diff --git a/UI/api-interface.cpp b/UI/api-interface.cpp
index 3d6980b73..4b19207b8 100644
--- a/UI/api-interface.cpp
+++ b/UI/api-interface.cpp
@@ -81,22 +81,19 @@ struct OBSStudioAPI : obs_frontend_callbacks {
 			OBSScene scene = GetOBSRef<OBSScene>(item);
 			obs_source_t *source = obs_scene_get_source(scene);
 
-			obs_source_addref(source);
-			da_push_back(sources->sources, &source);
+			if (obs_source_get_ref(source) != nullptr)
+				da_push_back(sources->sources, &source);
 		}
 	}
 
 	obs_source_t *obs_frontend_get_current_scene(void) override
 	{
-		OBSSource source;
-
 		if (main->IsPreviewProgramMode()) {
-			source = obs_weak_source_get_source(main->programScene);
+			return obs_weak_source_get_source(main->programScene);
 		} else {
-			source = main->GetCurrentSceneSource();
-			obs_source_addref(source);
+			OBSSource source = main->GetCurrentSceneSource();
+			return obs_source_get_ref(source);
 		}
-		return source;
 	}
 
 	void obs_frontend_set_current_scene(obs_source_t *scene) override
@@ -123,17 +120,15 @@ struct OBSStudioAPI : obs_frontend_callbacks {
 			if (!tr)
 				continue;
 
-			obs_source_addref(tr);
-			da_push_back(sources->sources, &tr);
+			if (obs_source_get_ref(tr) != nullptr)
+				da_push_back(sources->sources, &tr);
 		}
 	}
 
 	obs_source_t *obs_frontend_get_current_transition(void) override
 	{
 		OBSSource tr = main->GetCurrentTransition();
-
-		obs_source_addref(tr);
-		return tr;
+		return obs_source_get_ref(tr);
 	}
 
 	void
@@ -391,22 +386,19 @@ struct OBSStudioAPI : obs_frontend_callbacks {
 	obs_output_t *obs_frontend_get_streaming_output(void) override
 	{
 		OBSOutput output = main->outputHandler->streamOutput.Get();
-		obs_output_addref(output);
-		return output;
+		return obs_output_get_ref(output);
 	}
 
 	obs_output_t *obs_frontend_get_recording_output(void) override
 	{
 		OBSOutput out = main->outputHandler->fileOutput.Get();
-		obs_output_addref(out);
-		return out;
+		return obs_output_get_ref(out);
 	}
 
 	obs_output_t *obs_frontend_get_replay_buffer_output(void) override
 	{
 		OBSOutput out = main->outputHandler->replayBuffer.Get();
-		obs_output_addref(out);
-		return out;
+		return obs_output_get_ref(out);
 	}
 
 	config_t *obs_frontend_get_profile_config(void) override
@@ -550,14 +542,12 @@ struct OBSStudioAPI : obs_frontend_callbacks {
 
 	obs_source_t *obs_frontend_get_current_preview_scene(void) override
 	{
-		OBSSource source = nullptr;
-
 		if (main->IsPreviewProgramMode()) {
-			source = main->GetCurrentSceneSource();
-			obs_source_addref(source);
+			OBSSource source = main->GetCurrentSceneSource();
+			return obs_source_get_ref(source);
 		}
 
-		return source;
+		return nullptr;
 	}
 
 	void
@@ -585,8 +575,7 @@ struct OBSStudioAPI : obs_frontend_callbacks {
 	obs_output_t *obs_frontend_get_virtualcam_output(void) override
 	{
 		OBSOutput output = main->outputHandler->virtualCam.Get();
-		obs_output_addref(output);
-		return output;
+		return obs_output_get_ref(output);
 	}
 
 	void obs_frontend_start_virtualcam(void) override
diff --git a/deps/obs-scripting/obslua/obslua.i b/deps/obs-scripting/obslua/obslua.i
index 33bbdd49f..e800dcbbf 100644
--- a/deps/obs-scripting/obslua/obslua.i
+++ b/deps/obs-scripting/obslua/obslua.i
@@ -34,6 +34,7 @@
 
 #define DEPRECATED_START
 #define DEPRECATED_END
+#define OBS_EXTERNAL_DEPRECATED
 #define EXPORT
 
 %rename(blog) wrap_blog;
diff --git a/deps/obs-scripting/obspython/obspython.i b/deps/obs-scripting/obspython/obspython.i
index 86ea1688b..1b6e45413 100644
--- a/deps/obs-scripting/obspython/obspython.i
+++ b/deps/obs-scripting/obspython/obspython.i
@@ -34,6 +34,7 @@
 
 #define DEPRECATED_START
 #define DEPRECATED_END
+#define OBS_EXTERNAL_DEPRECATED
 #define EXPORT
 
 %rename(blog) wrap_blog;
diff --git a/docs/sphinx/reference-encoders.rst b/docs/sphinx/reference-encoders.rst
index d264b43a7..a8b65a632 100644
--- a/docs/sphinx/reference-encoders.rst
+++ b/docs/sphinx/reference-encoders.rst
@@ -326,6 +326,16 @@ General Encoder Functions
    Adds/releases a reference to an encoder.  When the last reference is
    released, the encoder is destroyed.
 
