Quick Start
This guide covers every Streamlabs feature:
- Getting Started — Create your account and finish basic setup
- How to Use Multistream — Broadcast to YouTube, Twitch, TikTok, and Instagram at the same time
- How to Use Streamlabs Desktop — Build scenes, add sources, and start streaming from one window
- How to Use Streamlabs Ultra Podcast — Record studio-quality podcast audio and video with remote guests
- How to Use Podcast Editor — Trim, arrange, and polish episodes with a global editing tool
- How to Use Stream Overlays — Apply custom stream overlays that match your channel identity
- How to Use Alert Box Themes — Create custom alerts for follows, subs, bits, and tips
- How to Use Podcast Repurposing — Turn one long episode into short clips for social platforms
- How to Use Auto Subtitles — Add accurate captions to any clip without typing a word
- How to Use Customizable Video Templates — Start from ready-made layouts instead of a blank canvas
Time needed: 5 minutes per feature
Also in this guide: Pro Tips | Common Mistakes | Troubleshooting | Pricing | Alternatives
Why Trust This Guide
I’ve run Streamlabs Desktop for two years across Twitch and YouTube. Every setting below came from my own broken streams, not a press kit.
Streamlabs is one of the best-known live streaming and recording tools available today.
Most people install it, add a webcam, and stop there.
This guide shows you how to use Streamlabs properly, feature by feature.
Step by step, with screenshots and the settings I actually run.
Streamlabs Tutorial
This How to Use Streamlabs tutorial walks you through every feature, from first install to the encoder settings that keep your frames steady.
Streamlabs
Go live on every platform at once with overlays, alerts, and chat in one window. Streamlabs Desktop handles encoding and audio mixing so you can focus on the stream. Start free, no card needed.
Getting Started with Streamlabs
Getting started with Streamlabs Desktop takes about three minutes.
Here is my honest take before you install anything:
Now let’s walk through each step.
Step 1: Create Your Account
Go to the Streamlabs website and click Sign Up.
The Streamlabs Desktop login screen asks you to connect Twitch, YouTube, or Kick.
Pick the platform you stream on most often.
✓ Checkpoint: You should land on the Streamlabs Desktop welcome screen.
Step 2: Download and First Launch
Download the installer for Windows or macOS and run it.
When you first launch Streamlabs Desktop, it offers to import your OBS Studio profile.
Accept that if you have scenes worth keeping.
Here’s what you get out of the box:
✓ Checkpoint: The main Streamlabs Desktop editor window opens with a default empty scene collection.
Step 3: Run the Auto Config Check
Streamlabs scans your hardware and recommends settings based on your setup.
Set base canvas resolution to your monitor’s native resolution.
Set output scaled resolution to 1280×720, a safe starting point for most machines.
✅ Done: You’re ready to use any feature below.
How to Use Streamlabs Multi-streamer
Multistream lets you push one broadcast to YouTube, Twitch, TikTok, Instagram, and Kick at the same time.
Streamlabs Desktop handles multistreaming to various platforms without a second encoder.
Now let’s break down each step.
Step 1: Connect Your Platforms
Open Settings and choose Stream.
Select your streaming platform, then link each extra destination.
Step 2: Confirm Your Stream Details
Confirm stream details like title, category, and description for every platform.
Each destination can carry its own title.
Here’s what this looks like:
✓ Checkpoint: A green connected badge sits next to every linked platform.
Step 3: Go Live and End Cleanly
Click the Go Live button and watch the health bar for the first minute.
To end your live stream, click the End Stream button instead of closing the app.
✅ Result: One click to start live streaming pushes your feed to every connected platform.
💡 Pro Tip: Run one test stream to a private channel first. Test streams help you catch audio and visual issues before real viewers arrive.
How to Use Streamlabs Desktop
Streamlabs Desktop lets you build scenes, add sources, and start streaming from one window.
It combines video encoding and audio mixing, so it covers live streaming and recording in the same app.
Whether you are brand new or a seasoned streamer, Streamlabs Desktop equips you with the full control room.
