Record Video With OBS

OBS is a fantastic tool for creators, allowing you to stream from the platform or record videos with multiple types of inputs and video capture available. And the best part is it is all free!  

I have used OBS for years to create a “plug in a play” video recording set up that allows me to easily record high quality video content.  

It also means I can easily switch from different scenes to go from recording myself on video, to recording my screen, without the need to edit it in after.  

So how can you set up your video recording in OBS? 

Firstly, if you haven’t already, make sure you download OBS. It’s free, and it’s safe. You can download for Mac or PC – make sure you choose the correct version.  

Okay cool now let’s open it up. If this is your first time it should look something like this: 

OBS Studio

To get you up and running we need to create a scene. 

The bottom left square is where we can create scenes for capturing different things.  

If we want to make one to record videos with your webcam and a mic input then do the following: 

1. Create a scene with the plus icon [+] at the bottom of the scene panel 

2. Name your scene – let's go with Webcam video 

Great you have created your scene! Now whenever you click this scene OBS will use the inputs and outputs you assign to this scene. 

Let’s add your inputs: 

1. Hit the plus icon [+] to add a new input 

2. Select video capture device 

3. It will ask you to create a new device or choose from existing – create a new one and give it a name 

4. Hit OK 

5. Select your webcam from the device drop down menu (note this could be your laptop webcam, an external webcam, or a digital camera through a cam link) 

6. Choose the quality preset (I go with high) 

7. Hit OK 

You will now see the video capture device with the name you gave it in your Sources panel. 

You may now see the video capture in the video window of OBS. Amazing!  

Now let’s get you some audio so you can be heard as well as seen!  

Again in the source pael click the plus icon [+] and select Audio Input Capture. 

Follow the same process as with video, choose to create a new source, name it (I would name it the name of the mic you are using e.g. laptop mic, blue yeti, Rode USB mic etc) 

With your audio and video ready you can now record yourself some content straight from OBS!