Last updated: 2026-01-15

For most people, the simplest path is to record in StreamYard and download a ready-to-use MP4 that works everywhere, then let your editor or hosting platform handle any extra conversions. If you need niche containers like MKV or hybrid MP4 for crash-resilience, use OBS for that specific workflow and bring those files back into StreamYard or your editor later.

Summary

• StreamYard records and exports screen recordings as MP4 (H.264/AAC), which is the most compatible format for YouTube, PowerPoint, and social platforms. (StreamYard Help)
• On paid StreamYard plans, you can download MP4 files, export multi-track local recordings as project files for Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro X, and DaVinci Resolve, and reuse them across formats. (StreamYard Help)
• OBS is helpful when you need MKV or hybrid MP4 plus remuxing workflows; Loom is useful for quick async clips that still download as MP4. (OBS Guide) (Loom Support)
• For most US-based creators on typical laptops, a StreamYard-first workflow (record → download MP4 → edit/share) balances quality, reliability, and speed better than heavy desktop setups.

What video formats should you use for screen recordings?

Before you worry about exotic formats, it helps to know what actually works in the real world.

• MP4 (H.264 video + AAC audio) is the practical default. It plays nicely with YouTube, Google Slides, PowerPoint, social networks, and LMS platforms, and it’s what StreamYard, Loom, and many hosting tools expect. StreamYard specifically exports recordings as MP4 with H.264 video and AAC audio. (StreamYard Help)
• MKV is popular for “power users” because it’s more resilient to crashes. OBS explicitly recommends recording in MKV first and then remuxing to MP4 so you don’t lose a whole file if your system freezes. (OBS Guide)
• Hybrid MP4 (OBS-only) is OBS’s newer option that behaves like MP4 but remains recoverable if recording is interrupted, available in OBS 30.2+. (OBS Hybrid MP4)

For day-to-day training videos, demos, and webinars, MP4 is usually all you need. Formats like MKV or hybrid MP4 are worth considering only if your workflow is highly technical or you’ve had painful experience with corrupted recordings.

How do you export screen recordings from StreamYard as MP4?

If your goal is “record the screen, download a file, and get on with your day,” StreamYard keeps the process short and predictable.

1. Record in a StreamYard studio

   • Open a studio in your browser.
   • Share your screen (full screen, window, or tab) and choose a layout—solo screen, screen + camera, or split views.
   • Use presenter notes and overlays live so your final export already looks polished.

2. End the recording

   • When you’re done, end the broadcast or recording session.
   • StreamYard processes the file in the cloud; your recording shows up in your video library.

3. Download the MP4 file (paid plans)

   • On paid plans, Owners/Admins can open the recording in the video library and download it directly. (StreamYard Help)
   • Your export is an MP4 (H.264/AAC) file, which you can drag into an editor, upload to YouTube, or drop into slides with no extra conversion. (StreamYard Help)

Because StreamYard is browser-based, this workflow runs reliably on typical laptops and managed work devices—no heavy installs or encoder tuning. You trade a bit of low-level control for speed, collaboration (multi-participant screen sharing), and easy reuse.

How can you export to other formats using StreamYard recordings?

Even though StreamYard itself exports recordings as MP4, you still have plenty of flexibility to create other formats downstream.

1. Convert MP4 to other containers in your editor or converter
Once you have your StreamYard MP4, tools like Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro X, DaVinci Resolve, or even simple converters can export new versions (MOV, different codecs, resized outputs) without you changing anything in how you record.

2. Export synchronized project files for pro editors
If you use multi-track local recordings in StreamYard—great for interviews and panel demos—you can export them as project files for major NLEs: Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro X, and DaVinci Resolve. (StreamYard Help)
This gives your editor:

• Separate audio/video tracks per participant
• Timelines already synced
• A head start on trimming, mixing, and reframing into multiple outputs (YouTube, vertical clips, slide embeds, and more)

3. Upload back into StreamYard for repurposing
If you’ve exported a polished edit as MP4 or MOV, you can upload it into StreamYard’s video library (we recommend H.264 video and AAC audio; .mp4 and .mov are supported). (StreamYard Help)
From there, you can:

• Play it as a pre-recorded segment inside a new live show
• Chop it into segments with overlays and new commentary
• Mix it with fresh screen shares and Q&A

In practice, this means you don’t need StreamYard to export every niche format directly. You record once in a durable, compatible MP4 workflow and let your editor or converter handle any special delivery requirements.

