If you are already running the latest version of Open Broadcaster Software | OBS, you will only need to follow the next few steps, in order to take full advantage of a multibitrate output. If you are using a snap or a flatpak package of OBS, delete it before installing the one from the official website and repository! The plugin I am going to show you how to use (full credit to his creator - sorayuki), will NOT work with a snap/flatpak/AppImage version of OBS. Please remove any such versions, before installing OBS following the instructions on the official OBS Project website - https://obsproject.com/wiki/install-instructions#linux

If you are currently streaming, wait until the Broadcast has finished or stop it from your Live Studio and exit OBS before following the next steps.

1.1 Ubuntu/Mint instructions:

1.2 Arch-based distributions instructions:

2. Restart your OBS Studio and you should now see this window in the top left corner of your OBS main panel. You can resize it from clicking on its right edge or reposition it by clicking on Multiple output and dragging it to a preferred position.

If you don't see it, add the environment variable LIBGL_ALWAYS_SOFTWARE=1 to the Exec section in the desktop shortcut of OBS Studio, via your favourite text editor:

Alternatively, you can launch OBS via Terminal (Ctrl+Alt+T) using the same env variable like this:

3. It is assumed that you've already created a live stream player and obtained the RTMP address and key - see how. Then you have added them to OBS Settings -> Stream:

4. Set the main bitrate and resolution that you wish to run your stream at, in OBS Settings -> Video & OBS Settings -> Output. We recommend 4000kbps for 1080p (for other resolutions see the sheet below). In any case, it shouldn't exceed 5000kbps and 1920x1080. Click Apply and then OK to save your settings.

Recommended video bitrates:

Recommended audio bitrates:

5. Back at the main menu from Multiple output, select Add new target, choose a lower resolution and use the same RTMP Server and RTMP Key as before, ONLY this time add 2 at the end of the RTMP Key to signify it's the second available resolution for your stream. Click OK once you have confirmed all values are correct:

6. Add another new target and use a lower resolution than the previous two. Add 3 at the end of the RTMP Key to set it as the third available resolution. Click ОК to save.

Note: Please do not add more than TWO extra resolutions for your live stream, to avoid CPU/GPU strain and instability. In Multiple output, you should only have two targets. With the main resolution you have set at first, they should be no more than three in total.

7. Start multibitrate streaming by clicking all three Start buttons.

8. Allow a minute to pass to ensure all streams are equally ingested onto our servers, before opening your Live Studio and start Broadcasting from your StreamingVideoProvider account.

9. You will see a gear cog in both Preview panels in your Live studio upon a successful execution of all the steps in this guide, from where you and your viewers will be able to switch between resolutions. The default setting for every viewer is Auto, unless a specific resolution is selected.

Note: If for some reason, you don't see the gear cog, please stop the broadcast and exit the Live Studio, and after another 30 seconds - open it and Start Broadcasting again. If you still don't see it, double-check your settings from steps 5 and 6.

When viewers with poor internet connections are watching your livestream, every time their download speed deteriorates, their player will switch onto a lower bitrate resolution instead of showing a buffering wheel, which would ensure a smoother experience.