Is Streamlabs Part of OBS?

The confusion surrounding the relationship between Streamlabs and OBS Studio has been a common point of discussion in the streaming and broadcasting community for quite some time. This article aims to provide clarity and dispel common misconceptions regarding this topic.

1. The Controversial Naming of Streamlabs OBS

It’s important to note that Streamlabs OBS was originally named as such to create a sense of familiarity and trust among users. However, it’s crucial to understand that this naming was done intentionally to leverage the popularity of the OBS Studio brand, leading to some confusion and even community protests.

After facing significant pushback from the community, Streamlabs eventually changed their product’s name to reflect more accurately its relationship with OBS Studio. However, the damage had already been done, and the name rebranding was more of a reactive measure to address the initial misattribution.

2. Independent Companies with Different Objectives

Streamlabs OBS and OBS Studio are entirely separate entities, each with its own unique goals and operations. The primary aim of Streamlabs was and continues to be to provide an enhanced user experience focused on social features and integrations, which are tools that OBS Studio does not natively offer.

On the other hand, OBS Studio has made relentless efforts to distance itself from being associated with Streamlabs. The OBS Studio team has been vocal about their desire to clarify the difference between the two products, stating that they value the independence and integrity of OBS Studio, both in name and function.

3. The Reason Behind Streamlabs' Decision

The decision by Streamlabs to use the OBS name in their product title was strategic. It was designed to build a bridge between the OBS community and the Streamlabs brand, making it easier for users to migrate to their platform and understand the additional functionalities they offer.

However, this move was met with resistance from the OBS Studio team, who felt that it was a misrepresentation of their product. They have consistently emphasized that users should be aware that Streamlabs OBS and OBS Studio are not the same and that users should understand the unique features that OBS Studio provides in comparison to Streamlabs OBS.

Conclusion: Separate but Complementary Services

While Streamlabs and OBS Studio serve different user bases and offer distinct sets of features, they are ultimately complementary services in the world of streaming and broadcasting. OBS Studio is a robust and versatile tool that supports various streaming needs without any additional social integrations, while Streamlabs offers a platform that includes a suite of features aimed at enhancing the social aspects of streaming.

Understanding the separation and individual purposes of Streamlabs and OBS Studio is crucial for both new and experienced streamers, allowing them to make informed decisions based on their specific requirements and goals.