How to Stream on Twitch PC-Version

If you’re looking for a community-driven environment that allows for live interaction, a sense of belonging among streamers and their users, and the ability for streamers to make money, there’s arguably no better platform than Twitch. Perhaps you’ve been a viewer for months or even years, and you’re ready to jump onto the platform to begin creating on your PC at home. If so, you’ve come to the right place. We’re here to discuss how to stream on Twitch PC. 

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If you aren’t yet sure Twitch is the right platform or even exactly what it is, first, we’ll dig into what Twitch is and why it’s so popular. 

What Is Twitch?

Twitch is a leading live-streaming platform. It’s primarily used by gamers, creators, and influencers who broadcast live content, and it’s become increasingly popular as it can reach a global audience. Since its 2011 launch, Twitch has grown exponentially. It now boasts millions of users who tune in daily to watch their favorite streamers game, chat, create, or even simply hang out. As of the writing of this article, Twitch has 2.8 million live viewers on just under 93 thousand live channels. That adds up to millions of hours of watch time.

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The platform is super appealing due to its interactive nature. Viewers can not only “view” but engage with streamers in real-time through chat and subscriptions. It also allows you to donate to the streamers. This monetization option for streamers makes it attractive for people looking to turn a hobby into a side hustle or even perhaps a full-time career. 

Why Choose a PC for Streaming? 

You can stream on Twitch directly from an Xbox or PlayStation. However, streaming with a PC provides several advantages. Not the least of which is the ability to customize. In other words, PC streaming offers more control over the quality and appearance of your stream. You can customize your layouts, add overlays, or use third-party plugins to enhance your content.

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In addition, PCs generally offer better processing power and graphics capabilities. This helps ensure smoother streams, especially if you’re broadcasting, for example, high-demand games. PCs also give you a wide range of software options, including OBS (Open Broadcaster Software), Streamlabs, and XSplit. The advanced features can be used to create professional-quality streams. 

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On a PC, you can also switch between different tasks easily. So, you can manage your stream and interact with your audience as you play games or create. All without interrupting the broadcast. 

Step-by-Step: How to Stream on Twitch PC

Even if you’re very familiar with Twitch, you’re likely new to streaming Twitch from a PC. (That’s why you’re here, right?) So, here’s a step-by-step guide for how to stream on Twitch PC:

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1. If you haven’t already, set up your Twitch account by going to Twitch.tv and signing up for a free account. Then, fill in your details as prompted, create a unique user name, and verify your email address. 
2. Download and install your chosen recording software. One of the most popular choices for Twitch streaming on a PC is OBS (Open Broadcaster Software). This free, open-source option provides a lot of good features. To download the software that’s compatible with your operating system, visit the OBS website at OBSProject.com.
3. Next, you’ll need to configure OBS for Twitch. Start by opening OBS and going through the initial setup wizard. Then go to Settings > Stream in OBS and select Twitch as your service. Finally, link your Twitch account by logging in through OBS. Alternatively, you can copy and paste your stream key from your Twitch dashboard into OBS. 
4. Now, it’s time to set up your stream layout. You can set up different scenes to control what appears in your stream in OBS. For example, you can set a basic scene that includes your gameplay, webcam, and any overlays or alerts you want to display. You can then add your game by clicking on the + in the Sources box and selecting Game Capture. Click on + again and choose Video Capture Device to add your webcam. You’ll just need to select your webcam from the dropdown menu. 
5. Next, you may need to adjust your stream settings, which can be done under settings > output. 2,500 to 3,500 kbps is usually a good range for 720p streaming. In the video section, set your base (canvas) resolution and output (scaled) resolution. That’s usually 1280 x 720 for 720p streaming or 1920x1080 for 1080p. You may also need to adjust FPS (or frames per second) settings to 30 or 60, depending on your Internet connection and your PC’s capabilities. 
6. Now it’s time to add your game or project and webcam. Make sure your game is running in the background, and the webcam is positioned where you want it on the screen. You can test your setup by previewing the stream on OBS before you go live. 
7. Once everything is set up, tested, and ready to go, it’s time to hit the “Start Streaming” button in OBS. Your stream is now live on Twitch! 

How to Stream on Twitch PC Takeaways

There are several benefits to streaming on Twitch. Perhaps you’re eager to build a community, showcase your skills, or possibly earn a bit of cash. The vast and active user base on Twitch provides a useful platform for helping you reach a global audience. Plus, Twitch’s tools for audience engagement, like chat interactions, emotes, and channel points, work to help create a dynamic streaming experience. 

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For those who are serious, committed, and ambitious, Twitch also offers various monetization opportunities, including subscriptions, bits (i.e., virtual goods), and sponsorships. To grow a loyal audience, you will, however, need to remain committed and consistent. In the long run, that can potentially open doors to partnerships, collaborations, and increased opportunities for something you likely start doing just for the fun of it. 

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