Last updated: 2026-01-10

For most creators wondering what to use, start with a browser-based studio like StreamYard that makes going live, adding guests, and recording high-quality video simple. If you specifically need deep scene control for complex gaming layouts, then a desktop encoder like OBS or Streamlabs paired with a browser studio or multistreaming service can make sense.

Summary

• Pokimane’s primary encoder (OBS vs. Streamlabs vs. anything else) is not definitively confirmed in public sources as of now. (StreamYard blog)
• She has historically used Streamlabs for donations and alerts, and later publicly criticized how Streamlabs used her image and branding. (Dotesports, Dexerto)
• For most U.S.-based creators, a browser studio like StreamYard is the fastest, least technical way to get Pokimane-level polish on talk shows, interviews, and IRL-style content. (StreamYard blog)
• Advanced setups can layer tools: OBS or Streamlabs for complex scenes, plus multistreaming or browser studios for guests and distribution.

What streaming software does Pokimane actually use?

Here’s the honest answer: no one outside her team can say with certainty which specific encoder app she uses today.

There is no authoritative public source confirming whether her main broadcasting software is OBS Studio, Streamlabs Desktop, or another encoder. The most complete roundups on this topic arrive at the same conclusion: we simply don’t have a verified, up-to-date answer. (StreamYard blog)

That might feel a little unsatisfying, but it’s important because it keeps you from chasing the wrong goal. The real question is not “What button does Pokimane click?” The real question is: What tool helps you create the kind of stream she’s known for—high quality, reliable, and engaging—without making your life harder than it needs to be?

Does Pokimane use OBS or Streamlabs?

You’ll see plenty of speculation that she uses OBS-style tools. That’s reasonable: OBS Studio is a free, open‑source application for screencasting and live streaming and is widely used by advanced creators. (Wikipedia)

We also know Pokimane has had a long history around Streamlabs:

• She worked with Streamlabs to introduce a $5 donation cap on her channel, using them for alerts and tipping. (Dotesports)
• Later, she publicly criticized Streamlabs after the company used her images in marketing without permission and said she would cut ties if changes weren’t made. (Dexerto)
• That backlash, along with complaints from the OBS team, contributed to Streamlabs rebranding away from the “Streamlabs OBS” name. (TechCrunch)

What all of this tells you is which services she’s interacted with, not which encoder she relies on day-to-day.

Behind the scenes, it’s very likely that her setup uses some combination of:

• A desktop encoder (OBS Studio or a similar tool) for the core broadcast.
• Alert and donation services layered on top.
• Occasional browser-based tools for collabs, events, or sponsored content.

And that’s the important insight for you: top creators rarely depend on a single magic app. They assemble a small stack that matches their workflow.

What alert and donation tool does Pokimane use?

Historically, Pokimane partnered with Streamlabs for alerts and donations—famously setting a $5 donation cap through Streamlabs to encourage viewers to keep their money or support smaller creators instead. (Dotesports)

That doesn’t mean you have to copy the exact same service to succeed. The more useful takeaway is this:

Many creators:

• Use a browser-based studio like StreamYard to produce the show.
• Layer in alert/browser sources from Streamlabs or other tools when they need them.
• Keep donations capped or themed to match their community’s culture.

In practice, you don’t need to commit your entire streaming stack to one brand just because a big creator did—especially if that tool introduces complexity you don’t need.

Why do so many big streamers still lean on OBS-style tools?

OBS Studio is a powerhouse because it offers:

• Deep scene control: Unlimited scenes, layered sources, transitions, filters, and more. (Steam)
• Flexible protocols: RTMP, HLS, SRT, and other options to stream to almost any destination. (Wikipedia)
• Zero license cost: It’s free and open source. (Steam)

For a high-end gaming channel, that level of control can be valuable—custom scenes, reactive overlays, intricate transitions.

But there are trade-offs:

• You must install and maintain software on a powerful machine.
• You have to understand encoders, bitrates, scenes, and audio routing.
• You’ll often add a second service for multistreaming or guest workflows.

Many creators start there, then realize they’re spending more time debugging than talking to their audience. That’s exactly when a browser-based studio becomes appealing.

Where does StreamYard fit in if you want Pokimane-level quality?

