How to Stream on Twitch: A Quick Start Guide

Whether you’re looking to play a video game with live reactions and commentary, talk about trending topics with viewers, or share your creative process, Twitch offers a dynamic platform for your passions and talents. The question is, how do you start streaming right away? In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essentials of setting up your Twitch stream, from the initial technical setup to the different devices to stream Twitch on, so you can captivate and grow your audience from your very first stream.

Navigating How to Stream on Twitch

1. What You Need Before Streaming on Twitch
2. How to Stream on Twitch — Windows/macOS/Linux
3. How to Stream on Twitch — Android 11 (and Newer)
4. How to Stream on Twitch — iOS 14 (and Newer)
5. How to Stream on Twitch — PlayStation 4 (and Newer)
6. How to Stream on Twitch — Xbox One (and Newer)
7. Other Options for Desktop Software
8. Frequently Asked Questions About Twitch Streaming

What You Need Before Streaming on Twitch

Before anything else, you’ll need to sign up for a Twitch account. There are only two requirements: You need to be at least 13 years old and you need an active phone number or email address. You also need a stream key, which you can find in your Twitch account via your dashboard. For equipment, you’ll want to look into the following software or hardware:

• • High-Performance PC or Console: For the best streaming experience possible, you’ll want a solid PC with the right peripherals. If you’re streaming games on a console, make sure you have the right software installed so that you can properly broadcast them via Twitch.
  • Strong Internet Connection: Depending on the type of games you plan on streaming, you might be able to get away with a moderately fast internet connection. You’ll want to make sure your online gaming experience is lag-free as well. However, bigger games that require intensive graphics or hardware settings will need a faster and more stable internet connection. A gigabit internet connection is the optimal choice for intense gaming sessions.
  • Streaming Software: It’s important to find the right streaming software. Open Broadcaster Software (OBS) is the most popular option, but other options on the market may be suitable for different streamers.
  • Microphone: You don’t have to get an expensive microphone from the start — a headset mic or a budget-friendly standing mic works just as well. Remember to configure the settings between your mic and your streaming software prior to streaming.

• Webcam (Optional): Some Twitch streamers choose to go no-cam for their streams, so webcams aren’t necessary. If you decide to use one, make sure it’s compatible with your streaming software.
• Capture Card (Optional): If you plan to stream from a gaming console like a Sony PlayStation, Microsoft Xbox, or Nintendo Switch, you’ll want to invest in a capture card to record your gameplay. It saves your recordings on a hard drive or SD card, which you can then upload, edit, and share on other platforms like YouTube.

How to Stream on Twitch

Depending on your device, there are several approaches to setting up your Twitch stream. Below are step-by-step directions for several devices.

Windows, macOS, or Linux

These instructions assume that you have already downloaded and installed OBS on your PC.

1. Open the OBS program.
2. Select Settings in the bottom right-hand corner.
3. Select Stream on the left-hand sidebar.
4. Under Service, select Twitch and connect your account directly to OBS before selecting Apply.

• You can also connect your account directly to OBS or use a Twitch stream key. Your stream key is under Creative Dashboard > Stream > Stream Key & Preferences.

5. Go down the sidebar options and select Video.
6. Select your Base and Output resolution. This will depend on the resolution of the device you’re streaming on, whether it’s a computer monitor or TV.
7. On the left sidebar, select Output.
8. Under the Streaming category, select a video bitrate, followed by the encoder.
9. Look for Audio from the same sidebar.
10. Find the Global Audio Devices section and choose your game’s output source under Desktop Audio.
11. Select the microphone you’ll be using under Mic/Auxiliary Audio before selecting Apply.

To set up the displayed portion of your Twitch stream:

1. Locate the Scenes section on the bottom left-hand corner of the program and select the plus (+) icon.
2. Enter the name of your scene and select OK.
3. Under Sources, select the plus (+) icon.
4. In the pop-up menu, select Game Capture.
5. Enter the name of your Game Capture and select OK.
6. When the Properties panel opens, select a Mode (Fullscreen, Specific Window, or Foreground Window) and enable any other element you want in the session. For instance, the Capture third-party overlays setting adds the Steam overlay to your broadcast.
7. Select OK when you’re ready.
8. Select the plus (+) icon under Sources once more.
9. Select Video Capture Device on the pop-up menu.
10. Enter a name for your webcam and select OK.
11. When the Properties panel opens, select the correct device, change other settings as necessary, and then select OK.

Finally, to start your stream on Twitch:

1. Log in to Twitch on your web browser and select your profile icon.
2. Select Channel on the drop-down menu and select Chat.
3. Select the Cog icon in the bottom-right corner.
4. Select Popout Player on the pop-up menu.
5. Copy the URL.
6. In OBS Studio, select View.
7. Select Docks and then Custom Browser Docks.
8. Enter a name, paste the URL, and then select Apply.
9. Select the Start Streaming button.

• To end the session, select the Stop Streaming button and end your game.

Android 11 and Newer

Before following the steps below, make sure you download the Twitch mobile app on your phone and log in to your account.