+.. deprecated:: 27.2.0
+   Use :c:func:`obs_encoder_get_ref()` instead.
+
+---------------------
+
+.. function:: obs_encoder_t *obs_encoder_get_ref(obs_encoder_t *encoder)
+
+   Returns an incremented reference if still valid, otherwise returns
+   *NULL*.
+
 ---------------------
 
 .. function:: obs_weak_encoder_t *obs_encoder_get_weak_encoder(obs_encoder_t *encoder)
diff --git a/docs/sphinx/reference-outputs.rst b/docs/sphinx/reference-outputs.rst
index fb7c6a8ea..1670693fb 100644
--- a/docs/sphinx/reference-outputs.rst
+++ b/docs/sphinx/reference-outputs.rst
@@ -339,6 +339,16 @@ General Output Functions
    Adds/releases a reference to an output.  When the last reference is
    released, the output is destroyed.
 
+.. deprecated:: 27.2.0
+   Use :c:func:`obs_output_get_ref()` instead.
+
+---------------------
+
+.. function:: obs_output_t *obs_output_get_ref(obs_output_t *output)
+
+   Returns an incremented reference if still valid, otherwise returns
+   *NULL*.
+
 ---------------------
 
 .. function:: obs_weak_output_t *obs_output_get_weak_output(obs_output_t *output)
diff --git a/docs/sphinx/reference-scenes.rst b/docs/sphinx/reference-scenes.rst
index 9aac61ea1..78f22b5ca 100644
--- a/docs/sphinx/reference-scenes.rst
+++ b/docs/sphinx/reference-scenes.rst
@@ -201,6 +201,16 @@ General Scene Functions
 
    Adds/releases a reference to a scene.
 
+.. deprecated:: 27.2.0
+   Use :c:func:`obs_scene_get_ref()` instead.
+
+---------------------
+
+.. function:: obs_scene_t *obs_scene_get_ref(obs_scene_t *scene)
+
+   Returns an incremented reference if still valid, otherwise returns
+   *NULL*.
+
 ---------------------
 
 .. function:: obs_sceneitem_t *obs_scene_add(obs_scene_t *scene, obs_source_t *source)
diff --git a/docs/sphinx/reference-services.rst b/docs/sphinx/reference-services.rst
index fdfb85e41..b9017b284 100644
--- a/docs/sphinx/reference-services.rst
+++ b/docs/sphinx/reference-services.rst
@@ -185,6 +185,16 @@ General Service Functions
    Adds/releases a reference to a service.  When the last reference is
    released, the service is destroyed.
 
+.. deprecated:: 27.2.0
+   Use :c:func:`obs_service_get_ref()` instead.
+
+---------------------
+
+.. function:: obs_service_t *obs_service_get_ref(obs_service_t *service)
+
+   Returns an incremented reference if still valid, otherwise returns
+   *NULL*.
+
 ---------------------
 
 .. function:: obs_weak_service_t *obs_service_get_weak_service(obs_service_t *service)
diff --git a/docs/sphinx/reference-sources.rst b/docs/sphinx/reference-sources.rst
index ef29dde43..5b52c7365 100644
--- a/docs/sphinx/reference-sources.rst
+++ b/docs/sphinx/reference-sources.rst
@@ -165,7 +165,7 @@ Source Definition Structure (obs_source_info)
    - **OBS_SOURCE_SRGB** - Source understands SRGB rendering
 
    - **OBS_SOURCE_CAP_DONT_SHOW_PROPERTIES** - Source type prefers not
-     to have its properties shown on creation (prefers to rely on 
+     to have its properties shown on creation (prefers to rely on
      defaults first)
 
 .. member:: const char *(*obs_source_info.get_name)(void *type_data)
@@ -737,6 +737,16 @@ General Source Functions
    Adds/releases a reference to a source.  When the last reference is
    released, the source is destroyed.
 
