How To Stream On Twitch?

Twitch is a live streaming platform geared towards gamers that launched in 2011. Since then, it has amassed millions of users, with a total of 3.8 million unique broadcasters as of February 2020.

Twitch offers gamers ⁠— or anyone interested in lifestyle casting about other subjects like food or music ⁠— the ability to stream their activity and let others watch in real time. Streams can last anywhere from a minute to eight hours and beyond. You can find a stream by browsing various categories, including specific games. If you find a streamer you like, you can follow their channel and get activity updates and notifications.

Since launching, Twitch has partnered with gaming companies like Blizzard Entertainment and Overmatch League to host worldwide gaming and esports events exclusive to the platform.

How To Create A Twitch Account?

To use Twitch for live streaming, you need to create an account. Setting up an account is straightforward and completely free. It only takes three steps.

1. Review the community guidelines:

You should read the Twitch community guidelines before you sign up for or agree to anything. Bookmark the page to check back for occasional updates.

2. Create an account:

On a desktop computer, click the Sign-Up button and fill out the form. On mobile devices, download the Twitch mobile app. You’ll need to choose a username, set a password, and enter your email and date of birth. When you sign up on mobile, Twitch recommends using your phone number first and verifying your email address later.

3. Enable two-factor authentication:

You can’t broadcast on Twitch without enabling two-factor authentication (2FA), and you’ll need your password and mobile phone to do so. You must first verify your email address in your Twitch account’s Security and Privacy settings and then you can turn on 2FA. If you haven’t already saved your phone number to your account, you must do so to enable 2FA.

Which Software To Use For Live Streaming On Twitch?

If you’re using a desktop computer or laptop, you cannot install the Twitch app, so you’ll need live streaming software to broadcast on Twitch.

Every streaming software comes with its own set of pros and cons. Some of the best options are:

1. Restream Studio — Restream Studio is a free, browser-based streaming solution with tons of features that make going live easy, even for beginners. You can go live on multiple platforms like Twitch, YouTube, Facebook, and others at the same time, do picture-in-picture streaming, and display the chat as an overlay. It also has copyright-free background music that you can play on a loop.
2. OBS Studio — OBS Studio is a free, open-source streaming software with cross-platform compatibility. The learning curve can be a bit high if you’ve never used live-streaming software before, though.
3. Stream labs — Stream labs have some great features that might help you monetize your channel and are considered a more user-friendly alternative to OBS. It’s only available on Windows, though. Read about the difference between OBS and Stream lab to help you decide.

What Type Of Hardware To Use When Broadcasting On Twitch?

A PC (or console or smartphone), a mic, and a webcam are all you need to start streaming on Twitch.
You don’t need the latest generation of computer processors or the newest model of DSLR camera. Twitch isn’t on the leading edge of video quality — it doesn’t even support 4K streaming — so you can get away with lower-quality gear. It’s perfect for beginners.

There’s one obstacle many Twitches content creators face, though. When broadcasting a video game, encoding live video and gaming at the same time can be too much of a burden for a computer’s CPU. If you want to stream video games, you’ll need a CPU powerful enough to handle it.

A device to stream from:

To stream on Twitch, you need a device to stream from. This could be a computer, a gaming console, or a smartphone. Gaming consoles such as the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One are viable options, as are smartphones. These devices are an easy entry into the world of streaming because you don’t need additional software or hardware.

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.

PCs are pretty much unavoidable for high-end streaming. The absolute basics for PC specs are an i5 processor, 8 GB of RAM, and a solid internet connection. Here’s what you should consider when building a streaming desktop computer:

1. The CPU: It needs to handle simultaneous gaming and encoding. If you want to stream in higher resolution (like 1080p or 4K), then you need a more powerful CPU. We recommend a CPU with at least six cores if you want to live stream a video game. The Intel Core i5-10600K and AMD Ryzen 7 5800X are respectable mid-range choices, and the AMD Ryzen 5 3600 is a solid budget-friendly option.
2. The GPU: The GPU is your graphics card, which you need to play video games on a PC. An NVidia RTX graphics card has built-in hardware encoders, and you can use it with OBS Studio to take some of the burdens of the CPU. Other good GPU options are the Radeon RX 570 and the GeForce GTX 1660 Ti.
3. Operating system: You can stream with either Windows or macOS, just make sure the software you’re using is compatible with your OS.