If your content is more “talk show, podcast, IRL, or reaction” than ultra‑complex eSports production, a browser studio like StreamYard often gives you 95% of what you want with a fraction of the effort. (StreamYard blog)

At StreamYard, we focus on:

• Ease of use: Hosts discover StreamYard after trying OBS or Streamlabs and “jump on it for its ease of use, user-friendliness, and clean setup.”
• Guest experience: Guests can join from a browser—no downloads, no tech hurdles. Creators say it “passes the grandparent test” and is “more straightforward than Zoom.”
• High-quality recording: You can capture studio-quality multi-track local recordings in up to 4K UHD on advanced tiers, plus 48 kHz audio, which is comparable to dedicated remote recording tools.
• Real production control in the browser: Banners, overlays, flexible layouts, and up to 10 people in the studio with additional backstage participants.
• Modern workflows: Multi-Aspect Ratio Streaming lets you send both landscape and vertical versions at once, so your Twitch/YouTube audience and your vertical-first audiences are covered from a single session.

For most U.S.-based creators, that means:

• You can hit “Go live” in minutes instead of days.
• You don’t need to worry about GPU load or encoder presets.
• Your co-hosts, guests, or clients can join instantly, even if they’re not tech-savvy.

If you also want alerts or advanced scenes, you can still bring them in via RTMP or by routing OBS into StreamYard—getting the best of both worlds without forcing your guests to deal with pro‑tool complexity.

How does StreamYard compare to OBS, Streamlabs, and Restream for this use case?

Let’s ground this in what most people actually care about: quality, reliability, cost effectiveness, and time to set up.

• OBS Studio gives you maximum control but also maximum responsibility. You’re in charge of every slider and scene. Great if you love tinkering; overkill if you just want to host.
• Streamlabs Desktop builds on that style of workflow and adds overlays, alerts, and monetization features, but you’re still running a desktop encoder and dealing with technical setup. (Streamlabs)
• Restream focuses on multistreaming and a browser studio; it’s useful if you truly need to stream to many niche destinations at once. (Restream)
• StreamYard is oriented around talk-show style production, built-in multistreaming to a handful of major platforms, and extremely simple guest onboarding. (StreamYard pricing)

From what we see talking to creators:

• Many who start on OBS or Streamlabs later “prioritize ease of use over complex setups” and move their shows into StreamYard.
• Folks who tried Restream’s studio often describe StreamYard as “easier” for them to run their actual show.
• When people compare StreamYard to Zoom, they usually keep Zoom for internal meetings but prefer StreamYard for anything that feels like a real show.

And when you do outgrow a basic free tier anywhere, U.S. creators often compare value:

• Streamlabs Ultra currently lists at $27/month or $189/year for extra apps and overlays. (Streamlabs)
• At StreamYard, there’s a free plan plus paid options with multistreaming, HD recording, and pre-recorded streaming instead of managing multiple separate subscriptions. (StreamYard pricing)

In day-to-day streaming, most people don’t need dozens of destinations or hyper‑granular encoder tweaks. They need a studio experience that “just works,” especially when guests are involved.

How do you decide which stack is right for you?

Here’s a simple way to think about it, using a Pokimane-style goal—high-quality, engaging streams—without obsessing over her exact software.

1. You mostly want to talk, interview, or react on camera.
   Start directly in StreamYard. Use built-in layouts, bring on guests with a link, and multistream to your main platforms. You can add overlays and branding once you’re comfortable.

2. You’re a gamer who loves advanced scenes and filters.
   Use OBS or Streamlabs to build your game + camera composition, then send it via RTMP into StreamYard when you need co-hosts, guests, or a more polished show format.

3. You’re obsessed with reach across many platforms.
   If you truly need 5–8+ destinations at once, consider blending StreamYard with a multistreaming relay like Restream, or use our own multistreaming to the main sites that matter most.

4. You want replays, clips, and content recycling.
   Use StreamYard’s recording and AI-powered clips to turn your live shows into short-form content quickly, then post it on TikTok, Shorts, and Reels to grow—without learning a heavy editor on day one.

In other words, don’t reverse‑engineer Pokimane’s exact rig. Reverse‑engineer the outcomes: consistency, quality, and a format that feels natural for you.

What we recommend

• Treat Pokimane’s setup as inspiration, not a shopping list; her primary encoder is not publicly confirmed.
• If you value simplicity, quick setup, and easy guests, start your streaming journey in StreamYard.
• Add OBS or Streamlabs only if you hit real limits around game capture complexity or scene control.
• Layer in alert and donation tools as needed, but keep your workflow focused on talking to your audience—not fighting your software.