Twitch is the most popular streaming site on the internet. If you are looking to become a content creator learning how to stream on twitch is important.
You can’t have a conversation about live streaming without talking about Twitch. The platform which started as Justin TV, focused originally on people’s live streaming.
It quickly turned into the biggest place for streamers. Learning how to stream on Twitch is important for anyone looking to get into the world of broadcasting.
In 2019, Twitch had over 70% of the total hours watched across all streaming platforms. This is why if you can make it on Twitch, you can make it anywhere.
Twitch has had some high profile players leave the platform to stream on the competition. Ninja was the first streamer to shift as he signed a deal with Mixer. Other streamers followed some following Ninja to Mixer, others going to YouTube, and Facebook.
Even with all the high profile streamers leaving the platform, Twitch has still seen an increase in watch time. It’s still the best place to start your streaming career on.
HOW TO STREAM ON TWITCH
The first step is signing up for twitch. Setting up an account is straightforward. Twitch does have an extra step for people who want to live stream on the platform, bringing the total number of steps to 3.
1. Read community guidelines.
This may seem like a silly thing to do but reading the community guides before you actually make the account is important. You don’t have to go crazy with reading the entire legal section of Twitch’s website.
2. Create your account.
On a desktop computer, it’s as easy as clicking the “sign up” button and filling out the form.
On mobile devices, you need to download the Twitch mobile app. Twitch recommends signing up with your phone number initially and adding an email later.
3. Enable two-factor authentication.
The final step is a must-have for anyone looking to stream. You won’t be able to actually broadcast without enabling 2FA. Another pain point is you won’t be able to enable this on your phone. You will have to log into your desktop -> Log-In -> Security Settings -> Enable 2FA.
SOFTWARE NEEDED TO STREAM ON TWITCH
The software has become better as the years have gone on. Back in the day you only had one software to work with. Thankfully, you have more options today.
The two most popular software’s people use today :
- Streamlabs OBS – One of the most popular streaming software on the market and used by some of the biggest names. The features they have are endless. They pride themselves on getting your stream setup in minutes not hours. They are also a recommended product from twitch themselves.
- StreamElements – The second most popular streaming software. They have similar features to Streamlabs like customized themes, chatbots, and merch capability.
We wrote a detailed reviewed on the differences between Streamlabs OBS and StreamElements if you need more help deciding what you should pick.
You might want to take a look at Twitch Studio, This is Twitch’s proprietary streaming software that is in open beta. You can also check out Twitch’s recommend streaming software.
HARDWARE NEEDED TO STREAM ON TWITCH
You don’t need the latest generation of CPUs or the newest custom PC from your favorite streamer. The platform doesn’t have top-notch video quality, you could get away with low-level gear if needed.
However, if you are looking to stream video games the encoding and streaming will become too much on your computer’s CPU. So you can’t just start streaming on Twitch with any kind of setup.
Consoles
The good news is streaming consoles such as the Playstation 4 and Xbox one are viable options. They provide you with an easy way into the world of streaming, because you don’t have much money to spend upfront.
Phone
You are able to start live streaming on your phone. This is obviously limited in how much you really can get out with streaming on your phone. But if you are looking to live stream this option will work.
If you are looking to stream video games on twitch at a high level, a desktop PC should be the investment you make. Having a desktop will allow your stream to grow to the next level.
HARDWARE NEEDED FOR PC STREAMING
Desktop Computers
Desktop computers are one of the most popular ways to stream on Twitch. You are able to use quality hardware, and broadcasting software allows you to have a high-quality stream.
You will be able to change your screens, allowing you to get the most out of the software you are using.
The easiest way to get a streaming computer is one that is pre-built. We have ranked all the best streaming PC’s to get started with.
You won’t have to worry about getting into the details of building it and order a streaming PC directly from them.
STREAMER MICROPHONE
One of the easiest ways to become a success on Twitch is by having audio that people can hear. Having good audio commentary is the very least you can provide your viewers.
If you are looking to save on money you can buy a hyperx gaming headset that provides you with a quality microphone along with an amazing headset.
If you want to go the route of providing your audience with the best possible audio, you should go with a Blue Yeti.
Related – Best Microphones for Streaming
STREAMER CAMERA
A camera is not needed to become successful on Twitch. If you are looking to stand out compared to others picking up a camera may be a good option for you. Technology allows it so you get amazing quality from your cameras. Check out the best webcam for streaming, where we breakdown the best webcams for you to use.
