Streaming on Twitch: A Beginner’s Guide

Interested in joining the live streaming community? Here’s what you need to know to get started on the platform Twitch.

What is Twitch?

In the world of live streaming, Twitch is a giant with millions of viewers and content creators. Twitch streamers produce a variety of content relating to gaming, music, lifestyle, and more. The platform offers creators the opportunity to build online communities, gain an audience, and monetize their content.

Creating your Twitch Account

Good news! Twitch is free to join, so getting started won’t break the bank of a new streamer. Creating your account is as simple as visiting Twitch’s website on your computer or Twitch’s app on your smartphone and signing up. You will be asked to create a username and password and verify your date of birth.

Twitch requires a two-factor authentication process before you can broadcast from your account. For this reason, you will have to link an email address or phone number to your new account.

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Software for Twitch Streaming

Most creators use a software encoder to encode their video so it can be streamed on Twitch. Software encoders have different characteristics to consider when deciding which one is best for you.

Twitch Studio Beta

Twitch offers a free, integrated streaming software for creators to use with the platform. Twitch Studio allows you to stream directly on Twitch; it’s intuitive and easy for beginners to use.

Benefits include guided hardware setup, customizable templates for stream layouts and overlays, and the price.

Additional Software Options

1. OBS Studio – A streaming software available for Windows and Mac devices, OBS Studio is user-friendly and free to download. Benefits include dynamic broadcast configuration options, an intuitive audio mixer, and custom layout and transition options.

2. Streamlabs OBS – This software is available for Windows and Mac users, and it offers tools that can make your livestreams look more dynamic. Benefits include customizable templates, tools like selective recording and replay buffer, and the price.

3. LightStream Studio – This software offers compelling features, but it comes at the cost of a monthly or yearly subscription fee. LightStream Studio is available on Windows and Mac. Benefits include the ability to capture gameplay directly from a gaming console without a capture card and the option to invite remote guests to your streams.

4. vMix – vMix is used primarily by professional streamers, and it provides extensive tools and customizable options. However, use of this software requires paying a yearly subscription fee. Benefits include an advanced video mixer and switcher.

Software for Multistreaming

Would you like to stream across several platforms at once? Multistreaming software like Restream andStreamyard enable you to simultaneously stream to Twitch and other social channels like YouTube Live, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Multistreaming gives creators the ability to distribute a single livestream to a larger audience.

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Hardware for Twitch Streaming

Your Streaming Device

The central component of your streaming setup is the device on which you intend to stream. Several factors come into play when deciding which device will be the best for you.

Desktop Computer – By far the most popular choice for streamers, a desktop computer will offer you the most options for customizing both your setup and the appearance of your stream.

Some things to consider when choosing a computer will be the strength of the Central Processing Unit (CPU) and the Graphics Processing Unit (GPU). The CPU and GPU will work together to process and encode your data, and they are particularly important if you intend to game and stream at the same time.

Setup will include: connecting devices like a microphone and webcam to your computer, installing software and connecting it to Twitch, and customizing your settings.

Laptop – Similar in many ways to a desktop computer, laptops can be successfully used in a streaming setup. Streamers use both PC and Mac laptops. Gamers sometimes prefer PC laptops, and musicians often make use of Mac laptops.

Setup will include: connecting devices like a microphone and webcam to your computer, installing software and connecting it to Twitch, and customizing your settings.

Smartphone – Streaming with a smartphone is easy and convenient. Your device has a built-in camera and microphone, and most of us have a phone in our pocket at all times. However, your streaming options will be limited compared to the capabilities of a desktop computer or laptop.

Setup will include downloading the Twitch app, logging in to the app, allowing the app to have access to your smartphone’s camera and microphone.

Gaming Console – You can livestream with a PlayStation 4 or an Xbox. Like streaming from a smartphone, you will have fewer option to customize the look of livestream. However, using a gaming console may be a good option if you intend to livestream your gameplay. You can launch a game and stream directly from your device.

