Installing and Using OBS Studio on the Raspberry Pi
Installing and Setting Up OBS Studio on Your Raspberry Pi
OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) Studio is a powerful tool for video recording and live streaming, compatible with major platforms like Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook. While OBS Studio isn’t optimized for the Raspberry Pi, it’s still possible to use it for lower resolution recordings and streams. Here’s a detailed guide on how to install and set up OBS Studio on a Raspberry Pi, particularly recommended for Raspberry Pi 4 or 5 for better performance.
Equipment Needed
Recommended:
- Raspberry Pi (preferably Pi 4 or Pi 5)
- Micro SD Card
- Power Supply
- Ethernet Cable or Wi-Fi
Optional:
- Raspberry Pi Case
- USB Mouse and Keyboard
- HDMI Cable
- Monitor
Installation Steps
1. Update Your Raspberry Pi OS:
Before installing OBS Studio, ensure your Raspberry Pi’s operating system is up to date. Open a terminal and run the following commands:
bashCopy codesudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade -y
2. Install OBS Studio and FFmpeg:
OBS Studio relies on FFmpeg for various encoders and decoders. Install both by running:
bashCopy codesudo apt install ffmpeg obs-studio
3. Verify Installation:
Check if OBS Studio was installed correctly by running:
bashCopy codeobs --version
You should see an output similar to:
scssCopy codeOBS Studio - 29.0.2.1-1+b1 (linux)
4. Modify Desktop Shortcut:
For OBS Studio to run on the Raspberry Pi, you need to override the OpenGL version it uses. Edit the desktop shortcut with:
bashCopy codesudo nano /usr/share/applications/com.obsproject.Studio.desktop
Find the line:
makefileCopy codeExec=obs
Change it to:
bashCopy codeExec=env MESA_GL_VERSION_OVERRIDE=3.3 obs
Save and exit the editor (Ctrl + X, Y, Enter).
Launching OBS Studio
Option 1: From Terminal
You can launch OBS Studio directly from the terminal by using:
bashCopy codeMESA_GL_VERSION_OVERRIDE=3.3 obs
Option 2: From Desktop
- Open the start menu by clicking the Raspberry icon in the top-left corner.
- Navigate to “Sound & Video” and select “OBS Studio” to launch the program.
Conclusion
With OBS Studio now running on your Raspberry Pi, you can begin to add sources to your scene and start streaming or recording. While the performance may not match that of more powerful machines, it’s a viable solution for lower resolution outputs. If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask. Enjoy your streaming experience with OBS Studio on your Raspberry Pi!
Read more: Installing and Using OBS Studio on the Raspberry Pi