How to make money streaming on Twitch. How to get into streaming

Open Broadcaster (OBS) Software Simply put, OBS is OG. OBS is a free software encoder available on Windows, Mac, and Linux that is perfect for multi-platform streaming and has revolutionized streaming as we know it. Nothing is better at capturing PC games.

How to Stream on Twitch

My name is Eljayem_ and I started streaming on Twitch in the first week of March 2020. A year later, I had an average of over 230 viewers and I was the platform’s partner for several months. I achieved these milestones by researching the industry, making connections, consulting with my friends and communities, and constantly setting goals to stay on top.

In this post, I will go over the technical aspects of streaming on Twitch. My main focus will be to cover the basics of setting up your accounts and streaming software.

How to Start Streaming on Twitch in 2022

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about streaming on Twitch, from creating an account to your first livestreaming. Whether you plan on playing games or hanging out with your community in the Just Chatting category, there are a few steps you need to take before broadcasting your first stream.

1. Set Up a Twitch Account

The first thing you need to do is sign up for a completely free Twitch account. You can also change your Twitch username if you have a current account but a different streamer name.

To set up a Twitch account, follow these steps:

Visit the official website and click the “Register” button in the upper right corner of the screen.

Create a Twitch name and password. Provide the required personal details to sign up and then verify your email address via the provided account to complete the process.

Let your real-life friends know about your new account and that you plan to start using the Twitch App soon. Add them as friends on the platform.

Spend some time in the Twitch App to learn how it works. Find entertainment streamers and write down any cool features of their streams that you like. You can use them as inspiration when you start broadcasting on your own channel.

Know Twitch’s Community Guidelines

It’s a good idea to be well-versed in the Twitch community guidelines from the start so you don’t accidentally break any of the rules. Twitch can be very strict with broadcasters, especially while they are still starting and growing.

You should also enable two-factor authentication on your account to prevent future hacking. This will send a six-digit code to your mobile to enter the streaming app when you log out. Usually you won’t need it unless you log back into your mobile device or tablet.

2. Set Up Streamlabs

Streamlabs is one of the best streaming software out there. We recommend it for its ease of use and versatility. You can set it up to record gameplay in minutes, so you can start streaming with ease. If you don’t want to use Streamlabs, there are other third-party services and you can even live stream from Twitch Studio.

Here’s how you can configure Streamlabs:

Visit the Streamlabs website and download the free software.

Install Streamlabs on your computer. Sync the program with your Twitch account.

If you already have Streamlabs installed but are not synced with Twitch, click the Settings (gear) icon in the lower left corner of the screen, then select “Stream.”

Signing in with Twitch to Streamlabs should automatically set you up for streaming. However, if that doesn’t work, here’s how you can enter your Twitch stream key.

Find your stream key by visiting your Twitch dashboard. Click on your avatar and select the Creator Dashboard button from the drop-down menu. At the bottom of the screen, click the link that says “Find your personal stream key here.”

One of the most important things in broadcast setup is the microphone. While you can increase your fanbase without a webcam, it’s almost impossible without a microphone. Sound quality is just as important as static noise, background noise, and uneven sounds.

Bits

Viewers can cheer on the amazing fun or encourage the streamer to read a special message via Bits. They can be purchased through Twitch and each Bit translates to

Tips

By using PayPal and Twitch panels, streamers can integrate a donate button into panels where viewers can send money to. There is even an overlay system that you can use via Streamlabs OBS which, if you wish, will showcase all the bits and donations as visual art on your channel.

The purpose of the donate button is to be able to accept 100 percent of the money that viewers want to throw at you for things like new gear, such as funding an upcoming trip, or simply because they like your channel.

0.01 for streamer.

Bits can range from one to thousands. At some levels, they can unlock perks such as a bit badge and even emotes for the channel. Certain Bit levels can be unlocked to provide Bit Donors with special emotes that you submit to the channel, a new feature that is shared with all Affiliates.

Here’s a more thorough explanation of how Bits work on Twitch.

Subscriptions

There are three tiers of paid subscriptions on Twitch: $ 4.99 / month, $ 9.99 / month, and $ 24.99 / month. Anyone with Twitch Prime gets one free Twitch Prime subscription (tier one) each month along with their Amazon account.

Due to the ease with which people can subscribe and the associated benefits such as channel-specific emotes, it is one of the most popular revenue streams offered by streamers.