PS4/PS5 setup will include setting up your devices and audio sharing, enabling the chat, and making sure HDCP is disabled.

Xbox setup will include installing the Twitch app, connecting your Twitch account to the app, and connecting your devices like a webcam and microphone.

Microphone

Your streaming device might have a built-in microphone. If you are using a smartphone or laptop to stream, you have the option of using the device microphone.

If your livestream relies on quality audio production, like ASMR or live music content, you would benefit from investing in an external microphone. Consider the type of content you intend to create when choosing your mic because the best microphones for gamers are different from the best microphones for musicians. Twitch recommends several models for their streamers.

USB Condenser Microphones – They are great for recording more than one person, but you also will likely pick up any noise happening in the background.

Standard Cardioid Microphones – This type of mic picks up sound from right in front of the mic and tends to not pick up a lot of ambient noise.

Camera

Some creators chose to use the camera built into their smartphone, laptop, or gaming console, and others connect external webcams or even DSLRs. Webcams are a popular choice among streamers because they do not require capture cards. A DSLR camera is pricier than a webcam, but it will improve your production value.

Webcams:

Mixer/Interface

Mixers and interfaces with USB outputs allow you to hook up your audio equipment to a computer.

Both mixers and interfaces will convert the audio from your microphone in to usable channels your computer will recognize. Mixers allow you to control your audio on a physical board while interfaces are controlled by programs. If you have a microphone with a USB, you can plug it directly into your computer without an interface.

Basic Mixer:

Basic Interface:

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Lighting

Many Twitch creators stream their content from inside their homes, and residential buildings are often not well lit for filming. Digital cameras require a lot of light to film good looking video.

Lights are a less expensive investment than many of the previous items of this list, but even a simple ring light can do a lot to improve the quality of your live streams.

Green Screen

Green screens allow a creator to drop an image behind them in the background of their video. If you intend to stream from somewhere like your bedroom and you don’t want viewers to see it in the background of your livestreams, consider purchasing a green screen.

Capture Card

If you are streaming directly from a gaming console like an Xbox, your setup does not necessarily need a capture card. If you are streaming from a computer, however, you will need a capture card.

Game capture cards capture footage that is being played on a console or gaming PC so you can stream it. Capture cards are available as internal and external equipment.

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Creating Your Twitch Brand

Now that your setup is ready, it’s time to consider what to do with your channel.

What kind of content do you want to create?

Your content is what will bring an audience to your channel. Many successful streamers create content that they are passionate about.

What do you enjoy talking about with your friends? Do you spend a lot of time gaming? Do you know a lot about and enjoy exploring new makeup techniques?

These are questions to ask yourself when you are building a new channel. You can check out established channels on Twitch for inspiration when deciding what you want to do, but make sure you are not copying others’ content.

Customizing your Twitch channel

People enjoy consuming unique content. Give your streams and your channel a dynamic, cohesive look. Pick colors, designs, or logos and associate them with your brand and your channel. If you have started a channel and are looking to increase your audience numbers, consider upping your production value.

Expensive equipment, like cameras, microphones, and streaming software, can improve the appearance of your stream, but there are cheaper things you can consider doing as well. Make sure your filming location is well lit. Changing your camera angle can make a big difference. Use decorations or props to create an engaging scene in your videos.

Engaging with Your Twitch Audience

Attracting an audience is an important component of growing your channel.

First, ask yourself, who is your target Twitch audience? Create content that will appeal to the people in your Twitch community, and build a welcoming environment in your online space.

Audience interaction is another important part of keeping viewers coming back to your channel. Provide people with ways to stay involved on your channel. Give shoutouts, encourage comments, call people out by name, and make viewers feel like they are an active part of your community.

Monetizing Your Content

Twitch offers their creators tools to help monetize the content they create. Making money from your livestreams is a great way to get something back from an activity you are passionate about.