Another option is to stream with a dual-computer setup, with one computer for gaming and the other for streaming. If you choose this option, use the one with the stronger CPU for encoding.

The more you want from your content, the more you’ll need to invest in gear. Better computer components mean better performance. The same goes for the rest of your streaming gear.

A microphone:

Unless you’re an elite gamer who can attract and hold an audience simply by playing games unbelievably well, you’ll need to offer something more to keep your viewers engaged. Audio commentary lets you show some personality and communicate with your audience.

Microphones are a good investment for streamers because the audio quality of your stream is paramount. You want people to be able to hear you clearly and understand what you say. If your viewers can’t hear you, they won’t stay on your channel. It’s possible to get away with a gaming headset’s built-in microphone for a while, but it would be best to opt for a standalone mic right away. From the lowest to highest priced, some popular choices are:

Elgato Wave:

• HyperX Quad Cast S
• Audio-Technica AT2020
• Razer Seiren Mini
• Blue Yeti X

A webcam:

If you think you should add facial expressions and other forms of non-verbal cues to your stream, you’ll want to invest in a camera. You can get good results with a webcam that easily hooks up to your computer or laptop.

Here are some popular choices:

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

How Does Twitch Works?

When you watch a live stream or “broadcast,” a split-screen display will allow you to see what the streamer sees on their monitor. But you’ll also be able to hear and see them play through a smaller window on the edge of their stream.

Twitch also allows users to purchase games through links on streams, with streamers receiving sales commissions, as well as the opportunity to sell products associated with their streams using affiliate links.

While viewing a Twitch stream, you can comment alongside other viewers, and depending on the channel, you may be able to do things like to make suggestions or ask questions and receive real-time answers. Twitch also saves streams, so you’ll have the option to watch previously streamed gameplay or shows.

What Other Features Does Twitch Offers?

Twitch offers subscriptions for those who find themselves getting more invested, with three tiers, ranging from $4.99 to $24.99 a month. Subscriptions allow you to support your favorite streamer and grant you the ability to watch a channel ad-free and access other perks like emotes or chat badges.

Emotes are exclusive emojis that let you show your support for a streamer, while chat badges help identify the user you are ⁠— from a broadcaster to a VIP. Other badges can be purchased that let you show off your support for specific streamers or interests.

How To Create An Account On Twitch?

To use Twitch for live streaming, you need to create an account. Setting up an account is straightforward and completely free. It only takes three steps.

1. Review the community guidelines:

You should read the Twitch community guidelines before you sign up for or agree to anything. Bookmark the page to check back for occasional updates.

2. Create an account:

On a desktop computer, click the Sign-Up button and fill out the form. On mobile devices, download the Twitch mobile app. You’ll need to choose a username, set a password, and enter your email and date of birth. When you sign up on mobile, Twitch recommends using your phone number first and verifying your email address later.

3. Enable two-factor authentication:

You can’t broadcast on Twitch without enabling two-factor authentication (2FA), and you’ll need your password and mobile phone to do so. You must first verify your email address in your Twitch account’s Security and Privacy settings and then you can turn on 2FA. If you haven’t already saved your phone number to your account, you must do so to enable 2FA.

What Are The Benefits Of Streaming On Twitch?

1. Monthly Subscriptions:

Twitch itself has many live streamers that can make one earn a lot of monthly payments. Today’s tight competition in online live streaming is a quick life survival hack. The live gaming videos bring about subscriptions and the running of ads that greatly increase earnings.

2. Helps Individuals to cope with Self-Disclosure:

Most people have been pressuring life issues, which is one way of relieving their minds and adjusting to the norm. Video gaming and streaming release lots of tension and ease of mind. With all the surveys being conducted, twitch users have had a difficult period of life.

3. Instant Replay:

Back in the days before the growth of stream sites globally, the content was shared through links, and one had to download a complete file before playing. But Twitch live has provided the advantage of streaming playback of the videos you need. Most users can easily have access to their favorite video playbacks. Access it without downloading the entire bile of data like before.

