Run OBS Headless on a Linux VPS: Xvfb + Remote Control

OBS is a GUI app, but you can run it on a VPS without a full desktop.

Table of Contents

1. Why go headless
2. Xvfb basics
3. OBS configuration
4. Remote control options
5. Hosting and uptime

1. Why go headless

Less overhead, fewer crashes, better security.

2. Xvfb basics

Create a virtual display for OBS to run on.

3. OBS configuration

Set your scenes and outputs carefully.

4. Remote control options

Use obs-websocket or scripts to control.

5. Hosting and uptime

Use a Streaming VPS for consistent bandwidth.