Quick Start
This guide covers every Streamlabs feature:
- Getting Started — Create account and basic setup
- How to Use Multistream — Broadcast to multiple platforms at once
- How to Use Streamlabs Desktop — Record and stream with a full production suite
- How to Use Ultra Podcast — Host remote podcast sessions with guests
- How to Use Podcast Editor — Edit episodes with AI-powered tools
- How to Use Stream Overlays — Customize your broadcast visuals
- How to Use Alert Box Themes — Add animated alerts for subs and tips
- How to Use Podcast Repurposing — Turn long episodes into short clips
- How to Use Auto Subtitles — Add captions to videos automatically
- How to Use Customizable Video Templates — Create branded videos fast
Time needed: 5 minutes per feature
Also in this guide: Pro Tips | Common Mistakes | Troubleshooting | Pricing | Alternatives
Why Trust This Guide
I’ve used Streamlabs for over two years and tested every feature covered here. This how to use Streamlabs tutorial comes from real hands-on experience — not marketing fluff or vendor screenshots.
Streamlabs is one of the most powerful live streaming tools available today.
But most users only scratch the surface of what it can do.
This guide shows you how to use every major feature.
Step by step, with screenshots and pro tips.
Streamlabs Tutorial
This complete Streamlabs tutorial walks you through every feature step by step, from initial setup to advanced tips that will make you a power user.
Streamlabs
Stream to Twitch, YouTube, Facebook, and more from one app. Streamlabs gives you overlays, alerts, tipping, and multistreaming — free to start with no credit card required.
Getting Started with Streamlabs
Before using any feature, complete this one-time setup.
It takes about 3 minutes.
Let’s walk through each step.
Step 1: Create Your Account
Go to streamlabs.com and click “Sign Up.”
You can register with Twitch, YouTube, Facebook, or email.
Link your preferred streaming platform during signup.
✓ Checkpoint: Check your inbox for a confirmation email.
Step 2: Download the Desktop App
Download Streamlabs Desktop for Windows or macOS.
Run the installer and log in with your new account.
Here’s what the dashboard looks like:
✓ Checkpoint: You should see the main dashboard with your scenes panel.
Step 3: Complete Initial Setup
Follow the setup wizard to pick your webcam, microphone, and resolution.
Choose a starter overlay theme from the built-in library.
Connect your streaming destination (Twitch, YouTube, or Facebook).
✅ Done: You’re ready to use any feature below.
How to Use Streamlabs Multistream
Multistream lets you broadcast to Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook at the same time.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
Watch Multistream in action:
Now let’s break down each step.
Step 1: Open Multistream Settings
Click the “Multistream” tab in the left sidebar of Streamlabs Desktop.
Toggle the Multistream switch to “On.”
Step 2: Add Your Platforms
Click “Add Destination” and connect each platform account.
You can add Twitch, YouTube, Facebook, Kick, Trovo, and custom RTMP.
Here’s what this looks like:
✓ Checkpoint: You should see green checkmarks next to each connected platform.
Step 3: Go Live on All Platforms
Click the “Go Live” button and confirm your stream title for each platform.
Streamlabs sends your feed to every connected destination at once.
✅ Result: Your stream is now live on multiple platforms simultaneously.
💡 Pro Tip: Set unique titles and categories for each platform before going live. This helps your stream rank better on every site.
How to Use Streamlabs Desktop
Streamlabs Desktop lets you record and live stream with scenes, sources, and full production controls.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
Watch Streamlabs Desktop in action:
Now let’s break down each step.
Step 1: Create a New Scene
Click the “+” icon in the Scenes panel on the bottom left.
Name your scene (e.g., “Gaming,” “Just Chatting,” or “BRB”).
Step 2: Add Sources to Your Scene
Click “+” in the Sources panel and pick your source type.
Choose from Game Capture, Display Capture, Webcam, or Media Source.
Here’s what this looks like:
✓ Checkpoint: Your source should appear in the preview window.
Step 3: Start Recording or Streaming
Click “REC” to record locally or “Go Live” to start streaming.
