The Best PC Gaming Streaming Software: A Comprehensive Guide.
Streaming video games on your PC has become increasingly popular over the last several years. Whether you’re into shooting games, sports games, online gaming tournaments or even just playing with your friends, streaming your gameplay is the perfect way to share your experience with the world.
However, with so many PC gaming streaming software programs available, it can be difficult to know which one is right for you. In this comprehensive guide, we’re going to look at the best PC gaming streaming software, so you can find the right one for your needs.
We’ll cover the features and capabilities of each program, what kind of hardware and internet speed you need, and provide some tips to help you get started. So, let’s dive right in.
What is PC Gaming Streaming Software?
PC gaming streaming software allows players to stream live video of their gameplay to the internet, which can be viewed by anyone, anywhere. A streaming program collects a video feed from the player, encodes it, and compresses it for transmission. The video stream is then broadcast across the internet and can be watched by anyone with a compatible program.
To use a streaming program, players will need a video capture card, such as the Elgato HD60 or the Razer Ripsaw, along with streaming software like OBS and XSplit. Players also need a reliable internet connection with a good upload speed in order for the video feed to be streamed without interruption.
Types of PC Gaming Streaming Software
There are several different types of PC gaming streaming software on the market. Here, we’ll discuss the four most popular programs, their features, and what they have to offer.
1. Open Broadcaster Software (OBS)
Open Broadcaster Software, or OBS, is a free and open-source streaming program that is highly customizable and very easy to use. OBS can be used to capture video from multiple sources, including webcam, a gaming console, or your desktop, and supports a wide range of streaming services, including Twitch, YouTube, and Mixer.
It also offers a range of features, such as the ability to add text and graphics, adjust frame rate and resolution, and record clips of your gameplay. OBS is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux, and is a great option for beginners who want to get started streaming quickly.
2. XSplit
XSplit is a popular streaming platform developed by SplitmediaLabs. It is significantly more powerful than OBS, offering a range of additional features, such as the ability to stream in 4K, add overlays, and edit clips on the fly.
XSplit also has native integration with popular streaming services, including Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook, and there’s a wide range of customizations available, allowing you to tailor the interface, layout, and stream settings to your exact requirements.
3. Streamlabs
Streamlabs is a popular, but lesser-known, streaming software program. It has a similar feature set to XSplit and OBS, but offers an easier-to-use interface and simpler setup. It also offers support for Intel’s QuickSync, which improves video encoding performance.
Streamlabs also includes some unique features, such as support for GIFs and surveys, as well as a wide range of customizable stream alerts, so you can customize your stream with animations, sounds, and other visual effects.
4. Lightstream
Lightstream is another great streaming program, with a few features that make it stand out from the rest. The main advantage of Lightstream is its intuitive browser-based interface, which makes it incredibly easy to set up. It also offers support for a wide range of streaming services and features, including custom graphics, live chat, and real-time analytics.
Which PC Gaming Streaming Software is Best?
The best streaming software for you will depend on your own needs and preferences. We recommend beginning with OBS, as it’s the simplest and easiest to use. You can then upgrade to XSplit or Streamlabs if you want more features and control over your stream. Lightstream would be our last suggestion, as it’s the most expensive.
Hardware and Internet Requirements
As with any streaming service, you’ll need a fast and reliable internet connection in order for your stream to be transmitted without interruption. You’ll also need a capture card or webcam in order to capture the video from your gaming console or desktop, and a good quality microphone.
As far as your computer specs are concerned, you’ll need a modern CPU, such as an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen, 8GB of RAM, and a dedicated GPU, such as an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 or an AMD Radeon RX 580. It’s also a good idea to have at least one external storage drive, so you can store your recordings and other media.
Getting Started
Once you’ve chosen the streaming software you want to use, you can get started streaming your games in just a few minutes. The first step is to install the software on your computer and any peripherals, such as capture cards and webcams. Once everything is connected, you can launch the program, customize the settings, and start streaming.
Most streaming programs will include a tutorial to help you set up your stream, but there are also plenty of resources online, such as video tutorials, that can help you get started.
Conclusion
That wraps up our comprehensive guide to the best streaming software for PC gaming. We’ve looked at the four most popular streaming programs, their features, and the hardware and internet requirements for each. We’ve also given you some tips to help you get going.
Now that you know which streaming software is right for you, it’s time to get started. So, choose your software, set up your hardware, and begin your journey into the world of PC gaming streaming. Good luck!
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