Easy Way To Stream On Twitch

Do you like playing games, chatting, and want your audience watching you? Twitch is the perfect platform for this and is not nearly as difficult as it sounds. We’ll talk about it in our Twitch Streaming Guide. Find out about the most popular streaming software, the best microphones, streaming cameras, peak PC performance, and more!

What started as a game-focused site has expanded in recent years to a platform, which can help you create content in a variety of genres. Even if you’re not a gamer, you need to understand how Twitch works if you want to get into the realm of online streaming.

Twitch has a 67 percent market share of hours viewed in 2020. Other sites trail far behind, with YouTube accounting for 22% and Facebook accounting for 11%. Although every powerful live streaming platform (excluding Mixer) had a record-breaking year in 2020, Twitch benefited the most from the live streaming boom.

Setting up a Twitch account

The most delicate features of Twitch are only available to registered users. To interact with content, you must first create an account. The same is valid for becoming a content creator. So, that’s where we’ll begin. Following that, we’ll go over the software, the equipment, and the streaming process.

How to Sign Up for a Twitch Account for Live Streaming

It is simple to create an account. Even if Twitch includes an additional step for individuals who wish to live stream on the platform, the total number of steps is still three. Twitch accounts are also entirely free.

1. Read over the community guidelines

Ideally, you’d read over Twitch’s whole legal section. However, there is a lot of jargon, so at the very least, follow the community norms. Before you create an account, read the instructions and bookmark the page to check back for updates.

2. Register for an account

It’s as simple as clicking the “sign up” button and filling out the form on a desktop computer.

On mobile devices, you must install the Twitch mobile app. Twitch suggests first joining up using your phone number and then adding an email address afterward.

3. Make two-factor authentication available

The catch is that you can’t broadcast on Twitch until you activate 2FA, and you can’t enable 2FA on mobile devices. So, log in to your account on a desktop computer, navigate the security settings, and enable 2FA. To complete the 2FA process, you’ll need a mobile phone.

Which software should I use for Twitch live streaming?

When streaming on Twitch from a desktop computer, most experts agree that novices should start with software encoders unless they have hardware encoders.

Each software encoder has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. If you’re looking for some of the more popular solutions, here are a few:

• The OBS Studio: OBS Studio is a free, open-source streaming software with cross-platform interoperability that is the first option for many inexperienced content makers. The learning curve might be steep if you’ve never used live streaming software before.
• Streamlabs OBS: The Streamlabs OBS version includes several incredible features that might assist you in monetizing your channel. However, it is only accessible for Windows.

• XSplit: A popular choice for broadcasters looking to check out premium software, it shines only if you’re ready to spend in the commercial edition.
• vMix: If you feel you’re ready to become a professional streamer, this is an option to consider.

Try Twitch Studio, Twitch’s proprietary streaming software that is now in open beta, if you want to get a quick start on Twitch merely to see if streaming is for you. Check out Twitch’s streaming software recommendations for even more possibilities.

If you wish to broadcast to other platforms besides Twitch simultaneously, you’ll need to add another software solution to your roster.

What hardware should I use for streaming on Twitch?

You don’t need the most recent generation of CPUs or the most recent model DSLR to broadcast on Twitch. Because the site isn’t at the cutting edge of video quality — it doesn’t offer 4K streaming like YouTube — you might be able to get away with lower-quality equipment.

However, while streaming a video game, encoding and gameplay might be too big of a load for a computer’s CPU, something many Twitch content providers confront. So you can’t just start broadcasting on Twitch with whatever hardware you have. This will necessitate the use of a CPU capable of handling it. Let’s look at each piece of gear one at a time.

Computer / Console/ Smartphone

The PC, console, or smartphone is the core piece of gear in any streaming arrangement, depending on your use. Consoles like PlayStation 4 and Xbox One and cellphones are feasible possibilities. Because you don’t have to bother about the software or additional gear, these gadgets give a simple introduction to the world of streaming.

