Solo streaming means you're the talent, director, and technician simultaneously. OBS plugins automate the technical parts so you can focus on being entertaining.
Essential Plugins
Advanced Scene Switcher
The single most powerful OBS plugin. It automatically switches scenes based on conditions:
| Trigger | Action | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Window focus changes | Switch to game scene | Auto-detect which game is running |
| No audio for 10 seconds | Switch to BRB scene | Cover bathroom breaks |
| Time of day | Switch to scheduled scene | 24/7 channel programming |
| Hotkey | Switch to specific scene | Manual override |
| Media ends | Switch to next scene | Automated content rotation |
Configuration example: When the game window loses focus, automatically switch to a "Be Right Back" scene with a timer.
StreamFX
Advanced visual effects:
- Blur backgrounds (replaces green screen)
- 3D transforms on sources
- Color grading
- Dynamic masks
Most useful for webcam effects. The background blur filter lets you stream from a messy room without anyone knowing.
Move Transition
Smooth animations between scenes:
- Sources slide, fade, or morph between scenes
- Creates professional broadcast-quality transitions
- Configurable per source, not just per scene
obs-websocket (Built-in since OBS 28)
Remote control OBS from any device via WebSocket:
import obsws_python as obs
client = obs.ReqClient(host='vps-ip', port=4455, password='secret')
client.set_current_program_scene('Gaming')
This enables VPS-based automation. A script on your VPS can control OBS remotely.
Audio Processing
ReaPlugs (VST)
ReaPlugs provides broadcast-quality audio processing for free:
| Plugin | Purpose | Settings |
|---|---|---|
| ReaEQ | Equalization | Cut below 80Hz, boost 2-5kHz |
| ReaComp | Compression | Ratio 4:1, threshold -20dB |
| ReaGate | Noise Gate | Threshold -40dB, release 200ms |
The processing chain in order: Noise Gate > EQ > Compressor > Limiter
Audio Monitor
Monitors audio levels and alerts if:
- Microphone is muted but you're talking
- Desktop audio is too loud
- Audio is clipping
Prevents the most common streaming mistake: streaming for 30 minutes without realizing your mic is muted.
Scene Organization
For Live Streaming
| Scene | Content | Auto-Switch Trigger |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Soon | Countdown timer, music | Manual (stream start) |
| Gaming | Game capture, webcam, chat | Game window focused |
| Just Chatting | Webcam, chat, backdrop | Game window closed |
| BRB | BRB screen, music, timer | No audio for 15 seconds |
| Ending | Raid target, social links | Manual |
For 24/7 VPS Channels
| Scene | Content | Auto-Switch Trigger |
|---|---|---|
| Main | Video loop, audio, overlay | Default |
| Announcement | Special content | Scheduled time |
| Intermission | Short break screen | Between content blocks |
Performance Tips
Each plugin adds CPU overhead. On a VPS, monitor your encoding headroom:
Settings > Output > Advanced
CPU Usage Preset: veryfast (if CPU is high)
If adding plugins pushes your CPU above 80%, either:
- Remove less essential plugins
- Upgrade to a higher-tier VPS
- Switch from x264 to hardware encoding (if GPU available)
The right plugins make solo streaming feel professional. Combined with a VPS for encoding and automation, you can run a polished broadcast that looks like it has a production team behind it.