+.. deprecated:: 27.2.0
+   Use :c:func:`obs_source_get_ref()` instead.
+
+---------------------
+
+.. function:: obs_source_t *obs_source_get_ref(obs_source_t *source)
+
+   Returns an incremented reference if still valid, otherwise returns
+   *NULL*.
+
 ---------------------
 
 .. function:: obs_weak_source_t *obs_source_get_weak_source(obs_source_t *source)
diff --git a/libobs/CMakeLists.txt b/libobs/CMakeLists.txt
index 8645c0452..b21012c42 100644
--- a/libobs/CMakeLists.txt
+++ b/libobs/CMakeLists.txt
@@ -11,6 +11,8 @@ if (NOT "${FFMPEG_AVCODEC_LIBRARIES}" STREQUAL "")
 	list(REMOVE_ITEM FFMPEG_LIBRARIES ${FFMPEG_AVCODEC_LIBRARIES})
 endif()
 
+add_definitions(-DIS_LIBOBS=1)
+
 if(DEBUG_FFMPEG_MUX)
 	add_definitions(-DSHOW_SUBPROCESSES)
 endif()
diff --git a/libobs/obs-scene.c b/libobs/obs-scene.c
index c5ce68636..2ce9f6444 100644
--- a/libobs/obs-scene.c
+++ b/libobs/obs-scene.c
@@ -1478,8 +1478,7 @@ static inline obs_source_t *dup_child(struct darray *array, size_t idx,
 		struct obs_scene_item *item = old_items.array[i];
 		if (item->source == source) {
 			source = get_child_at_idx(new_scene, i);
-			obs_source_addref(source);
-			return source;
+			return obs_source_get_ref(source);
 		}
 	}
 
@@ -1489,8 +1488,7 @@ static inline obs_source_t *dup_child(struct darray *array, size_t idx,
 
 static inline obs_source_t *new_ref(obs_source_t *source)
 {
-	obs_source_addref(source);
-	return source;
+	return obs_source_get_ref(source);
 }
 
 static inline void duplicate_item_data(struct obs_scene_item *dst,
@@ -1649,6 +1647,15 @@ void obs_scene_addref(obs_scene_t *scene)
 		obs_source_addref(scene->source);
 }
 
+obs_scene_t *obs_scene_get_ref(obs_scene_t *scene)
+{
+	if (!scene)
+		return NULL;
+	if (obs_source_get_ref(scene->source) != NULL)
+		return scene;
+	return NULL;
+}
+
 void obs_scene_release(obs_scene_t *scene)
 {
 	if (scene)
@@ -1945,6 +1952,7 @@ static obs_sceneitem_t *obs_scene_add_internal(obs_scene_t *scene,
 	if (!scene)
 		return NULL;
 
+	source = obs_source_get_ref(source);
 	if (!source) {
 		blog(LOG_ERROR, "Tried to add a NULL source to a scene");
 		return NULL;
@@ -1952,19 +1960,19 @@ static obs_sceneitem_t *obs_scene_add_internal(obs_scene_t *scene,
 
 	if (source->removed) {
 		blog(LOG_WARNING, "Tried to add a removed source to a scene");
-		return NULL;
+		goto release_source_and_fail;
 	}
 
 	if (pthread_mutex_init(&mutex, NULL) != 0) {
 		blog(LOG_WARNING, "Failed to create scene item mutex");
-		return NULL;
+		goto release_source_and_fail;
 	}
 
 	if (!obs_source_add_active_child(scene->source, source)) {
 		blog(LOG_WARNING, "Failed to add source to scene due to "
 				  "infinite source recursion");
 		pthread_mutex_destroy(&mutex);
-		return NULL;
+		goto release_source_and_fail;
 	}
 
 	item = bzalloc(sizeof(struct obs_scene_item));
@@ -1984,8 +1992,6 @@ static obs_sceneitem_t *obs_scene_add_internal(obs_scene_t *scene,
 	matrix4_identity(&item->draw_transform);
 	matrix4_identity(&item->box_transform);
 
-	obs_source_addref(source);
-
 	if (source_has_audio(source)) {
 		item->visible = false;
 		da_push_back(item->audio_actions, &action);
@@ -2030,6 +2036,10 @@ static obs_sceneitem_t *obs_scene_add_internal(obs_scene_t *scene,
 			       sceneitem_renamed, item);
 
 	return item;
+
+release_source_and_fail:
+	obs_source_release(source);
+	return NULL;
 }
 
 obs_sceneitem_t *obs_scene_add(obs_scene_t *scene, obs_source_t *source)
@@ -2424,9 +2434,11 @@ void obs_sceneitem_set_order(obs_sceneitem_t *item,
 		return;
 
 	struct obs_scene_item *next, *prev;
-	struct obs_scene *scene = item->parent;
+	struct obs_scene *scene = obs_scene_get_ref(item->parent);
+
+	if (!scene)
+		return;
 
