Obs Sorayuki Plugin: Multistream Setup Guide

Broadcasting to YouTube, Twitch, and Kick simultaneously without paying for an expensive third-party cloud transcoder is entirely possible using open-source tools. The obs-multi-rtmp plugin, created by developer sorayuki, remains the gold standard for native multi-destination broadcasting inside OBS Studio. It lets you send your feed to multiple RTMP endpoints directly from your machine while giving you granular control over encoder settings.

Many guides overcomplicate the installation or fail to explain how hardware encoding sharing works. This guide breaks down the exact installation steps, optimal encoder configurations to prevent hardware crashes, and solutions for common bottlenecks.

Understanding the Sorayuki Multi-RTMP Architecture

By default, OBS Studio restricts users to a single active stream output. While you can set up local NGINX relays or custom FFmpeg scripts, these methods require complex command-line configurations. The sorayuki plugin integrates cleanly into the OBS user interface as an independent dock panel, adding individual target controls right next to your primary stream button.

The core advantage of this tool lies in encoder sharing. When you stream to YouTube at 1440p and Twitch at 1080p, your graphics card or CPU usually has to encode two separate video feeds. The sorayuki plugin allows secondary outputs to share the main encoder's output data, drastically cutting down hardware usage. Alternatively, you can configure standalone bitrates and resolutions for each platform if your hardware handles the extra load.

Installing and Configuring the Plugin

Getting the plugin running requires matching your OBS Studio architecture with the correct installer package from the official GitHub repository.

1. Close OBS Studio completely before running any installer.
2. Download the latest Windows installer or archive package matching your OBS version from the Sorayuki Multi-RTMP GitHub Releases page.
3. Run the installer or extract the files into your main OBS plugin directory (typically C:\Program Files\obs-studio\obs-plugins\64bit and data\obs-plugins\obs-multi-rtmp).
4. Launch OBS Studio. Navigate to the top menu bar, click View, select Docks, and check Multiple Output.
5. Drag and dock the new panel anywhere inside your workspace layout.

Setting Up Your First Simultaneous Stream

Once the dock appears in your interface, adding target platforms takes just a few clicks. You'll need the RTMP server URL and the private stream key from each destination platform.

• Click the Add New Target button in the Multiple Output dock.
• Name your target clearly, such as "Twitch Main" or "Kick Channel".
• Paste the primary RTMP URL provided by the platform dashboard into the URL field.
• Paste your secret stream key into the designated key field.
• Choose your sync settings: select Use shared encoder if your upload bandwidth and CPU/GPU can handle a single high-bitrate push that scales down, or select Independent to assign custom bitrates per platform.

When you click the main Start Streaming button in OBS, the plugin automatically triggers your secondary targets based on your configuration. You can also configure individual targets to start manually a few seconds after your main broadcast goes live.

Optimizing Encoder Settings and Preventing Dropped Frames

Multistreaming places a heavy demand on two distinct resources: your local hardware encoder (NVENC, AMD AMF, or x264) and your internet upload speed. If your game stutters or your stream drops frames, check these critical parameters:

• Bandwidth Math: Your total upload requirement equals the sum of all active bitrates combined. If your main stream uses 6000 kbps and your secondary stream uses 4000 kbps, your connection must sustain a stable upload speed above 10,000 kbps with overhead.
• Hardware Limiters: Using independent encoders for three separate platforms will max out consumer graphics cards quickly. Stick to the shared encoder feature unless platforms require entirely different aspect ratios or frame rates.
• Keyframe Intervals: Set your encoder keyframe interval to exactly 2 seconds across all platforms. Many ingestion servers reject streams or cause infinite buffering loops if keyframes arrive irregularly.

For more technical background on open-source broadcast architecture, consult the OBS Project Forums.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Streamers frequently run into avoidable pitfalls when setting up multi-destination broadcasting for the first time.

• Forgetting Audio Track Routing: If your main stream uses audio track 1, make sure your secondary outputs are also pulling from the correct audio mix channels, otherwise viewers on secondary platforms will watch muted gameplay.
• Ignoring Platform Affiliate Terms: Streaming directly to Twitch while simultaneously broadcasting to YouTube or Kick can violate exclusive partnership clauses if you hold Affiliate or Partner status. Always review platform agreements before going live.
• Neglecting Chat Monitoring: Multistreaming splits your audience. Don't rely on the OBS preview alone; open separate dashboard browser windows or use unified chat aggregators to keep track of incoming messages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the sorayuki plugin work on macOS and Linux?

Yes, the plugin supports multiple operating systems, though installation methods vary. Linux users often install it via package managers like FreeBSD Ports or manual compilation, while macOS users need to ensure compatibility with Apple Silicon builds of OBS Studio.

Why is my secondary stream disconnecting while the main stream stays stable?

Platform ingest servers handle connections differently. If a specific platform drops your connection, it's usually due to fluctuating local upload speeds or hitting that platform's strict buffer limit. Lowering the bitrate on that specific target usually resolves the issue.

Can I stream in 4K to YouTube and 1080p to Twitch at the same time?

Yes, but you cannot use the shared encoder option for this specific scenario because it mirrors the exact resolution of your primary output. You must configure the secondary target with an independent encoder and downscale filter to change resolutions on the fly.

Is this plugin officially supported by OBS Studio?

No. It is an independent third-party community plugin maintained by sorayuki and open-source contributors. If OBS Studio releases a major core update, you may need to wait for a plugin patch before updating your software.