Now let’s break down each step.
Step 1: Create Your First Scene
The Streamlabs editor window splits into scenes, sources, and the audio mixer.
Rename your first scene to something obvious, like Gameplay.
Step 2: Add Your Sources
Click the plus sign (+) under the Sources panel.
Select Video Capture Device to add your webcam.
Open the video capture device settings to set resolution and frame rate.
Choose Audio Input Capture for your microphone.
Pick your audio capture device from the dropdown, then watch the meter move.
Select Window Capture when you only want to share one app.
Here’s what this looks like:
✓ Checkpoint: A red arrow pointing at the panel marks the Video Capture Device source highlighted in the list, with the Window Capture source highlighted right below it.
Step 3: Choose Your Capture Method
Display capture grabs your whole monitor, including alerts and browser tabs.
Game capture hooks into fullscreen titles with less overhead and fewer frame drops.
✅ Result: The main Streamlabs Desktop editing window now shows a working layout you can go live with.
💡 Pro Tip: Build separate scenes for different stream layouts instead of rebuilding one scene every time.
How to Use Streamlabs Ultra Podcast
Streamlabs Ultra Podcast lets you record studio-quality audio and video with remote guests.
Ultra also unlocks premium overlays, multistreaming, custom tipping pages, and a Streamlabs tip page for monetizing streams.
The same upgrade lets you unlock premium creator apps with one subscription instead of five.
Now let’s break down each step.
Step 1: Start a Recording Room
Open the Podcast tab and create a new room.
Copy the invite link and send it to your guest.
Step 2: Check Every Guest Track
Each participant records locally at full quality.
Confirm mic input and camera before you hit record.
Here’s what this looks like:
✓ Checkpoint: Every guest shows a separate track with its own level meter.
Step 3: Record and Download Tracks
Hit record and let every machine capture its own file.
Download separate per-speaker tracks when the session ends.
✅ Result: You have clean, per-speaker files ready for editing.
💡 Pro Tip: Ask guests to wear headphones. It removes echo before software ever has to fix it.
How to Use Streamlabs Podcast Editor
Podcast Editor lets you trim, arrange, and polish episodes inside the browser.
It works as a global editing tool, so audio, video, and captions live in one timeline.
Now let’s break down each step.
Step 1: Import Your Recording
Upload the episode or pull it straight from your recording room.
The editor builds a text transcript automatically.
Step 2: Cut by Text
Delete a sentence in the transcript and the video cuts with it.
Remove filler words in a single pass.
Here’s what this looks like:
✓ Checkpoint: The timeline shortens as you delete transcript lines.
Step 3: Export Both Versions
Export a video cut for YouTube and your site.
Export a plain audio version too, since podcast apps still drive most subscriptions.
✅ Result: A tightened episode with no manual scrubbing through waveforms.
💡 Pro Tip: Cut the first thirty seconds. Openings almost always start slower than you think.
How to Use Streamlabs Stream Overlays
Stream Overlays lets you apply custom stream overlays that match your channel identity.
Streamlabs provides access to thousands of customizable stream overlays built by working designers.
Now let’s break down each step.
Step 1: Browse the Overlay Library
Open the Themes tab in your dashboard.
You can filter overlays by category or popularity.
Step 2: Pick a Theme and Install
I run a purple stream overlay featuring animated corner frames.
Tactical Lion designs visuals aimed at shooter channels if you want something harder-edged.
Here’s what this looks like:
✓ Checkpoint: The theme installs straight into your scene collection.
Step 3: Adjust the Placement
Move overlay elements so they frame the edges of the canvas.
Check the layout at full size and on a phone screen.
✅ Result: Your channel looks intentional instead of assembled at midnight.
💡 Pro Tip: A clean overlay beats a busy one. Cover the edges, never the gameplay.
How to Use Streamlabs Alert Box Themes
Alert Box Themes lets you create custom alerts for follows, subs, bits, and tips.
Streamlabs ships pre-made alerts designed by industry professionals if you would rather not build from scratch.
