Create Automatic Instant Replays in OBS Studio

This guide teaches you how to set up an automatic instant replay system in OBS Studio using the Matrix Replay plugin. You will learn how to install the plugin, configure your replay settings, create a dedicated replay scene, and automate the transition process so you can showcase your best gaming moments to your viewers with a single button press.

Step 1: Install the Matrix Replay Plugin

Before beginning, you must install the Matrix Replay plugin for OBS Studio.

  1. Download the latest version of the Matrix Replay plugin from the official OBS Resources forum or GitHub repository.
  2. Run the installer, or manually extract the zip file contents into your OBS Studio installation directory (usually C:\Program Files\obs-studio).
  3. Restart OBS Studio to ensure the plugin loads correctly.

Step 2: Add the Matrix Replay Source

Matrix Replay works by constantly buffering a specific source or scene in the background.

  1. Open OBS Studio and select the Scene where your gameplay is located.
  2. In the Sources dock, click the + (Add) button.
  3. Select Matrix Replay from the list and name it (e.g., “Active Replay Buffer”).
  4. In the properties window:
    • Source: Select the video source you want to capture (e.g., your Game Capture or Screen Capture).
    • Duration: Set how many seconds of footage you want to capture (10 to 15 seconds is recommended).
    • Memory Limit: Adjust this based on your system RAM, though the default setting is usually sufficient.
  5. Click OK to save the settings.

Step 3: Set Up a Dedicated Replay Scene

To display the replay to your viewers, you need a dedicated scene that houses the replay source.

  1. In the Scenes dock, click the + button and create a new scene named Replay Scene.
  2. In this new scene, click the + button in the Sources dock.
  3. Select Add Existing and choose the Active Replay Buffer source you created in Step 2.
  4. Scale the source to fit the screen.
  5. (Optional) Add a “REPLAY” text overlay or graphic to this scene so viewers know they are watching recorded footage.

Step 4: Configure Hotkeys for Instant Triggering

To trigger and play the replay instantly, configure your keyboard or stream controller hotkeys.

  1. Go to Settings > Hotkeys in OBS Studio.
  2. Scroll down until you find your Matrix Replay source.
  3. Bind a key to the Trigger Replay or Save Replay action.
  4. Go to the Scene Transitions hotkey settings and bind the same key (or an adjacent one) to switch to the Replay Scene.

Step 5: Automate Scene Transitions (Optional)

To make the system fully automatic—where pressing one button triggers the replay, switches the scene, plays the clip, and switches back to your live gameplay—use the Advanced Scene Switcher plugin.

  1. Open Tools > Advanced Scene Switcher.
  2. Create a new Macro named “Auto Replay”.
  3. Set the Condition: If Matrix Replay Source is activated or playing.
  4. Set the Action: Switch scene to Replay Scene.
  5. Create a second Macro: If Matrix Replay Source stops playing or deactivates.
  6. Set the Action: Switch scene back to your main Gameplay Scene.
  7. Enable the Advanced Scene Switcher.

Now, when you press your hotkey, OBS will instantly save the clip, transition to your replay screen, play the video, and return to your live broadcast automatically.