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To save the last few moments in OBS Studio, enable Replay Buffer in Settings → Output, choose how long to retain, and assign a Save Replay Buffer hotkey under Settings → Hotkeys. Start the buffer before the event; press the save hotkey after it happens. Starting the buffer does not save a clip by itself.
What OBS Replay Buffer does
Replay Buffer continuously holds a rolling portion of recent footage. When you trigger Save Replay Buffer, OBS writes that buffered portion as a clip. It is useful for saving a moment after it happens without keeping a full recording of the session.
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Set up and test an instant replay
- Choose the buffer settings. Open Settings → Output and enable Replay Buffer. Set the duration and other buffer options shown by your installed OBS version and selected output mode. Start with a duration that covers the moments you want to capture, then test whether your system handles it reliably.
- Set a save location. In Output settings, choose a recording path you can find later. Do not assume every OBS version or output mode writes replay clips in the same format; check the resulting file after your test.
- Assign hotkeys. Open Settings → Hotkeys. Assign a convenient key to Start Replay Buffer and a separate key to Save Replay Buffer. Avoid keys likely to trigger another action in your game or application.
- Start buffering before the moment. Apply the settings and start the Replay Buffer using its hotkey or the relevant OBS control. The buffer must already be running to retain the footage you want.
- Save and verify a test clip. Wait briefly, press the Save Replay Buffer hotkey, then open the file from your chosen path. Check that the expected video and audio are present and that playback works in your intended player or editor.
Choose a duration and quality your system can sustain
Replay Buffer uses system memory while active. A longer duration and more demanding output settings can increase resource needs. If the buffer will not start or OBS becomes unstable, reduce the duration or output quality and test again. There is no single memory requirement that applies to every computer, encoder, resolution, and OBS configuration.
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OBS Studio 29 release notes in 2023 state that “The Replay Buffer’s memory limit is now set to 75% of installed system RAM rather than fixed to 8GB.” That describes a version-specific change, not a general recommendation or guarantee for every release. Check the behavior of the OBS version you have installed.
#1 Best Overall
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Capture Card, 4K HDMI Video Capture Card, Game Capture Card, 1080P 60FPS Video Capture Device, HDMI to USB 3.0 Capture Card for Streaming, Work with Camera/Xbox/PS4/PS5/PC/OBS
- 【1080P HD High Quality】Capture resolution up to 1080p for video source and it is ideal for all HDMI devices such as PS4, PS3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Wii U, DVDs, DSLR, Camera, Security Camera and set top box. Note: Video input supports 4K30/60Hz and 1080p120/144Hz. Does not support 4K120Hz/144Hz. Output supports up to 2K30Hz.
- 【Plug and Play】No driver or external power supply required, true PnP. Once plugged in, the device is identified automatically as a webcam. Detect input and adjust output automatically. Won't occupy CPU, optional audio capture. No freeze with correct setting.
- 【Compatible with Multiple Systems】suitable for Windows and Mac OS. High speed USB 3.0 technology and superior low latency technology makes it easier for you to transmit live streaming to Twitch, Youtube, Facebook, Twitter, OBS, Potplayer and VLC.
- 【HDMI LOOP-OUT】Based on the high-speed USB 3.0 technology, it can capture one single channel HD HDMI video signal. There is no delay when you are playing game live.
- 【Support Mic-in for Commentary】Rybozen capture card has microphone input and you can use it to add external commentary when playing a game. Please note: it only accepts 3.5mm TRS standard microphone headset.
Why an OBS replay may not save
- No clip is created: Confirm that Replay Buffer was started before the event and that you pressed the assigned Save Replay Buffer hotkey. Starting or stopping the buffer is not the same as saving a replay; the save action writes the clip.
- The hotkey does nothing: Recheck its assignment in Settings → Hotkeys. Make sure another application or game is not intercepting the key, and try a different key for the test.
- You cannot find the clip: Check the recording path in Output settings and look for the file there after pressing Save Replay Buffer.
- The buffer fails to start or OBS is unstable: Shorten the duration or reduce demanding output settings, then test again. Resource use depends on the system and configuration.
- Playback or audio is wrong: Open the test clip and verify both video and audio before relying on Replay Buffer for an important moment. Check the actual output format in your installed OBS version rather than assuming a particular format.
OBS recommends MKV for recordings because a file is less likely to be corrupted if recording does not stop gracefully. Since replay output can depend on the installed version and output mode, verify the actual replay file format and whether it suits your player or editor.
