💻 How to Set Up Cloud-Based OBS Streaming on AWS EC2 (Free Tier)

Want to live stream without keeping your laptop on? Whether you’re hosting an event, gaming session, or tutorial — running OBS Studio in the cloud means your stream stays live, even if your laptop shuts down. In this guide, I’ll show you how to set up OBS on AWS EC2, using their free tier.

🔧 What You’ll Need

• A free AWS account

• A stable internet connection

• Basic familiarity with remote desktop

☁️ Step 1: Launch an EC2 Windows Server

1. Log into your AWS Console: https://console.aws.amazon.com/ec2

2. Click “Launch Instance”

3. Instance Details:

   • Name: OBS-Cloud-Streamer

   • OS: Choose Microsoft Windows Server 2019 Base

   • Instance Type: Select t2.micro (free tier eligible)

4. Key Pair:

   • Create a new key pair (RSA)

   • Download the .pem file (keep this safe!)

5. Security Group Settings:

   • Allow RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) on port 3389

   • Allow all outbound traffic (default rule)

6. Click Launch

🔌 Step 2: Connect via Remote Desktop

1. After your instance is running, go to Instances > Connect > RDP Client

2. Download the .rdp file and decrypt your Windows password using the .pem file

3. Open the .rdp file on your computer and log in with the decrypted credentials

🎥 Step 3: Install OBS Studio

Once you’re connected to the EC2 Windows desktop:

1. Open Edge or Internet Explorer

2. Download OBS from https://obsproject.com

3. Install OBS just like you would on any Windows PC

📡 Step 4: Configure OBS for YouTube

1. Open OBS and go to Settings > Stream

2. Select:

   • Service: YouTube – RTMPS

   • Stream Key: Get it from your YouTube Live dashboard

3. Add video or screen sources:

   • For testing, use image slides or screen capture (since there’s no webcam by default)

🚀 Step 5: Go Live!

• Click Start Streaming in OBS

• Go to your YouTube Studio — your live feed should appear!

• You can disconnect the RDP session — OBS will keep running in the background ✅

⚠️ Important Notes

• t2.micro may struggle with HD streams. For better performance, upgrade to t2.medium or t3.small (may incur costs).

• Always stop or terminate your instance after streaming to avoid unnecessary charges.

• You can stream 24/7 with this method if your instance stays running.

📱 Bonus: Add a Mobile Camera Feed

Want to use your phone as a live camera?

• Use apps like NDI HX Camera or OBS.Ninja

• Connect your phone feed to OBS running on the EC2 instance

✅ Final Thoughts

Running OBS in the cloud is a powerful trick for uninterrupted, laptop-free live streaming. It’s especially useful for creators, churches, teachers, or events that need 24/7 streams.

Have questions or need a setup script? Drop a comment and I’ll help you out!

✅ Step 1: Sign in to AWS and Launch EC2

1. Go to: https://console.aws.amazon.com/ec2

2. Click “Launch Instance”.

3. Name your instance (e.g., OBS-Streamer).

4. Choose AMI (Amazon Machine Image):

   • Select Microsoft Windows Server 2019 Base.

5. Choose Instance Type:

   • Select t2.micro – free tier eligible.

6. Create Key Pair:

   • Create a new key pair to access your server.

   • Download the .pem file — you’ll need this.

7. Security Group:

   • Allow RDP (port 3389) for remote desktop access.

   • Allow outbound access (default is fine).

8. Click Launch Instance.

🔌 Step 2: Connect to Your EC2 via Remote Desktop

1. Wait for the instance to show “running”.

2. Click Connect > RDP Client.

3. Download the .rdp file.

4. Decrypt the password using your .pem file.

5. Open the .rdp file in Windows or Mac, and log in with the provided username/password.

🧰 Step 3: Install OBS Studio

1. Open the browser on the remote EC2 desktop.

2. Download OBS from: https://obsproject.com

3. Install as usual.

🔗 Step 4: Set Up OBS for YouTube Streaming

1. In OBS:

   • Go to Settings > Stream

   • Choose YouTube – RTMPS

   • Paste your Stream Key from YouTube Live Dashboard.

2. Add your video/audio sources just like you would on your laptop.

   • Note: This server has no webcam, unless you use a virtual camera feed.

3. Test with a simple screen recording or image source.

🚀 Step 5: Start Streaming

• Hit Start Streaming.

• YouTube should now show your live stream.

• You can disconnect from Remote Desktop — OBS will continue running in the background.

⚠️ Important Tips:

• The free t2.micro instance has very limited CPU. For stable 720p or 1080p streaming, you may need to upgrade to t2.medium or t3.small.

• You’ll be charged only if you exceed free tier usage.

• Always stop or terminate your instance when done to avoid charges.

🔄 Optional: Use NDI or Stream from Phone to EC2

If you want your mobile camera to act as the video feed:

• Use the NDI HX Camera app or OBS.Ninja.

• Send that feed to OBS running on EC2.