You can’t discuss live streaming without mentioning Twitch. Initially a gaming-centric platform, Twitch has evolved over the years to embrace content creators from a wide array of genres. In 2022, viewers watched an astonishing 1.35 trillion minutes on Twitch, surpassing the combined watch time on YouTube Gaming Live and Facebook Gaming. If you aspire to captivate an audience as a live streamer, mastering how to stream on Twitch is crucial.
Creating a Twitch account
To start live streaming on Twitch, first read the community guidelines. Then, sign up for a free account by providing a username, password, email, and date of birth. Finally, enable two-factor authentication by verifying your email and linking your phone number.
Choosing software for live streaming on Twitch
Desktop and laptop users need streaming software to broadcast on Twitch since the app isn’t available for them. Top options include Restream Studio, a feature-rich browser tool good for beginners, OBS Studio, a free open-source choice for multiple platforms but challenging for newcomers, and Streamlabs, user-friendly but only for Windows with monetization tools. Twitch Studio, Twitch’s own software, offers an easy start but is limited and not available for Mac.
Equipment for streaming on Twitch
To start streaming on Twitch, you need a basic setup of a PC, console, or smartphone, along with a microphone and webcam. Twitch supports lower-quality gear, making it beginner-friendly. A powerful CPU is crucial for live game streaming, with options like Intel Core i5-10600K and AMD Ryzen 5 3600 being recommended. A good GPU like Nvidia RTX or Radeon RX 570 is also important.
Use either Windows or macOS and consider a dual-computer setup for advanced streaming. Invest in a quality microphone for clear audio and a webcam for better viewer engagement. Additional gear like lighting, a green screen, and capture cards can enhance your stream as you grow. Aim for cost-effective equipment that offers the best value.
How to live stream on Twitch from a desktop computer
Streaming from a computer is the most popular choice, so let’s start by setting up as a Twitch broadcaster using a PC.
1. Gather, connect, and set up your equipment
Before configuring your streaming software, ensure all necessary hardware is connected. Attach your webcam, microphone, and any additional monitors to your computer. If you’re using a green screen, set it up and prepare your studio space.
Conduct tests before going live: position your webcam at an ideal angle and adjust your microphone’s audio levels. Soundproof your streaming area and optimize your lighting setup if you’re using lights.
2. Connect your streaming software to Twitch
Any of the previously mentioned software options work well for Twitch. You can download and install programs like OBS Studio or Twitch Studio. Alternatively, for a quick and easy start without installation, use Restream Studio to stream directly from your web browser:
- Log in or create a new Restream account.
- In the Restream dashboard, click on “Edit Destinations.”
- In the destinations pop-up, select “+Add Destination.”
- Choose “Twitch” from the list of platforms, then click “Connect Twitch.”
- A new browser window will appear, prompting you for your Twitch username and password. Enter your credentials and click “Log In.”
- Grant Restream permission to access your Twitch account by clicking “Authorize.”
That’s it! Your Restream account is now linked to Twitch. For optimal streaming settings on Twitch, visit our Help Center.
3. Add your sources
Everything you wish to broadcast in your stream must be added as a source in Restream Studio. Examples include:
- Your webcam feed.
- Audio from your microphone.
- The game you are streaming.
For audio, remember there may be two devices involved: one for desktop sounds (sounds from your computer) and another for microphone sounds (your voice).
Adding sources in Restream Studio is straightforward:
- On the Restream dashboard, click “Stream with Studio.”
- Before entering the Studio, allow your browser to access your webcam and microphone, and enter your display name for the stream. Then, click “Enter Studio.”
Inside the Restream live streaming studio, you can add more sources beyond your camera and mic by clicking the “Add source” icon at the bottom of the screen. Add a second camera, slideshow, local video, background music, or bring in another stream from tools like Zoom using RTMP.
4. Discover your ideal streaming settings
When setting up your stream, key parameters to consider include resolution, frame rate, bitrate, and audio bitrate. The optimal settings for Twitch streaming will depend on your upload bandwidth, the power of your encoder, and the content type you plan to broadcast.
A higher bandwidth, a robust processor, and dedicating your processor solely to encoding can significantly enhance your streaming quality. Check Twitch’s recommendations for the best stream settings and match them with your equipment capabilities. Additionally, our guide on good upload speeds for streaming can help explain why upload speed is crucial for live streaming.
5. Personalize your Twitch stream with extra features
Make your Twitch stream uniquely yours by incorporating custom graphics, backgrounds, and more. With Restream, you have the flexibility to tailor your live stream as desired:
- Select a screen layout.
- Enable or disable chat overlay.
- Set up your captions.
- Include scrolling text.
- Add QR codes for on-screen links.
- Invite guests with a secure link.
- Play local videos during your stream.
- Incorporate copyright-free background music.
- Manage a multi-channel live chat.
- Relay chat messages between platforms.
6. Expand your reach by multistreaming
To boost your visibility, consider streaming on platforms in addition to Twitch. Restream supports multistreaming to over 30 channels simultaneously and offers features like chat relays between platforms and broadcasting pre-recorded content. Find detailed instructions on streaming to Twitch and YouTube/Facebook concurrently.
Remember, when simulcasting with Twitch, keep the Twitch chat distinct. You cannot relay messages from the Twitch chat to other platforms, nor display messages from other chats on Twitch. If using a tool like Restream chat, choose to embed only the Twitch chat on-stream to comply with Twitch’s simulcasting rules, while privately viewing all platform messages.
Be aware of additional Twitch simulcasting limitations before going live. Consult Twitch’s simulcasting guidelines for further information.
How to live stream on Twitch from consoles
You can stream on Twitch from a console or smartphone. For a PS4, disable HDCP, set up audio/video, connect to Twitch, and start broadcasting. For Xbox, use the Twitch app to connect and stream. On a smartphone, download the Twitch app, set up your stream, and go live.
What content should you stream on Twitch?
Twitch, originally known for gaming content, has seen “Just Chatting” become its top streaming category post-2020. Streamers can switch between gaming and chatting or focus on specific content genres. Variety streamers attract audiences through personality, while single-category streamers need expertise.
New streamers should stream what they love and choose games wisely, considering popularity and competition. Building a niche across games can establish a following, and maintaining a consistent streaming schedule is essential.
Additional tips for successful streaming on Twitch
To become a successful streamer, focus on improving your stream’s visual and audio quality, enhancing your streaming setup, following Twitch etiquette, and promoting your channel beyond Twitch. Enhance visuals with overlays, alerts, and music, and ensure your setup includes adequate computer resources and a capture card.
Adhere to Twitch guidelines by engaging with viewers and maintaining consistency. Promote your channel by repurposing content for platforms like YouTube and TikTok, and establish a social media presence to increase visibility.
