How To Go Live On Twitch

Looking for the easiest method on how to go live on Twitch and get discovered? Here is a simple guide to help you get started on Twitch.

Livestreaming has become one of the most popular hobbies and even a choice in our modern digital age. With Twitch currently the fastest-growing online platform, it’s the go-to choice for everyone interested in becoming a streamer.

Starting your first Twitch live stream is an exciting and potentially monumental moment, but doing it properly requires some decision-making, preparation, and tinkering.

Twitch livestream starting soon notice

If you want to go live on Twitch, and it’s your first time doing so, this guide will teach you how to do it in a few easy-to-follow steps.

Table of ContentsShow

Step 1: Get Familiar With Twitch’s Policy And Rules

This might sound like the most tedious part, and it can be tempting to skip it, but it’s a smart move to familiarize yourself with the rules before starting your first live stream.

This will ensure you don’t get in trouble for violating Twitch’s Terms of Service, meaning you can enjoy streaming without worrying about receiving a restriction or temporary ban.

Step 2: Creating And Securing Your Twitch Account

With that out of the way, it’s time to create your Twitch account. If you already have an account, you can skip this step and move on to the next one.

Creating a Twitch account is easy, but there are a few things that you should address.

  • Take the time to come up with a unique and catchy username. It will be worth it.
  • Setting a secure password is essential.
  • Adding some form of 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication) to your account is very important.

Many Twitch streamers sign up without being optimistic about their chances of making it. However, if your content becomes popular, you will be glad that you secured your account properly when you first started.

Signing up for Twitch account
Registering a Twitch account.

You can begin the process of registering your Twitch account here. Once you log in, you will be required to set up Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) before starting a broadcast.

If you are unfamiliar with 2FA and would like to know more, Twitch has an official article covering the topic in detail.

Step 3: Choose And Download Streaming Software

There are multiple broadcasting programs you can download, all with different features. As the aesthetics and ease of use rely heavily on personal preference, the choice is yours to make.

However, Twitch officially suggests some streaming applications.

Top broadcasting apps on Twitch
Top broadcasting apps used by popular Twitch streamers.

If this is your first time broadcasting, it’s best to choose an app used by many streamers and which has extensive online resources in terms of guides and tutorials. This means that if you encounter a problem, you can quickly find the solution on YouTube or elsewhere.

OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) is one of the most widely recommended programs. It’s open-source and used by many prominent Twitch streamers.

This video guide will help you configure your settings and go live using OBS.

Step 4: Setup And Personalize Your Channel

In one of our guides, we discuss the significance of other elements, such as employing a chat moderator, maintaining a consistent streaming timetable, and growing your channel organically.

Less critical details, such as creating custom emotes for your Twitch channel, help to keep your viewers and fans entertained. They are a solid long-term investment for your streaming career.

You can learn more about creating custom Twitch emotes in this guide.

The more you personalize your channel, the likelier it is to grab the attention of new viewers. Adding custom intros and outros and setting up donations for extra revenue are both worth considering as you gain a following.

Step 5: Begin Your First Broadcast

Once you have completed the previous steps, you should be ready to go live on Twitch. The exact process of going live will vary depending on your chosen broadcasting app.

If you’re using one of the apps recommended by Twitch, you shouldn’t struggle to find a detailed step-by-step tutorial on how to configure your broadcasting settings.

Bonus Advice For Optimal Channel Growth

You might have already completed your first broadcast. Regardless of how it went, if streaming is your passion, you should be persistent and optimistic.

It’s unlikely that you will receive an impressive number of viewers on your first stream, but that’s how even the most successful broadcasters started.

Here are a few tips on how to improve your future streams and grow your viewership along the way.

  • Content is important, but investing in professional gear (microphone, soundboard, greenscreen, etc.) will make your streams much higher quality and appear more professional.
  • Emulating what other, more popular streamers do can help you, but originality is one of the most important traits of any successful Twitch broadcaster.
  • Seeking collaboration (joining a streamer group or organization), as well as occasionally squad streaming with established streamers, can improve your chances of success.
  • Don’t be afraid to promote your channel on social media. Any extra attention matters, even if this means creating a Reddit or Instagram post with a quick edit of your highlights. You never know who might see and like the edit or include it in one of their videos.
  • Analyze the most popular hours for the type of content you are trying to stream. If you notice your channel gets the most viewers at a particular time of day, try adjusting your streaming schedule accordingly.

Conclusion

Going live on Twitch isn’t as complicated as it might first appear. By following the steps listed above, you should be able to configure your chosen broadcasting software and launch your first stream without encountering too many issues.

If you encounter any problems, reaching out to Twitch’s help team is always a suggested choice.

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Bojan Veselinovikj
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Bojan is a video-game developer and a tech enthusiast. Combining these two passions allow him to keep you informed on everything that's new in this fast-paced digital world.