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Stream-Split vs multistreaming locally in OBS
There are two ways to go live on several cam sites at once: push a separate stream to each one from OBS on your own PC, or send one stream to a cloud relay that fans it out. Here's how they compare.
| Multistreaming locally in OBS | Stream-Split (cloud) | |
|---|---|---|
| Your computer's CPU load | Encodes a separate stream per site — heavy, scales with each platform | Encodes once, no matter how many sites |
| Upload bandwidth | Uploads a full stream per site — multiplies your upload | Uploads one stream; we duplicate in the cloud |
| Stream quality | Often lowered to fit the extra encodes/upload | Full quality, relayed unchanged to every site |
| Weak / distant connection | Drops frames on every site at once | Routed to the nearest edge; far more stable |
| Setup | OBS plugins or multiple OBS instances to configure | Add a stream key per site in one dashboard |
| Per-site control | Awkward — stop/restart to change a destination | Live / Away / Off per site with one click |
| Number of sites | Limited by your PC and upload | Add as many as you want — load stays flat |
| Cost | Free, but costs you CPU, heat and bandwidth | Free to start; the cloud does the heavy lifting |
The short version: local multistreaming is fine for one extra destination, but every site you add taxes your CPU and upload. A cloud relay keeps your machine's load flat no matter how many platforms you broadcast to.
FAQ
- Is it better to multistream from OBS directly or use a cloud relay?
- For one or two destinations on a strong PC and connection, OBS can manage. Once you add more sites, local multistreaming multiplies CPU and upload for each one, so a cloud relay like Stream-Split scales far better — your machine only ever sends one stream.
- Does a cloud relay reduce my quality?
- No. A relay forwards your stream unchanged, so each platform gets the same resolution and bitrate you send from OBS. Local multistreaming is more likely to cost quality, because you often have to lower settings to fit the extra encodes.
- Can I still multistream locally for free?
- Yes, OBS plus plugins can push to several servers. It's free in money but costs CPU, heat and upload bandwidth — and a weak connection drops frames on every site at once. Stream-Split is also free to start and avoids that.
New here? Read how to multistream to multiple cam sites or jump to Chaturbate, Stripchat or OnlyFans.