Twitch has been spotlighted recently, mainly for its stringent content moderation policies. Many creators also took issue with the company’s decision in October 2022 to introduce a 50-50 revenue sharing model, which is considerably lower than what its competitors like YouTube and Kick offer.
These unfavorable policies saw Twitch lose renowned streamers to its rivals. But despite the scare, the Amazon-owned livestreaming company was able to bounce back after it began streamlining its services to align with its users’ expectations.
Whether you’re a new or established content creator, Twitch remains the go-to streaming website. Below is a beginner’s guide on how to go live on the website using your PC.
Photo Credit: AdobeStock.com
Getting Started
Like most streaming websites, the first step on how to go live on twitch on PC is to set up a Twitch account. Fortunately, the profile sign-up process is quick and easy.
First, you’ll need to read and agree to Twitch community guidelines before setting up an account on the website. You can bookmark the page for reference if the company’s terms change.
Next, create an account by clicking on the “Sign Up” button located in the upper right corner of Twitch’s homepage.
If you’re signing up with a mobile device, you may need to download the Twitch mobile app before hitting the ‘Sign Up” button.
Whichever option you prefer, clicking on the “Sign Up” link loads up an account registration form with fields for username, password, email address, and date of birth.
The third step is to verify your email address by heading to “Security and Privacy” on your Twitch dashboard.
Finally, enable two-factor authentication (2FA).
This is not only a prerequisite for broadcasting on Twitch, but it also adds an extra layer of security to your account.
You’ll need your password and mobile phone number to enable two-factor authentication.
Gathering the Necessary Gear
To stream on Twitch, you’llrequire both hardware and software.
As our focus is Twitch streaming on PC, you’ll need a powerful desktop. Other essential hardware include a microphone, webcam, and internet connection.
Ensure the selected gear is perfectly rated for Twitch streaming.
For instance, experts recommend an internet speed of 100 Mbps. With such speeds, you can broadcast and engage your audience simultaneously.
Connect the microphone and webcam to your desktop before launching your broadcasts. Be sure to also run tests before eventually going live.
As for the streaming software, there are plenty of options.
Each software is unique. As such, the streaming process may vary slightly depending on the selected program.
This section will focus on two popular streaming software – Restream and EvMux.
Photo Credit: AdobeStock.com
The Streaming Process
Going Live On Twitch With Restream
Restream is a reliable streaming program for its ease of use and compatibility with numerous broadcast websites. Here’s how to stream on Twitch with the software;
-
Log into your Restream and Twitch accounts from separate tabs.
-
On your Restream dashboard, click “Edit Destinations,” followed by “+Add Destination.”
-
Click “Twitch,” and then “Connect Twitch” from the list of streaming websites that appear.
-
Click “Authorize” on Restream to sync your Restream and Twitch accounts.
-
Click “Stream with Studio” on your Restream dashboard to add sources, such as the content you want to stream, your webcam feed, and your microphone audio.
-
Select your desired streaming settings: resolution, frame rate, bitrate, and audio bitrate.
NB: The settings you choose depend on your PC’s power, internet upload speed, and the content type you wish to stream
-
Customize your streams further by adding custom graphics and backgrounds from Restream.
You can add QR codes, pick a fancy screen layout, incorporate copyright-free sound effects, invite guests into your streams via secure links, etc.
-
Decide whether to activate the simulcasting feature and pick the channels you’d wish to multi-stream to.
-
Hit the “Go Live” button to start streaming.
Photo Credit: AdobeStock.com
Going Live On Twitch WithEvMux
Like Restream, EvMux is incredibly user-friendly. However, the software mostly stands out for its handy customization features, such as dedicated green rooms. To stream on Twitch with EvMux;
-
Sign up for an EvMux account at https://evmux.com/ if you don’t already have one.
-
Sign in to EvMux with your account credentials and log into Twitch in a separate tab.
-
From the Live Stream Studio, specify whether you want to create a single stream event or multiple streams.
NB: This option only applies to first-time EvMux users. If you’ve streamed with the software before, each subsequent log-in will take you to the dashboard area where you can browse your recent broadcasts or recordings.
-
Click “Studio” on EvMux to make the necessary adjustments, such as adding graphics and layers.
-
Click “Share Video” to add a video to your live broadcast.
-
Hover your mouse over the “Preview” menu and press “Add to Dynamic” to start playing the stream.
-
Head to “Broadcast Channels” on EvMux and select Twitch from the list of available streaming platforms to sync your EvMux and Twitch accounts.
-
Hit “Go Live” to start your broadcasts.
Photo Credit: AdobeStock.com
Final Word
Streaming on Twitch is straightforward, and any creator can learn without necessarily having prior experience with the platform. All they need to do is gather the necessary gear, which is essentially hardware devices and software applications.
It's obvious that you need stellar content to grow your fanbase on Twitch. After choosing a popular streaming genre on the platform, package your broadcasts to capture your audience’s interest.
You must be logged in to post a comment.