1. Open the Twitch app and tap Create in the top-right corner.
2. Tap Create at the bottom of the following screen.
3. Tap Enable Microphone and Enable Overlays, then select Open Settings.
4. Select Twitch from the list, then toggle on Allow display over other apps.
5. Return to the Twitch screen and select from the games and categories.
6. Accept the Stream Tips menu, then set your Stream Quality. We recommend choosing Max Quality for the best streaming video, but Balanced or Performance may be better choices for your internet connection.
7. Enter a Title for your stream, add tags, set your Go Live Notification, and adjust your Stream Volume and VOD Settings. Tap Open Stream Controls to proceed.
8. Tap the stream button at the bottom to begin your livestream on Twitch, then tap Start to confirm your stream selection.

iOS 14 and Newer

Streaming games on iOS is similar to streaming games on Android.

1. After downloading the Twitch mobile app, open it up and tap the Create icon in the top right corner.
2. On the following screen, tap the plus (+) icon at the bottom taskbar.
3. Select Stream Games.
4. Select a category, then select Next.
5. Enable microphone access. You only need to do this once.
6. Enter a title for your stream, and then adjust the Microphone and Device (game) volume.
7. Tap the Record button in the Twitch App and then switch to the game you want to stream.

• Go back into the Twitch app and tap the End Stream button to end the stream.

PlayStation 5

First, configure and set up your PlayStation 5.

1. Navigate to the Settings gear icon next to your profile icon at the top right corner.
2. Go to System and then HDMI.
3. Toggle off Enable HDCP.
4. Go back to Settings and select Users and Accounts.
5. Select Linked Services and choose Twitch.
6. Scan the bar code or enter the six-digit code on the screen at twitch.tv/activate.

Now, configure your setup to start streaming.

1. Start the game you want to stream.
2. Press the Share button on your controller and select the Broadcast icon on the right once the bottom pop-up panel appears.
3. Under Broadcast Options, toggle on Display Camera and Include Voice Chat Audio.
4. Enter a title for your stream and choose the output quality.
5. Select Go Live. If you want to end your stream, open up the Broadcast panel and select Stop Broadcast.

Xbox Series X

First, configure the privacy settings on your Xbox Series X so that your friends can see you streaming.

1. Under Settings, select Account > Privacy & online safety > Xbox Privacy > View details & customize > Game Content.
2. Under Broadcast Gameplay, select Allow. Also, select Allow under You can share content made using a connected camera.
3. Go back to the previous screen and select Online status & history.
4. Under Others can see if you’re online, select the Everybody option.

Then, you’re ready to connect your Twitch account and start streaming.

1. Press the Xbox button on your controller to open the Xbox menu.
2. Press the Right bumper (RB) and navigate to the Capture & share menu.
3. Press Live streaming to open the streaming menu.
4. Link your Twitch account by navigating to the link on the screen or scanning the QR code on the screen. Then, log in with your account details on your phone or another device to verify your credentials. You can alternatively navigate to Settings and set up Twitch as a shared account.
5. Once verified, you can set your Stream name, adjust your Camera options, and check your More options settings for any audio tweaks. Then, press Go live now to start streaming on your channel.

Alternative Desktop Software

OBS may be the most common option for streamers, but there are other types of streaming software on the market. Experiment with different programs to see which one works best for your setup.

• Streamlabs OBS: Built on top of the OBS engine, Streamlabs OBS is designed as an all-in-one streaming software. It offers limited free streaming assets for its users, with the option to purchase premium assets at a set price.
• Twitch Studio Beta: You might not need external streaming software, especially if you plan on using Twitch Studio Beta. It’s a free streaming app designed for beginner streamers, providing them with basic tools and resources to help them stream for the first time.
• XSplit Broadcaster: Known as one of the next-best alternatives to OBS, XSplit offers similar services in its software and is another great option for new streamers. However, its free features are limited, and premium services, such as watermark removal and unlimited scenes, are behind a paywall.

Frequently Asked Questions about Twitch Streaming

How can I customize my Twitch channel?

You can customize your Twitch channel by adding personalized graphics, info panels, and alerts (also known as stream assets). While it isn’t required, adding your personal flair to your stream assets will let your current (and potential) viewers know who you are and what type of content you stream. Note that if you plan on streaming with your console, your customization options are limited compared to streaming with your PC.

Do I need a gaming router to stream on Twitch?

While a gaming router has the technology to run even the most powerful streams, a simple and well-configured router is just as good and more affordable for powering your Twitch broadcasts.

What is the recommended internet speed when streaming on Twitch?

On average, you’ll only need an internet speed of 6 to 8 Mbps to stream on Twitch. For the best streaming experience possible, however, you’ll want a much faster internet connection to accommodate online gameplay and handle your streaming setup.

Where can I learn more about Twitch streaming?

Whether you’re a viewer who’s just curious or someone who wants to start streaming, there are plenty of helpful resources out there to answer your questions. A great place to start is the Twitch Knowledge Base, which covers everything from the Affiliate/Partner program to basic troubleshooting.