How to Stream on Twitch
Twitch is the biggest live streaming platform in the world. Streamers are some of the most popular online content creators at the moment, and live streaming is only continuing to grow.
If you want to stream to Twitch and grow a fanbase then you’re in the right place. This article is a guide to streaming for beginners – a comprehensive Twitch starter guide. We’ll take you through streaming set up, share how to broadcast to Twitch from OBS, and how to go live on Twitch.
We’ll also explain what equipment you need, the differences between streaming on PC and Mac (spoiler: there aren’t any), and give you some general tips on becoming a Twitch streamer.
Is it free to live stream on Twitch?
Yes, Twitch is free to use as a streamer. When it comes to starting your own Twitch stream all you have to do is create an account and you’re good to go.
If you already have a Twitch account, bear in mind that Twitch uses two factor authentication. When logging into Twitch you will often be asked to provide a Twitch activate code. This is normally sent to your email address, you can simply copy and paste it from your inbox into Twitch desktop, site or app.
How to use twitch
Twitch provides a great platform for you to build an online community and brand. But it’s not easy to do that. Here are a few tips on how to use Twitch well.
Have a consistent streaming schedule
One of the most common pieces of advice for YouTube creators is to have a consistent upload schedule, and with Twitch this is even more important.
As people are tuning into your content live, they need to know when it’s going to happen. People may really want to watch you, but if they don’t know when to tune into your stream then they’re going to miss you.
Identify your niche
This is a hard one, but it’s very important. There are around 8.8 million active streamers on Twitch, so standing out from the crowd is important. You may love playing FIFA and want to live stream yourself playing, but why should anyone watch you over another FIFA streamer?
Maybe you’re simply amazing at the game, maybe you’re terrible, maybe you have a great personality, maybe you have an incredibly in depth knowledge of real world football that you can apply to the game. All of these are good starting points to build your unique Twitch identity.
Customize your channel
Your identity on Twitch isn’t just limited to your streams, you can also customize your channel to help define you and your content.
You can alter the design of your Channel Page, use different moderation settings in your chat and give viewers information about you and what you do.
What do I need to start streaming on Twitch? or What do you need to stream on twitch
If you’re thinking of starting your own twitch stream, you need to make sure you have the right equipment and software. Read on for information on what you need for your Twitch streaming set up.
What equipment do you need to live stream on Twitch?
In order to run a very basic stream on Twitch, all you need is your laptop or your phone. However, if you want your stream to look and sound great, then it’s advisable that you invest in a few more bits of equipment.
Microphone
A good quality microphone is probably the most important piece of equipment you can get for your livestream. Clean and clear sound is more important to viewers than really high quality video. Bad audio can be unbearable but webcam quality video is totally fine with most people.
If you want to invest in a microphone then check out our in-depth microphone guide to the different types of microphones available on the market.
Camera & Lights
Though not as important as high quality audio, pro video can elevate your stream to a higher level. Good lighting and a decent camera is an easy way to look like a professional, and doesn’t have to cost that much either.
Do you need OBS to stream on Twitch?
No, you do not need OBS to stream to Twitch.
OBS Studio is a desktop broadcasting software that you can use to set up your stream, create different scenes and then broadcast to any online live streaming service. Of course Twitch is one of the many liv streaming sites you can broadcast to.
Whilst OBS is a great option for streaming to Twitch, it is not the only option. There are many other third party live streaming programs available that you can use to live stream to Twitch. Twitch have even recently released their own desktop program called Twitch Studio.
How to stream on twitch with obs
It’s easy to go live on Twitch using OBS. Once you’ve set up your stream’s look and feel, open the settings using the button in the bottom right hand corner of the interface.
In the settings window go to the Stream tab. In the Service drop down menu select Twitch, click the button that says Login With Twitch Account.
Once you have logged, in your Twitch account will be linked to OBS. When you start streaming using the Start Streaming button in the bottom right hand corner of OBS the broadcast will automatically be pushed to your Twitch channel.
How to set up a twitch stream
Step 1: Download Twitch Studio
Download and install Twitch Studio from the Twitch website.
Once the application is installed, open it and log in to your Twitch account.
Step 2: Set up audio and video
You will be asked to grant permission for Twitch to access your microphone and webcam – allow this. You will also need to install Twitch’s Audio Capture Agent.
Continue and Twitch will test your Stream Quality Settings and recommend what quality you should stream at. Once this is done click Continue to App.
Step 3: Edit scene
Now you can edit the scene of your livestream. This is where you can change the layout of your stream, and customize exactly how it will look. For a full guide to editing scenes check out Twitch’s guide.
Once you’re happy with your scene, save it. Now when you want to go live, you have your stream set up and ready to go so you can simply focus on entertaining your audience.
How to go live on twitch
Once you’ve set up your stream using Twitch Studio, go live by clicking Start Stream.
How to stream on twitch mac
Streaming on Mac is the same as streaming on PC. All you need to do is download OBS, Twitch Studio, or another broadcasting software and start streaming!
How to stream on twitch on pc or How do you go live on Twitch on PC?
How to stream on twitch from pc
Streaming on PC is identical to Setting up Twitch streams on Apple devices. You simply need to download the streaming software of your choice (we recommend OBS Studio or Twitch Studio), get the stream looking and feeling how you want, and then go live.
What is stream manager Twitch?/h2>
What does a Twitch manager do?
Twitch Stream manager is a tool that lets you quickly and easily edit your stream.
The Stream Manager shows you recent activity on your account. This includes new follows, subs, cheers, raids, and host activity.
You can also edit the Stream Manager to house quick actions, these are basically widgets which let you perform tasks that you do a lot.
Examples of quick actions are: Edit Stream Info, Raid Channel, Clear Chat, Manage Poll and many more.
You can also chat in your chat room from the Stream Manager, and edit your stream preview.
How do you access Twitch stream manager?
To get to stream manager go to Twitch.tv and click on your account icon in the top right hand corner. Next select Creator Dashboard from the dropdown menu.
Once in the Creator Dashboard select Stream Manager from the menu on the left hand side.
What is Twitch Studio?
Twitch Studio is Twitch’s new streaming software which is designed specifically for streaming with Twitch. It is currently in Beta but it is functional and works great for streaming on Twitch.
If you want to stream to platforms other than Twitch then you won’t be able to use Twitch Studio, however, if you want to stream to Twitch, and only stream to Twitch, then Twitch Studio is an excellent choice.
Is Twitch Studio free?
Yes, Twitch Studio is totally free to use. You can download Twitch via https://www.twitch.tv/broadcast/studio
Can you live stream on Twitch on mobile?
Yes, you can stream to Twitch on mobile using the Twitch app for Android and iOS.
Using the Twitch app you can start streaming yourself playing mobile games. If you love Monument Valley or Raid: Shadow Legends you can stream with twitch without some awkward work around!
How do I stream on Twitch app?
To access mobile streaming in the Twitch App tap the camera icon in the top right hand corner of the interface.
If you haven’t streamed via the Twitch app before you will be asked to grant permission for Twitch to access your camera and microphone.
Twitch will test your network settings and automatically set up a stream with the optimum audio and video quality.
Next you can name your stream and personalise a notification that your subscribers will receive.
Finally Twitch will ask you to select a mobile game to stream. Search for your game of choice and then go live!