-	obs_scene_addref(scene);
 	full_lock(scene);
 
 	next = item->next;
@@ -2484,10 +2496,12 @@ void obs_sceneitem_set_order_position(obs_sceneitem_t *item, int position)
 	if (!item)
 		return;
 
-	struct obs_scene *scene = item->parent;
+	struct obs_scene *scene = obs_scene_get_ref(item->parent);
 	struct obs_scene_item *next;
 
-	obs_scene_addref(scene);
+	if (!scene)
+		return;
+
 	full_lock(scene);
 
 	detach_sceneitem(item);
@@ -2757,7 +2771,10 @@ bool obs_scene_reorder_items(obs_scene_t *scene,
 	if (!scene || !item_order_size)
 		return false;
 
-	obs_scene_addref(scene);
+	scene = obs_scene_get_ref(scene);
+	if (!scene)
+		return false;
+
 	full_lock(scene);
 
 	bool order_matches = true;
@@ -2795,7 +2812,10 @@ void obs_scene_atomic_update(obs_scene_t *scene,
 	if (!scene)
 		return;
 
-	obs_scene_addref(scene);
+	scene = obs_scene_get_ref(scene);
+	if (!scene)
+		return;
+
 	full_lock(scene);
 	func(data, scene);
 	full_unlock(scene);
@@ -3432,7 +3452,10 @@ bool obs_scene_reorder_items2(obs_scene_t *scene,
 	if (!scene || !item_order_size || !item_order)
 		return false;
 
-	obs_scene_addref(scene);
+	scene = obs_scene_get_ref(scene);
+	if (!scene)
+		return false;
+
 	full_lock(scene);
 
 	if (sceneitems_match2(scene, item_order, item_order_size)) {
@@ -3574,9 +3597,7 @@ void obs_sceneitem_set_show_transition(obs_sceneitem_t *item,
 	if (item->show_transition)
 		obs_source_release(item->show_transition);
 
-	item->show_transition = transition;
-	if (item->show_transition)
-		obs_source_addref(item->show_transition);
+	item->show_transition = obs_source_get_ref(transition);
 }
 
 void obs_sceneitem_set_show_transition_duration(obs_sceneitem_t *item,
@@ -3609,9 +3630,7 @@ void obs_sceneitem_set_hide_transition(obs_sceneitem_t *item,
 	if (item->hide_transition)
 		obs_source_release(item->hide_transition);
 
-	item->hide_transition = transition;
-	if (item->hide_transition)
-		obs_source_addref(item->hide_transition);
+	item->hide_transition = obs_source_get_ref(transition);
 }
 
 void obs_sceneitem_set_hide_transition_duration(obs_sceneitem_t *item,
diff --git a/libobs/obs-source-transition.c b/libobs/obs-source-transition.c
index d3b718d61..68d4abf68 100644
--- a/libobs/obs-source-transition.c
+++ b/libobs/obs-source-transition.c
@@ -241,7 +241,7 @@ set_source(obs_source_t *transition, enum obs_transition_target target,
 	bool already_active;
 
 	if (new_child)
-		obs_source_addref(new_child);
+		new_child = obs_source_get_ref(new_child);
 
 	lock_transition(transition);
 
@@ -294,7 +294,7 @@ obs_source_t *obs_transition_get_source(obs_source_t *transition,
 
 	lock_transition(transition);
 	ret = transition->transition_sources[idx];
-	obs_source_addref(ret);
+	ret = obs_source_get_ref(ret);
 	unlock_transition(transition);
 
 	return ret;
@@ -312,7 +312,7 @@ obs_source_t *obs_transition_get_active_source(obs_source_t *transition)
 		ret = transition->transition_sources[1];
 	else
 		ret = transition->transition_sources[0];
-	obs_source_addref(ret);
+	ret = obs_source_get_ref(ret);
 	unlock_transition(transition);
 
 	return ret;
@@ -442,7 +442,7 @@ void obs_transition_set(obs_source_t *transition, obs_source_t *source)
 	if (!transition_valid(transition, "obs_transition_clear"))
 		return;
 