On the other hand, desktop PCs are the most common choice for streaming. You may utilize a larger range of devices with them, and broadcasting software includes unique capabilities like scene creation and overlays. Indeed, desktop computers are so handy that even those who broadcast from consoles frequently utilize the consoles for gaming and a PC to stream the activity.

PCs are almost inevitable for high-end streaming, but they also provide the greatest alternatives when you’re just starting started. Here are some things to keep in mind when creating a streaming desktop PC:

• The CPU: It must manage both gaming and encoding simultaneously. You’ll need a reasonably powerful CPU. The Intel Core i5-10600K and AMD Ryzen 7 5800X are strong mid-range options, while the AMD Ryzen 5 3600 is a good budget-friendly alternative.
• The GPU: An Nvidia RTX graphics card has hardware encoders built-in, and you may utilize it with OBS Studio to assist the CPU. The Radeon RX 570 and the GeForce GTX 1660 Ti are excellent GPU choices.
• OS: You may use a PC, a Mac, or even a laptop as your operating system. If you intend to use it for gaming and broadcasting, read on, you’ll need a nice one.
• Dual-Computer Configuration: One computer can be used for gaming while the other is used for encoding and streaming. The one with the faster CPU should handle encoding.

Overall, an i5 CPU, 8 GB of RAM, and a stable internet connection are sufficient to begin streaming. The more you want from your content, though, the more you’ll need to invest in the fundamentals. As you’ll see later, the same rule applies to all other transmitting equipment.

Microphone

Unless you’re an excellent player who can draw and retain an audience merely by playing games very well, you’ll need to give more to keep your viewers interested. The very least you can do is provide audio commentary, which allows you to express yourself and engage with your audience.

Because audio quality is so vital in streaming, microphones are always a good investment for streamers. You want folks to be able to hear and understand what you’re saying. If your viewers cannot hear you, they will leave your channel. It’s possible to get by with a gaming headset’s built-in microphone for a time, but it’s ideal to invest in a separate microphone right immediately. Some common options, ranging from the least expensive to the most expensive, are:

• Elgato Wave 3
• HyperX Quadcast S
• Audio Technica AT2020
• Blue Yeti X
• Razer Seiren Mini

Web Camera

If you believe you should include nonverbal clues such as facial expressions in your arsenal of communication tools, you should get a camera. Webcams, which do not require a capture card, can produce decent results. Here are a few popular options:

• Razer Kiyo
• Logitech BRIO
• Logitech HD Pro C920
• Logitech StreamCam
• Microsoft LifeCam HD-3000
• Razer Kiyo
• Logitech BRIO

You may also try streaming with a DSLR camera if you want to improve the video quality of your stream. You’ll need a capture card to utilize it with live streaming software like OBS. A DSLR camera costs more than a webcam, improving your production value.

A PC (or console, or smartphone), a microphone, and a camera are all you’ll need for a simple setup.

Additional Streaming Equipment

The basic configuration is an excellent place to begin. A lack of output value, on the other hand, will eventually hold you back. You’ll need to buy some new equipment to add another computer to your setup or just look better on camera.

Here’s some gear to think about when the subs start to arrive:

• Lighting: If you’re streaming with a camera, why not employ appealing lighting to make yourself more visible? There are several options: LED softboxes provide soothing illumination, ring lights provide even coverage with only one light, and inexpensive clamp lights strategically placed can eliminate unsightly shadows.
• Green screen: A green screen can be useful for adding or removing your backdrop. Best of all, most encoders will detect it, making it simple to learn how to employ chroma keying in your broadcasts.
• A game capture card: required to set up a two-computer configuration or broadcast console games through a computer. There are two possibilities: exterior or internal.
• The stream deck: A stream deck is a touchscreen that allows you to activate instructions with a swipe of your finger. It’s beneficial if you have a number of scenarios you want to switch between throughout the stream or if you want a simpler way to alter your audio levels and lighting.

Consider the cost-effectiveness of live streaming equipment. As you gain expertise as a Twitch video creator, you’ll be able to tell which extra gear you need and which is just a waste of money. Always search for the most bang for your money that you can afford.

