How to Stream on Twitch from PC, Mobile, or Gaming Console

Twitch might be a gaming-first streaming platform, but it far surpasses mere gamer use. Over the past few years, Twitch has become a prominent part of the global digital ecosystem. Everyone from musicians to various tech experts is streaming on this platform.

Although the platform has been made as simple to use as possible, it can be confusing for someone who hasn’t used Twitch before. In this guide, we’re going to show you how to stream on Twitch across various platforms.

How to Stream on Twitch

First of all, you’re going to need a device to run the stream from. Most streamers tend to use computers, especially when we’re talking about gaming streamers. However, if you use a smartphone or a tablet, all you’ll need is a Wi-Fi connection and the dedicated Twitch app.

Seeing as how Twitch is a gaming-first streaming platform, it’s available on most popular consoles – PS4, Xbox One, and, now, PS5, and Xbox Series X. Streaming from a Switch console is also possible.

Finally, streaming via computers (laptops or desktops) is always an option. Here’s how to stream on Twitch across various devices.

How to Stream on Twitch from PC (Windows, Mac, or Chromebook)

Most commonly, people stream on Twitch using their computer. Unlike consoles or mobile/tablet devices, computers can be used for everything from music production to gaming. Computers, however, are also arguably the most demanding in this department.

Before going out there and starting your first stream, there are some requirements to consider. First of all, you’re going to need a solid internet (preferably Ethernet) connection. Ethernet connections bring faster and more stable network performances to the table, compared to Wi-Fi. Keep in mind that most modern laptops don’t include an Ethernet port (especially Macs), so expect that you’ll need to buy an adapter for this.

You’re also going to need broadcasting software. The best available option for this is Twitch’s Studio app. This app isn’t perfectly stable yet, as it’s in beta at the moment. It’s also currently only available for Windows devices. If you are a Mac user (like many), it’s recommended that you use OBS or Open Broadcaster Software (more on this later).

Chromebook users will have to install a different OS to stream on Twitch, at which point your Chromebook is no longer a “Chromebook.”

Then, there are certain hardware requirements to keep in mind. Most laptops are equipped for streaming in terms of hardware. Still, we’re talking about the minimum performance here.

A laptop camera/mic, your room’s regular lighting, and a single recording angle, however, is far from enough for a decent-looking stream. You’ll want to get started using your phone camera (DroidCam for Android and EpocCam for iOS). A cheap microphone is also a much better option than your laptop’s built-in one.

As your account grows and you start earning on Twitch, you’ll want to invest in upgrading your streaming room.

The desktop PCs don’t typically come with a webcam and a mic by default, so these aren’t even an option here.

How to Stream on Twitch on iOS/Android

Streaming on Twitch using your iOS device or Android is fairly straightforward.

1. Download Twitch from the dedicated store.
   
2. Create an account if you haven’t already.
   
3. Inside the app, tap the profile icon in the upper-left corner.
   
4. Tap Go Live!
   
5. Select your streaming category (add a description if you want to).
   
6. Tap Start Stream.
   

Android (OBS)

This will allow you to stream using your phone camera and microphone. However, streaming your mobile gaming on Android requires using third-party software. If you want to stream phone gaming, you’re going to need a computer running OBS or another third-party streaming app and a wired connection to your phone.

Here’s how to get your mobile gaming stream going using Open Broadcaster Software (OBS):

1. Download a screen recording app (Vysor, for example).
   
2. Install the OBS free software on your computer.
   
3. Go to the Settings app.
   
4. Tap About Phone.
   
5. Navigate to your build number and tap it 10 times to unlock the developer mode.
   
6. In Developer Options, turn USB Debugging on.
   

This enables you to stream your Android phone’s screen on your computer, including playing phone/tablet games.

iOS

iOS devices allow you to stream mobile/tablet games by using the screen record function and your computer. Here’s how to broadcast on your iOS device:

1. Open the Settings app.
   
   
2. Navigate to Control Center.
   
   
3. Turn on the Access Within Apps slider if it’s switched off.
   
   
4. Go to Customize Controls.
   
   
5. Add Screen Recording to the Control Center.
   
   
6. Open the Control Center on your iOS device.
   
   
7. Hold down the screen recording icon.
   
   
8. Select Twitch from the list.
   
   
9. Tap Start Broadcast.
   
   
10. Go to the Twitch website on your computer and test your mobile stream.
    
    

How to Stream on Twitch on PS4

Once you’ve set up your Twitch, starting a stream from your PS4 console is very straightforward. Keep in mind, though, that you’re going to need to use a computer or a mobile/tablet device to run a stream from your PS4.

1. Turn on the console and navigate to Settings.
2. Then, select Account Management.
3. In the next menu, go to Link with Other Services.
4. Select Twitch from the list.
5. Go ahead and follow the instructions for signing in.
6. Start a game of your choice.
7. Press Share on your controller.
8. Go to Broadcast Gameplay.
9. Select Twitch.
10. Choose your desired video options.
11. Go to Start Broadcasting.

How to Stream on Twitch on PS5

The brand-new next-gen console is out, and you probably want to show it off on Twitch. The new PlayStation console makes streaming even easier than on the PS4.