Start Replay Buffer automatically with OBS
OBS documents the --startreplaybuffer launch parameter for starting Replay Buffer when OBS opens. On Windows, add the parameter after the executable path in an OBS shortcut. For scheduled or automated launches, set the working directory to the folder containing obs64.exe. OBS also documents passing launch parameters on macOS through an Automator workflow or Terminal. Confirm the launch behavior with your current OBS installation before relying on automation.
Rank #2
Guermok Video Capture Card, 4K USB3.0 HDMI to USB C, 1080P 60FPS & 2K 30FPS | Capture Card for Streaming, Compatible with iPad Mac OS Windows, Quest 3, OBS, PS5/4, Switch2/1, Xbox, Camera (Silver)
- 【1080P 60FPS Video Capture Card】 This HDMI game capture card is based on USB3.0 high speed transmission port, input resolution up to 4K@30HZ, output resolution up to 2K@30Hz or 1920×1080@60Hz. Type c and USB interface can meet most of the devices in daily life. Easily meet the online capture, real-time recording, online meetings, live gaming and other functions, so you have a better visual enjoyment. Note: For capture use only; requires capture software to function and is not intended for direct screen casting to a monitor or TV
- 【Ultra Low Latency Screen Sharing】 HDMI capture card is made of good quality aluminum alloy with strong heat dissipation, allowing you to enjoy ultra low latency while live gaming or video recording or live streaming, avoiding blue screens and lag. This HDMI to USBC capture card supports easy recording of good quality audio or HD video and transferring it to your computer or streaming platform, allowing you to record 60 fps HD video directly on your hard drive and real-time preview
- 【Plug and Play, Easy to Carry】 This HDMI 1080P video capture card does not require any additional drivers or external power supply, just plug and play for fast capture. The capture card is small and lightweight, so you can put it in your bag for emergencies, making it very portable for outdoor live streaming. It's also a great way to share content in game recording, video conference, video recorder and online teaching
- 【Wide Compatibility USB Capture Card】 Easily streams to Facebook, Youtube or Twitch. With the connection, this HDMI to USB C/3.0 video capture devices can be working on several Operating Systems and various software: Windows 7/ 8/ 10, Mac OS or above, Linux, Android, Laptop, Xbox One, PS3/PS4/PS5, Camera, DVDs, Set Top Box, Webcame, DSLR, Switch/Switch 2, TV BOX, HDTV, Potplayer/VLC, ZOOM, OBS Studio etc.
- 【Package Content & Note】 1x HD Audio Capture Card , 1x USB 3.0 to USB C Adapter (A-side 3.0, B-side 2.0), 1x user manual. Please note that you need to restart the OBS Studio software after the audio setup is complete, otherwise it will result in no sound output. When using an adapter, if the device is recognized as USB 2.0, try using the other side with the USB-C port. Simply flip the capture card and reconnect it to be recognized as USB 3.0
Optional physical control
A keyboard hotkey is sufficient; no extra hardware is required. An Elgato Stream Deck can provide a dedicated physical control, but a 2018 OBS forum guide is not evidence that every current model, plugin, or software version is compatible. Check current compatibility before choosing hardware.
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Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Or let it run in the cloud
OBS Replay Buffer is for capturing footage that has already happened on your computer. If your goal is instead to keep an uploaded video looping as a YouTube live stream, StreamNeo is a separate cloud option: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. StreamNeo plays uploaded videos; it does not stream a camera feed.
Rank #3
![VIXLW 4K HDMI Video Capture Card, Cam Link Card, HDMI to USB 2.0 Game Audio Adapter, Record Capture Device for Streaming, Teaching, Gaming, Live Broadcasting, Video Conference [Windows]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41e6jd88Y4L._SL160_.jpg)
VIXLW 4K HDMI Video Capture Card, Cam Link Card, HDMI to USB 2.0 Game Audio Adapter, Record Capture Device for Streaming, Teaching, Gaming, Live Broadcasting, Video Conference [Windows]
- 【4K VIDEO CAPTURE CARD】Made with upgraded chip, captures 4K@60Hz video input at full speed, no lag, no delay, capture card also supports 1920×1080@30Hz highest image quality output, capture video to USB through HDMI, you can Directly save to computer and mobile phone; suitable for high-definition video live broadcast, video capture, online conference, video streaming, video course; equipped with high-definition USB cable.
- 【HDMI real-time screen sharing】The HDMI interface is made of nano-metal material, so that the video can reach ultra-low latency. The audio and video capture card can capture video and audio at the same time, and store the video signal into the computer and smartphone, and support OBS post-video. Editor, this is an excellent solution for online meetings and live broadcasts, economical and fast, 4K HDMI Capture Card is widely used in live broadcast, conference, photography, medicine, daily office.