How to Stream Live to Twitch from a Computer

The ease of access is one of the driving forces behind the rise of live streaming. To view live broadcasts, all you need is an internet connection and a device with a screen. The fact that so many people have access to both bodes well for your future in broadcasting.

The hurdle for being a content producer, on the other hand, is higher, especially if you want to be successful. However, it takes a bit more than solid streaming equipment and a desire to get your feet wet to get started. Here are the fundamental steps for streaming on a desktop computer.

1. Make a list of the stuff you wish to broadcast.

Twitch is currently host to a wide range of content. We’ll delve into all the cool things you can live stream later, but for now, you should know that different forms of material need different equipment.

To create good ASMR content, high-quality microphones or even specialized equipment, such as the 3Dio Free Space binaural microphone, are required. That type of equipment might not be readily available at your local store, and if it is, it might be unreasonably costly. Plan your content first, then your equipment.

2. Gather, connect and assemble your equipment.

Before configuring your streaming software, ensure that all of the necessary gear is connected. This requires connecting your webcam and microphone to your computer. If you want to use a green screen or add another computer monitor to your setup, now is the time to do it.

Also, test everything. Set your webcam to a decent angle and check the audio levels on your microphone. It’s a good opportunity to soundproof the area you’re broadcasting into or change your lighting if you’re utilizing it.

3. Download and install the program, then link it to Twitch.

Any of the software options we listed previously will work perfectly with Twitch. For the sake of this essay, though, we’ll be utilizing OBS Studio for all examples and explanations.

Following installation, OBS Studio will prompt you to run the auto-configuration wizard. Consider doing a manual installation. That will familiarize you with several crucial components of streaming.

To begin, navigate to File > Settings > Stream in OBS Studio. Select “Twitch” as your service, then either link your Twitch account or connect Twitch using the stream key.

You’ll just need your Twitch account login details for the former. For the latter, go to Twitch, then Settings > Channel and Videos, and copy the primary stream key that appears. Simply copy and paste it into OBS, and you’re done.

4. Include all of the audio/video sources and images you want to use.

Everything you intend to broadcast on your stream must be added to OBS as a source. Your microphone is a source, as is the game you’d like to play, as is the stream from your camera and anything else is on your desktop. If you want it to appear in your stream, you must include it as a source.

The amazing thing about OBS Studio is that it will detect your audio sources most of the time. If it doesn’t, go to File ­> Settings > Audio and choose the audio devices you wish to utilize. Typically, this entails having a device for desktop noises (sounds generated by your computer) and a device for sounds generated by your microphone (your voice).

The “sources” box may be found in OBS Studio’s main panel for video sources. By choosing the “+” button, you’ll be taken to a menu where you may add sources such as games, your desktop, web pages, photos, and text files. Keep in mind that the sources displayed on the screen are in the same order as in the “sources” box, piled on top of one another. Moving a source up the list places it on top of other sources.

5. Discover your ideal streaming settings.

The Twitch streaming settings you’ll want will be determined by the amount of upload bandwidth available, the capability of your encoder, and the sort of video you wish to broadcast. Higher bandwidth, a strong CPU, and the ability to dedicate only to encoding contribute to higher-quality settings.

Twitch’s guide is a decent place to start if you want hard figures. Twitch suggests a bandwidth of roughly 3000 kbps for a basic 720p@30fps stream.

The five steps shown above are the simplest approach to configure your OBS Studio for the first stream.

How to Stream to Twitch from a Console or a Smartphone

Twitch live streaming from a PC may not be the best solution for you. Perhaps you, like many others, prefer to play your games on a console. Perhaps you enjoy viewing live broadcasts on consoles — many people do — and see no reason to have separate devices for streaming and watching. Or it’s possible that you don’t want to go through the arduous process of setting up a gaming PC when there’s a perfectly decent console available for gaming and streaming. And, as a console user, you’ve probably heard of Twitch.

