Getting started with live streaming on Twitch, YouTube or TikTok? Streamlabs Desktop brings scene controls, alerts, widgets, and recording tools together, with options for broadcasting to popular streaming platforms.
Build scenes for each part of a stream
Scenes collect the visual and audio sources shown during a broadcast or recording. Set up separate layouts for a starting screen, gameplay, a break, and an ending, then switch between them as the stream changes. Streamlabs Desktop can capture a game, webcam, desktop, music, and microphone in the same production.
Overlays provide a designed frame for the video, while alerts can appear for events such as new followers, subscribers, tips, cheers, and charity donations. Arrange video, audio, chat, and recent-event panels in the desktop workspace to suit the way a session is managed.
Add interaction and guest video
Widgets add audience-facing elements such as polls, tip trackers, follower goals, chat overlays, and interactive games. Cloudbot adds chat moderation, games, and custom commands, so common audience interactions can be handled from the stream setup.
Collab Cam lets a guest or extra camera join through a shared link. The guest can see and hear the host and follow the chat while appearing in the broadcast.
Choose an output and capture highlights
Streamlabs Desktop connects with platforms including Twitch, YouTube, TikTok, Kick, Facebook, and Instagram; custom RTMP connections cover other destinations. Dual Output can send one horizontal and one vertical layout at the same time, with separate scenes, sources, and resolutions for each format.
Local recording provides a way to save a session for editing or posting later. Replay tools can turn recorded highlights into short videos for services such as YouTube, TikTok, and Reels. Automations can react to gameplay by triggering visuals, switching scenes, or saving clips and replays.
Pros
- Capture games, webcam, desktop, music, and microphone in one place
- Customize scenes, alerts, overlays, and audience widgets
- Dual Output supports one horizontal and one vertical stream
- Replay highlights can be edited for social video platforms
System requirements: Windows 10, Windows 11 · 8 GB RAM minimum
Can Streamlabs Desktop record without going live?
Yes. It includes local recording, and recording-only use does not require a Streamlabs account.
Can it stream in both vertical and horizontal formats?
Yes. Dual Output supports one vertical and one horizontal destination, with separate scenes, sources, and resolutions for each.
What can Cloudbot do during a stream?
Cloudbot provides chat moderation, games, and customizable commands.
