How to Set up a Twitch account and Live Stream

Full Guide: How You Can Stream On Twitch (2022)
Twitch
img: Twitch

Twitch is an American video live streaming service that focuses on video game live streaming, including broadcasts of esports competitions, in addition to offering music broadcasts, creative content, and “in real life” streams. It is operated by Twitch Interactive, a subsidiary of Amazon.com

Setting up a Twitch account

The most delicate features of Twitch are only available to registered users. To interact with content, you must first create an account. The same is valid for becoming a content creator. So, that’s where we’ll begin. Following that, we’ll go over the software, the equipment, and the streaming process.

How to Sign Up for a Twitch Account for Live Streaming

It is simple to create an account. Even if Twitch includes an additional step for individuals who wish to live stream on the platform, the total number of steps is still three. Twitch accounts are also entirely free.

1. Read over the community guidelines

Ideally, you’d read over Twitch’s whole legal section. However, there is a lot of jargon, so at the very least, follow the community norms. Before you create an account, read the instructions and bookmark the page to check back for updates.

2. Register for an account

It’s as simple as clicking the “sign up” button and filling out the form on a desktop computer.

On mobile devices, you must install the Twitch mobile app. Twitch suggests first joining up using your phone number and then adding an email address afterward.

3. Make two-factor authentication available

The catch is that you can’t broadcast on Twitch until you activate 2FA, and you can’t enable 2FA on mobile devices. So, log in to your account on a desktop computer, navigate the security settings, and enable 2FA. To complete the 2FA process, you’ll need a mobile phone.

Which software should I use for Twitch live streaming?

When streaming on Twitch from a desktop computer, most experts agree that novices should start with software encoders unless they have hardware encoders.

Each software encoder has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. If you’re looking for some of the more popular solutions, here are a few:

  • The OBS Studio: OBS Studio is a free, open-source streaming software with cross-platform interoperability that is the first option for many inexperienced content makers. The learning curve might be steep if you’ve never used live streaming software before.
  • Streamlabs OBS: The Streamlabs OBS version includes several incredible features that might assist you in monetizing your channel. However, it is only accessible for Windows.
  • XSplit: A popular choice for broadcasters looking to check out premium software, it shines only if you’re ready to spend in the commercial edition.
  • vMix: If you feel you’re ready to become a professional streamer, this is an option to consider.

Try Twitch Studio, Twitch’s proprietary streaming software that is now in open beta, if you want to get a quick start on Twitch merely to see if streaming is for you.

If you wish to broadcast to other platforms besides Twitch simultaneously, you’ll need to add another software solution to your roster.

What hardware should I use for streaming on Twitch?

You don’t need the most recent generation of CPUs or the most recent model DSLR to broadcast on Twitch. Because the site isn’t at the cutting edge of video quality — it doesn’t offer 4K streaming like YouTube — you might be able to get away with lower-quality equipment.

However, while streaming a video game, encoding and gameplay might be too big of a load for a computer’s CPU, something many Twitch content providers confront. So you can’t just start broadcasting on Twitch with whatever hardware you have. This will necessitate the use of a CPU capable of handling it. Let’s look at each piece of gear one at a time.

Computer / Console/ Smartphone

The PC, console, or smartphone is the core piece of gear in any streaming arrangement, depending on your use. Consoles like PlayStation 4 and Xbox One and cellphones are feasible possibilities. Because you don’t have to bother about the software or additional gear, these gadgets give a simple introduction to the world of streaming.

On the other hand, desktop PCs are the most common choice for streaming. You may utilize a larger range of devices with them, and broadcasting software includes unique capabilities like scene creation and overlays. Indeed, desktop computers are so handy that even those who broadcast from consoles frequently utilize the consoles for gaming and a PC to stream the activity.

