However, desktop computers are the most popular choice for streaming because you can have more control over your stream. Broadcasting software allows for cool features such as creating scenes and using overlays. Some streamers even have a console-PC setup, using the console for gaming and the PC for streaming the gameplay.
Before you set up your streaming software, make sure all the hardware you need is connected. Connect your webcam, microphone and any additional monitors to your computer. Set up your green screen if you plan to use one and get your studio ready.
How to Stream on Twitch
To do so, in OBS Studio, click File, click Settings, and then click Stream. Select Twitch as your service, then either connect your Twitch account to OBS Studio or connect Twitch using the stream key.
The best stream settings for Twitch depend on available upload bandwidth, the power of your encoder, and the type of content you want to broadcast. Higher bandwidth, a powerful processor, and being able to dedicate your processor to encoding only all offer higher-quality settings.
Some people will jump between gaming and chats as part of their content strategy. Others will focus on chatting alone, or creating art, or playing a single game, or playing a genre of games. Personality is the major draw for variety streamers. If you want to focus on a single game or type of content, you need more advanced knowledge and skills to build an audience.
Restream is a service that allows you to multistream, or stream simultaneously to several channels. It has all sorts of convenient tools that can help with everything from relaying chats between different platforms to broadcasting pre-recorded content.
Where you stream depends on your audience and goals. Twitch offers more customizations for gamers but growing an audience is easier to do on Facebook. If you use Restream, you can stream to both at the same time or even reuse old Twitch streams on Facebook.
Consider the different genres of streaming. Twitch is home to more than just games (Although, trust us, there are plenty of those). From Dungeons and Dragons to cooking channels, there is a community for everything on Twitch. And we all know how important community is.
Formerly known as StreamLabs OBS, this custom version of OBS links up directly with StreamLabs and is great for creating custom layouts to easily manage your streams. Unfortunately, StreamLabs Desktop is only available for Windows.
Hardware is a big part of how to stream on Twitch. Many popular streamers on YouTube and Twitch use the highest-end equipment on the market, but there are plenty of simple, cost-effective options available.
Dedicated webcams are another great way of adding more dimension and personality to your streams. That said, even top-quality cameras are of little use without good lighting to accompany the footage, so try lighting your scene first, before making the decision to upgrade. Looking for suggestions? We made a video about it!
For example, Streamlabs OBS is generally considered easier to use for beginner streamers but has limited customization options and gates many of its features behind its paid subscription. In comparison, OBS is more customizable and lightweight but can be quite complicated and confusing for newer streamers. The jury is still out on which is better, but feel free to try them both and choose for yourself.
Step 1: Streaming Widgets: Most streamers use either StreamElements or StreamLabs widgets to design custom layouts and alerts that display on their stream when someone follows, donates or subscribes to their channel. This adds a level of personalization and interaction that helps viewers feel like part of your community.
You can create your own overlays or purchase premade ones. Add panels that include your socials, your sponsors and the About Me section. Your overlay should reflect your brand and personality to cultivate a loyal viewership. You can also add custom screens when starting your stream, away from the keyboard or ending your stream.
Step 4: Countdown Timer: Sometimes, minor things can bring great joy. Timers to count down the start of your stream, announcements, co-streams, watch parties and in-game activities can help viewers engage with your content.
Whether as a hobby or a side gig, streaming on Twitch can be for everyone. Acknowledge your viewers, cultivate a healthy atmosphere and try to stream the most entertaining content for your audience. Hopefully, this guide has helped you understand how to stream on Twitch and get started with live content creation.
Whether you want to launch a Twitch channel to broadcast your video game sessions, or you simply want to watch others do the same, you need familiarize yourself with the various terms, tiers, and tricks that make Twitch tick. For starters, what type of hardware and software do you need to stream? Also, how can you watch and support your favorite streamers? Our guide answers all your questions.
First, a little background: Twitch launched back in 2011 as a gaming-centric spin-off of the now-defunct Justin.tv. In 2014, Amazon acquired the parent company, Twitch Interactive. Since then, Twitch has blossomed into the go-to streaming destination for watching esports, live streaming games (not to be confused with game streaming services), and supporting other entertainment personalities.
