Blog2 min read
How to clip in OBS while streaming
OBS can save the last few seconds of your stream on its own, and for a raw file that is enough. If you want a vertical clip you can post while you are still live, there is a second way. Here are both, and when to use which.
Way 1: the OBS Replay Buffer
- In OBS, open Settings, Output, and turn on the Replay Buffer. Choose how many seconds it keeps.
- In Settings, Hotkeys, set a key for Save Replay.
- Start the Replay Buffer when you go live.
- When something happens, press the key. OBS saves the last stretch as a video file.
What you get is a wide recording on your computer. To post it as a TikTok, a Short or a Reel you still have to open an editor, cut it, crop it to 9:16 and export it. Usually that waits until after the stream.
Way 2: send a copy of your stream to ClipLive
ClipLive takes its own copy of your stream through a stream key, and turns the moment into a finished vertical clip in seconds.
- Open ClipLive, choose Key, and copy the server and stream key.
- In OBS, add them as a second output. OBS sends to two places with the free Multiple RTMP outputs plugin, so your stream to Twitch, YouTube or Kick is not changed.
- For a picture in seconds, set the OBS keyframe interval to 2 (Settings, Output, Streaming).
- Go live. When the moment happens, press X for the last 15, 30 or 60 seconds, or mark it with I and O on the waveform.
- Choose 9:16, move the crop onto the action, create the clip and download the MP4.
Because the clip comes from what you sent, there is nothing to record or edit on your PC, and the clip is ready while the stream is still running. The second output does use extra upload, so check you have room for both. Prefer a button? A Stream Deck key can clip it for you.
Which one to use
- You want every good moment saved as a raw file to edit later: Replay Buffer.
- You want the clip posted while viewers are still watching: ClipLive.
- Both is fine. The Replay Buffer keeps the archive; ClipLive gets the moment out.
OBS menus checked on 17 October 2026. If a setting has moved in your version, search OBS settings for "Replay Buffer".