Switch between scenes during your broadcast using the Scenes panel.
✅ Result: You now have a full production setup with multiple scenes ready.
💡 Pro Tip: Use the “Studio Mode” to preview your next scene before switching live. This prevents awkward transitions your viewers can see.
How to Use Streamlabs Ultra Podcast
Ultra Podcast lets you host remote podcast sessions with up to 10 guests in your browser.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
Watch Ultra Podcast in action:
Now let’s break down each step.
Step 1: Open Talk Studio
Go to Talk Studio from the Streamlabs dashboard or visit talkstudio.streamlabs.com.
Log in with your Streamlabs ID.
Step 2: Invite Your Guests
Click “Invite Guest” and share the unique link with your podcast guests.
Guests join directly from their browser — no downloads needed.
✓ Checkpoint: You should see each guest’s video feed in the studio layout.
Step 3: Record or Go Live
Click “Record” for a local recording or “Go Live” to stream your podcast.
Talk Studio records each guest on a separate audio track for easy editing.
✅ Result: You now have a multi-guest podcast ready for editing or distribution.
💡 Pro Tip: Add branded overlays and lower thirds inside Talk Studio before going live. It saves hours of post-production editing.
How to Use Streamlabs Podcast Editor
Podcast Editor lets you edit episodes with AI transcription and automatic speaker detection.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
Watch Podcast Editor in action:
Now let’s break down each step.
Step 1: Upload Your Recording
Open Podcast Editor from the Streamlabs dashboard.
Drag and drop your audio or video file into the upload area.
Step 2: Edit Using the AI Transcript
Wait for the AI to generate a full transcript with speaker labels.
Delete filler words or sections by highlighting text in the transcript.
✓ Checkpoint: Your timeline should reflect each edit you made in the transcript.
Step 3: Export Your Episode
Click “Export” and choose your format (MP3, MP4, or WAV).
Download the finished episode or publish it directly.
✅ Result: Your podcast episode is cleaned up and ready to publish.
💡 Pro Tip: Use the “Remove Silence” tool to cut dead air automatically. It can shave 10-20% off your episode length without losing content.
How to Use Streamlabs Stream Overlays
Stream Overlays lets you add professional graphics and layouts to your live broadcast.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
Watch Stream Overlays in action:
Now let’s break down each step.
Step 1: Browse the Theme Library
Go to the “Themes” tab in Streamlabs Desktop.
Filter by category (Gaming, IRL, Music, VTuber) or search by name.
Step 2: Install Your Chosen Overlay
Click on a theme and hit “Install.”
The overlay loads directly into your Scenes panel with all widgets placed.
✓ Checkpoint: Your preview window should show the new overlay applied.
Step 3: Customize Colors and Layout
Double-click any element to change colors, fonts, or positions.
Drag widgets to rearrange them in the preview canvas.
✅ Result: Your stream has a polished, branded look that matches your style.
💡 Pro Tip: Start with a free theme and only swap individual widgets. This keeps your stream looking clean without paying for a premium overlay.
How to Use Streamlabs Alert Box Themes
Alert Box Themes lets you display animated pop-ups when viewers subscribe, tip, or follow.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
Watch Alert Box Themes in action:
Now let’s break down each step.
Step 1: Open Alert Box Settings
Go to the Streamlabs dashboard and click “Alert Box” in the left menu.
You’ll see tabs for Follows, Subscriptions, Donations, Hosts, and Raids.
Step 2: Pick an Alert Theme
Click “Change Theme” and browse the available alert packs.
Preview each theme by clicking the play button next to it.
✓ Checkpoint: The preview should play the alert animation with sound.
Step 3: Customize and Save
Adjust the alert duration, sound, text font, and minimum tip amount.
Click “Save Settings” and test it with the “Test” button.
✅ Result: Your stream now shows custom animated alerts for every viewer interaction.
💡 Pro Tip: Set a minimum donation amount of $2-3 for text-to-speech alerts. This prevents spam messages from disrupting your stream.