PCs are almost inevitable for high-end streaming, but they also provide the greatest alternatives when you’re just starting started. Here are some things to keep in mind when creating a streaming desktop PC:

  • The CPU: It must manage both gaming and encoding simultaneously. You’ll need a reasonably powerful CPU. The Intel Core i5-10600K and AMD Ryzen 7 5800X are strong mid-range options, while the AMD Ryzen 5 3600 is a good budget-friendly alternative.
  • The GPU: An Nvidia RTX graphics card has hardware encoders built-in, and you may utilize it with OBS Studio to assist the CPU. The Radeon RX 570 and the GeForce GTX 1660 Ti are excellent GPU choices.
  • OS: You may use a PC, a Mac, or even a laptop as your operating system. If you intend to use it for gaming and broadcasting, read on, you’ll need a nice one.
  • Dual-Computer Configuration: One computer can be used for gaming while the other is used for encoding and streaming. The one with the faster CPU should handle encoding.

Overall, an i5 CPU, 8 GB of RAM, and a stable internet connection are sufficient to begin streaming. The more you want from your content, though, the more you’ll need to invest in the fundamentals. As you’ll see later, the same rule applies to all other transmitting equipment.

Microphone

Full Guide: How You Can Stream On Twitch (2022)

Unless you’re an excellent player who can draw and retain an audience merely by playing games very well, you’ll need to give more to keep your viewers interested. The very least you can do is provide audio commentary, which allows you to express yourself and engage with your audience.

Because audio quality is so vital in streaming, microphones are always a good investment for streamers. You want folks to be able to hear and understand what you’re saying. If your viewers cannot hear you, they will leave your channel. It’s possible to get by with a gaming headset’s built-in microphone for a time, but it’s ideal to invest in a separate microphone right immediately. Some common options, ranging from the least expensive to the most expensive, are:

  • Elgato Wave 3
  • HyperX Quadcast S
  • Audio Technica AT2020
  • Blue Yeti X
  • Razer Seiren Mini

Web Camera

Full Guide: How You Can Stream On Twitch (2022)

If you believe you should include nonverbal clues such as facial expressions in your arsenal of communication tools, you should get a camera. Webcams, which do not require a capture card, can produce decent results. Here are a few popular options:

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

You may also try streaming with a DSLR camera if you want to improve the video quality of your stream. You’ll need a capture card to utilize it with live streaming software like OBS. A DSLR camera costs more than a webcam, improving your production value.

A PC (or console, or smartphone), a microphone, and a camera are all you’ll need for a simple setup.

Additional Streaming Equipment

Full Guide: How You Can Stream On Twitch (2022)

The basic configuration is an excellent place to begin. A lack of output value, on the other hand, will eventually hold you back. You’ll need to buy some new equipment to add another computer to your setup or just look better on camera.

Here’s some gear to think about when the subs start to arrive:

  • Lighting: If you’re streaming with a camera, why not employ appealing lighting to make yourself more visible? There are several options: LED softboxes provide soothing illumination, ring lights provide even coverage with only one light, and inexpensive clamp lights strategically placed can eliminate unsightly shadows.
  • Green screen: A green screen can be useful for adding or removing your backdrop. Best of all, most encoders will detect it, making it simple to learn how to employ chroma keying in your broadcasts.
  • A game capture card: required to set up a two-computer configuration or broadcast console games through a computer. There are two possibilities: exterior or internal.
  • The stream deck: A stream deck is a touchscreen that allows you to activate instructions with a swipe of your finger. It’s beneficial if you have a number of scenarios you want to switch between throughout the stream or if you want a simpler way to alter your audio levels and lighting.

Consider the cost-effectiveness of live streaming equipment. As you gain expertise as a Twitch video creator, you’ll be able to tell which extra gear you need and which is just a waste of money. Always search for the most bang for your money that you can afford.

How to Stream Live to Twitch from a Computer

Full Guide: How You Can Stream On Twitch (2022)

The ease of access is one of the driving forces behind the rise of live streaming. To view live broadcasts, all you need is an internet connection and a device with a screen. The fact that so many people have access to both bodes well for your future in broadcasting.

The hurdle for being a content producer, on the other hand, is higher, especially if you want to be successful. However, it takes a bit more than solid streaming equipment and a desire to get your feet wet to get started. Here are the fundamental steps for streaming on a desktop computer.

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1. Make a list of the stuff you wish to broadcast.

Twitch is currently host to a wide range of content. We’ll delve into all the cool things you can live stream later, but for now, you should know that different forms of material need different equipment.