How to Stream to Twitch from a PlayStation 4

If you want to join the less-crowded Twitch console broadcasting sector, here’s how to set up your consoles after you’ve made a Twitch account and activated 2FA. Let’s begin with the PlayStation 4.

1. Prepare your PlayStation 4 for live streaming.

Before you start your game and connect the console to your Twitch account, you need to pay attention to the following settings:

• Make sure HDCP is turned off. This option may be found under Settings > System. Turn it on when streaming video from services such as Netflix on your PS4. It should be turned off when streaming.
• Configure your devices. Options for audio devices and the PlayStation Camera may be found under Settings > Devices. You may modify the volumes for your microphone or headset here. Other than the PlayStation Camera, the PlayStation 4 does not accept any webcams.
• Configure audio sharing. This is where you activate your microphone’s sound for your broadcast. When the game is launched, click the “share” button on the controller and navigate to Sharing and Broadcast Settings > Broadcast Settings > Advanced Settings > Audio Sharing Settings.
• Turn on the chat. Go to Sharing and Broadcast Settings > Broadcast Settings > Advanced Settings and click the “Display Messages to Spectators and Spectators’ Comments” box to activate the conversation.

2. Link your PlayStation 4 to your Twitch account.

When you press the “share” button on your controller, the option to broadcast games will appear. The PS4 will ask you which platform you want to utilize, and after you’ve chosen Twitch, you’ll need to link the console to your account. You can do so by following these steps:

• Scanning a QR code displayed on your screen
• Visiting Twitch/tv/activate from a computer or smartphone, and inputting the code seen on your screen.

3. Perform the last check before beginning to stream.

After connecting the console to Twitch, you’ll be able to choose a title for the stream, enable the camera if it’s attached, and set the output quality. When you’re finished, you’ll be able to begin streaming to Twitch from your PS4.

It’s a simple technique that doesn’t even require the installation of the Twitch app. However, if you want to watch other people’s streams on a PS4, you’ll need the Twitch app.

How to Stream to Twitch from an Xbox 360

Unlike the PS4, the Xbox does not have native Twitch functionality. So, if you wish to stream to Twitch from an Xbox, follow these steps.

1. Download and install the Twitch app.

Navigate to the Xbox Store, look for the official Twitch app, and install it.

2. Link your Twitch account to the Twitch app.

When you launch the app for the first time, you’ll receive a six-digit code that you must manually input at twitch.tv/activate. To go there, you’ll need a desktop computer or a smartphone.

3. Connect and configure your gadgets.

With an Xbox One, you may utilize any standard webcam and external microphones and headsets. Connect everything to your Xbox and check that the microphone and webcam are enabled in the settings. You should also adjust some additional options, so go to Settings > Account > Privacy and Online Safety > Xbox Live Privacy > View the Details and Customize menus, and then:

• Allow the “You can broadcast gameplay” and “You can share content generated with Kinect or another camera” choices under Game Content.
• Select “Everybody” under “Others can see if you’re online” under Online Status and History.

It’s also worth mentioning that using a Kinect is the only way to broadcast video from an Xbox One to Twitch. Because neither the console nor the Twitch app enables external cameras, if you don’t have a Kinect, your stream will be limited to audio and gameplay.

4. Make a title and begin broadcasting.

After you’ve chosen a title for your stream, you’ll be able to start playing a game and broadcasting.

How to Use a Smartphone to Stream on Twitch

While consoles are primarily concerned with streaming game content, cellphones are not. Twitch’s smartphone app only allows you to broadcast from your phone’s camera, so you’ll have to rely on third-party programs to cast mobile gaming. Here’s how to use your smartphone to live broadcast to Twitch.

1. Get the Twitch app and install it.

First and foremost, you must have the app loaded on your smartphone. Download the Twitch app from the Google Play or Apple App Store.

2. Open the app and sign in.

To log in to the app, you’ll need to go through Twitch’s entire two-factor verification process.

3. Click on your profile photo in the upper left-hand corner.

This will take you to the screen where you’ll see the “go live” button.