  • Subscriptions – They allow subscribers to pay a monthly fee to view your content. Many creators often create additional content for their subscribers.
  • Bits – Bits are a way for viewers to show support to streamers whose content they enjoy. Twitch Partners and Affiliates make $0.01 for every Bit they receive. Many creators have found creative ways to integrate Bits into their streams thorough activities like voting processes.
  • Ads – Twitch Partners can enable ads on their channels. Viewers will see ads while the channel page loads. Some creators also enable ads to play midstream.

Branding Across Platforms

Once you have established a channel on Twitch, you can begin branching out to other platforms. Make sure it’s easy for your audience members to find you. Use your channel name across social media. Establish a logo, and associate it with your brand on all platforms.

Post engaging content that relates to your channel and the content you create. Follow other creators and accounts that relate to the content you create. Posts tend to get more traction on social media if they have attention-grabbing components. Make use of graphics, pictures, gifs, or videos.

Engaging directly with your followers can keep them coming back to enjoy your content. Respond to comments and mentions whenever possible. By creating user-involved content like polls or asking questions, your followers can engage directly with you.

Twitch Etiquette

Twitch encourages its creators to foster positive spaces on their channels. By following encouraged online protocols, you can build your brand and create a community within your creative space.

Keep the Conversation in Check

  • The chat function is a great source of communication between streamers and their viewers. You can set custom rules for your chat. On the settings page, create a custom message with your channel’s rules that will be displayed to new viewers before they participate in your chat. You also have the ability to block hyperlinks and certain terms or phrases from your chatroom.
  • The safety of streamers and their viewers is a top priority. If a viewer or another creator becomes an issue, Twitch employs moderators that can help, and the platform has tools to report behavior.

Respect Your Fellow Streamers

Twitch streamers produce a diverse array of content, and finding communities and creators you enjoy watching and collaborating with can be great for your channel.

When spending time in others’ spaces, be careful not to aggressively self-promote. By respecting their content and channels, you have the potential to forge friendships and build professional relationships.

Create Unique Content

Twitch is home to many talented and creative streamers. Checking out others work can be a great way to learn more about the world of live streaming, but don’t copy other creators’ content.

The most successful Twitch channels are managed by people producing unique broadcasts. Authenticity helps new creators stand out from the pack. Build your channel and your community around your passions and individual perspective.

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Community Guidelines

Twitch’s community guidelines exist to create a safe and positive space for users. Prohibited behaviors include:

  • Breaking the Law
  • Self-Destructive Behavior
  • Harassment
  • Unauthorized Sharing of Private Information
  • Impersonation
  • Cheating in Online Games
  • Using Copyrighted Material
  • Your streams are NOT allowed to contain:
  • Nudity and Sexual Content
  • Extreme Violence and Gore
  • Obscene Content

If your content is reported and it violates community guidelines, Twitch could issue a warning, a temporary suspension, or even an indefinite suspension. Twitch may also revoke privileges like access to certain features or being featured in marketing campaigns.

If you are found to be evading suspension from Twitch by using another profile or by other means, you will face additional action against your account.

Before you begin streaming, review Twitch’sCommunity Guidelines in full.

Other Terms of Service

Twitch provides specific guidelines for issues like intellectual property rights, trademarks, copyrights, and third-party content. Issues may arise for creators attempting to use certain music, images, or video. To ensure proper use, check out Twitch’sTerms of Service.

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Conclusion

Twitch is a great platform for everyone. Whether you are just getting started with live streaming or a professional with years of experience, there is a place for you on Twitch. You can start a channel with just a smartphone, or you can build a professional-grade studio for streaming.

The world of live streaming includes a large and diverse group of people. It’s a great place to meet others, make connections, find new business opportunities, and build a brand. Live streaming can be a rewarding experience, and getting started is as simple as logging on.

Now you are ready to start streaming on Twitch!

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