Related – Best Webcam For Streaming
STREAMER HEADSET
A streaming headset is the next step in your journey to streaming on twitch. Depending on your budget you can get all different types of headsets. All headsets have pretty much the same audio, the chances of you hearing the differences between a $300 headset and one you can get for $90 is hard. We have ranked all the best headsets for streaming which range from the high priced to the affordable ones.
STREAMER KEYBOARD
The most popular streamer keyboards are mechanical ones. They are used by some of the biggest streamers. It may not be proven but mechanical keyboards provide you an advantage in video games since the click rate is faster than a normal keyboard.
STREAMER MOUSE
The next important thing you need to close out your perfect streaming pc setup is a mouse. A mouse is important and getting the right type of mouse is a matter of getting that final kill or not.
Similar to the headsets, you may not be able to tell the difference from any of them. I suggest getting the Razer Deathadder because it is reasonably priced and one of the best streaming mouses ever made.
- Razer Deathadder Elite.
- Logitech G203 Lightsync. Under $40
- Corsair Ironclaw RGB.
- Steelseries Sensei 310
Now that you have picked out your PC, Mouse, Keyboard, Camera, and microphone. You are now ready to stream on Twitch at the best level you can.
STREAMER MONITOR
The human only can see up the 60Hz but that doesn’t mean that you should get a crappy monitor. The main thing you need to make sure is that the pixels are clear, this is important so you can see your enemy as soon as you should. With a low-quality monitor, you may not see them as fast.
Note: You really don’t need to spend on nice monitors for all your setup. If you are running more than 1 monitor you can get any normal monitor for those other screens, just make sure your gaming monitor is the best it can be. Here are some of the best streamer monitors on the market today:
- ASUS ROG SWIFT PG279Q Rated #1 by PCGamer
- Acer Predator
- BenQ EX2780Q Gaming Monitor 144Hz
ADDITIONAL GEAR
Some additional items you can add to your streaming setup on top of what was listed above is:
Lighting — If you are already using a camera, why not use some awesome lighting so people can see that beautiful face of yours more. Some of the best lighting on the market is softboxes with LEDs.
Green screen — Whether you want to add or remove your background, a green screen can come in very handy. Best of all, most encoders will recognize it, so learning how to use chroma keying in your streams is easy.
Game capture card — This is needed for a two-computer setup, or if you are looking to stream console games via a computer. You can purchase an external or internal capture card.
Stream deck — Allowing you to transition between scenes, change your camera if you have multiple-camera setup. You can also adjust your volume and much more. Depending on what Stream Deck you purchase will determine how much customization you have.
Related: Best Stream Decks – Includes Free Option
As you begin to grow on Twitch and become a better content creator. You’ll start to notice if there is any more gear you need to make the stream better. Depending on your requirements will determine what you need to upgrade as time goes on.
HOW TO STREAM ON TWITCH ON A DESKTOP COMPUTER
The boom of live streaming is here to stay. There are more content creators each day and more people looking to consume the content more than ever. It helps that all you need is an internet connection and a device that has a screen to watch live streams on.
The difficult part starts with becoming a content creator who has millions of views. You now have all the parts you need to get started streaming with your Software and Hardware. Here are the steps to start streaming on a desktop computer
1. IDEA ON WHAT TO STREAM
Twitch has become home to many different types of content. This doesn’t mean in any way that you need to pick one topic and stick with it.
As someone who is starting out who doesn’t have the followings like TimTheTatMan or Summit1G sticking to a category may be your best bet.
You also may require different gear depending on what you are doing, if you aren’t looking to stream video games you may not need the best monitors, keyboards, mouse for streaming.
For example, creating ASMR content requires high-quality microphones at the very least. This will give you an advantage in the quality of your stream.
2. SET UP YOUR GEAR
As a novice broadcaster, it might make perfect sense to use the minimum gear required for streaming. If you are tight on money you can find low-level products at places like Walmart.
This will get you started with the bare minimum of what you need. You don’t need to have a second monitor to read your chat, using your phone can be an easy solution.
Just remember, you never know when that famous streamer raids your stream. The last thing you want to happen is that a big break happens and your computer or stream messes up. Make sure you test out your stream quality with family or friends first.
You can purchase a table that will hold your streaming setup.
If you are looking for a good chair, you can check out GTRacing who has some affordable chairs for under $200 or check out our list of the best chairs for streamers.
3. CONNECT TO TWITCH WITH SOFTWARE
Anyone of the software choices we mentioned earlier will work great for Twitch. This guide will show you how to start streaming with Streamlabs.
The process has become much easier over the years. Streamlabs is the perfect software to use. They make it so they do all the work and make sure the settings for your PC are perfect.
