OBS Studios is built with a powerful API system that allows you to install plugins and scripts that will enable you to customise the programme to your specifications needs.

An OBS plugin takes your streaming power and functionality to a whole new level. With each plugin coming with its own unique enhancements and a wide range of effects, they can be an excellent way to let your content stand out from the rest.

But let’s break it down into the top six OBS plugins for Windows, Linux, Apple and more, and why every gamer needs them.

Why Are OBS Plugins Important?

OBS plugins are useful for adding effects to your stream. They can be used in conjunction with scenes, sources, and other OBS plugins to create amazing overlays that give viewers a more immersive experience. The most remarkable thing about the free plugins is that you can use the functionality to stream like a pro without needing to break the bank.

The customisable features also provide you with the opportunity to build your brand, create a business for yourself and sneak in some merch advertisement by wearing epic streamer merch. With logos, high-resolution video displays and well-mixed audio, it’s a win-win for both you and your viewers.

6 Best OBS Studio Plugins

There are many different types of plugins available on the market today, so you’re bound to find one that suits your needs. But we’ve reviewed the top six plugins that any gamer needs.

Top tip: If you’re looking to find out how to install OBS plugins, you can check out this video tutorial.

1.   OBS Transition Matrix

The OBS Transition matrix is a free plugin that allows you to set up customised stinger transitions between your scenes. This is super useful for those of you with multiple scenes, and in situations where you don’t want your stinger transitions to be used across them all.

Because of its unique customisation features, you can create a transition that flows well from, let’s say, your main scene to your scene 2, and then a different transition in reverse. And it’s not just between two scenes; you can do this between a bunch of them without having to use the default OBS transitions.

You’re also not stuck with having to manually fire each animation one at a time because once you’ve set up a rule, it’ll automatically play.

Cons, it’s not the prettiest thing, but the functionality is still insane.

2.   Move Transition OBS Plugin

The OBS Move Transition plugin is fully compatible with Linux, Apple and Windows. The plugin can animate and transition between scenes to create a completely unique and customisable stream.

Two main features set this plugin out from the rest of the free plugins. Firstly, it allows you to use the move transition that creates a more fluid transition between two scenes – creating an easy-on-the-eyes experience for your views – in an effortless way. Secondly, it can animate individual scenes that open the gates to creativity. Once you’ve got the hang of the plugin, you can completely customise scenes with quirky zoom-in zoom-out features, bouncing and enlarged reactions.

3.   StreamFX

StreamFX is arguably the most important plugin for those looking to add a lot of different extras and unique and customisable features to your stream. The plugin provides you with various tools and effects to improve transitions, scenes and add new sources.

Create new scenes with 3D effects, blur out a region, move around 3D objects and write your own transition codes. Drastically improving your stream is something that’s going to set you apart from the thousands of other streamers.

With StreamFX, you can customise the chat setting in a way that emphasises your unique style. With this ability, you can easily engage with your audience in a way that’s fun for both sides.

4.   OBS Shaderfilter

OBS Shaderfilter is a totally underrated plugin, yet it’s so powerful and can up the creativity of your streams with damn near no effort. The plugin allows you to add a new filter to any source and apply shaders to it – which are like customised filters. It could be anything from rotating your scenes and transforming the dimensions to blur outs to emphasise scenes.

The plugin also allows you to create your own shader with effects that aren’t even found in OBS Studio – although that’ll take a little practice and creativity, it’s only going to enhance the viewing experience for your audience.

5.   Spectralize

Spectalize is a plugin ideal for anyone who uses background music during their streams, which is probably a lot of you. But it wouldn’t be on this list if it just let you play music. The plugin takes steaming to the next level with functionality to add audio visualisers to your streams. Even if you’re not streaming with background music, the effects can be used for game music and your microphone.

You have full customisation of the colours, how thick the bars are, how many bars and all more. To really make the most of the plugin, get creative with how you’d like to display the bars. Yeah, it’s cool to use as a background visual, but play around and find unique ways to customise your content. For example, some streamers use it as a display for their reactions.

6.   Tuna

So Tuna is a plugin that’s designed mainly for the viewers. This free plugin, which supports Spotify, OBS VLC, Google Play Music, and more, lets you display information about a song you’re playing during your stream. It’s one of the most common questions gamers get, so why not include it as part of your brand identity?

If you’re live streaming and change the song, it’ll automatically update songs, so you don’t have to worry about updating your audience.