How to Live Stream? Is there a new guide?

I think the setup has become more complicated than it needs to be, especially if the goal is simply to get Character Animator into OBS. NDI can work, but having to install separate plugins and tools makes troubleshooting harder. I’d check whether the current Character Animator version has a direct virtual camera or streaming output option before relying on an older NDI tutorial.

The setup is much easier now than it was a few years ago. If you're using the latest version of OBS on macOS, check that you're following the current OBS and NDI documentation, since some older plugins have been replaced or updated. Once everything is configured, streaming works smoothly.

looking forward to trying this out...when I last went down the rabbit hole, I *think* I got the NDI/OBS etc to work, but it was PAINFUL….thanks for the details! 

You're right a lot has changed since those older tutorials! You can still live stream from Character Animator to OBS without much hassle, but the workflow is slightly different now.

If you’re on macOS, here’s the updated method:

1. Install NDI Tools (which you already did).

2. Then install the OBS-NDI plugin the old GitHub repo has moved, but you can find maintained builds by searching “OBS NDI plugin for macOS” on the OBS forums or the official OBS site.

3. Once installed, open OBS → Add a new NDI Source → and select Character Animator from the source list.

If you still have issues with NDI, an easier alternative is to use Window Capture in OBS and just crop the Character Animator window not as smooth as NDI, but it works fine for quick setups.

I’ve been trying to figure out streaming from Character Animator too, and the old guides feel really outdated. The cleanest method is still using NDI Tools with the OBS‑NDI plugin, but if you want something simpler, you can capture the Character Animator window directly in OBS or use the newer Virtual Camera feature to stream your character without extra plugins.

Yes, the live streaming setup has changed a bit since that older video. On Mac, you can still use NDI for streaming, but the OBS plugin moved. Search for obs-ndi by Palakis on GitHub—that’s the plugin OBS needs to receive the NDI signal from Character Animator for live streaming. Install NDI Tools + obs-ndi plugin, then add an NDI Source in OBS and select Character Animator’s output.

Thanks for sharing this — the NDI changes have made older tutorials pretty confusing, so this clarification really helps. The renamed OBS-NDI plugin was the missing piece for me too.

I’ve been testing different media sources alongside live setups, including Inat Box, to check playback stability during streams, and it’s been surprisingly useful.

Appreciate you posting the updated guide!

You're right a lot has changed since those older tutorials! You can still live stream from Character Animator to OBS without much hassle, but the workflow is slightly different now.

If you’re on macOS, here’s the updated method:

1. Install NDI Tools (which you already did).

2. Then install the OBS-NDI plugin the old GitHub repo has moved, but you can find maintained builds by searching “OBS NDI plugin for macOS” on the OBS forums or the official OBS site.

3. Once installed, open OBS → Add a new NDI Source → and select Character Animator from the source list.

If you still have issues with NDI, an easier alternative is to use Window Capture in OBS and just crop the Character Animator window not as smooth as NDI, but it works fine for quick setups.

Yes, you can stream from Character Animator to OBS using the latest NDI Tools and obsndi plugin both work well on macOS.
If you want to check how your stream looks compared to platforms like Netflix or Amazon Prime, try testing playback on UniTV  it supports smooth HD streaming.

Hey @fleshmanz — great question, and yes, the livestreaming workflow has changed quite a bit since Okay Samurai's older videos.

You're absolutely right: the NewTek NDI Tools package now includes only the basics, and the Palakis/obs-ndi plugin on GitHub is still required, but it's become harder to track down or install due to compatibility issues — especially on macOS with newer security changes.

Simpler Alternatives (as of 2025):
Use Virtual Camera in Character Animator (Beta or Newer Builds)
Some newer versions of Character Animator include “Start Virtual Camera” under the Camera & Microphone settings. This lets you stream your puppet into any app (OBS, Zoom, etc.) without needing NDI.

OBS Virtual Camera (Plugin Built-In on Mac)
If you're running a recent version of OBS on macOS, it should come with the OBS Virtual Camera feature. Just:

Turn on "Start Virtual Camera" in OBS

In Character Animator, set your output display to a window

Capture that window as a source in OBS

NDI Setup (if you still prefer it)

Yes, you’ll still need the obs-ndi plugin from Palakis on GitHub

After installing both NDI Tools and the plugin, select NDI Output in Character Animator and capture it in OBS using the NDI Source.

⚡ Pro Tip
If you're experimenting with livestreaming workflows, tools like Taraftarium24's football livestreaming model show how consistent real-time content delivery (with minimal setup) is often more important than having the perfect technical pipeline — focus on making it easy and repeatable.

Let me know what version of Character Animator and OBS you're on, and I can help with specifics. You're really close!