Now let’s break down each step.
Step 1: Open Your Alert Box
Head to the alert box settings page in the Streamlabs Dashboard.
Twitch follows, alert box themes, and donations each get their own tab.
Step 2: Set Each Event
Toggle subscriber, bit, follow, host, etc. one event at a time.
Set sound, duration, and message text for each.
Here’s what this looks like:
✓ Checkpoint: A preview fires in the browser window every time you save.
Step 3: Fire a Test Alert
Click Test beside each event type and watch the preview.
Drop the alert volume so it never drowns your voice.
✅ Result: Alerts and widgets create engaging live stream moments that pull lurkers into chat.
💡 Pro Tip: Add widgets to your live stream sparingly. Two goal bars and a chat box is plenty.
How to Use Streamlabs Podcast Re-purposer
Podcast Repurposing lets you turn one long episode into short clips for social platforms.
The tool scans your recording and marks moments worth cutting.
Now let’s break down each step.
Step 1: Run the Clip Finder
Open a finished episode and choose Find Clips.
Streamlabs suggests segments with a score attached.
Step 2: Reframe for Vertical
Switch the aspect ratio to 9:16 for Shorts, Reels, and TikTok.
Face tracking keeps the speaker centered.
Here’s what this looks like:
✓ Checkpoint: A stack of vertical clips appears in your library.
Step 3: Export and Schedule
Send the finished clips to your media library.
Spread them across the week instead of posting everything at once.
✅ Result: One recording session now feeds a week of short-form posts.
💡 Pro Tip: Post the clip that opens with a question. Those hold attention longest.
How to Use Streamlabs Auto Subtitles
Auto Subtitles lets you add accurate captions to any clip without typing a word.
Most social video plays on mute, so captions decide whether people stay.
Now let’s break down each step.
Step 1: Generate the Transcript
Select your clip and click Auto Subtitles.
Choose the spoken language before you run it.
Step 2: Style the Captions
Pick font, size, and highlight color.
Fix any names the transcription guessed wrong.
Here’s what this looks like:
✓ Checkpoint: Captions appear burned onto the preview in your chosen style.
Step 3: Burn In and Export
Export the clip with captions baked into the file.
Keep the transcript for show notes and search.
✅ Result: Captioned clips ready for platforms that autoplay silently.
💡 Pro Tip: Keep captions in the middle third. Platform interfaces cover the top and bottom.
How to Customize Streamlabs Video Templates
Customizable Video Templates lets you start from ready-made layouts instead of a blank canvas.
Templates hold your fonts, colors, and intro so every upload matches.
Now let’s break down each step.
Step 1: Choose a Template
Browse the template gallery and preview a few.
Filter by format: podcast clip, highlight reel, or announcement.
Step 2: Swap in Your Branding
Replace placeholder text, logo, and color values.
Save it as your own reusable template.
Here’s what this looks like:
✓ Checkpoint: Your saved template appears at the top of the gallery.
Step 3: Reuse It Every Time
Open the saved template for your next clip.
Consistent branding makes a channel look older than it is.
✅ Result: New clips take minutes because the layout work is already done.
💡 Pro Tip: Build two templates only: one vertical, one horizontal. More than that slows you down.
Streamlabs Pro Tips and Shortcuts
Adjusting settings within Streamlabs Desktop takes two minutes and fixes most stream quality complaints.
The video settings in Streamlabs Desktop control both canvas sizes.
Here is how to change quality and resolution without guesswork.
Keep rate control CBR and set keyframe interval 2 seconds, which is what Twitch and YouTube expect.
Leave B frames 2 unless your encoder starts lagging.
To change the CPU usage preset, navigate to Output and pick a preset quality your machine can hold under load.
To enable dynamic bitrate, navigate to Advanced and toggle it on.
Dynamic bitrate can help reduce dropped frames when your connection dips.
You can also edit bitrate manually if your upload speed is stable.
Together these settings in Streamlabs Desktop give low latency, optimal performance, and steadier frames.