4. Select the “go live” option.

Before you may live stream to Twitch using the app, you must first provide access to your camera and/or microphone.

5. Configure the stream and go live.

Before you go live, follow these simple steps:

• Give your stream a unique name.
• Choose a content category from the dropdown menu.
• Select the camera that you wish to use.
• Share a link to your stream using your phone’s applications.

All that remains is to tap the “start stream” button, and you’ll be online.

For a beginner, live broadcasting on Twitch isn’t too difficult. With some simple equipment and normal computer literacy, you can have your live broadcast on Twitch in minutes. It’s that simple to learn how to broadcast on Twitch if all you want to do is a live stream.

How to Improve Your Twitch Streaming

Success on Twitch is assessed by the distribution of hours viewed. Three-quarters of live hours seen are held by a small group of top streamers, totaling four thousand. Twitch has around 9 million monthly broadcasters, so the math is simple. A lot of people’s stuff isn’t receiving a lot of attention.

If you want to join the ranks of successful Twitch broadcasters, you’ll need to put in a little more work than simply learning how to stream on Twitch. The most critical part of developing a succession plan is content.

What type of material should you broadcast on Twitch?

Twitch’s origins may be traced back to gaming content. For a long period, it was the platform’s main lure. Even now, it appears that most people tune in to watch gaming material. League of Legends and Fortnite are two of the most popular categories of hours viewed.

However, as of March 2021, the Just Chatting category dominated concurrent viewership with 63 million watched hours, accounting for a 12.8 percent viewing share of total watched hours. Channels concerning everything, not just games and gamer culture, may be found under the Just Chatting category.

So, what does all of this imply for you? You don’t have to be stuck making awful game material if you’re much better at anything else. Here are a few pointers to help you settle on a good content category – or a few.

1. Do you stream in various genres, or do you stick to a single one?

Some consumers will switch between games, conversations, and streaming as part of a diverse content strategy. Others will concentrate on conversing alone, making art, playing a particular game, or a genre of games. Your personality is the main lure as a variety streamer. If you’re a more focused streamer, your knowledge and talents will help you create an audience.

2. Stream your favorite content.

You’ll probably spend some time streaming to a tiny audience. Beginnings may be difficult, and streaming might appear to be an uphill fight to win over one viewer at a time. The easiest approach to keep with it is to broadcast something you enjoy doing, whether it’s a hobby or a game you enjoy playing.

3. Select the games you wish to watch with care.

The most popular games have a large number of viewers, but they also have a large number of established channels flocking to them. New releases may skyrocket in popularity, as seen by Apex Legends’ meteoric rise in 2019. A nice strategy is to use tools like Quizzical Pixel’s What to Stream to locate games with a high audience but few channels broadcasting them.

4. Think about a cross-game specialty that people will be interested in.

You don’t have to limit yourself to one genre to become a well-known streamer with a large audience. You can be a speedrunner who strives to complete games as rapidly as possible. You may be a very competitive player who only plays games to duel people. You may flourish as a community guru who deciphers game mechanics and assists others in becoming excellent at games.

5. Choose material that you can create regularly.

Because consistency is important for streaming, the best approach to achieve it is to strive to stay on a schedule as much as possible. If the material you wish to generate does not allow for frequent streaming, it is recommended to avoid streaming that sort of video. That is, of course, assuming you do not intend to supplement your portfolio with other types of content.

How can I make my broadcast look and sound amazing?

Your equipment and upload speed are important factors in the quality of your broadcast, but they are not the only ones. Quality is influenced by content as well but in a different way. Other effects you may add to your stream, and unique settings you can pay attention to can make a significant impact.

