Record video, audio, gameplay, and webcam to record precious moments easily.
5 Efficient Ways to Reduce OBS Recording Size [With Steps]
Posted by Ethan Brooke to Record Video Jun 09, 2025
OBS Studio is a powerful tool for recording high-quality videos. Still, file sizes can swell quickly, devouring storage and complicating sharing. If you’ve been wondering how to make OBS record less large files without losing quality, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will examine why OBS recordings are so important and how to determine their size. For those who want alternatives, you will know the best tools for recording compact, high-quality video. Lastly, this post will provide some bonus tips on reduce OBS recording size to whatever size you require.
Guide List
How Large is the OBS Recording File Size? Change OBS Recording Settings to Reduce File Size Best Alternative to Record Video with Small Size and High Quality Bonus Tips to Compress All the OBS Recordings to Any SizeHow Large is the OBS Recording File Size?
While OBS Studio is fantastic for recording high-quality videos, the video files it creates are often surprisingly large. This is because OBS, by default, captures raw, uncompressed footage that retains quality but takes up a lot of storage space.
Factors Affecting OBS Screen Recording Size:
• Resolution: Higher resolutions like 1080p or 4K produce larger files.
• Frame Rate: Recording at 60 FPS instead of 30 FPS can double the file size.
• Bitrate: Higher bitrates (e.g., 10,000 kbps vs. 5,000 kbps) result in larger files.
• Codec: Some codecs, like H.264, are more efficient, while others, like RAW, create massive files.
• Recording Length: Longer recordings naturally take up more space.
Typical File Sizes:
• A 10-minute recording at 1080p and 60 FPS and high Bitrate can quickly go over 1-2 GB.
• That is even more important for 4K recordings, which can simultaneously be 5-10 GB.
Why Should You Reduce OBS Screen Recording Size:
Large files can be challenging to manage, especially if you’re working with limited storage or need to share recordings online. Learning how to make OBS record less large files can save you time, storage, and bandwidth.
By understanding what contributes to large file sizes, you can take the first step toward optimizing your OBS settings to reduce OBS recording size effectively.
Change OBS Recording Settings to Reduce File Size
Adjusting OBS Studio’s settings is the best way to shrink the OBS recording size without losing too much quality. This is a comprehensive guide to optimizing the settings of your OBS reducing size:” /]1. Adjust the Bitrate
• What is Bitrate: Bitrate determines the data processed per second in your recording. Higher bitrates mean better quality but larger file sizes.
• How to Adjust:
○ Go to Settings > Output > Streaming.
○ Set the bitrate to a lower value (e.g., 2500-5000 kbps for 1080p).
2. Choose the Right Codec
• What is a Codec: A codec compresses and decompresses video files. Some codecs are more efficient at reducing file size.
• Recommended Codecs:
○ Use H.264 (most common and efficient for smaller files).
○ For advanced users, H.265 (HEVC) offers even better compression but requires more processing power.
• How to Change:
○ Go to Settings > Output > Streaming.
○ Select your preferred codec under the Video Encoder dropdown.
3. Lower the Resolution and Frame Rate
• Resolution: Recording at 1080p instead of 4K can significantly compress OBS recording.
• Frame Rate: Lowering the frame rate from 60 FPS to 30 FPS can cut file sizes in half.
• How to Adjust:
○ Go to Settings > Video.
○ Set the Base (Canvas) Resolution and Output (Scaled) Resolution to 1920x1080 (1080p) or lower.
○ Change the Common FPS Values to 30 FPS.
4. Use the Right Recording Format
• Recommended Formats:
○ MP4: Great compatibility and good compression.
○ MKV: Boosts reconstruction capacity for impaired creations but may need remix to MP4 in the future.
• How to Change:
○ Go to Settings > Output > Recording.
○ Select your preferred format under the Recording Format dropdown.
By following these steps, you can achieve the best OBS settings for small file size and effectively compress OBS recordings without compromising too much on quality. Whether you’re a streamer, gamer, or content creator, these optimizations will help you save OBS screen recordings with smaller size.
Best Alternative to Record Video with Small Size and High Quality
4Easysoft Screen Recorder is a versatile and intuitive screen recording solution tailored for both newbie and advanced users. Whether you want to record gameplay, make tutorials, record online meetings, or save streaming videos, this software does it all without a hitch and with excellent results. Unlike OBS Studio, which requires manual adjustments to reduce video file size in OBS, 4Easysoft Screen Recorder simplifies the process with built-in optimization features that ensure smaller file sizes without compromising quality.
Capture the screen in 1080p or 4K for sharp and clear visuals.
Reduce file sizes with advanced compression for easy storage.
Record full screen, a window, or a custom region as needed.
Trim, crop, split, and annotate recordings without extra software.
Capture system sound, microphone input, or both at the same time.
100% Secure
100% Secure
Step 1Run the program and choose the "Video Recorder" button. There are many screen recording modes for you to choose.
Step 2Set the resolution, frame rate, and bitrate according to your needs to optimize size and quality.
Step 3Start recording and let the software handle the compression automatically. Save your recording in a preferred format and share it effortlessly.
Bonus Tips to Compress All the OBS Recordings to Any Size
4Easysoft Total Video Converter is the ultimate converter for converting and compressing OBS recordings, which can easily be used to complete many multimedia missions. This software also provides an entire bundle for optimizing your media files, encoding OBS recordings, or converting media types for specific devices.
• Reduces file sizes by up to 90% while preserving high quality.
• Supports 500+ formats for seamless device compatibility.
• Compress or convert multiple files at once for efficiency.
• Adjust resolution, bitrate, and codec for optimal quality.
• Includes DVD ripping, video downloading, and GIF creation.
100% Secure
100% Secure
Step 1Open the program and hit Add Files to load your OBS recordings or other videos.
Step 2Select a format like MP4 or MOV from the Profile dropdown menu.
Step 3Adjust resolution, bitrate, and other parameters to achieve the desired file size and quality.
Step 4Hit Convert to initiate the process and wait for it to be done.
Step 5Once the process is complete, save your optimized files and use them as needed.
Conclusion
In conclusion, managing significant OBS recordings doesn’t have to be challenging. By optimizing OBS settings, you can reduce OBS recording size. Still, 4Easysoft Screen Recorder and 4Easysoft Total Video Converter stand out as the best tools for a more efficient and user-friendly solution. 4Easysoft Screen Recorder simplifies high-quality recordings with built-in compression, while 4Easysoft Total Video Converter excels at shrinking file sizes without quality loss. They provide an intuitive experience for content creators, gamers, and professionals. Suppose you have been looking for a high-end tool that can help you reduce OBS recording size and allow you to manage your media file medicate. In that case, these tools are simply unmatched by performance, functionality, and simplicity.
100% Secure
100% Secure