Keyboard Shortcuts
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Start streaming | Assign in Settings > Hotkeys |
| Start or stop recording | Assign in Settings > Hotkeys |
| Switch scene | Per-scene hotkey |
| Mute or unmute mic | Push-to-talk key |
Hotkeys in Streamlabs Desktop let you run the whole show without touching the mouse mid-game.
Hidden Features Most People Miss
- Streamlabs App Store: the built-in Streamlabs App Store adds third-party creator apps with one click inside the editor.
- Collab Cam: lets you integrate multiple camera feeds into one stream, including a phone as a second angle.
- Chat moderation tools: automation and chat moderation run in the background so you are not policing spam mid-match.
Streamlabs Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake #1: Going live without a test stream
❌ Wrong: Hitting Go Live and finding out mid-stream that your mic was muted.
✅ Right: Run a two-minute unlisted test. Test streams identify audio and visual issues before anyone watches.
Mistake #2: Running one scene for everything
❌ Wrong: Dragging sources around live because a single scene has to do every job.
✅ Right: Build separate scenes for starting soon, gameplay, chat, and outro, then switch with a hotkey.
Mistake #3: Setting bitrate above your upload speed
❌ Wrong: Pushing 8000 kbps on a 10 Mbps upload and blaming the platform for stutter.
✅ Right: Cap bitrate at roughly 70% of your tested upload, then let dynamic bitrate absorb the dips.
Streamlabs Troubleshooting
Problem: Streamlabs Desktop will not launch
Cause: Security tools sometimes quarantine the encoder files.
Fix: Whitelist Streamlabs Desktop (C:\Program Files\Streamlabs Desktop) in your exclusion list if you have anti virus software installed.
Problem: Black screen on game capture
Cause: The capture hook cannot reach the game, usually a driver mismatch.
Fix: Keep updated drivers and software, especially your video graphic card drivers, then run Streamlabs as administrator.
Problem: Dropped frames while streaming
Cause: Your upload cannot carry the bitrate you set.
Fix: Lower output scaled resolution to 1280×720, turn on dynamic bitrate, and close background uploads.
📌 Note: If none of these fix your issue, contact Streamlabs support.
What is Streamlabs?
Streamlabs is a live streaming and podcast tool that packages encoding, overlays, alerts, and chat into one app.
Think of it like a small TV control room on your desktop.
Watch this quick overview:
It includes these key features:
- Multistream: Broadcast to YouTube, Twitch, TikTok, and Instagram at the same time
- Streamlabs Desktop: Build scenes, add sources, and start streaming from one window
- Streamlabs Ultra Podcast: Record studio-quality podcast audio and video with remote guests
- Podcast Editor: Trim, arrange, and polish episodes with a global editing tool
- Stream Overlays: Apply custom stream overlays that match your channel identity
- Alert Box Themes: Create custom alerts for follows, subs, bits, and tips
- Podcast Repurposing: Turn one long episode into short clips for social platforms
- Auto Subtitles: Add accurate captions to any clip without typing a word
- Customizable Video Templates: Start from ready-made layouts instead of a blank canvas
Streamlabs OBS is friendly for beginners, and it integrates with Twitch, YouTube, and Kick directly.
For a full review, see our Streamlabs review.
Streamlabs Pricing
Here’s what Streamlabs costs in 2026:
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Streamlabs Starter | Free, always | New streamers testing scenes, alerts, and free overlays |
| Streamlabs Ultra | $27/mo | Creators who need multistreaming, premium themes, and tipping pages |
Free trial: The Starter plan is free forever, so Ultra is the only paid step up.
Money-back guarantee: Refunds are handled case by case through Streamlabs support.
💰 Best Value: Streamlabs Ultra — one payment covers overlays, multistreaming, and the podcast suite.
