Kazam as a Linux alternative to OBS Studio (advanced streaming suite)
Updated
Our verdict
Kazam is not a good replacement for OBS Studio for users who need advanced streaming, multiple scenes, or overlays. It suits basic screen recording tasks with minimal setup, such as recording a single window or desktop region with audio. However, it lacks scene switching, source layering, and live streaming to platforms like YouTube or Twitch. If you only need quick, simple recordings without customization, Kazam works. But for content creators or streamers relying on OBS Studio’s full feature set, Kazam falls short due to its limited functionality and discontinued status.
- License
- GPL-2.0
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 1.5.7
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Records screen with system audio and microphone support
- Allows selection of full screen, window, or region
- Supports basic timer countdown before recording starts
- Simple, lightweight interface with minimal configuration
- Available in Debian and Ubuntu repositories
What is different
- Kazam does not support live streaming to YouTube or Twitch
- No support for multiple scenes or scene transitions
- Lacks customizable overlays, sources, and advanced layout options
- No scene preview or real-time filtering effects
- Development discontinued, no ongoing updates or bug fixes
Opening your OBS Studio (advanced streaming suite) files
Kazam records in WebM or MP4 depending on backend, while OBS Studio supports these and additional formats. You can manually convert or re-encode files from either tool using standard tools like ffmpeg. However, project files (like OBS .json or .prism scenes) cannot be imported into Kazam, as it does not use project files or support scene configurations.
Switching from OBS Studio (advanced streaming suite) to Kazam, step by step
- Install Kazam via
sudo apt install kazamon Debian/Ubuntu - Launch Kazam and select recording mode: full screen, window, or region
- Enable microphone and system audio in audio settings before recording
- Use the timer countdown to prepare your screen before capture starts
- Save recordings and manually convert format if needed using ffmpeg
Key features of Kazam
- Screen recording with audio and microphone support
- Timer countdown before recording starts
- Screenshot capture for full screen, window, or selection
- Simple UI with minimal configuration needed
- Records in WebM or MP4 (depending on backend)
- Supports recording a selected region of the screen
- Basic system tray integration during recording
- Lightweight and easy to install on Debian-based systems
How to install Kazam on Linux
sudo apt install kazamsudo apt install kazamFrequently asked questions
Can Kazam stream live to Twitch or YouTube?
No, Kazam does not support live streaming. It only records to local files, making it unsuitable for users who need real-time broadcasting.
Is Kazam still being updated?
No, Kazam is discontinued. It is no longer actively maintained, which means no new features or security updates.
What should I use instead of Kazam for streaming on Linux?
OBS Studio itself runs natively on Linux and is the best option for feature parity. It supports all OBS Studio features including streaming, scenes, and overlays.
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