How to Start Streaming on Twitch
Streaming on Twitch has become a popular hobby and career for gamers and creative content creators alike. With millions of daily active users, Twitch offers a vast audience for anyone looking to share their content with the world. However, getting started with Twitch can seem daunting at first. From setting up your equipment to customizing your stream, there are many steps involved in the process. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide on how to start streaming on Twitch, covering everything you need to know from equipment and software setup to promoting your stream and building an audience. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or just starting out, this guide will help you take the first steps towards building a successful Twitch stream.
Sign Up for Twitch
If you have an account already, then proceed to the next step. If not, visit twitch.tv and click on the "Sign Up" button. Next, enter your preferred username, password, date of birth, and phone number or email. You can choose to verify your account using either your phone number or email, with email being the preferred method. After completing the required fields, accept Twitch's terms of service and privacy policy. Finally, click on the "Sign Up" button to complete the registration process. Congratulations, you now have a Twitch account
Download your Broadcasting Software of choice
OBS (Open Broadcasting Software) is a free and open-source software for video recording and live streaming. It offers a wide range of customization options and is popular among Twitch streamers due to its flexibility and versatility. OBS supports multiple sources, such as webcam footage, game captures, and image overlays, allowing streamers to create a professional-looking stream. To download the software, go to the OBS website, select the version you want to use, and click install.
Streamlabs OBS is a version of OBS that is customized for ease of use and streamlined for streaming. It features a simple and intuitive interface that makes it easier for beginner streamers to get started with Twitch. Streamlabs OBS comes with built-in overlays, alerts, and other tools that streamers can use to enhance their streams.You can download the software here.
Connect your Twitch account to your Broadcasting System
Connecting your Twitch account to OBS Studio or Streamlabs OBS is an essential step in preparing to stream on Twitch. To connect your account, first open OBS Studio or Streamlabs OBS and go to the settings section. In the "Stream" tab, you will see an option to connect your Twitch account. Enter your Twitch login credentials and authorize the connection. Once the connection is established, your Twitch account will be linked to your broadcasting software.
Add a Source to Your Scene
To add a source to your scene in OBS Studio or Streamlabs OBS, click on the "+" icon in the source panel. You will be given the option to choose between Game Capture or Display Capture. It is important to note that using Display Capture will display everything on the selected monitor. As a beginner, it is recommended to use the Game Capture option. After selecting the desired source, give it a name and click "OK". The default mode is set to "Capture any fullscreen application", but you can also choose to "Capture specific window" by selecting a specific game from the drop-down menu in the "Window" option.
Configure Your Audio
To set up the audio for your gameplay in OBS Studio, click on the "Settings" button in the bottom right corner of the software. Go to the "Audio" tab and set the "Desktop Audio" drop-down to "Default". This will allow OBS to pick up all audio from your desktop and transmit it to your Twitch stream. In the "Mic/Auxiliary Audio" drop-down, select the microphone input you want to include in your stream. This is usually the same microphone you use for voice chat applications like Discord. Once you have made your selections, hit "OK" to close the settings window.
Update Your Stream Title and Category
To update your title and category before going live on either OBS Studio or Streamlabs OBS, you need to access the "Stream Information" dock. In this dock, you can set your stream title, go live notification, and category. The category should reflect the game you are playing or the type of content you are streaming, such as "Just Chatting". You can also add tags to improve discoverability. To access the "Stream Information" dock, you need to have already connected your Twitch account to OBS or Streamlabs OBS.
Hit Start Streaming
When you're ready, hit the Start Streaming button to go live!
What Else Should I Consider Setting Up?
Recording your VODs is important for new streamers as it allows you to review your content later. To activate VOD recording, first click the user avatar in the top right and select the Creator Dashboard. Then, go to the Settings tab on the left and click on Stream. Toggle the button next to "Store past broadcasts" to enable it. Additionally, it is recommended to set the Latency Mode to Low Latency in order to improve the speed of your stream appearing in the chat and saving your streams on Twitch for later review.