To create good ASMR content, high-quality microphones or even specialized equipment, such as the 3Dio Free Space binaural microphone, are required. That type of equipment might not be readily available at your local store, and if it is, it might be unreasonably costly. Plan your content first, then your equipment.

2. Gather, connect and assemble your equipment.

Before configuring your streaming software, ensure that all of the necessary gear is connected. This requires connecting your webcam and microphone to your computer. If you want to use a green screen or add another computer monitor to your setup, now is the time to do it.

Also, test everything. Set your webcam to a decent angle and check the audio levels on your microphone. It’s a good opportunity to soundproof the area you’re broadcasting into or change your lighting if you’re utilizing it.

3. Download and install the program, then link it to Twitch.

Any of the software options we listed previously will work perfectly with Twitch. For the sake of this essay, though, we’ll be utilizing OBS Studio for all examples and explanations.

Following installation, OBS Studio will prompt you to run the auto-configuration wizard. Consider doing a manual installation. That will familiarize you with several crucial components of streaming.

To begin, navigate to File > Settings > Stream in OBS Studio. Select “Twitch” as your service, then either link your Twitch account or connect Twitch using the stream key.

You’ll just need your Twitch account login details for the former. For the latter, go to Twitch, then Settings > Channel and Videos, and copy the primary stream key that appears. Simply copy and paste it into OBS, and you’re done.

4. Include all of the audio/video sources and images you want to use.

Everything you intend to broadcast on your stream must be added to OBS as a source. Your microphone is a source, as is the game you’d like to play, as is the stream from your camera and anything else is on your desktop. If you want it to appear in your stream, you must include it as a source.

The amazing thing about OBS Studio is that it will detect your audio sources most of the time. If it doesn’t, go to File ­> Settings > Audio and choose the audio devices you wish to utilize. Typically, this entails having a device for desktop noises (sounds generated by your computer) and a device for sounds generated by your microphone (your voice).

Full Guide: How You Can Stream On Twitch (2022)

The “sources” box may be found in OBS Studio’s main panel for video sources. By choosing the “+” button, you’ll be taken to a menu where you may add sources such as games, your desktop, web pages, photos, and text files. Keep in mind that the sources displayed on the screen are in the same order as in the “sources” box, piled on top of one another. Moving a source up the list places it on top of other sources.

5. Discover your ideal streaming settings.

The Twitch streaming settings you’ll want will be determined by the amount of upload bandwidth available, the capability of your encoder, and the sort of video you wish to broadcast. Higher bandwidth, a strong CPU, and the ability to dedicate only to encoding contribute to higher-quality settings.

Twitch’s guide is a decent place to start if you want hard figures. Twitch suggests a bandwidth of roughly 3000 kbps for a basic 720p@30fps stream.

The five steps shown above are the simplest approach to configure your OBS Studio for the first stream.

How to Stream to Twitch from a Console or a Smartphone

Twitch live streaming from a PC may not be the best solution for you. Perhaps you, like many others, prefer to play your games on a console. Perhaps you enjoy viewing live broadcasts on consoles — many people do — and see no reason to have separate devices for streaming and watching. Or it’s possible that you don’t want to go through the arduous process of setting up a gaming PC when there’s a perfectly decent console available for gaming and streaming. And, as a console user, you’ve probably heard of Twitch.

How to Stream to Twitch from a PlayStation 4

Full Guide: How You Can Stream On Twitch (2022)

If you want to join the less-crowded Twitch console broadcasting sector, here’s how to set up your consoles after you’ve made a Twitch account and activated 2FA. Let’s begin with the PlayStation 4.

1. Prepare your PlayStation 4 for live streaming.

Before you start your game and connect the console to your Twitch account, you need to pay attention to the following settings:

  • Make sure HDCP is turned off. This option may be found under Settings > System. Turn it on when streaming video from services such as Netflix on your PS4. It should be turned off when streaming.
  • Configure your devices. Options for audio devices and the PlayStation Camera may be found under Settings > Devices. You may modify the volumes for your microphone or headset here. Other than the PlayStation Camera, the PlayStation 4 does not accept any webcams.
  • Configure audio sharing. This is where you activate your microphone’s sound for your broadcast. When the game is launched, click the “share” button on the controller and navigate to Sharing and Broadcast Settings > Broadcast Settings > Advanced Settings > Audio Sharing Settings.
  • Turn on the chat. Go to Sharing and Broadcast Settings > Broadcast Settings > Advanced Settings and click the “Display Messages to Spectators and Spectators’ Comments” box to activate the conversation.

