How To Add Music On OBS: Complete Audio Routing & Streaming Guide

Adding music to OBS Studio requires balancing your audio source types, managing Windows default playback devices, and configuring proper audio monitoring tracks to avoid unwanted stream capture or Digital Millennium Copyright Act violations. By utilizing the dedicated Media Source and Application Audio Capture features alongside hardware-level routing, you can achieve a broadcast-grade mix with zero distortion or latency issues.

Prerequisites and Audio Routing Requirements

Before configuring OBS Studio, you must establish a clear plan for your audio environment. Streaming or recording background music involves navigating platform copyright laws, audio licensing, and hardware limitations. Failing to separate your desktop audio from your microphone and media tracks can result in unedited game clips or muted archives on platforms like Twitch and YouTube.

• Essential Software and Tools: OBS Studio version 28 or higher (which includes native Application Audio Capture), a digital audio player or streaming application (Spotify, VLC, or foobar2000), and a Virtual Audio Cable utility if running advanced multi-track setups.
• Prerequisite Knowledge: Understanding of sample rates (44.1 kHz vs. 48 kHz), bitrates (320 kbps recommended for clean music playback), and the distinction between the Monitoring Device and Desktop Audio settings in OBS.
• Resource and Time Benchmarks: Estimated setup time is 10 to 15 minutes, with an additional 5 minutes required for sound-check balancing. Zero financial budget is required if using built-in OBS features, though hardware mixers or virtual routing suites can be integrated.

Step-by-Step OBS Music Integration Workflow

Step 1: Add a Direct Media Source for Local Audio Files

1. Open OBS Studio and navigate to the Sources panel at the bottom of the main interface. Click the plus (+) icon at the bottom of the panel.
2. Select Media Source from the pop-up menu. A prompt will appear allowing you to name your source. Type a descriptive title such as Background Music and click OK.
3. In the properties window that appears, check the box next to Local File. Click the Browse button to locate the audio file (supported formats include MP3, WAV, AAC, and FLAC) stored on your local hard drive.
4. Check the Loop box if you want the track or playlist file to repeat automatically once it reaches the end. Adjust the Network buffering property only if streaming files from a remote server, leaving it at the default 500ms for local files.
5. Click OK to save the source. You will instantly see a new audio meter appear in the Audio Mixer panel labeled Background Music.

Pro-Tip: If you prefer playing continuous music via a local folder instead of a single file, create a playlist file in a media player and capture that application directly rather than using a static single-file Media Source.

Step 2: Capture Specific Applications Using Application Audio Capture

1. In the Sources panel, click the plus (+) icon and select Application Audio Capture (BETA). Name the source according to your music player, such as Spotify Audio, and click OK.
2. From the Window drop-down menu in the properties dialog box, select your target application (e.g., [Spotify.exe]: Spotify).
3. Ensure that the Capture method is left on the default setting unless compatibility issues arise with your specific operating system build.
4. Click OK. OBS will now capture exclusively the audio output of that specific application, ensuring that discord alerts, browser notifications, and game sounds do not bleed into your music track.

Warning: Avoid playing copyrighted music from mainstream commercial artists during monetized or partnership streams unless you possess explicit synchronization licenses, as automated Content ID systems and mute bots will flag your broadcast.

Step 3: Configure Advanced Audio Properties and Track Routing

1. Click the gear icon located next to any audio meter in the Audio Mixer panel, or click the three dots and select Advanced Audio Properties.
2. Locate your music source in the vertical list and adjust its Volume slider. Keep the peaks of your music between -20 dB and -25 dB to ensure your microphone remains clearly intelligible above the backing track.
3. Review the Audio Monitoring column. Change the setting for your music source from Monitor Off to Monitor and Output if you want to hear the music in your own headphones while it streams. If you only want the audience to hear it without hearing it yourself, select Monitor Off.
4. Assign your tracks using the Track checkboxes (1 through 6). If you want your music excluded from your permanent Twitch VODs to avoid copyright strikes, uncheck Track 6 for the music source, while keeping Track 6 checked for your microphone and game audio. Then, set your Twitch VOD Track to Track 6 in the OBS Output settings.

Troubleshooting Common Audio Integration Failures

• Root Cause: Music is playing in the stream, but the audio meter in OBS is completely flat.
  
  
  • Actionable Fix: The wrong audio device or application window was selected in the source properties. Reopen the source configuration, ensure the correct executable or local file is targeted, and verify that your Windows default sound output matches the capture target.
• Root Cause: Audio is heavily distorted, crackling, or clipping during high-energy sections of the track.
  
  
  • Actionable Fix: The source volume is pushing past 0 dB digital full scale (dBFS). Lower the slider in the Audio Mixer panel until the peak indicator bars consistently sit safely within the green and lower-yellow zones.
• Root Cause: Music is appearing in the recorded Twitch VOD despite setting up exclusion rules.
  
  
  • Actionable Fix: Navigate to Settings, then Output, and verify that the Twitch VOD Track checkbox is actively enabled and set to a specific number (such as Track 6). Ensure that the music source has that specific track number unchecked in the Advanced Audio Properties menu.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play copyrighted music on my stream if I keep the volume low?

No. Automated Content ID algorithms, muting systems, and copyright enforcement bots scan streams and VODs based on digital audio fingerprinting rather than volume levels. Lowering the volume will not protect your channel from copyright strikes or muted segments.

How do I stop my stream chat from hearing the music while I still hear it?

You can achieve this by setting the music source audio monitoring mode to Monitor Only (or setting up a secondary virtual audio routing device) so that the audio is sent to your headphones without being routed to the primary output track sent to your streaming platform.

Why is Application Audio Capture not showing my music software?

Application Audio Capture requires a compatible operating system version (Windows 10 update 2004 or newer). If your software is not listed, restart OBS as an administrator or use a general Window/Desktop capture workaround with a virtual cable.

Should I use MP3 or WAV files for local media sources?

Both formats work reliably in OBS Studio. MP3 files offer a smaller file size with negligible quality loss at 320 kbps, while WAV files provide uncompressed audio at the expense of larger file footprints.

Optimize Your Broadcast Audio Environment Today

Integrating music into your OBS layout requires careful track routing and volume balancing to ensure a professional experience for your audience. Implement these configurations today to elevate your stream's production value while safeguarding your channel from audio glitches and copyright issues.