-	obs_source_addref(source);
+	source = obs_source_get_ref(source);
 
 	lock_transition(transition);
 	for (size_t i = 0; i < 2; i++) {
@@ -632,10 +632,8 @@ struct transition_state {
 static inline void copy_transition_state(obs_source_t *transition,
 					 struct transition_state *state)
 {
-	state->s[0] = transition->transition_sources[0];
-	state->s[1] = transition->transition_sources[1];
-	obs_source_addref(state->s[0]);
-	obs_source_addref(state->s[1]);
+	state->s[0] = obs_source_get_ref(transition->transition_sources[0]);
+	state->s[1] = obs_source_get_ref(transition->transition_sources[1]);
 
 	state->transitioning_video = transition->transitioning_video;
 	state->transitioning_audio = transition->transitioning_audio;
@@ -1038,7 +1036,8 @@ static inline obs_source_t *
 copy_source_state(obs_source_t *tr_dest, obs_source_t *tr_source, size_t idx)
 {
 	obs_source_t *old_child = tr_dest->transition_sources[idx];
-	obs_source_t *new_child = tr_source->transition_sources[idx];
+	obs_source_t *new_child =
+		obs_source_get_ref(tr_source->transition_sources[idx]);
 	bool active = tr_source->transition_source_active[idx];
 
 	if (old_child && tr_dest->transition_source_active[idx])
@@ -1049,7 +1048,6 @@ copy_source_state(obs_source_t *tr_dest, obs_source_t *tr_source, size_t idx)
 
 	if (active && new_child)
 		obs_source_add_active_child(tr_dest, new_child);
-	obs_source_addref(new_child);
 
 	return old_child;
 }
diff --git a/libobs/obs-source.c b/libobs/obs-source.c
index 2a6a1d2dd..e8289c124 100644
--- a/libobs/obs-source.c
+++ b/libobs/obs-source.c
@@ -465,9 +465,12 @@ static void duplicate_filters(obs_source_t *dst, obs_source_t *src,
 	da_init(filters);
 
 	pthread_mutex_lock(&src->filter_mutex);
-	for (size_t i = 0; i < src->filters.num; i++)
-		obs_source_addref(src->filters.array[i]);
-	da_copy(filters, src->filters);
+	da_reserve(filters, src->filters.num);
+	for (size_t i = 0; i < src->filters.num; i++) {
+		obs_source_t *s = obs_source_get_ref(src->filters.array[i]);
+		if (s)
+			da_push_back(filters, &s);
+	}
 	pthread_mutex_unlock(&src->filter_mutex);
 
 	for (size_t i = filters.num; i > 0; i--) {
@@ -537,8 +540,7 @@ obs_source_t *obs_source_duplicate(obs_source_t *source, const char *new_name,
 	if (source->info.type == OBS_SOURCE_TYPE_SCENE) {
 		obs_scene_t *scene = obs_scene_from_source(source);
 		if (scene && !create_private) {
-			obs_source_addref(source);
-			return source;
+			return obs_source_get_ref(source);
 		}
 		if (!scene)
 			scene = obs_group_from_source(source);
@@ -554,8 +556,7 @@ obs_source_t *obs_source_duplicate(obs_source_t *source, const char *new_name,
 	}
 
 	if ((source->info.output_flags & OBS_SOURCE_DO_NOT_DUPLICATE) != 0) {
-		obs_source_addref(source);
-		return source;
+		return obs_source_get_ref(source);
 	}
 
 	settings = obs_data_create();
@@ -2265,8 +2266,7 @@ static inline void obs_source_render_filters(obs_source_t *source)
 	obs_source_t *first_filter;
 
 	pthread_mutex_lock(&source->filter_mutex);
-	first_filter = source->filters.array[0];
-	obs_source_addref(first_filter);
+	first_filter = obs_source_get_ref(source->filters.array[0]);
 	pthread_mutex_unlock(&source->filter_mutex);
 
 	source->rendering_filter = true;
@@ -2386,9 +2386,11 @@ void obs_source_video_render(obs_source_t *source)
 	if (!obs_source_valid(source, "obs_source_video_render"))
 		return;
 
-	obs_source_addref(source);
-	render_video(source);
-	obs_source_release(source);
+	source = obs_source_get_ref(source);
+	if (source) {
+		render_video(source);
+		obs_source_release(source);
+	}
 }
 
 static inline uint32_t get_async_width(const obs_source_t *source)
@@ -2556,7 +2558,9 @@ void obs_source_filter_add(obs_source_t *source, obs_source_t *filter)
 		return;
 	}
 
-	obs_source_addref(filter);
+	filter = obs_source_get_ref(filter);
+	if (!obs_ptr_valid(filter, "obs_source_filter_add"))
+		return;
 
 	filter->filter_parent = source;
 	filter->filter_target = !source->filters.num ? source
@@ -4071,7 +4075,9 @@ void obs_source_enum_active_sources(obs_source_t *source,
 	if (!is_transition && !source->info.enum_active_sources)
 		return;
 
