Twitch.tv is the biggest streaming platform on the planet, and it hosts millions of people who stream content to hundreds of millions of viewers. The numbers are impressive, and so is the variety. You can find all types of creators streaming their content, from gamers and musicians to cooks and arts & crafts enthusiasts.
No matter what you’d like to stream, you can find a big audience on Twitch. After all, plenty of people stream as a full-time job. For the best chance of success, follow the key steps and tips below.
1. Create your account
Registering for Twitch is quick and easy. Just create a Twitch account with your username, password, age, and email address. To stream, you’ll have to turn on two-factor authentication, but that’s a good idea anyway for security purposes.
Take a look at Twitch’s community guidelines so you know exactly what’s permitted, and choose a profile picture and username that best represents you and will attract viewers.
2. Sort out your PC
Most people use Windows PCs for streaming on Twitch, and you’ll need a decent computer to do it well. At the bare minimum, you should have an AMD Ryzen 5 or Intel Core i5 CPU with 8GB or 16GB of memory. Going with an even better processor is always a bonus. If you plan to broadcast gameplay, your gaming PC’s video card should run your titles smoothly. You can even use two computers, with one for playing your PC games and another to handle the streaming.
Streaming quality doesn’t end with your computer. Twitch streams will run and look their best when you use a fast, wired internet connection, which provides the most stability and speed.
Note: You can also use gaming consoles for live streaming, but your setup can get slightly more involved depending on the system. For example, if you want to stream from your PlayStation 4 or PS5 and you also own the PlayStation Camera, you can use that to broadcast yourself and your gameplay via the console’s Twitch app. As noted, this all varies from one console to the next, especially if you want a fully realized setup.
3. Pick your preferred software
The right streaming software is vital for easily making high-quality, visually appealing streams. The two most popular broadcasting packages are Open Broadcaster Software (OBS) and XSplit. Both let you choose a source and customize how it’ll appear to viewers. Twitch Studio is a slick, newer option, but it only exists as a beta version at the time of this writing.
4. Get the right hardware for Twitch streaming
If you want to fully embrace streaming on Twitch, you don’t just need a solid PC. You’ll also want a quality webcam and either a microphone or a headset, too. A camera like the Microsoft LifeCam Cinema is a strong budget option, and the Logitech Brio 4K is a pricier webcam that offers incredible, crisp images.
Microphones like the Blue Yeti X deliver a considerable step up in audio quality, and a headset like the Asus ROG Strix Go is perfect if you’d rather not use full-room speakers when broadcasting your Fortnite sessions.
There are plenty of options to help make streams more exciting. A softbox kit like the CLAR 2-Light Kit is ideal for providing bright, soft lighting. A desktop ring light like the Vivitar Go Live will illuminate your desk area on a budget. It’s also worth looking into RGB lighting like the Flashpoint M1 to give your stream a unique look with your choice of colors.
If you really want to make your streams look slick, invest in an Elgato Stream Deck to open apps, play sound effects, and customize your stream with a single button-press.
5. Use these tips for streaming on Twitch
Once you have your hardware, software, and Twitch account sorted, it’s time to start streaming. To do the best job possible, it’s worth remembering these straightforward tips.
1. Follow the fun
When choosing a video game or subject for your stream, pick something you genuinely enjoy. If you’re not enthusiastic, your viewers won’t be either. Set up a schedule you can maintain without getting ground down by drudgery. Then, don’t deviate if possible, because viewers will come back if they know when your next broadcast will start.
2. Find a niche
It’s crucial to find a niche, and it’s vital to be friendly and interactive. If you can form a connection with people, they’ll come back. Promote your streams and Twitch channel on your other social media profiles, and pair your consistency with patience, because it takes time to grow an audience. Also, consider reaching out to other streamers to help build your subscriber list and further establish yourself in the community.
3. Add production value
Using screens to signal the start and end of streams is a smart idea. When you include visual overlays, you can add a layer of sheen that other streamers may overlook. Also, consider using background music if you stream quieter content, and take advantage of the alerts, which highlight new comments and subscribers. This adds a bit of flair to your live stream and allows you to immediately interact with your audience.