Each level unlocks different benefits for viewers depending on how the streamer sets it up. This includes everything from enabling settings on your channel to having VOD, chatting only for subscribers or watching without ads. Partners take home half of the subscription proceeds. Streamers in the affiliate program often earn a slightly higher percentage which depends on the contract with the platform.

Once you reach Affiliate status, you can use several Twitch features to monetize your channel, including Bits, Subscriptions, and Ads. But you also have access to benefits like uploading emoticons and sub-badges that encourage viewers to take advantage of some revenue-sharing incentives, such as subscriptions.

Be consistent during your livestreams

Which way you go is entirely up to you, but there is a truth about streaming that might make it a little easier for you. In this case, it means being regular. Try to stream at certain times, set “your own time” where you can always be found on the Internet. This will help get fans accustomed to your schedule, stay ahead of constant inquiries about the timing of your next broadcast, and show you’re serious about your new activity.

If the streaming profession requires some expenses, they are almost always related to hardware upgrades. Fan donations can help fund a new keyboard or processor, but there are some investments to be made before you start streaming. One such investment is choosing a good microphone. As a streamer, you will mainly be working with your voice, so the audio reaching your audience needs to be clear, otherwise watching your stream becomes a challenge.

A good webcam should be next on your hardware wish list. The most frequently used cameras by streamers are Logitech C920 and C922 with Full HD resolution, cheaper Creative Live! Cam Sync HD or Razer Kiyo.

Join our streamer community today

Do what you are good at and create content you can earn. Stream and work with major brands.

An important aspect of starting your adventure with streaming on Twitch or any other platform is having a clear vision of your stream. The most important thing is who you are, what you represent and how you advertise yourself. By having a clear vision of your channel and its audience, you will know how to communicate, attract more fans and, consequently, follow-up subscriptions and brand interest. The more viewers you have, the easier it is to earn.

When setting up your channel, you should know which direction you want to go, otherwise you will easily get lost in the streaming reality. Do you want to play with the content? Presenting new releases, independent games or, on the contrary, plunging into sentimental childhood games? Or maybe all at once, on individual days of the week? Sounds good. However, if you are great at a particular game, share your knowledge, gameplay techniques or organize your own challenges.

Anyway, who said the streamer is just a gamer? Show off your culinary, musical or artistic skills on the broadcast. Heaven really is the limit when it comes to ideas and it largely just depends on what’s on your heart. Choose what you like to do best and don’t impose anything.

Examples?

plays only one character in League of Legends and is very good at it, always streams as a dog using a special program, always plays the latest releases, always at the highest difficulty level and always 100% – even if it takes a month

Come to our Discord if you want to chat. We’re a streamer community, and we’d love to help you get started.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything from setting up your Twitch account to the hardware you’ll need for a successful broadcast. You’ll learn what software to use, how to optimize your broadcasts, and most importantly, how to broadcast live on Twitch.

How To Stream on Twitch: Picking Your Software

Now that your account is set up and you’re excited to play the game, it’s time to decide what software to use to encode your stream. What does it mean? It is very simple to use encoders to create a digital copy of the input data that can be streamed over the Internet.

While hardware encoders are available, we almost always recommend software encoders when you start your streaming adventure (they’re much more budget-friendly and beginner-friendly). That said, you need specific processing power for most of these options – the better your laptop or computer, the better the results! (Don’t worry, we’ll suggest some minimum specs below for you!)

There are tons of options available when it comes to software encoders. To help you get started, here is a list of the most popular options on the market:

Open Broadcaster (OBS) software
Simply put, OBS is OG. OBS is a free software encoder available on Windows, Mac, and Linux that is perfect for multi-platform streaming and has revolutionized streaming as we know it. Nothing is better at capturing PC games.

While the interface is not as user-friendly as others, many beginners still choose this software because of its popularity and history. Every streamer knows, loves (and sometimes swears) OBS, and Lightstream even has one of the founders on our team!

All of us streamers owe OBS a giant “THANK YOU” for the hard work they did to create this, but since then several competitors have come to tweak the program and make it more digestible and feature rich.

A simple, cloud-based broadcaster packed with features that eliminate the need for a sophisticated computer or specific operating system. We are loved by both gamers and talk show hosts for our ability to create unique, custom layouts in seconds. Plus, we don’t care about the platform – from Windows to Mac and Chrome to Firefox, you get fantastic quality with Lightstream.