When should you use OBS to export MKV or hybrid MP4?

There are times when you really do want low-level control over formats. That’s where OBS comes in.

OBS is a free desktop application focused on local recording and live streaming, with granular control over encoders and containers. (OBS Site) For export formats, two workflows stand out:

1. Record in MKV, remux to MP4

   • In OBS Output settings, set your recording format to MKV, which is more resilient to crashes. (OBS Guide)
   • After recording, use File → Remux Recordings to convert MKV to MP4 without re-encoding. (OBS Guide)
   • You end up with a standard MP4 you can feed into StreamYard, editors, or slide decks.

2. Use Hybrid MP4 (OBS 30.2+)

   • On newer OBS versions, you can record in Hybrid MP4, which writes an MP4-like file that stays recoverable if the recording is aborted. (OBS Hybrid MP4)

This level of control is valuable if:

• You’re capturing gameplay or high-motion content
• You’ve had recordings corrupted by crashes in the past
• You’re comfortable managing encoders, bitrates, and hardware load

For most screen demos and trainings, though, OBS’s configurability can be overkill. Many teams find a StreamYard studio session—with clear layouts, overlays, and instant MP4 exports—gets the job done with far less setup.

How do Loom and other tools handle export formats?

If your primary workflow is sending quick async walkthroughs to teammates, you might already be using Loom.

Loom focuses on in-browser or desktop app recording with instant shareable links and lightweight viewing. When you need a downloadable file, Loom lets you download your recording as an MP4. (Loom Support) It also transcodes videos into multiple resolutions down to 480p for playback, but downloads remain MP4. (Loom Encoding)

For many teams, Loom is a handy way to collect quick feedback clips, but it’s not designed as a full production studio for multi-participant shows, branded overlays, or live distribution. That’s where a StreamYard-first approach—record once, export once, reuse everywhere—often feels more scalable.

What export settings work best for YouTube, slides, and social?

Here’s a practical way to think about export targets once you have your base MP4 from StreamYard (or OBS/Loom):

• YouTube and video platforms

  • Keep your StreamYard MP4 in 16:9 landscape.
  • Use your editor to export at 1080p or 4K if your source supports it.
  • Stick with H.264/AAC unless you have a specific reason to change.

• PowerPoint, Google Slides, and training decks

  • Keep file sizes modest: 720p or 1080p MP4 is usually enough.
  • Trim out dead time so slide decks stay lightweight.

• Social media (Reels, Shorts, Stories)

  • Use your editor to reframe your StreamYard recording from landscape into vertical or square; StreamYard’s clear layouts and multi-participant framing make it easier to crop meaningful regions.
  • Export additional vertical MP4s optimized for each platform.

A typical workflow: record a presenter-led screen share in StreamYard, download the MP4, then create 2–3 exports from your editor (long-form YouTube, short internal training cut, and vertical highlight clips). You’re still recording once—but exporting into formats tailored for each audience.

What we recommend

• Default workflow: Record your screen (and camera) in StreamYard, download the MP4 on a paid plan, and treat that as your “master” file for every channel. (StreamYard Help)
• For advanced reliability/control: Use OBS only when you specifically need MKV/hybrid MP4 and remuxing, then bring those MP4s into StreamYard or your editor for branding, layouts, and distribution. (OBS Guide)
• For quick internal clips: If your team already uses Loom, keep using it for lightweight async shares, but rely on StreamYard when you need multi-participant demos, branded content, or reusable, editor-friendly exports. (Loom Support)
• For most US creators and teams: Start with a StreamYard-first recording stack; it offers high-quality MP4 exports, project-file workflows for pro editing, and layouts that make repurposing into multiple formats far simpler than juggling several tools at once. (StreamYard Help)