Streamlabs vs Alternatives
How does Streamlabs compare? Here’s the competitive landscape:
| Tool | Best For | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Streamlabs | Live streaming plus podcasting | $27/mo | ⭐ 4.3 |
| Podcastle | AI audio cleanup | $14.99/mo | ⭐ 4.4 |
| Riverside | Local recording quality | $19/mo | ⭐ 4.6 |
| Restream | Multistreaming reach | $19/mo | ⭐ 4.5 |
| StreamYard | Browser-based live shows | $25/mo | ⭐ 4.6 |
| Zencastr | Remote audio podcasts | $20/mo | ⭐ 4.3 |
| Ecamm | Mac-only production | $16/mo | ⭐ 4.5 |
| Castr | Stream hosting and restreaming | $19/mo | ⭐ 4.2 |
Quick picks:
- Best overall: Streamlabs — streaming, overlays, and podcasting under one login
- Best budget: Podcastle — cheapest entry for solo audio creators
- Best for beginners: StreamYard — nothing to install, runs in a browser tab
- Best for recording quality: Riverside — local capture survives bad Wi-Fi
🎯 Streamlabs Alternatives
Looking for Streamlabs alternatives? Here are the top options:
- 🎨 Podcastle: AI voice cleanup and text-based editing for creators who mostly publish audio.
- 🚀 Riverside: Records every guest locally in 4K, so upload drops never ruin the file.
- ⚡ Restream: Built purely for pushing one feed to dozens of destinations at once.
- 👶 StreamYard: Browser-based studio with guest invites and no software install at all.
- 💰 Zencastr: Straightforward remote podcast recording with separate tracks and simple pricing.
- 🏢 Ecamm: Mac-native live production with deep camera and Keynote control.
- 🔧 Castr: Stream hosting, restreaming, and embeddable players for sites you own.
For the full list, see our Streamlabs alternatives guide.
⚔️ Streamlabs Compared
Here is how Streamlabs stacks up against each competitor:
- Streamlabs vs Podcastle: Streamlabs wins on live tools; Podcastle wins if you only publish audio episodes.
- Streamlabs vs Riverside: Riverside records cleaner remote files; Streamlabs covers live gaming that Riverside ignores.
- Streamlabs vs Restream: Restream is a stronger pure multistreaming layer; Streamlabs bundles overlays and alerts too.
- Streamlabs vs StreamYard: StreamYard is easier for interviews; Streamlabs gives real scene control for gameplay.
- Streamlabs vs Zencastr: Zencastr suits audio-first shows; Streamlabs suits creators who stream and podcast both.
- Streamlabs vs Ecamm: Ecamm is polished on Mac only; Streamlabs runs on Windows where most gaming happens.
- Streamlabs vs Castr: Castr handles hosting and embeds; Streamlabs handles the production side of the feed.
Start Using Streamlabs Now
You learned how to use Streamlabs across every major feature:
- ✅ Multistream
- ✅ Streamlabs Desktop
- ✅ Streamlabs Ultra Podcast
- ✅ Podcast Editor
- ✅ Stream Overlays
- ✅ Alert Box Themes
- ✅ Podcast Repurposing
- ✅ Auto Subtitles
- ✅ Customizable Video Templates
Next step: Pick one feature and try it tonight.
Most people start with Streamlabs Desktop and a single scene.
Get Streamlabs Desktop, go live, and start streaming in under ten minutes.
When you are finished, click the End Stream button and check your recording.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is easier, Streamlabs or OBS?
Streamlabs is easier. Overlays, alerts, and chat are built in, so beginners skip the plugin hunting that OBS Studio setups usually require.
How much does Streamlabs cost per month?
Streamlabs Starter is free, always. Streamlabs Ultra costs $27/mo and adds multistreaming, premium overlays, tipping pages, and the full podcast suite.
What do I need to run Streamlabs?
A Windows or Mac machine, a stable upload connection, updated video graphic card drivers, and a streaming account on Twitch, YouTube, or Kick.
Do I need OBS if I have Streamlabs?
No. Streamlabs Desktop covers live streaming and recording on its own, though you can import OBS Studio settings if you already built scenes there.
Is Streamlabs good for beginners?
Yes. The auto config check recommends settings based on your setup, and pre-made alerts and overlays mean you go live without designing anything.
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