If you want your stream to appear and sound like some of the most prominent broadcasters, keep the following in mind:

• Before the stream, prepare scenes in OBS Studio. Scenes are distinct layouts of material that you wish to see on the screen, and they are essential for the stream to work well.
• Make a welcome screen, a BRB screen, and a final screen. These can be static pictures that inform folks that you’ll be starting to broadcast shortly, that you’ll be taking a break from the stream, or that the stream has ended.
• Begin utilizing overlays. Overlays are visuals that appear on top of live video. They may assist you in customizing the appearance of your stream. The finest overlay creators provide free, premium, and custom-made overlays.
• Include notifications in your streams. Alerts are audio-visual packages that are launched in response to specified activities, such as someone subscribing to your channel. They are provided by third-party services such as Streamlabs, Muxy, and StreamElements.
• Take a look at these Twitch addons. Twitch extensions are programs that may interact with your feed and give real-time statistics about your gaming performance, for example. You may also utilize them to allow your viewers to participate in minigames.
• Add songs to your playlist. You’d be shocked how deafeningly silent a stream can be without music. Streaming copyrighted music without authorization may result in your channel being muted or other consequences. Use royalty-free music providers like Pretzel Rocks, Soundstripe, Epidemic Sound.
• Take note of the audio sync. You’re probably familiar with audio sync difficulties if you’re broadcasting on Twitch. Deal with it in OBS Studio by adjusting the Audio Sync Offset option in the Audio Mixer.
• Improve your live streaming setup. If you want to boost the strength of your streaming setup so that it can handle whatever game you throw at it, installing a dedicated streaming PC is a wonderful way to do it. If you have a two-PC arrangement, the higher processing power will handle the streaming. You’ll also need a capture card.

Capture cards are available in both internal and exterior forms. The external cards link to the streaming computer through USB on one end and the gaming computer via HDMI. The internal cards must be physically inserted on the motherboard of the streaming computer before being linked to the gaming PC via HDMI. After setup, all that remains is to add the capture card as a source in OBS.

The key difference between a PC-console arrangement and a TV or computer monitor is that the capture card lies between the console and the TV or computer monitor. Connect the console to the card via the “in” HDMI port and the card to the display or TV via the “out” HDMI port. Again, simply add the card as a source in OBS Studio, and you’re done.

What are the Twitch etiquette guidelines that will help me engage with the audience?

Like any other location where people congregate, Twitch has its own set of dos and don’ts. Some of these are formalized by Twitch in the community standards, and yes, even if you missed them at the beginning of the post, you should still read them.

However, several tactics may increase your engagement and assist everyone watching your broadcast, including you as a streamer, have a nice experience. This is Twitch etiquette, and the essential guidelines to follow are as follows:

• Say welcome to your channel’s regular viewers. This will demonstrate your gratitude while also providing something for other visitors to strive for.
• Maintain your streaming schedule. Don’t leave your viewers waiting, and try not to surprise them too often with unplanned streaming. People have a life.
• Make use of social media. Establish a social media presence to better communicate with your audience and explore commercial prospects.
• Connect with other streams. You’re not doing this alone, so play games with other broadcasters and occasionally co-stream with them.
• “Thank you” to those who assist you. Neglecting this is one of the most egregious ways to show contempt to those who financially support you.
• Do not visit other people’s streams to promote yourself in the chat room. This is unacceptable activity, and moderators will most likely block your efforts.
• Recruit moderators. Moderators may make or break the cleanliness and friendliness of your stream’s conversation.
• As a streamer, you should be friendly. You should value your audience’s time and attention and repay them by being the finest content provider you can be. Never pass up a chance to communicate with your audience, whether it’s as simple as saying “hi” when they join or generating material that is tailored to their needs.

Let’s wrap it up!

Live streaming may be a gratifying experience. You can gain from starting to stream to develop streamable material from something you enjoy doing. Streaming can only benefit you by making new friends, discovering new business chances, or simply practicing your performing abilities.

Twitch is an apparent top pick for venues where you can stream interesting material. It’s the dominant platform, effectively welcoming all sorts of content, from gaming to ASMR and full-body cosmetic instructions. Learning how to stream on Twitch is virtually a rite of passage for aspiring content creators due to the platform’s popularity and market dominance.

Twitch, however, is not the only platform available. Much of what you should do while streaming on Twitch applies to other platforms as well. You’ll learn how to flourish on other platforms if you learn how to be a successful Twitch broadcaster.