CPU usage.
How much does Streamlabs Ultra cost?
Streamlabs Ultra typically costs $19 per month if billed monthly. If you opt for the annual plan, the price usually drops to around $149 per year, saving you significant money in the long run.
Can I trust Streamlabs?
Generally, yes. While they faced backlash in 2021 regarding their branding (formerly “Streamlabs OBS”), they have since rebranded to Streamlabs Desktop and resolved those disputes. They remain a standard, reliable tool in the streaming industry.
Is Streamlabs good for beginners?
Absolutely. It is arguably the best starting point. Because it integrates alerts, chat, and overlay themes directly into the dashboard, you don’t need to manually configure browser sources as often as you do with standard OBS.
Do you have to pay for Streamlabs?
No, payment is completely optional. You can run a professional-looking stream using only the free tools. Payment is only required if you want specific “Ultra” perks like streaming to multiple platforms simultaneously or using premium theme assets.
More Facts about Streamlabs
- Based on OBS: Streamlabs is built using the code from OBS Studio, but they are two different programs.
- Easier for Beginners: Streamlabs is much easier to set up and use than OBS Studio. OBS can be hard to learn for new people.
- Computer Power: Streamlabs uses more of your computer’s power than OBS Studio. This means it might run slowly on older or weaker computers.
- Free and Paid Versions: You can use Streamlabs for free to record and stream. However, there is a paid plan called “Streamlabs Ultra.”
- Cost of Ultra: The Ultra plan costs $19 a month or $149 for a whole year. It gives you extra tools for editing and making content.
- Streaming to Many Places: Streamlabs lets you broadcast to Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook all at the same time. OBS Studio does not do this automatically.
- Donations: Streamlabs has built-in buttons to help you get donations. If someone tips you, Streamlabs does not take any of the money (but banks might charge a small fee).
- Support: If you have a problem, Streamlabs has a support team you can talk to. OBS Studio relies on help from other users in the community.
- Themes and Looks: Streamlabs has a library with thousands of free and paid themes. This lets you change how your stream looks with just a few clicks.
- Video Quality: Both Streamlabs and OBS Studio let you save your videos in very high quality (up to 4K).
- Phone App: There is a Streamlabs mobile app so you can stream from your iPhone or Android device.
- Computer Types: You can use Streamlabs on Windows and Mac computers, but it does not work on Linux.
- All-in-One Tool: Streamlabs creates a “dashboard” where you can control your chat, alerts, and stream settings all in one place.
- Plugins: OBS Studio lets you add more custom tools made by other people than Streamlabs does.
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