1. On your controller, press the Create button (left of your touchpad).
2. Scroll to Broadcast.
3. Select Twitch.
4. Hit Link Account.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions.
6. Once you’re done, start a game of your choice.
7. Press the Create button.
8. Select Broadcast.

How to Stream on Twitch on Xbox One

Microsoft’s previous-gen console is very much capable of streaming. However, the Twitch streaming setup might be a bit more complex than is the case with some other consoles.

1. Navigate to the Microsoft Store.
2. Download and install Twitch.
3. Open the app and go to Log In.
4. Visit this page on your computer or mobile/tablet.
5. Use the 6-digit passcode (displayed on your TV screen). Enter it in the corresponding field on the page in your browser.
6. Go to Settings on your console.
7. Select Account, followed by Privacy and Online Safety.
8. Navigate to Xbox Live Privacy and View Details and Customize.
9. Select Online status & history and make sure that everybody can see your status.
10. Then, from the View Details and Customize screen, select Game Content.
11. Select Allow under You can broadcast gameplay.
12. Go back to the Game Content screen and select You can share content made using Kinect or another camera and allow this setting.
13. Make sure that your webcam and microphone are enabled if you want your users to see you.
14. Now, set the broadcast name and go to Start Broadcast.

How to Stream on Twitch on Xbox Series X

The new next-gen console from Microsoft has improved various aspects of Xbox console gaming, and Twitch streaming is one example. Instead of going through all the trouble as with the Xbox One console, Xbox Series X streaming setup has been made much more similar to that of PlayStation consoles.

1. Press the Xbox button on your controller.
2. When the guide opens, go to My games & apps.
3. Navigate to See all, followed by Apps.
4. Find Twitch on the list and start it.
5. Sign in to your account.
6. Go to the Broadcast tab to tweak the broadcast settings.
7. To start your broadcast, simply select Start Streaming.
8. Start the game that you want to stream, and that’s it.

​​How to Stream on Twitch from Switch

Unfortunately, Nintendo Switch consoles aren’t equipped with any internal hardware for streaming. So, you’re going to have to get an external capture device. Elgato HD60 is a good option, as it allows the maximum resolution of 1080p, at 60hz – the maximum available resolution on Nintendo Switch consoles. Keep in mind that you can only stream with your Switch console while it’s docked.

1. Connect your capture card via the HDMI-out port on your Switch dock.
2. Connect an HDMI cable to your TV.
3. Using the supplied USB cable, connect your capture card to a computer.
4. Link a Twitch account to your capture card using its native software.

Don’t worry about your computer’s specs – most of the work is done by the capture card. Keep in mind, though, that using a wired internet connection is recommended.

Additional FAQs

What software should I use to stream on Twitch?

As mentioned earlier, OBS Studio is the top choice at the moment. Alternatives such as Streamlabs OBS, XSplit, and vMix are some of the options that are also available. If possible, though, use the Twitch Studio and keep an eye on it. The fact that it’s currently in the open beta stage means that it’s likely to become available across various other platforms at some point.

What game should I stream on Twitch?

Twitch allows you to stream any game of your choice. Although your quality of content dictates your stream’s quality, some games are simply more popular than others. Games such as StarCraft, DotA 2, League of Legends, World of Warcraft, and GTA Online are great streaming options that will have people flocking to your channel. A following exists for each niche category, though, and learning to cater to this following can also bring a lot of success to your streaming career.

Can you stream on Twitch privately?

The Twitch algorithm automatically tries to organically promote your stream. You can, however, set your account up so that it doesn’t do this. This is how you private-stream on Twitch. Create a new account using random letters and numbers that aren’t going to be searched. Start your stream without assigning it a title, tags, category (if possible), or description. If you want specific people to access your stream, give them a direct link.

If 50 or more accounts follow you on Twitch, you get the Affiliate status, meaning that you can create streams that only your subscribers can access. This doesn’t mean a private session, but it still limits your audience.

Is Twitch streaming free?

Whether you want to access Twitch to watch streams or stream on it yourself, the service is completely free. Streamers don’t have to pay anything to Twitch at any point. However, some streams feature subscriptions that are paid. The followers can subscribe to your channel for $4.99, $9.99, or $24.99 per month. This revenue is split between the streamer and Twitch on a 50-50 basis.

What is needed to stream on Twitch?

Expect that you may need to invest in streaming equipment. Some devices are equipped for streaming by default (phones, tablets, laptops), while others will require extensions, such as external capture cards, webcams, microphones, etc. The better your audio, video, and lighting equipment, the better-looking your Twitch streams are going to be. This is another investment that you should keep in mind.

How do you start a Twitch Squad Stream?

Go to the Steam Manager on your dashboard, followed by Quick Actions. Find the Squad Stream option here. Select Add a Channel to send an invite.

Streaming on Twitch

As you can see, streaming on the world’s most popular streaming platform can be done using a multitude of devices. Before you spend any money on the aesthetic equipment, make sure that your device has everything it needs to start a stream.

Have you managed to start your first Twitch stream? Did you encounter any problems? Refer to the comments section below if you have any questions, and feel free to contact us.