OBS Studio, also known as Open Broadcaster Software, is a popular open-source tool used to record and stream videos.
Since its launch in 2012, the software has earned a massive user base and support from thousands of contributors globally.
If you’re using a Chromebook and want to run OBS, you might have visited their official site only to realize there’s no direct support for ChromeOS.
But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. This article explains how to set up OBS for Chromebook and suggests other tools if you prefer alternatives.
Can You Use OBS on ChromeOS?
While OBS isn’t natively built for ChromeOS, it is still possible to install it.
ChromeOS doesn’t allow native screen recording apps like OBS, so you must activate a Linux setup to make it work.
However, Chromebooks are often built with limited internal components. This might make running high-performance tools like OBS a bit tricky.
Despite that, some users manage to use OBS for Chromebook by shifting to Linux on their devices.
Keep in mind that lower-end Chromebooks may not handle the demands of OBS well.
Steps to Add OBS to Chromebook
You won’t be installing OBS the usual way. Instead, it involves switching to Linux on your Chromebook. Once that’s enabled, you can run Linux-compatible software.
There are two main ways to install OBS for Chromebook:
- Through Ubuntu PPA
- With the help of Flatpak
Method 1: Setting Up OBS Through Ubuntu PPA
If your Chromebook uses an Ubuntu version under Linux, use this method. Follow the steps below:
Note: You need Xserver-Xorg version 1.184 or newer to avoid glitches.
| Step | Action |
| 1 | Open Chromebook Settings > Click the clock > Tap the gear icon |
| 2 | Type “Linux” into the search bar and enable “Linux Development Environment” |
| 3 | Let it install (it can take around 10 minutes) |
Now, continue with the terminal commands:
- Find the Terminal under “Linux Apps.”
- Ensure your device supports OpenGL 3.3 by using:
glnxinfo | grep “OpenGL”
- To add OBS to your system, type:
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:obsproject/obs-studio
- Update your Linux packages with:
sudo apt update
- Install OBS and ffmpeg:
sudo apt install ffmpeg obs-studio
- Find the OBS app inside the “Linux Apps” folder.
Method 2: Installing OBS with Flatpak
This method is best for Chromebooks that don’t run Ubuntu. It requires the Crostini layer.
| Steps | What to Do |
| 1 | Go to Settings > Enable Linux Development Environment |
| 2 | Open a Crosh tab by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T |
| 3 | Type in: vmc start termina |
| 4 | Then enter: lxc config set penguin security.nesting true |
| 5 | Type exit and vmc stop termina to complete the setup |
After setting this up:
- Open the Linux Terminal again.
- Install Flatpak by typing:
sudo apt-get install flatpak
- Add Flathub repository:
flatpak –user remote-add –if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo
- Download and install OBS using:
flatpak install flathub com.obsproject.Studio
- Type “Y” and hit Enter to confirm.
- You will now see OBS in your Linux Apps folder.
Can You Stream on a Chromebook?
Yes, you can. While OBS for Chromebook needs Linux, you can still live stream using online tools that work inside your browser.
ChromeOS doesn’t support every advanced app natively, but YouTube is an excellent alternative. It works smoothly without extra programs.
Streaming directly from YouTube only needs a browser login. No installation is required.
Is There a Version of OBS for Chromebooks?
Currently, there is no dedicated OBS build for ChromeOS. It only supports Windows, Mac, and Linux. Still, web-based options provide similar features without needing to set up Linux.
If you’re unsure about using Linux, you may want to consider using other tools instead.
Top Alternatives to OBS for Chromebook
If switching to Linux seems difficult or you’re using a low-powered device, try these other options:
| Tool | Purpose | Browser-Based? |
| Lightstream | Stream live from your browser | Yes |
| Loom | Record and share videos easily | Yes |
| Camtasia | Simple screen recording | Yes |
| Melon | Multi-platform streaming | Yes |
| Vimeo Livestream | Ideal for events and monetization | Yes |
| StreamYard | Host talk shows and podcasts | Yes |
| Restream | Broadcast to many platforms at once | Yes |
All of these options run directly inside your browser and don’t require installing extra software. That’s why they work well on ChromeOS.
Running OBS or Its Alternatives on Chromebook
To sum up, OBS for Chromebook is possible, but not straightforward. You must enable a Linux layer on your device and follow the correct steps to install it through Ubuntu or Flatpak.
For those who don’t want to deal with Linux, there are excellent browser-based tools like StreamYard, Melon, and Lightstream that offer similar functions without complex setup.
So whether you go through the Linux route or pick a simpler alternative, your Chromebook can still help you record and stream content effectively.