4. A Reliable Streaming Site:

Having to stream your favorite amazing video games in the Community, support is guaranteed.

Due to the dozens and quick streams, gaming experts get to play and challenge each other. All the views subscriptions can take you far. The views, creeks, and comments make one feel cool and fun.

Any day, anytime, your expertise always be displayed here on Twitch live stream. Friendships are established due to the interaction between people around the globe and meeting great famous streamers.

5.  Concurrent Viewers:

Twitch has a modern style. There are video games usually available here and not on other sites. This clearly explains why this live stream has more viewers than other sites. The best of all gamer plugs at any time powers this as the best.

Twitch’s services and money exchange Twitch are quite interesting because a stranger gets to give a random person cash for playing an interesting game. Views and views come along due to the pressure applied or the bets.

6. Control your Subscribers:

Most of your subscribers have all the control over your platform. A game streamer can allow you to block ads and other unpleasing comments. The changing of passwords and even email on the channel.

The best thing about this is that your subscription details do not show even when you have subscribed on here. This is an added advantage to Twitch’s live stream. Other users can see your profile picture and details when you set the public. This gives the subscribers full control and management of their accounts.

7. Blue Badge:

Having a verified badge on your channel clearly defines that your channel is legible and has good content. The austerity of the live stream channel with a blue badge gives a personalized feel. Live streamers tend to have an automatic liking of your channel.

What kind of content should you stream on Twitch?

Gaming content is what Twitch originally launched. For a long time, it was the primary draw of the platform. Even today, people seem to tune in mostly to watch gaming content.

After the 2020 pandemic, however, gaming got dethroned as the most popular streaming category on Twitch. The Just Chatting category — home to talk shows, podcasts, or as the name implies, just chats between streamers and viewers — is now the Twitch category with the most hours watched.

You don’t have to get stuck producing bad gaming content if there’s something else you’re much better at. Here are a few tips to help you find your live stream niche on Twitch.

1. Variety streamer vs. one category:

Some people will jump between gaming and chats as part of their content strategy. Others will focus on chatting alone or creating art, playing a single game, or playing a genre of games. Personality is the major draw for a variety of 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.

2. Stream what you love:

You’ll most likely start off streaming to a small audience. Beginnings can be tough, and streaming can sometimes seem like an uphill battle to win over one viewer at a time. The best way to stick with it is by streaming something you like doing, whether it’s a hobby of yours or a game you like playing.

3. Choose games carefully:

The most popular games have lots of viewers but also lots of established channels flocking to them. New releases can balloon quickly and then lose popularity. Start by picking a game you like playing, then head to Twitch to see how many viewers it has. You can also use data from a source like Twitch Tracker to check out which categories have the highest number of viewers, channel-to-viewer ratio, and an average number of channels.

4. Consider a cross-game niche:

You don’t have to stick to one category to become a well-respected streamer with a good following. You can be a speed runner who wants to get through games as quickly as possible. You might be a highly competitive gamer who masters games only for dual people. You might thrive as a community guru who figures out game mechanics and helps others become great at games.

5. Select the content you can generate regularly:

Because consistency is key when it comes to streaming, try to stick to a schedule as much as possible. If the content you want to create doesn’t let you stream regularly, either avoid streaming that content or stream something else to fill in the gaps.

Is It Possible To Become A Successful Streamer In 2023?

Well, it all depends on you, your style, charisma, patience, and a variety of other aspects. Everyone begins streaming on Twitch to an empty audience, which might bring your impulse to start to naught. But let’s have a look at the numbers:

Twitch has 140 million monthly unique viewers who utilize the platform daily

That’s a lot of people to reach out to, and the numbers are only increasing: the number of people watching live streams will grow to 920.3 million by 2024. So, we believe it’s time to hop on this train! Becoming a ‘successful’ streamer necessitates being structured, disciplined, amusing, and worth watching, and after all, it necessitates time.

Just like any business – you need to put in the work. Depending on your personal situation, it could take from a few weeks to about two years. But if you enjoy what you’re doing, and are willing to put in an effort, then yes – it’s possible and worth it.

What Is a Personal Brand for Streamers?

