Last updated: 2026-01-09

For most people searching for “screen recording software with multiple output formats,” the simplest path is to record in StreamYard and download a clean MP4 or audio file for reuse across platforms. If you specifically need deep control over containers and codecs like MKV or AV1, a local tool such as OBS can complement that workflow.

Summary

• StreamYard gives you high-quality MP4 and audio outputs (including local multi-track files) from an in-browser studio, ideal for most creator and team workflows. (StreamYard Help)
• OBS is useful when you need advanced local formats and codec control (MKV, MP4, AV1, HEVC), but it demands more setup and capable hardware. (OBS)
• Loom focuses on fast async sharing, with MP4 downloads and plan-based controls on who can export files. (Atlassian Support)
• For most US users on typical laptops, StreamYard’s mix of easy setup, solid outputs, and reusable recordings is the most practical default.

What does “multiple output formats” actually mean for screen recording?

When people say they want “multiple output formats,” they usually care about outcomes, not file extensions. In practice, that means:

• Being able to download a video file that plays everywhere (YouTube, LinkedIn, LMS, internal tools).
• Grabbing separate audio for podcast feeds or repurposed clips.
• Having files that editors can safely cut, color, and mix without corrupting.

At StreamYard, cloud screen recordings export as MP4, while audio-only exports use MP3; local recordings produce MP4 for video and WAV for audio. (StreamYard Help) For most workflows, that is all you need: one universally compatible video format plus high-quality audio.

If you are a power user, “multiple formats” might also mean MKV containers for safety during long sessions, or newer codecs like AV1 for ultra-efficient local archiving. That is where desktop tools such as OBS step in, because they expose more granular control over containers and encoders. (OBS)

How does StreamYard handle screen recording outputs?

StreamYard is built as a browser-based studio that captures your screen, camera, and guests without installing heavy software. Core capabilities that matter for output formats include:

• Presenter-visible screen sharing with layout control (you can decide how big the screen vs face is).
• Independent control of screen audio and mic audio, so your system sounds do not overwhelm your voice.
• Local multi-track recordings suitable for post-production reuse (per-participant files for more precise editing). (StreamYard Support)
• Support for both landscape and portrait outputs from the same session, so the same recording can feed YouTube, TikTok, and Reels.
• Branded overlays, logos, and on-screen elements applied live, reducing the edit load later.
• Presenter notes visible only to you, helping you stay on script without cluttering the recording.
• Multi-participant screen sharing for collaborative demos or panel-style walkthroughs.

On paid plans, you can download recordings directly from the cloud as MP4 for video and MP3 for audio, while local recordings yield MP4 video and WAV audio—giving editors a high-fidelity starting point. (StreamYard Help) Storage is hour-based, with typical plans allowing around 50 hours of recordings before you need to clean up or expand. (StreamYard Support)

From a formats perspective, StreamYard keeps it intentionally simple: you do not pick containers and codecs; you focus on getting a clear presenter-led recording that is easy to reuse.

When does OBS make sense for multiple output formats?

OBS is a free desktop application known for its flexibility. It runs locally, and you can pick from several containers and codecs—MKV, MP4, and others—with guidance like “use MKV, then remux to MP4 after recording” for better crash resilience. (OBS) It also documents encoder choices such as AV1, HEVC, and H.264 for high-quality local recording.

This level of control helps when you:

• Need MKV as a safety net for very long recordings.
• Are optimizing storage with AV1/HEVC on specific GPUs.
• Have a strict broadcast or archival spec from a technical team.

The trade-off is that you must install OBS, tune encoder settings, and ensure your CPU/GPU and disks can handle the workload. OBS explicitly notes that having a compatible system does not guarantee it is capable of streaming or recording at your desired quality. (OBS) Many creators in the US with everyday laptops find this overhead unnecessary for standard tutorials, product demos, and webinars.

A practical pattern is to treat OBS as a niche add-on: use it when you truly need MKV, AV1, or heavy scene compositing, and default to StreamYard for day-to-day screen recordings and multi-person sessions.

How does Loom compare on formats and downloads?

Loom is geared toward quick async communication—hit record, talk through your screen, and share a link. It keeps the format story simple: when you download a video from Loom, you get an MP4 file. (Atlassian Support)

Where Loom differs is in download permissions and limits:

• Free workspaces have caps on video count and recording length; paid workspaces list “unlimited recording time & storage,” though backend technical ceilings are not detailed. (Loom Help)
• Who can actually download may depend on workspace settings and plan level. (Atlassian Support)

Loom is convenient for quick one-to-one feedback, but it is less focused on multi-participant studios, live production, or rich layout control. If your priority is live shows, events, or polished recordings you can repurpose across channels, a studio-first tool like StreamYard usually aligns better.

How do you produce multiple formats from a single recording?

Here is the key mindset shift: you rarely need your recorder to create every possible format. Instead, you:

1. Capture a high-quality “master” recording.

   • In StreamYard, that is your MP4 video plus WAV/MP3 audio download.
   • In OBS, that might be an MKV container using a strong hardware encoder.

2. Convert or export additional formats in post.

   • Use your editor (Premiere, Final Cut, DaVinci, or online tools) to export different sizes, codecs, or aspect ratios.
   • Slice your StreamYard master into horizontal and vertical cuts; StreamYard already supports both landscape and portrait layouts during capture, which reduces reframing work later.

3. Match format to destination.

   • Social platforms and LMS tools largely expect MP4/H.264; your StreamYard exports fit that path directly.
   • Specialized broadcast or archival workflows can transcode from the master file as needed.

For most teams, this “high-quality master + simple exports” pattern is faster and more reliable than managing many formats at the recording stage.

How should teams think about pricing and collaboration?

Format flexibility only matters if your team can actually use the tool. Here’s how the three options tend to play out in real-world budgets:

• StreamYard uses workspace-based pricing, so one subscription can cover multiple collaborators in the same studio instead of paying per seat. On paid plans, you also unlock direct downloads of recordings, which are stored in the workspace for reuse. (StreamYard Help)
• Loom prices per user, with workspace members counted toward video and time limits on free plans; paid tiers lift those caps but scale with headcount. (Loom Pricing)
• OBS is free to install, but each collaborator records separately on their own machine; there is no shared cloud library or central studio.

For US teams that care about collaborative demos, recurring webinars, and consistent branding, a shared StreamYard workspace often ends up more cost-effective and easier to coordinate than managing many individual tools.

What we recommend

• Start with StreamYard if you want fast, reliable screen recordings with MP4 and audio outputs that your whole team can reuse.
• Add OBS only if you have a clear need for MKV containers, custom codecs, or hardware-tuned local recording—and the technical comfort to manage it.
• Use Loom as a lightweight companion when quick async feedback videos are more important than multi-participant studios or robust layouts.
• Focus on capturing one clean, high-quality master recording; you can always generate additional formats later without complicating your recording setup.