Your First Stream: The Complete Checklist
Everything to set up before you hit Go Live for the first time, in order.
Work through this in order and your first stream will go out clean. It's about an hour end to end, most of it one-time setup you'll never touch again.
1. Software and settings
Install OBS, connect your account, set base resolution 1920×1080, and pick a bitrate your upload can hold — the free bitrate calculator gives you the number.
2. Audio before video
Set your mic as the audio source and add Noise Suppression, Noise Gate and Compressor. Record two minutes and listen back before anything else.
3. Build four scenes
Starting Soon, Main, BRB, Ending. Add your overlay files as Media Sources with Loop enabled, and hotkey the switches.
4. Channel page
Profile picture, offline banner, and at least three panels — about, schedule, socials. Most first-time visitors arrive while you're offline.
5. Chat safety
Turn on AutoMod and followers-only chat before you go live, not after something happens.
6. Test privately
Do a short unlisted or private stream and watch it back. You'll catch a mic level or a misplaced source in five minutes. If you need screens today, the free Cozy Starter Pack covers all four.
Start with a complete set
Screens, alerts and panels designed together — or grab the free starter pack first.
Browse the packs