How to stream your games on Twitch

If you’re a gamer, you will likely already know all about Twitch and watch streams often. With over 2 million monthly streams and billions of viewed minutes each month, it’s a huge industry that is growing daily. If you have ever wanted to get in on the action, it’s actually much easier than you might think.

All you need is a decent computer, good quality camera and microphone, a couple software tools and you’re ready to go. Of course, the ability to be engaging while on air is useful too but I can’t help you with that!

The software you need is called OBS, or Open Broadcaster Software. There are other programs around that do the same thing but OBS is free, relatively easy to get into and has a lot of features. You will also need a Twitch account so head on over and set one up if you haven’t already.

Streaming on Twitch

The process to get you up and running on Twitch has been purposely designed to be as quick and as easy as possible. It lowers the barrier to entry and gets as many people as possible broadcasting their stuff. Follow these steps to do the same thing.

1. Download and install OBS and give it Admin privileges.
2. Open OBS and select Settings and Stream.
3. Select Twitch from the list if services and set Server to auto if it isn’t already.
4. Navigate to Twitch, log in and select Dashboard from the top right.
5. Select the Live option from the left menu and then give your stream a name.
6. Select the game you want to broadcast and the Communities you want to see it.
7. Select Settings on the left of the Twitch menu and select Show Key under Stream Key.
8. Copy the key.
9. Select the Stream option in OBS and paste the key into the Stream Key box.
10. Close the options menu and go to the main OBS screen.
11. Select the ‘+’ icon to add a source and select Display Capture.
12. Select a new Capture and give it a name.
13. Select a resolution for the Capture from the Option menu that appears.
14. Select the ‘+’ icon again and add a new Display Capture.
15. Select your webcam and set a resolution that matches the camera.
16. Select Start Streaming when you’re ready to go.

The above steps assumes you want to add a feed of your game and a picture in picture of you playing it. You don’t have to feature in your own streams but all the best Twitch broadcasters do as it adds the personality that makes them watchable.

It has never been easier to get yourself noticed and Twitch offers a viable platform to do just that. Good luck with it!