-	obs_source_addref(source);
+	source = obs_source_get_ref(source);
+	if (!data_valid(source, "obs_source_enum_active_sources"))
+		return;
 
 	if (is_transition)
 		obs_transition_enum_sources(source, enum_callback, param);
@@ -4096,7 +4102,9 @@ void obs_source_enum_active_tree(obs_source_t *source,
 	if (!is_transition && !source->info.enum_active_sources)
 		return;
 
-	obs_source_addref(source);
+	source = obs_source_get_ref(source);
+	if (!data_valid(source, "obs_source_enum_active_tree"))
+		return;
 
 	if (source->info.type == OBS_SOURCE_TYPE_TRANSITION)
 		obs_transition_enum_sources(
@@ -4149,7 +4157,9 @@ void obs_source_enum_full_tree(obs_source_t *source,
 	if (!is_transition && !source->info.enum_active_sources)
 		return;
 
-	obs_source_addref(source);
+	source = obs_source_get_ref(source);
+	if (!data_valid(source, "obs_source_enum_full_tree"))
+		return;
 
 	if (source->info.type == OBS_SOURCE_TYPE_TRANSITION)
 		obs_transition_enum_sources(
@@ -4486,8 +4496,7 @@ obs_source_t *obs_source_get_filter_by_name(obs_source_t *source,
 	for (size_t i = 0; i < source->filters.num; i++) {
 		struct obs_source *cur_filter = source->filters.array[i];
 		if (strcmp(cur_filter->context.name, name) == 0) {
-			filter = cur_filter;
-			obs_source_addref(filter);
+			filter = obs_source_get_ref(cur_filter);
 			break;
 		}
 	}
@@ -5441,8 +5450,7 @@ void obs_source_restore_filters(obs_source_t *source, obs_data_array_t *array)
 			obs_source_t *cur = cur_filters.array[j];
 			const char *cur_name = cur->context.name;
 			if (cur_name && strcmp(cur_name, name) == 0) {
-				filter = cur;
-				obs_source_addref(cur);
+				filter = obs_source_get_ref(cur);
 				break;
 			}
 		}
diff --git a/libobs/obs-view.c b/libobs/obs-view.c
index c8c389d0a..69cf1dcde 100644
--- a/libobs/obs-view.c
+++ b/libobs/obs-view.c
@@ -81,11 +81,7 @@ obs_source_t *obs_view_get_source(obs_view_t *view, uint32_t channel)
 		return NULL;
 
 	pthread_mutex_lock(&view->channels_mutex);
-
-	source = view->channels[channel];
-	if (source)
-		obs_source_addref(source);
-
+	source = obs_source_get_ref(view->channels[channel]);
 	pthread_mutex_unlock(&view->channels_mutex);
 
 	return source;
@@ -104,9 +100,7 @@ void obs_view_set_source(obs_view_t *view, uint32_t channel,
 		return;
 
 	pthread_mutex_lock(&view->channels_mutex);
-
-	obs_source_addref(source);
-
+	source = obs_source_get_ref(source);
 	prev_source = view->channels[channel];
 	view->channels[channel] = source;
 
diff --git a/libobs/obs.c b/libobs/obs.c
index 9cdf103ba..82df26d14 100644
--- a/libobs/obs.c
+++ b/libobs/obs.c
@@ -1441,7 +1441,7 @@ void obs_set_output_source(uint32_t channel, obs_source_t *source)
 
 	pthread_mutex_lock(&view->channels_mutex);
 
-	obs_source_addref(source);
+	source = obs_source_get_ref(source);
 
 	prev_source = view->channels[channel];
 
diff --git a/libobs/obs.h b/libobs/obs.h
index ade027525..4d9ac45f2 100644
--- a/libobs/obs.h
+++ b/libobs/obs.h
@@ -919,7 +919,7 @@ EXPORT obs_source_t *obs_source_duplicate(obs_source_t *source,
  * Adds/releases a reference to a source.  When the last reference is
  * released, the source is destroyed.
  */
-EXPORT void obs_source_addref(obs_source_t *source);
+OBS_EXTERNAL_DEPRECATED EXPORT void obs_source_addref(obs_source_t *source);
 EXPORT void obs_source_release(obs_source_t *source);
 
 EXPORT void obs_weak_source_addref(obs_weak_source_t *weak);
@@ -1590,9 +1590,11 @@ enum obs_scene_duplicate_type {
 EXPORT obs_scene_t *obs_scene_duplicate(obs_scene_t *scene, const char *name,
 					enum obs_scene_duplicate_type type);
 
-EXPORT void obs_scene_addref(obs_scene_t *scene);
+OBS_EXTERNAL_DEPRECATED EXPORT void obs_scene_addref(obs_scene_t *scene);
 EXPORT void obs_scene_release(obs_scene_t *scene);
 