2. Link your PlayStation 4 to your Twitch account.

When you press the “share” button on your controller, the option to broadcast games will appear. The PS4 will ask you which platform you want to utilize, and after you’ve chosen Twitch, you’ll need to link the console to your account. You can do so by following these steps:

  • Scanning a QR code displayed on your screen
  • Visiting Twitch/tv/activate from a computer or smartphone, and inputting the code seen on your screen.

3. Perform the last check before beginning to stream.

After connecting the console to Twitch, you’ll be able to choose a title for the stream, enable the camera if it’s attached, and set the output quality. When you’re finished, you’ll be able to begin streaming to Twitch from your PS4.

It’s a simple technique that doesn’t even require the installation of the Twitch app. However, if you want to watch other people’s streams on a PS4, you’ll need the Twitch app.

How to Stream to Twitch from an Xbox 360

Full Guide: How You Can Stream On Twitch (2022)

Unlike the PS4, the Xbox does not have native Twitch functionality. So, if you wish to stream to Twitch from an Xbox, follow these steps.

1. Download and install the Twitch app.

Navigate to the Xbox Store, look for the official Twitch app, and install it.

2. Link your Twitch account to the Twitch app.

When you launch the app for the first time, you’ll receive a six-digit code that you must manually input at twitch.tv/activate. To go there, you’ll need a desktop computer or a smartphone.

3. Connect and configure your gadgets.

With an Xbox One, you may utilize any standard webcam and external microphones and headsets. Connect everything to your Xbox and check that the microphone and webcam are enabled in the settings. You should also adjust some additional options, so go to Settings > Account > Privacy and Online Safety > Xbox Live Privacy > View the Details and Customize menus, and then:

  • Allow the “You can broadcast gameplay” and “You can share content generated with Kinect or another camera” choices under Game Content.
  • Select “Everybody” under “Others can see if you’re online” under Online Status and History.

It’s also worth mentioning that using a Kinect is the only way to broadcast video from an Xbox One to Twitch. Because neither the console nor the Twitch app enables external cameras, if you don’t have a Kinect, your stream will be limited to audio and gameplay.

4. Make a title and begin broadcasting.

After you’ve chosen a title for your stream, you’ll be able to start playing a game and broadcasting.

How to Use a Smartphone to Stream on Twitch

Full Guide: How You Can Stream On Twitch (2022)

While consoles are primarily concerned with streaming game content, cellphones are not. Twitch’s smartphone app only allows you to broadcast from your phone’s camera, so you’ll have to rely on third-party programs to cast mobile gaming. Here’s how to use your smartphone to live broadcast to Twitch.

1. Get the Twitch app and install it.

First and foremost, you must have the app loaded on your smartphone. Download the Twitch app from the Google Play or Apple App Store.

2. Open the app and sign in.

To log in to the app, you’ll need to go through Twitch’s entire two-factor verification process.

3. Click on your profile photo in the upper left-hand corner.

This will take you to the screen where you’ll see the “go live” button.

4. Select the “go live” option.

Before you may live stream to Twitch using the app, you must first provide access to your camera and/or microphone.

5. Configure the stream and go live.

Before you go live, follow these simple steps:

  • Give your stream a unique name.
  • Choose a content category from the dropdown menu.
  • Select the camera that you wish to use.
  • Share a link to your stream using your phone’s applications.

All that remains is to tap the “start stream” button, and you’ll be online.

For a beginner, live broadcasting on Twitch isn’t too difficult. With some simple equipment and normal computer literacy, you can have your live broadcast on Twitch in minutes. It’s that simple to learn how to broadcast on Twitch if all you want to do is a live stream.

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Web developer and a senior content writer at Boldtechinfo.com

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