How to Use Streamlabs Podcast Repurposing
Podcast Repurposing lets you turn long episodes into short clips for TikTok, Reels, and Shorts.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
Watch Podcast Repurposing in action:
Now let’s break down each step.
Step 1: Import Your Episode
Open Cross Clip from the Streamlabs dashboard.
Upload your full podcast video or paste a YouTube/Twitch link.
Step 2: Let AI Find the Best Moments
Click “Auto Clip” and the AI scans your video for highlight moments.
Review the suggested clips and pick the ones you want to keep.
✓ Checkpoint: You should see a list of short clips with timestamps.
Step 3: Export as Vertical Clips
Choose the 9:16 vertical format for TikTok, Reels, or YouTube Shorts.
Click “Export” and download your clips or share directly.
✅ Result: You have short-form clips from a single podcast episode.
💡 Pro Tip: Add captions to your short clips before exporting. Captioned videos get up to 40% more watch time on social platforms.
How to Use Streamlabs Auto Subtitles
Auto Subtitles lets you add captions to your videos without manual typing.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
Watch Auto Subtitles in action:
Now let’s break down each step.
Step 1: Upload Your Video
Open the Video Editor from the Streamlabs dashboard.
Import the video file you want to add subtitles to.
Step 2: Generate Subtitles
Click “Auto Subtitles” in the editing toolbar.
Select your language and wait for the AI to process your audio.
✓ Checkpoint: Subtitles should appear on the timeline synced to your audio.
Step 3: Edit and Style Your Captions
Click any subtitle block to fix typos or adjust timing.
Change font, color, size, and position to match your brand.
✅ Result: Your video now has accurate, styled captions ready for export.
💡 Pro Tip: Always review auto-generated captions before publishing. AI gets about 90% of words right, but proper nouns and slang often need manual fixes.
How to Use Streamlabs Customizable Video Templates
Customizable Video Templates lets you create branded videos fast using pre-built layouts.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
Watch Customizable Video Templates in action:
Now let’s break down each step.
Step 1: Browse the Template Library
Open the Video Editor and go to the “Templates” section.
Filter by category like Intros, Outros, Transitions, or Social Media posts.
Step 2: Customize Your Template
Click a template and replace the placeholder text with your own content.
Swap colors, fonts, and images to match your channel branding.
✓ Checkpoint: The preview should show your branded version of the template.
Step 3: Export Your Video
Click “Export” and choose your resolution and format.
Download the file or add it directly to your Streamlabs scenes.
✅ Result: You have a professional branded video made in minutes.
💡 Pro Tip: Create one “master template” with your brand colors and logo. Duplicate it each time instead of starting from scratch.
Streamlabs Pro Tips and Shortcuts
After testing Streamlabs for over two years, here are my best tips.
Keyboard Shortcuts
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Go Live / Stop Stream | Ctrl + Shift + S |
| Start / Stop Recording | Ctrl + Shift + R |
| Switch to Scene 1 | Ctrl + 1 |
| Mute / Unmute Microphone | Ctrl + Shift + M |
Hidden Features Most People Miss
- Selective Recording: Record only specific sources instead of your entire canvas. Right-click a source and enable “Record Only” mode.
- Dual Output: Stream at 720p while recording at 1080p simultaneously. Set this in Settings > Output > Recording tab.
- Cloudbot Auto-Moderation: Set up keyword filters and spam protection without any third-party bots. Find it in the Cloudbot section of your dashboard.
Streamlabs Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake #1: Streaming at Too High a Bitrate
❌ Wrong: Setting bitrate to 8000+ kbps without checking your upload speed first.
✅ Right: Test your upload speed, then set bitrate to 50-70% of your max upload for stable streams.
Mistake #2: Running Too Many Sources at Once
❌ Wrong: Adding 10+ browser sources, multiple webcams, and animated widgets all at once.
✅ Right: Keep active sources under 5-6. Disable sources you aren’t using in the current scene.
Mistake #3: Ignoring Audio Levels
❌ Wrong: Starting a stream without testing your mic and game audio balance.