STEP BY STEP GUIDE:
- go to to Twitch.tv
- create your account if you haven’t already. This can be done quickly by clicking sign up and filling out your basic information
- check your email for a verification email to fully complete this process
- get Streamlabs OBS on streamlabs.com
- Launch the program and sign in with your Twitch alias you made in (2)
- Connect payment options so your viewers can tip you! Navigate to Donation Settings and click “Paypal” and fill out your credentials so donations can go to your account. You can also enable tipping via credit cards.
- Make sure to grab the URL for your donations and place it somewhere your viewers can see it on your channel.
- Set up a theme to make your channel stand out. Go to the Themes tab and check out ‘Scene themes.’
- Hit GO LIVE! and create
It’s that simple. Streamlabs has built-in software that will determine the best quality for your stream based off of your computer.
If you have any issues, you can check out the video below.
4. STREAM SETTINGS
Streamlabs’ autoconfiguration will provide you with a solid starting point on getting your stream setting correct. This may be good to start out but you may want some more advanced settings.
Source: Twitch.tv
Twitch has some standard guidelines for what you need to stream on their platform. Depending on the quality you are looking to stream on, will determine most of the factors you need to pay attention to.
You can head over to the twitch guidelines page to learn more about the different settings.
HOW TO STREAM ON TWITCH FROM CONSOLE
Live streaming on Twitch from a PC might not be available to you or may not be what you are looking to stream with. You may just prefer playing your games on consoles. Buying a PC may not be in your budget, don’t worry you can stream on Twitch without having a PC.
HOW TO STREAM ON TWITCH FROM A PS4
If you’re willing to join twitch as a console streamer, you have to create a Twitch account and already enable 2FA before you can get started.
1. SETUP PS4 FOR STREAMING ON TWITCH
Starting to stream on Twitch with a PS4 requires a few steps before you can hit the go-live button.
- HDCP should be disabled. Under Settings > System. This setting is turned on when you are looking to watch Netflix. When your streaming on Twitch, it should be off.
- Set up your devices. In Settings > Devices you can find options for audio devices. Allowing you to adjust levels for your microphone or headset. This will also have the PlayStation Camera. Unfortunately, you are stuck with this camera as PlayStation doesn’t support any other cameras.
- Set up audio sharing. When you launch the game, press the “share” button on the controller and go to Sharing and Broadcast Settings > Broadcast Settings > Advanced Settings > Audio Sharing Settings. You can enable the sound from your microphone to be broadcasted.
- Enable the chat. In the Sharing and Broadcast Settings > Broadcast Settings > Advanced Settings, you can check the “Display Messages to Spectators and Spectators’ Comments” to enable the chat.
2. SYNC YOUR PS4 WITH TWITCH
Clicking the share button on your controller, you’ll see the option to broadcast gameplay. You will be required to pick the platform – You will select Twitch. A QR code pops up that you must scan or go to twitch.tv/activate from your computer or smartphone. Enter the code you see on the screen.
3. CHECK YOUR STREAM
You are now connected to switch with your PS4. You can now pick a title for your first stream, enable the camera, and select the output quality. When you are done with all of that, you are now ready to stream to Twitch from your PS4.
HOW TO STREAM TO TWITCH FROM XBOX
Xbox doesn’t come with native Twitch support. The device which is owned by Microsoft, who also owns Mixer has a few more steps to get started. You begin this by going to the Microsoft store.
1. INSTALL TWITCH APP
Head on over to the store on your Xbox, search for the official Twitch app, and install it.
2. SYNC TWITCH APP TO YOUR ACCOUNT
When you run the app for the first time, you’ll get a six-digit code you’ll need to enter at twitch.tv/activate. You can use either a smartphone or desktop to visit the address.
3. SETUP YOUR XBOX
You can use any webcam with an Xbox along with external microphones and headsets. Connect everything to your Xbox, enable your microphone and webcam in the settings. Then go to Settings > Account > Privacy and Online Safety > Xbox Live Privacy > View Details and Customize:
Go to Game Content and Enable
- “You can broadcast gameplay”
- “You can share content made using Kinect or another camera”
- Online Status & History Select “Everybody” under “Others can see if you’re online.”
4. START STREAMING
The final step is creating a title for your stream, after you have selected the title you can launch your stream!
HOW TO STREAM TO TWITCH FROM A SMARTPHONE
While consoles/PC’s are focused on streaming gaming content, smartphones can be used for everything else. Twitch’ app will only allow a broadcaster to stream from your phone’s camera. If you are looking to stream Clash of Clash, downloading third-party apps is your only option. Here’s how to stream on Twitch from your smartphone.
