How to Fix the Repeating Screen Effect in OBS
An endless tunnel of OBS windows appears when OBS captures a screen that is showing its own preview. Each new frame includes the previous preview, creating a repeating mirror effect.
The solution is to stop capturing the OBS window within that picture. Changing your streaming bitrate will not fix this layout problem.
Capture only what you need
If you want a webcam picture, use the camera source rather than capturing the screen containing OBS.
For one app, use an appropriate Window Capture or macOS Screen Capture source instead of the entire desktop. Select the actual content window and confirm that it remains correct after switching apps.
A more specific source also reduces the chance of accidentally including notifications or unrelated windows, though you still need to inspect its output.
Hide OBS from screen capture where supported
On Windows, the documented setting is Settings → General → Hide OBS windows from screen capture.
For a supported macOS Screen Capture source in display mode, use its Hide OBS from capture option.
These controls concern OBS windows. They do not make every private item on the desktop invisible. Check the actual captured result, including any projector windows or other applications you display.
Move OBS to another monitor
Keep OBS on a display that is not being captured, or capture only the intended content display. Check the monitor selection again after connecting or disconnecting screens.
A fullscreen OBS projector on the captured monitor can also recreate the problem. Monitor the picture somewhere that is not fed back into the same source.
Use minimizing as a temporary check
Minimize OBS and inspect a short recording. If the repeating picture stops while OBS is hidden and returns when it is visible, that supports the self-capture explanation.
Minimizing is a workaround rather than a complete setup if you need to use OBS's controls during a show. Prefer a source or display arrangement that stays correct while you operate it.
Verify the saved or receiving picture
Make a short recording while opening the apps you normally use. Check the picture rather than judging only the preview inside the captured window.
If the intended source is still wrong after removing the mirror effect, inspect its selected window or monitor separately. The repeating effect and a missing camera can be two different setup issues.