✅ Right: Use the audio mixer to keep your mic at -10 to -20 dB and game audio 10-15 dB lower.
Streamlabs Troubleshooting
Problem: Stream Keeps Dropping Frames
Cause: Your bitrate is higher than your internet upload speed can handle.
Fix: Lower your bitrate by 500 kbps at a time until dropped frames stop. Also try switching to a closer ingest server.
Problem: Black Screen in Game Capture
Cause: The game is running in a different GPU mode or as administrator while Streamlabs is not.
Fix: Run Streamlabs Desktop as administrator. If that fails, switch from Game Capture to Display Capture as a workaround.
Problem: Alerts Not Showing on Stream
Cause: The Alert Box source is missing from your active scene or is hidden behind another source.
Fix: Add an Alert Box source to your scene and move it to the top of the source list. Test with the dashboard Test button.
📌 Note: If none of these fix your issue, contact Streamlabs support.
What is Streamlabs?
Streamlabs is a live streaming and content creation tool that helps you broadcast, record, edit, and grow your audience from one platform.
Think of it like a complete studio packed into a single app for streamers and podcasters.
Watch this quick overview:
It includes these key features:
- Multistream: Broadcast to Twitch, YouTube, Facebook, and more at the same time.
- Streamlabs Desktop: Full production suite with scenes, sources, and recording.
- Ultra Podcast: Host remote podcast sessions with guests in your browser.
- Podcast Editor: AI-powered editing with transcription and speaker detection.
- Stream Overlays: Hundreds of free and premium themes for your broadcast look.
- Alert Box Themes: Animated pop-ups for follows, subs, tips, and raids.
- Podcast Repurposing: Turn long episodes into short clips for social media.
- Auto Subtitles: AI-generated captions for your videos.
- Customizable Video Templates: Pre-built layouts for intros, outros, and social posts.
For a full review, see our Streamlabs review.
Here’s what Streamlabs costs in 2026:
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Streamlabs Starter | Free, always | New streamers testing the platform |
| Streamlabs Ultra | $27/mo | Serious creators who need premium tools |
Free trial: The Starter plan is free forever with core streaming features included.
Money-back guarantee: You can cancel Ultra within the billing period, but there is no official money-back guarantee.
Annual discount: Streamlabs Ultra is $189/year when billed annually, which works out to about $15.75/month.
💰 Best Value: Ultra Annual — you save over $130 per year compared to monthly billing.
Streamlabs vs Alternatives
How does Streamlabs compare? Here’s the competitive landscape:
| Tool | Best For | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Streamlabs | All-in-one streaming and content creation | Free / $27/mo | ⭐ 4.3 |
| Podcastle | AI podcast editing and recording | Free / $11.99/mo | ⭐ 4.1 |
| Riverside | High-quality remote recordings | $24/mo | ⭐ 4.4 |
| Restream | Cloud-based multistreaming | Free / $16/mo | ⭐ 4.2 |
| StreamYard | Browser-based live streaming with guests | Free / $35.99/mo | ⭐ 4.4 |
| Zencastr | Simple podcast recording | Free / $24/mo | ⭐ 4.1 |
| Ecamm | Mac-focused live production | $16/mo | ⭐ 4.2 |
| Castr | Enterprise multistreaming and scheduling | $12.50/mo | ⭐ 3.8 |
Quick picks:
- Best overall: Streamlabs — the most complete creator toolkit with streaming, editing, and monetization built in.
- Best budget: Restream — free multistreaming plan with solid features for beginners.
- Best for beginners: StreamYard — browser-based setup takes under 2 minutes with zero downloads.
- Best for podcasters: Riverside — studio-quality remote recordings with separate audio tracks per guest.
🎯 Streamlabs Alternatives
Looking for Streamlabs alternatives? Here are the top options:
- 🚀 Podcastle: AI-powered podcast editing with text-based editing, auto-leveling, and a free tier that covers most solo creators.
- 🎨 Riverside: Records each guest in full HD locally so your audio and video quality never depends on internet speed.
