Auto Start Streaming and Recording in OBS Studio

This article explains how to configure OBS Studio to automatically begin streaming and recording the moment you launch the application. By utilizing simple command-line arguments on your OBS shortcut, you can automate your broadcast workflow and ensure you never miss a moment of your broadcast or gameplay.

Step-by-Step Guide to Auto-Start OBS

To set up automatic streaming and recording on startup, you need to modify the properties of your OBS Studio shortcut.

1. Locate Your OBS Studio Shortcut

If you do not have an OBS Studio shortcut on your desktop, find the application in your Windows Start menu, right-click it, select More, and click Open file location. Copy the OBS Studio shortcut from that folder and paste it onto your desktop.

2. Open Shortcut Properties

Right-click the OBS Studio shortcut on your desktop and select Properties from the context menu. Ensure you are on the Shortcut tab in the window that appears.

3. Edit the Target Field

In the Target box, you will see the installation path of the OBS executable file, which looks like this: "C:\Program Files\obs-studio\bin\64bit\obs64.exe"

To enable automatic actions, click inside the Target box, move your cursor to the very end of the text (after the closing quotation mark), press the Spacebar once, and add one of the following commands:

• To start streaming automatically: Add --startstreaming
• To start recording automatically: Add --startrecording
• To start both streaming and recording: Add --startstreaming --startrecording

For example, to start both actions simultaneously, your Target field should look exactly like this: "C:\Program Files\obs-studio\bin\64bit\obs64.exe" --startstreaming --startrecording

4. Save and Test

Click Apply and then OK to save your changes. Double-click the modified shortcut to test it. OBS Studio will launch and immediately begin streaming and recording without requiring you to click any buttons.

Additional Launch Parameters

You can combine your start commands with other parameters to further automate the launch process:

• Start Minimized: Add --minimize-to-tray to keep the OBS window hidden in your system tray upon launch.
• Load a Specific Profile: Add --profile "Your Profile Name" if you want to ensure a specific streaming setup is loaded.
• Load a Specific Scene Collection: Add --collection "Your Scene Collection" to force OBS to open with a designated layout.