How To Add Twitch Chat To OBS

Viewer Interaction is one of the key factors on your journey to becoming an established Twitch broadcaster.

If you recently started streaming, you might be only familiar with the chat function from the perspective of a viewer, which is provided by Twitch and doesn’t require any configuration on your end.

OBS, also known as Open Broadcaster Software, is among the most popular choices for beginners and advanced Twitch streamers.

If you intend to use this particular software to Stream on Twitch, you need to know how to configure the chat so you can interact with your viewers in real time.

This article contains all the details you need to incorporate Twitch chat to OBS effortlessly.

Adding Twitch Chat To OBS

To successfully add Twitch Chat to OBS, follow the steps listed below.

Note: Please install OBS on your computer before continuing.

1. Open Twitch in your browser and navigate to your channel exactly how you would if you were a viewer. You don’t need to be logged in to do this. This works for other platforms as well, except the method for “popping out” the chat window might be slightly different.
2. On the right side, click the chat cogwheel, then select “Popout Chat.”
3. A window will pop out containing a URL. Copy it to your clipboard.
4. Launch OBS on your PC. You can skip this if it’s already open.
5. In OBS, click “View,” → “Docks,” → “Custom Browser Docks.”
6. Type a name for your brand-new Dock in the first empty box where it says “Dock Name.”
7. In the empty box where it says “URL,” paste the URL you copied from the popout window during Step 3.  
8. Remember to click “Apply” before closing the “Custom Browser Docks” window you have opened.

You have successfully made a dockable window. Now, you can freely move it around your screen and place it wherever you want.

If you require additional guidance, watch this brief yet informative video below that explains the whole procedure from start to finish.

If you want to disable this chat window for any reason, you can simply “untick” it in the “Docks” menu. It’s that simple.

Why Is This Method Superior?

Many streamers, especially newer ones, might believe that a simpler solution would be to load Twitch on another browser, activate their stream, mute it and drag the window onto a different screen.

That isn’t the optimal way of interacting with your viewers, and here’s why:

For one thing, not everybody has a dual-screen setup! It is recommended to have two or more monitors if you plan on streaming seriously, but not everybody intends to build a career in this field. People might also stream using their “casual” setups for fun or when they’re away from home for an extended period.

Having a separate browser open on your PC, and viewing a stream while you’re also broadcasting, is resource-demanding.

Broadcasters should always try to optimize their computer’s performance, so it doesn’t impact the game they are streaming. This is particularly true for preventing the stream from being “lethargic” for the viewers.

With this in mind, we recommend having a dockable window in OBS displaying just the chat and nothing more. It’s a relatively lightweight option compared to the other method, and it keeps things smooth and compact.

What Is OBS? (Open Broadcaster Software)

OBS is one of the most favored apps among streamers, and rightly so! It can be utilized to stream on many platforms, not only Twitch. In addition, OBS is open-source and complimentary to use!

OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) should not be confused with Streamlabs OBS. However, Streamlabs OBS is effectively the same code with a slightly better design and user experience. OBS is the “original” version and is still preferred amongst many streamers.

OBS is fantastic because it has so much functionality, and it’s easy to use, even for a beginner! Creating and setting up custom docks can be considered among the trickier tasks to perform in the software. However, you’ve already seen how straightforward it is in the guide above!

Why Is Interacting With My Viewers So Important?

If you are a streamer and looking to enhance your popularity, you shouldn’t underestimate the significance of engaging with your viewers!

Part of what makes live streaming so special and interesting to people is being able to communicate with the streamer and other members of the community in the chatroom. If non-interactive content provided the same level of engagement, Twitch broadcasters would turn to YouTube instead!

Viewers enjoy when you recognize their questions, ideas, advice, and humor. The more interactive your channel is, the more people will come back to it and your community will grow bigger.

Conclusion

Now that you have a dockable window in OBS, it’s time to take your Twitch channel to another level.

If you want to make your chat even more unique and interesting to be a part of, consider creating Twitch emotes. You can learn about the Best Twitch Emote Makers in our article.

Remember that OBS is complimentary to use, but if you end up earning a lot from your stream, consider donating a few dollars to the developers. After all, they have assisted millions of people engage with streaming by creating complimentary, open-source software that can be used with many different streaming platforms.