- 💰 Restream: Free cloud multistreaming to 30+ platforms with a built-in chat aggregator and basic analytics dashboard.
- 👶 StreamYard: The easiest browser-based studio for live shows with guests, branded overlays, and one-click multistreaming.
- 🎯 Zencastr: Simple podcast recording tool that captures separate high-quality audio tracks for each participant automatically.
- 🔧 Ecamm: Mac-exclusive live production tool with picture-in-picture, screen sharing, and interview split layouts built in.
- 🏢 Castr: Enterprise-grade multistreaming service with scheduled broadcasts, pay-per-view events, and video hosting features.
For the full list, see our Streamlabs alternatives guide.
⚔️ Streamlabs Compared
Here’s how Streamlabs stacks up against each competitor:
- Streamlabs vs Podcastle: Streamlabs covers streaming and editing while Podcastle focuses only on podcasts. Pick Podcastle if you never live stream.
- Streamlabs vs Riverside: Riverside records higher quality remote audio, but Streamlabs offers multistreaming and live production tools Riverside lacks.
- Streamlabs vs Restream: Restream is cloud-only multistreaming while Streamlabs adds a desktop app, overlays, and editing tools on top.
- Streamlabs vs StreamYard: StreamYard is simpler to start but Streamlabs gives more control over scenes, sources, and custom overlays.
- Streamlabs vs Zencastr: Zencastr is a podcast-first tool with no live streaming. Choose Streamlabs if you stream and podcast.
- Streamlabs vs Ecamm: Ecamm is Mac-only with strong interview layouts. Streamlabs wins on cross-platform support and free features.
- Streamlabs vs Castr: Castr specializes in scheduled multistreaming and pay-per-view. Streamlabs is better for live interactive streaming.
Start Using Streamlabs Now
You learned how to use every major Streamlabs feature:
- ✅ Multistream
- ✅ Streamlabs Desktop
- ✅ Ultra Podcast
- ✅ Podcast Editor
- ✅ Stream Overlays
- ✅ Alert Box Themes
- ✅ Podcast Repurposing
- ✅ Auto Subtitles
- ✅ Customizable Video Templates
Next step: Pick one feature and try it now.
Most people start with Multistream.
It takes less than 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Streamlabs any good?
Yes. Streamlabs is one of the most popular streaming platforms with millions of active users. It gives you overlays, alerts, tipping, and multistreaming in a single free app. The Ultra upgrade adds premium themes, editing tools, and watermark-free exports for serious creators.
Is it better to use OBS or Streamlabs?
It depends on your needs. OBS Studio is free and open-source with deeper plugin support and lower CPU usage. Streamlabs is built on OBS but adds a friendlier interface, built-in alerts, themes, and multistreaming. Beginners usually prefer Streamlabs while advanced users may prefer OBS.
Is Streamlabs really free?
Yes. Streamlabs Desktop is 100% free to download and use for streaming and recording. The free plan includes overlays, alerts, chat tools, and tipping. The paid Ultra plan ($27/month or $189/year) unlocks premium themes, multistreaming, and extra editing tools.
What does Streamlabs Ultra get you?
Streamlabs Ultra includes premium access to Streamlabs Desktop, Talk Studio Pro, Cross Clip Pro, Video Editor Pro, and Console. You get multistreaming, custom overlays, watermark-free recordings, dual output, and priority customer support — all under one subscription.
What percent does Streamlabs take from tips?
Streamlabs does not take any cut from your tips. The only fees are standard payment processing charges from PayPal or credit card processors. This makes it one of the most creator-friendly tipping platforms available.
Is Streamlabs good for beginners?
Absolutely. Streamlabs was designed with beginners in mind. The setup wizard walks you through every step, and the interface is simpler than OBS Studio. You can go live in under 5 minutes with built-in themes and automatic platform linking.
How do I cancel a Streamlabs subscription?
Log in to your Streamlabs dashboard, click your profile icon, and go to “Subscriptions.” Click “Cancel” next to your Ultra plan. Your access continues until the end of your current billing cycle. No cancellation fees apply.
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