+EXPORT obs_scene_t *obs_scene_get_ref(obs_scene_t *scene);
+
 /** Gets the scene's source context */
 EXPORT obs_source_t *obs_scene_get_source(const obs_scene_t *scene);
 
@@ -1867,7 +1869,7 @@ EXPORT obs_output_t *obs_output_create(const char *id, const char *name,
  * Adds/releases a reference to an output.  When the last reference is
  * released, the output is destroyed.
  */
-EXPORT void obs_output_addref(obs_output_t *output);
+OBS_EXTERNAL_DEPRECATED EXPORT void obs_output_addref(obs_output_t *output);
 EXPORT void obs_output_release(obs_output_t *output);
 
 EXPORT void obs_weak_output_addref(obs_weak_output_t *weak);
@@ -2158,7 +2160,7 @@ EXPORT obs_encoder_t *obs_audio_encoder_create(const char *id, const char *name,
  * Adds/releases a reference to an encoder.  When the last reference is
  * released, the encoder is destroyed.
  */
-EXPORT void obs_encoder_addref(obs_encoder_t *encoder);
+OBS_EXTERNAL_DEPRECATED EXPORT void obs_encoder_addref(obs_encoder_t *encoder);
 EXPORT void obs_encoder_release(obs_encoder_t *encoder);
 
 EXPORT void obs_weak_encoder_addref(obs_weak_encoder_t *weak);
@@ -2317,7 +2319,7 @@ EXPORT obs_service_t *obs_service_create_private(const char *id,
  * Adds/releases a reference to a service.  When the last reference is
  * released, the service is destroyed.
  */
-EXPORT void obs_service_addref(obs_service_t *service);
+OBS_EXTERNAL_DEPRECATED EXPORT void obs_service_addref(obs_service_t *service);
 EXPORT void obs_service_release(obs_service_t *service);
 
 EXPORT void obs_weak_service_addref(obs_weak_service_t *weak);
diff --git a/libobs/obs.hpp b/libobs/obs.hpp
index 2fac266f4..2cbb1650c 100644
--- a/libobs/obs.hpp
+++ b/libobs/obs.hpp
@@ -25,19 +25,23 @@
 
 template<typename T, void release(T)> class OBSRefAutoRelease;
 template<typename T, void addref(T), void release(T)> class OBSRef;
+template<typename T, T getref(T), void release(T)> class OBSSafeRef;
 
-using OBSSource = OBSRef<obs_source_t *, obs_source_addref, obs_source_release>;
-using OBSScene = OBSRef<obs_scene_t *, obs_scene_addref, obs_scene_release>;
+using OBSSource =
+	OBSSafeRef<obs_source_t *, obs_source_get_ref, obs_source_release>;
+using OBSScene =
+	OBSSafeRef<obs_scene_t *, obs_scene_get_ref, obs_scene_release>;
 using OBSSceneItem =
 	OBSRef<obs_sceneitem_t *, obs_sceneitem_addref, obs_sceneitem_release>;
 using OBSData = OBSRef<obs_data_t *, obs_data_addref, obs_data_release>;
 using OBSDataArray = OBSRef<obs_data_array_t *, obs_data_array_addref,
 			    obs_data_array_release>;
-using OBSOutput = OBSRef<obs_output_t *, obs_output_addref, obs_output_release>;
+using OBSOutput =
+	OBSSafeRef<obs_output_t *, obs_output_get_ref, obs_output_release>;
 using OBSEncoder =
-	OBSRef<obs_encoder_t *, obs_encoder_addref, obs_encoder_release>;
+	OBSSafeRef<obs_encoder_t *, obs_encoder_get_ref, obs_encoder_release>;
 using OBSService =
-	OBSRef<obs_service_t *, obs_service_addref, obs_service_release>;
+	OBSSafeRef<obs_service_t *, obs_service_get_ref, obs_service_release>;
 
 using OBSWeakSource = OBSRef<obs_weak_source_t *, obs_weak_source_addref,
 			     obs_weak_source_release>;
@@ -150,19 +154,58 @@ public:
 	inline OBSRef &operator=(const OBSRef &ref) { return Replace(ref.val); }
 	inline OBSRef &operator=(T valIn) { return Replace(valIn); }
 