- 【Plug and Play】4K video capture card has built-in drivers, no need to install complicated programs, no external power supply, plug and play, very convenient, just plug into your computer, you can use it, the shell is made of aluminum alloy seamlessly , small size, very convenient to carry, suitable for capturing interesting details in life, can be used for indoor and outdoor live broadcast, and the color of the picture is more delicate.
- 【Wide Compatibility】The video capture card adopts advanced chips, intelligent identification equipment, and is widely compatible with electronic equipment, which can easily capture wonderful moments and comes with a USB cable. It supports third-party video capture software such as OBS, Win, MacOs, Android, etc. It can also perform video capture and online live broadcast at the same time, store and share videos at the same time, and easily realize video splicing, which is very convenient.
- 【24 hours local technical support】We have a professional technical team for more than ten years, serving you 24 hours a day. You are welcome to contact us if you have any questions.
- Your computer and home connection do not have to stay on for the stream to continue.
- Videos stream as uploaded, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot, without re-encoding or quality tiers.
- It automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free with no card; one free day is available per account.
Monthly: $9.99 per month. Start your free StreamNeo day.
Quick Recap
SaleBestseller No. 1
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Capture Card 4K HDMI Video Streaming to USB 3.0 1080P 60FPS Capture Device
- High-Quality Video Capture, 4K HDMI Capture Card Ready: Capture smooth and vibrant video with this 4K HDMI capture card, engineered for gamers and content creators who demand crisp 1080P 60FPS video quality. Whether you're streaming to Twitch or recording gameplay for YouTube, your footage will look professional and detailed
- Plug-and-Play USB Capture Card, No Drivers Needed: Designed as a USB capture card for streaming, this device works instantly out of the box, just plug into your PC or laptop and start capturing. Fully compatible with popular software like OBS Studio, Streamlabs, and XSplit, making setup quick and stress-free for beginners and pros alike
- Universal Compatibility PS5, Xbox, Switch & More: Stream or record gameplay from virtually any HDMI-enabled device including Nintendo Switch, PS5, Xbox Series X, DSLR cameras, and PCs. The video capture card for gaming supports seamless passthrough so you can play without lag while your audience watches every frame in real time
- Low-Latency Performance for Smooth Streaming: This capture card for streaming minimizes delay between gameplay and broadcast, so you get reliable, low-latency capture that works well for competitive gaming, live broadcasts, and podcast sessions. Suitable for those building their channel with high-quality, engaging content
- Compact & Portable Design for Content Creators: Lightweight and portable, this USB 3.0 capture card works well for creators who travel or switch gaming setups often. Throw it in your bag and stream or record wherever you are, at home, events, LAN parties, streaming or studio sessions
Rank #4
Video Capture Card, 4K USB3.0 HDMI to USB C, 1080P60FPS HDMI Capture Card for Streaming, Gaming, Video Recording Compatible with Switch, Xbox, PS4/5, OBS,iPad Mac OS Windows,Camera, Zoom(Silver)
- 【4K HDMI Input, 2K@30Hz Recording】Powered by a true USB 3.0 high-speed interface, the capture card supports up to 4K@30Hz HDMI input and records at 2K@30Hz or 1080P@60Hz. Perfect for gamers, streamers, and professionals who need crisp, smooth video for live streaming, gameplay recording, or online meetings.
- 【Ultra Low Latency Screen Sharing】Built with a premium aluminum alloy shell and advanced chipset for stable heat dissipation, ensuring ultra-low latency transmission. Capture high-quality video and dual-channel audio in real time—no lag, no frame drop—ideal for Twitch, YouTube, or OBS streaming.
- 【Easy Plug and Play, Compact & Portable】No driver or external power required—just plug and play via USB 3.0 or Type-C connection to your Windows or macOS computer. Lightweight and compact design makes it easy to carry for outdoor streaming, live shows, or mobile recording setups.
- 【Wide Compatibility & Multi-Device Support】Compatible with Windows 7 8 10 11, macOS, Linux,Android and supports most popular software such as OBS, Zoom, VLC, Twitch Studio, and more. Works seamlessly with PS4, PS5, Xbox, Switch, DSLR cameras, TV boxes, and other HDMI-output devices for streaming to YouTube, Twitch, etc.
- 【What You Get】Includes: HDMI Capture Card, USB 3.0 to USB-C Adapter, User Manual. Tips: Make sure your tablet’s OTG function is enabled before connecting. Test your HDMI device with a monitor first to confirm video and audio output, then connect to the Video Capture Card for recording.
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