Apart from the web interface, Twitch offers apps for mobile devices (Android and iOS), streaming devices (Chromecasts, Fire TV, Nvidia Shield), and gaming consoles (Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S). We downloaded the software, and signed into Android and browser versions without any issues. Twitch no longer offers dedicated desktop apps for Windows or macOS.
If you plan to broadcast, you need to make sure that you have the right hardware and software. The dedicated Twitch mobile apps have the streaming functionality baked into their cores, but desktop users must figure out another solution. Twitch lists the following requirements for broadcasts: a solid internet connection, streaming software, a machine that will run your content, and audio and visual peripherals.
These streaming layouts are what you use to customize what appears on your stream. You can add various layers to each layout such as camera feeds (for example, if you want to add a video feed that shows you on top of the main capture source); any text or graphics; or channel alerts (such as subscriptions, cheers, or follows) in a WYSIWYG editor. After you get everything set up and are ready to go live, hit the purple Start Stream button at the bottom of the app. The app experience is sleek and seamless. Twitch even has software for making sure the music you stream won't get you banned for copyright violations.
Since Twitch is primarily a platform for streaming games, choosing a popular title could help boost your popularity from the offset. Games such as Apex: Legends, Call of Duty, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, FIFA, Fortnite, League of Legends, Minecraft, Overwatch, Rocket League, and Valorant are all safe bets. New and emerging titles also have lots of viewership potential, especially for gamers who are on the fence about purchasing said games. Above all else, you should choose a game that you are skilled at and enjoy playing. A combination of passion and expertise can go a long way in helping you build an audience. Make sure to avoid any games that Twitch forbids, namely those that have an Adults Only rating from the ESRB or violate existing community guidelines. You can check Twitch's current (but non-exhaustive) list just to be safe. In any case, our roundup of the best video games for kids is a good place to start.
Chats are another way to build and foster your community of followers. In addition to public chats, Twitch lets streamers set up subscriber-only chat rooms, so you can keep in touch with the people who are invested in your channel. Consider it an investment call for the social media age. Maybe they have suggestions on how to improve your stream. Perhaps they just want to chat about life. In any case, if you intend to grow your following, you have to engage with your most dedicated followers and make them feel special. Many streamers also use Discord to engage their followers. Our feature on how to use Discord covers everything you need to know about the community-oriented platform.
First up is Twitch's Affiliate program. To be eligible, you need to have streamed for eight hours in the last 30 days, streamed on seven of the last 30 days, reached an average of three viewers per stream, and grown your audience to 50 followers. Twitch automatically invites you to this program once you meet those metrics. You must continue to meet these goals or risk losing your account privileges.
Bits are a slightly more convoluted system. Essentially, users purchase Bits for real money to cheer on streamers. 100 Bits costs $1.40, 5,000 Bits costs $64.40, and 25,000 Bits costs $308. Streamers typically earn a penny for every bit you use in the chat. So, for every 1,000 Bits subscribers submit into the chat, the broadcaster earns $10. The higher the Bit value, the more visually pleasing the Bit gem emote. For example, the 1 Bit animation is just a grey, pyramid-like structure that twirls around, while the 10,000 Bit animation is a bright red star that disintegrates and reforms. Streamers can set minimum thresholds for Bits, in terms of total Bit value and the smallest possible Bit. So, for example, egomaniacal streamers can set both the minimum Bit value and smallest Bit size to 5,000 to ensure that they come away with at least $50 every time someone cheers. Cheermotes are simply messages that contain Bits.
If you are still confused about some aspect of Twitch, the best way to get comfortable with it is simply to use it. The more time you spend on the platform, the easier it is to understand all the terms and mechanics. Although instant success is still not likely, you can use this experience to craft a winning streaming strategy. You also need to understand the Twitch community before you can hope to gain a significant following or earn an appreciable amount of money. 2ff7e9595c
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