1. INSTALL TWITCH APP
You need to have the app installed on your smartphone. Head over to the App Store or Play Store to get it.
2. LOGIN WITH 2FA
Log-in using the two-factor authentication process.
3. CLICK PROFILE IMAGE
Click your profile image button located in the upper left-hand corner. A screen will come into view, you’ll notice the “go live” button.
4. CLICK “GO LIVE”
Allow access to your camera and/or microphone enabling you stream on the Twitch app.
5. TITLE YOUR STREAM
You need to title your stream, select the category. Making sure you are in the Just Chatting section is important to telling viewers you are not broadcasting video games.
With that, all that’s left to do is press the “start stream” button, and you’ll be online.
Live streaming on Twitch isn’t too demanding on a novice. You can go from having some basic gear and general computer literacy to having your content live streamed on Twitch in a matter of minutes. It’s that easy to learn how to stream on Twitch — if your goal is just to live stream.
HOW TO STREAM ON TWITCH. FAQ
When it comes to streaming on Twitch, it is not always easy to get noticed. Stats don’t lie ; 4,000 user hold three-quarters of live hours watched. Twitch has around 3.6 million plus monthly streamers, so the chances of getting noticed aren’t easy.
You’ll need to put in effort into streaming, it won’t just happen overnight in any means.
WHAT SHOULD YOU STREAM ON TWITCH?
This is in your own hands. There is no rhyme or reason to streaming on Twitch. Here are five steps to get your stream to the next level.
1. VARIETY STREAMER OR ONE CATEGORY
This comes down to preference, there is no right or wrong answer. You will obviously have more users coming to your channel depending on what you stream. For Example, if you are trying to stream Fornite the chances of getting noticed are very low.
If you want to build your audience fast, you should play games that top streamers don’t consume 95% of the views. TwitchStrike is a website that can help you find the perfect game to stream.
2. STREAM THINGS YOU LOVE
The chances are you will be spending time streaming to a small audience. Just starting out can be hard, and streaming can sometimes seem like an uphill battle. Gaining 1 follower a day is bigger than you you think.
The best way to keep pushing forward is making sure you are playing games or streaming things you love. This will make it easier to stream each day with what you love.
3. PICK GAMES YOU WANT TO STREAM.
The most popular games have lots of viewers but the chances of someone going to your channel when popular streamers are currently streaming in the category you are in. You will read tons of articles saying to pick categories with a lower viewer count.
This will help you get more viewers as the chances of seeing your channel is higher. You just should make sure that they are going to enjoy streaming that content.
HOW TO GET NOTICED ON TWITCH
Twitch has no formal to getting noticed on it. You won’t be magically getting millions of viewers a month looking at your channel. Chances are you will stream to 5 or 6 people a day for months.
This doesn’t mean you should give up in any way. Some of the biggest names on Twitch and in the streaming world started with little viewers. No matter if you are streaming to 1 viewer or 50,000 viewers. You should bring the same energy.
Make sure to read the Twitch Guidelines as you want to make sure you are following the rules. Twitch has the right to ban or suspend your account for not following the rules.
If you are looking for some guidance in what will make you stand out compared to others. You can follow some of these guidelines:
Communicating and talking with your chat is an important part in anyone success. The more you are able to speak with them, the better chances they will talk with friends or others to say you should check this streamer out.
Never ask for money, that will just turn people away. You shouldn’t be doing this to earn a living, do it because you love it. People will be able to tell the difference. After awhile you will see your support grow.
IS STREAMING ON TWITCH FREE?
If you are looking to stream to a live audience, you may be wondering how much it costs. Streaming on Twitch is free. You can sign up today and start streaming.
HOW MUCH DOES A STREAMER GET PER SUB?
As a streamer on Twitch, you make roughly half of a subscription cost. For example, for a $4.99 tier subscription you would be paid $2.50 per each sub. The standard subscription is 50/50 split between Twitch and the streamer, you can option a higher percentage depending on your viewership/subscribers. This will up your percentage to 60/40 paying you a rate of $3.00 per subscription.
HOW MUCH MONEY DOES A TWITCH STREAMER MAKE?
It depends on the streamer. If a Twitch streamer has 1,000 subscribers you can expect the streamer to be making around $2,500. Twitch may take less than half for big names streamers. This doesn’t include ad revenue, and donations.
START STREAMING
Live streaming can be one of the most lucrative jobs online today. It can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Whether it’s by making new friends, becoming sponsored by business opportunities, or just chatting with others.
Leave your new twitch channel in the comments section!