Twitch has garnered over 9 million unique viewers over the last few years while also hosting a diverse spectrum of live entertainment channels, including everything from professional e-sports gameplay to informal cookery shows and living room DJ sets, and some dubious ASMR feeds. The Amazon-owned streaming platform has grown in popularity and evolved into more than just a video game streaming service.
Theoretically, all you need to start streaming is a gadget and a reasonably solid internet connection. The entire procedure is so straightforward that you might complete it before reading the rest of this post. If you’re looking to put together a more professional setup, you can do it in under an hour, whether using your gaming PC, laptop, console, or even your smartphone. So, if you want to try your hand at Twitch or are already sure that the road to Internet celebrity is one you must take, here’s all you need to know about how to stream on Twitch.
Choosing your software to stream on Twitch is the first step.
Twitch streaming is a lot easier than you may imagine, thanks to its flexibility to allow streaming from various platforms. Gaming PCs and decently capable gaming laptops are some of the most typical places to stream Twitch from. And to do so, you’ll need the appropriate software to get your stream up and run. For streaming, you should increase your channel followers and viewers with the help of Twitch-Viral.
XSplit, a Windows 10-centric application, and Open Broadcaster Software (OBS), available on Mac, Linux, and Windows, are the two main options. XSplit is the easiest to use, with a straightforward UI, though it makes demand payment. OBS is a terrific free alternative and perhaps one of the most famous pieces of streaming software, but you’ll have to roll up your sleeves and do a little more initial setup with it. Custom versions of OBS, such as Streamlabs OBS and StreamElements OBS. Live, are also available.
These tools work together with Streamlabs and StreamElements to make it simple to create unique layouts, alerts, and other features. Those new to broadcasting might check out Twitch Studio, Twitch’s streaming program that was designed with novices in mind. This program is free and guides you through the configuration of your critical streaming devices, such as your camera and game feed. It also includes customizable templates to help you start streaming right away.
OBS: How to Use It
Setting Up Your Stream
- Launch OBS.
- Go to the Settings tab.
- Choose a Stream
- For the quickest setup, select Twitch as the service and click Connect Account.
- Enter your account and password into Twitch. You’re ready to go! (If you do this, skip to Setting the scene and going live.)
- If you don’t want to connect your account directly, you can use a stream key to connect Twitch to OBS. Return to your Twitch dashboard and click Stream Key to do so. To get your unique streaming code, follow the directions.
- In the Broadcast Settings menu, put the code into the Stream Key box. Select ‘OK.’
Configuring Your Stream with XSplit
- Start XSplit.
- Choose Broadcast, Add Channel, and Twitch from the drop-down menu.
- Enter your Twitch login and password in the Authorize box.
- Click the Finish button. XSplit will choose the best resolution for you.
- Make any necessary changes to your stream parameters and click OK.
How to use the PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S to stream to Twitch
If you have a PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, or Xbox Series X/S, you can broadcast directly from your console without any additional hardware or software. To stream on Twitch with your PS4 or PS5, press the ‘Share’ button on your controller, select Broadcast Gameplay, and choose Twitch. You can go live with a single click once you’ve logged in. Meanwhile, streaming on Twitch with the Xbox One or Xbox Series X/S is straightforward, though you must first download the free Twitch software from the Xbox Store. Start streaming whichever game you choose once you’ve downloaded the app and logged in. Then, from the main menu of the Twitch app, pick Broadcast.
How to Twitch Stream from a Smartphone
- Download and install the Twitch App.
Download the Twitch app for your smartphone from either the App Store or the Google Play Store.
- Visit the Twitch website and sign in.
Twitch will either ask for your phone number or give you a text message if you use 2FA (two-factor authentication). Use that code to double-check your login.
- Select ‘Go Live’ from the drop-down menu.
Go to the upper right-hand corner and click it to access your profile image. You’ll be directed to a page with a large ‘Go Live’ button. Once you’ve done that, provide access to your microphone and camera, and you’re ready!
- Give your program a name and begin broadcasting!
All you have to do is title your stream, same as on other devices. You can also choose a content category and a specific camera on the desktop version and then click start stream’ to get started.
Using a Desktop Computer to Stream to Twitch
Streaming from your desktop is dependent on the software platform you have installed. Whether you’re using OBS, Lightstream, XSplit, or something else, the processes will be comparable.
- Install the software you want (and create an account if necessary).
- Though Lightstream is excellent for console streaming, it may also be used to stream high-quality footage directly from your desktop in some instances.
- Lightstream, on the other hand, was created mainly to address streaming from consoles. If you’d instead stream from your desktop, OBS Studio, StreamLabs Desktop, or XSplit are all excellent choices. Adjust your project settings according to the platform’s instructions, then add your media sources (audio, video, and so on) and proceed to the next stage.
- Make sure your microphone and camera are both connected. Make that your computer’s microphone, camera, and any other reach a higher level are all connected. You’re all set to go! It’s time to begin your streaming adventure.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Twitch Streams
Making your Twitch streaming setup the best it can involves several elements. Here are a few pointers on how to make your broadcasts more effective:
- Familiarize yourself with your software: When streaming, the more experienced you are with the software encoders, gaming consoles, and controllers you use, the easier it will be to modify settings on the fly or fix problems as they arise.
- Keep your hardware in order: Wires, cords, and cards can quickly become tangled. Try bundling them together or taping them down to keep them from becoming twisted or dirty. While streaming, we also recommend having everything customizable within reach of where you’re sitting. If you need to adjust your volume or press a button on your stream deck quickly, you can do it without leaving the camera frame.
- Before you go live, double-check your audio and video: Many users mistake starting their stream without testing to see if their audio or video is working out of a desire to save time. As a result, individuals may play for hours before noticing a blank screen or a malfunctioning microphone. You can avoid such a predicament and spare yourself a headache by testing ahead of time.