A January 2025 StreamElements “State of the Stream” report shows Twitch viewership rebounded after the holidays, with top creators like Caedrel streaming over 240 hours and ranking first in hours watched. At the same time, Twitch now boasts over 240 million monthly active users and an average of 2.37 million concurrent viewers in 2025.
For many of these creators, the key to sustaining and scaling this growth has been leveraging OBS Studio paired with StreamElements overlays and alerts. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best OBS settings for streaming, how to integrate StreamElements, and tips to fine-tune your setup for top-tier performance.
What Is StreamElements OBS Integration?
StreamElements OBS refers to using StreamElements — a popular all-in-one streaming platform — alongside OBS Studio, the industry-standard open-source broadcasting software. Together, they allow streamers to customize overlays, manage alerts, and enhance viewer engagement without complicated setups.
Whether you're on Twitch, YouTube, or Facebook Live, StreamElements for OBS simplifies the streaming workflow with browser-based overlays and built-in widgets.
How to Set Up StreamElements with OBS
Setting up StreamElement OBS is simple. Follow these steps:
1. Create a StreamElements Account: Sign in using your streaming platform (Twitch, YouTube, etc.).
2. Build Your Overlay: Use StreamElements' Overlay Manager to create alerts, stream labels, goals, and chat boxes.
3. Copy the Overlay URL: Once done, copy the overlay URL.
4. Open OBS Studio: In OBS, add a new “Browser Source” and paste the overlay URL from StreamElements.
5. Adjust Dimensions: Set width/height to match your stream resolution (e.g., 1920x1080).
Best OBS Settings for Streaming in 2025
Optimizing your OBS settings for stream quality is crucial. Here's a tested configuration for most creators:
Output Settings
- Output Mode: Advanced
- Encoder: NVENC (NVIDIA) / x264 (CPU)
- Bitrate:
- 6000 Kbps (Twitch, 1080p@60fps)
- 4500 Kbps (YouTube, 720p@60fps)
- Keyframe Interval: 2
- Preset: Quality or Max Performance
- Profile: High
Video Settings
- Base (Canvas) Resolution: 1920x1080
- Output (Scaled) Resolution: 1280x720 or 1920x1080
- Downscale Filter: Lanczos
- FPS: 60 (action-heavy), 30 (casual or desktop streams)
Audio Settings
- Sample Rate: 48kHz
- Channels: Stereo
- Mic/Aux Device: Your main microphone
- Desktop Audio: Default output device
With these best OBS settings for streaming, you’ll deliver smoother streams with professional-grade quality.
Must-Have StreamElements Tools for OBS
Once your OBS is optimized, don’t forget to take advantage of key StreamElements OBS features:
- Alerts: Visual and audio triggers for new followers, donations, etc.
- Chat Box: Display real-time chat on-screen
- Stream Labels: Auto-updating data like recent followers or top tips
- Goal Widgets: Show progress toward sub, follow, or donation goals
- Overlay Themes: Pre-built and customizable options for branding
All of these can be integrated as browser sources in OBS, enhancing interactivity and viewer experience.
Recommended Gear for Streaming with OBS
Pairing the right gear with your setup is just as important as using the right software. Here’s a carefully curated list of recommended streaming equipment:
🎤 Microphone: NearStream AM25X vs. Shure SM7B
| Feature | NearStream AM25X | Shure SM7B |
| Type | Condenser (XLR) | Dynamic (XLR) |
| Ideal For | Entry to mid-level creators | Broadcast-level production |
| Sensitivity | High – crisp detail in quiet rooms | Low – great for noisy environments |
| Power Requirement | Phantom Power (+48V) | High-gain preamp needed |
| Sound Profile | Bright and clean | Warm and rich |
| Price Point | ✅ Budget-friendly | ❌ Premium-tier |
💡 If you're just starting out or want pro-grade clarity without breaking the bank, the AM5X is a fantastic choice.
📸 Camera: NearStream VM20 vs. VM46
| Feature | NearStream VM20 | NearStream VM46 |
| Resolution | 4K @ 30fps | 4K @ 60fps |
| Zoom | 40X Digital | Optical Zoom + AI Auto-Tracking |
| Low Light | Good | Excellent |
| AI Features | — | ✅ Facial Recognition + Framing |
| Ideal For | Stationary setups | Dynamic, pro-level streams |
💡 The VM20 is a great entry point for 4K clarity. For more advanced features and flexibility, the VM46 is worth the upgrade.
💡 Lighting: Elgato Key Light
- Adjustable color temperature (2900K–7000K)
- Up to 2800 lumens of brightness
- Controlled via Wi-Fi or Elgato Stream Deck
- Flicker-free and optimized for camera use
💡 Lighting is often the difference between amateur and pro-looking content — this is one of the best in the business.
🦾 Boom Arm: ST20 Boom Arm
- All-metal build for stability
- Clean cable management
- 360-degree rotation
- Universal mic thread support
💡 A reliable boom arm keeps your mic exactly where you need it — and looks professional on camera.
🔗 Suggested Starter Bundle
For Beginners or Intermediate Streamers:
For Pros or Full-Time Creators:
- Shure SM7B
- NearStream VM46
- XLR Interface or AMIX40U Mixer
- Dual Key Lights + Stream Deck
Final Thoughts
Combining StreamElements with OBS gives you a powerful toolkit for high-quality, interactive live streaming. Whether you're just starting or looking to take your production to the next level, the right gear and the best OBS settings for streaming make all the difference.
By integrating the right StreamElements OBS overlays, optimizing your settings, and using the recommended hardware above, you'll be ready to stream like a pro.