-	friend OBSSource OBSGetStrongRef(obs_weak_source_t *weak);
 	friend OBSWeakSource OBSGetWeakRef(obs_source_t *source);
-
-	friend OBSOutput OBSGetStrongRef(obs_weak_output_t *weak);
 	friend OBSWeakOutput OBSGetWeakRef(obs_output_t *output);
-
-	friend OBSEncoder OBSGetStrongRef(obs_weak_encoder_t *weak);
 	friend OBSWeakEncoder OBSGetWeakRef(obs_encoder_t *encoder);
-
-	friend OBSService OBSGetStrongRef(obs_weak_service_t *weak);
 	friend OBSWeakService OBSGetWeakRef(obs_service_t *service);
 };
 
+template<typename T, T getref(T), void release(T)>
+class OBSSafeRef : public OBSRefAutoRelease<T, release> {
+
+	inline OBSSafeRef &Replace(T valIn)
+	{
+		T newVal = getref(valIn);
+		release(this->val);
+		this->val = newVal;
+		return *this;
+	}
+
+	struct TakeOwnership {
+	};
+	inline OBSSafeRef(T val_, TakeOwnership)
+		: OBSRefAutoRelease<T, release>::OBSRefAutoRelease(val_)
+	{
+	}
+
+public:
+	inline OBSSafeRef()
+		: OBSRefAutoRelease<T, release>::OBSRefAutoRelease(nullptr)
+	{
+	}
+	inline OBSSafeRef(const OBSSafeRef &ref)
+		: OBSRefAutoRelease<T, release>::OBSRefAutoRelease(ref.val)
+	{
+		this->val = getref(ref.val);
+	}
+	inline OBSSafeRef(T val_)
+		: OBSRefAutoRelease<T, release>::OBSRefAutoRelease(val_)
+	{
+		this->val = getref(this->val);
+	}
+
+	inline OBSSafeRef &operator=(const OBSSafeRef &ref)
+	{
+		return Replace(ref.val);
+	}
+	inline OBSSafeRef &operator=(T valIn) { return Replace(valIn); }
+
+	friend OBSSource OBSGetStrongRef(obs_weak_source_t *weak);
+	friend OBSOutput OBSGetStrongRef(obs_weak_output_t *weak);
+	friend OBSEncoder OBSGetStrongRef(obs_weak_encoder_t *weak);
+	friend OBSService OBSGetStrongRef(obs_weak_service_t *weak);
+};
+
 inline OBSSource OBSGetStrongRef(obs_weak_source_t *weak)
 {
 	return {obs_weak_source_get_source(weak), OBSSource::TakeOwnership()};
diff --git a/libobs/util/c99defs.h b/libobs/util/c99defs.h
index e2cf89158..5208bf0cb 100644
--- a/libobs/util/c99defs.h
+++ b/libobs/util/c99defs.h
@@ -33,6 +33,12 @@
 #define FORCE_INLINE inline __attribute__((always_inline))
 #endif
 
+#if defined(IS_LIBOBS) || defined(SWIG)
+#define OBS_EXTERNAL_DEPRECATED
+#else
+#define OBS_EXTERNAL_DEPRECATED OBS_DEPRECATED
+#endif
+
 #ifdef _MSC_VER
 #define EXPORT __declspec(dllexport)
 #else
diff --git a/plugins/image-source/obs-slideshow.c b/plugins/image-source/obs-slideshow.c
index 98adae075..78e4eedc2 100644
--- a/plugins/image-source/obs-slideshow.c
+++ b/plugins/image-source/obs-slideshow.c
@@ -133,8 +133,7 @@ static obs_source_t *get_transition(struct slideshow *ss)
 	obs_source_t *tr;
 
 	pthread_mutex_lock(&ss->mutex);
-	tr = ss->transition;
-	obs_source_addref(tr);
+	tr = obs_source_get_ref(ss->transition);
 	pthread_mutex_unlock(&ss->mutex);
 
 	return tr;
@@ -151,8 +150,7 @@ static obs_source_t *get_source(struct darray *array, const char *path)
 		const char *cur_path = files.array[i].path;
 
 		if (strcmp(path, cur_path) == 0) {
-			source = files.array[i].source;
-			obs_source_addref(source);
+			source = obs_source_get_ref(files.array[i].source);
 			break;
 		}
 	}
diff --git a/plugins/mac-syphon/syphon.m b/plugins/mac-syphon/syphon.m
index 6d4a5c230..a34f5eb29 100644
--- a/plugins/mac-syphon/syphon.m
+++ b/plugins/mac-syphon/syphon.m
@@ -892,8 +892,9 @@ static void syphon_release(void *param)
 
 static inline obs_properties_t *syphon_properties_internal(syphon_t s)
 {
-	if (s)
-		obs_source_addref(s->source);
+	if (s && obs_source_get_ref(s->source) == NULL) {
+		s = NULL;
+	}
 
 	obs_properties_t *props =
 		obs_properties_create_param(s, syphon_release);