A personal brand is a perception of you that others have based on facts associated with your name. This is something that other people will notice and perceive regularly. Your brand is a simple condensation of what you believe in and what you do. When building your personal brand, consider your personality, look, communication with your audience style, and even the types of games you’ll be streaming.

What Kind of Content Should You Stream?

The easiest route to stay on track is to broadcast something you enjoy doing, whether it’s a hobby or a game you enjoy playing. So:

Stream what you love. There’s a good chance you’ll spend more time streaming, even to a small group of people.
Stream content you can generate regularly. Because consistency is so vital for streaming, it’s ideal to keep to a schedule as much as possible.

Consider varied content strategies. Feel free to jump between gaming, just chatting, creating art, etc. As a variety streamer, your personality is the primary draw.

Who’s Your Audience?

Knowing who is interested in your stream helps you reach and attract similar people. What do they love? Where do they spend time browsing online? Answer these questions and think about how you can get their attention. Your social media networks may become the central focus of your stream’s marketing efforts. Also, join different social media communities, and lurk on Reddit, and Discord Channels.

How To Customize Your Channel?

A significant component of becoming a streamer is setting up your channel page. This will provide information about you and your stream to your viewers and lurking users.

1. Banner and User Pic:

Upload a Profile Picture and a Profile Banner. These are two of the most visible components of your profile. These images will be one of the first impressions you create on viewers.

2. Overlay:

Twitch overlay is a visual that streamers use to make their twitch streams function and look better. It’s a design that sits on top of the webcam and game capture window, and it can be animated or static. An overlay gives your stream a more professional appearance and improves the viewing experience.

Nothing is a ‘must’ when it comes to an overlay, but a decent one has the following features:

1. Stinger Transition. A transition between scenes. Check out our amazing free transitions pack
2. Stream Offline Banner. Instead of the default screen, it shows the offline status.
3. Stream Alerts. Modified on-screen notifications that can do anything from greeting a new viewer for following to congratulating a Hype Train in chat. Add moods of modern megapolis and traditional Japanese symbols with Neon Japan Alers.
4. Stream Background. For those using the chroma key on stream.
5. Stream Screens: Helps to inform the status of the stream. For example – Stream Starting Soon Screen, Stream Ending Screen, Be Right Back Screen, and Intermission Screen.
6. Webcam Overlay. A camera border that separates video from a game or any other footage. Try this awesome pack for free.
7. Header Overlay. A multifunctional static panel on top of the screen
8. Stream Labels: Static or interactive panels that display significant information.
9. Get more details on what a twitch overlay in our guide is.

3. About Section (Panels):

Panels are modifiable sections that sit beneath the About section of your Twitch channel. They can be used to introduce yourself, link to your social media accounts, and market your own (or sponsored) products. Some common Twitch info panel types and purposes: About Me, Streaming Schedule, Donation Panel, Social Media Panel, Sponsor Panel, Merchandise Panel, etc.

4. Emotes (Only Affiliate/Partner or Extension):

Viewers and streamers use Twitch emotes to express various emotions in chat. It’s like how an emoji might be used in an instant message. They enable your followers to remember incredible events, laugh at awkward situations, spread love in a discussion, and become active members of your community.

5. Badges (Only Affiliate/Partner):

When someone subscribes to your channel, they’ll get a subscriber chat badge, a small icon next to their name that appears when they participate in the conversation. Your subscribers will reach milestones with upper-level badges as they spend more time watching your channel. Become a Twitch Affiliate or Twitch Partner to earn sub badges.

Conclusion:

Live streaming can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Whether it’s by making new friends, finding new business opportunities, or simply exercising your performance skills, streaming can only do you good.

Twitch is an obvious top choice for streamers. It’s the leading platform with all kinds of content, from gaming to ASMR and full-body makeup tutorials. The platform is so popular and huge in the market that learning how to stream on Twitch is almost a rite of passage for future content creators.

However, Twitch is not the only platform out there. Much of the advice you should follow when streaming to Twitch also applies to other platforms. By learning how to be a successful streamer on Twitch, you’ll learn how to thrive on other platforms, too. If you want to spread your content across several platforms, restream is the tool you should be using.