We even have Rainmaker to help you with alerts and find the best games to stream!

StreamLabs desktop

Formerly known as StreamLabs OBS, this custom version of OBS connects directly to StreamLabs and is great for creating custom layouts for easy stream management. Unfortunately, StreamLabs Desktop is only available for Windows.

XSplit
Thanks to its intuitive and user-friendly interface, many consider XSplit to be one of the easier-to-use applications. However, please note that this software is also only available for Windows.

Biography – Your 150-character biographies are just over the length of the tweet, so keep your description short and sweet. For new streamers, make sure you say who you are, what you like and when you stream it can be whatever you want in the end.

TWITCH PROFILE AND CHANNEL DESIGN
What to do?

In this chapter, we’re going to cover how to set up your profile for success and make it stand out as much as possible.

We’ll show you the basics like designing a standout profile photo, why you should use Twitch Panels, and make sure your profile is optimized for development.

How to Design Your Twitch Channel

Design and branding is a whole field that you will have to learn. At least the basics! While we’re not here to give you an in-depth course, you need to consider how your profile picture, logo, overlay, and alerts make your viewers think.

Design and branding are complex topics, full of split-second decisions, color psychology and creating an experience for viewers. It influences what we think and can subtly influence the decisions we make. It can help people find your content, increase your viewership, and give you sponsorship opportunities.

The first thing to think about your stream design is whether it can be considered “consistent” with your Twitch “name”, profile picture (logo), cover image, and the overall “tone” of your channel.

If you’re a speaker who plays Call of Duty and Apex Legends, you probably don’t want to use calm pastel colors in your brand, a photo of a tree as a photo and a splash of water as an alert.

twitter.com/GrizzleOnTwitch

Think about what a potential viewer will naturally expect when they click on your channel, then get creative and ways to stand out.

For example, every Twitch Advice site, when I started, used a black background with either bright red or blue colors. It was like an esports team! So I decided to change it to more pink-red and orange. It has given the site a cleaner and softer look which will hopefully help people learn better.

If not, it still stands out from everyone else!

We hope this color guide explains it for you and makes it easier to understand what you need to do.

And now you know why every esports and sports team uses red…

The Psychology of Colors in Marketing (Infographic)

What do I need to make for my channel?

The Twitch project includes:

• Overall profile design
• Profile picture
• Twitch Overlays
• Twitch banners
• Twitch panels
• Twitch Alerts
• Twitch Emotes (When Become an Affiliate)

All the parts of your Twitch profile

Profile settings and channel design are critical to branding and help viewers understand exactly who you are.

Your profile picture – logo or photo of you / your face – cannot be larger than 10MB. The recommended size is at least 800 x 800. Test it first and make sure it’s readable on your mobile device!

Banner / Cover Image – You can select the generated image (using your name) or upload your own custom image. Along with your logo, the banner image is key to differentiating your “brand”. Make sure it’s consistent and (if possible) use the available space to show your schedule

Design and branding are complex topics, full of split-second decisions, color psychology and creating an experience for viewers. It influences what we think and can subtly influence the decisions we make. It can help people find your content, increase your viewership, and give you sponsorship opportunities.

First Off, What Is Game Streaming?

If you’re reading this, you probably understand what streaming is, or at least the basic idea. However, if you go in blindly, here’s the short version.

In recent years, many thousands of people have started broadcasting their video game gameplay live to millions of viewers online. Only a handful of streamers find huge regular audiences, and many of them fill the average level with a modest audience, and an even greater number kick it out to build small communities. You can do this on a PC or on one of the modern game consoles. The more simplistic, plug-and-play nature of the latter, however, means that this guide will focus on PC streaming.

You have plenty of options on where and how to stream, which I will cover below. When it comes to tools and services, you’ve probably heard of Twitch, the largest service like that, but you have other alternatives to broadcasting, although a combination of other software and hardware is required. To stream PC games, the most important things you need besides a Twitch account (or other streaming service): a good gaming PC, some accessories, and certain software.

We’ll explain all of this, but first you’ll want to take a close look at what you’re trying to accomplish through streaming. Fun and profit? Just fun? It will dictate what you really need.

How to Set a Realistic Goal for Your Streaming

I can think of many reasons why you might want to stream yourself while playing video games. Basically, it’s fun to play, and the attractiveness of an audience watching you play the games is enough to motivate a lot of people to give it a try. You can do this purely for fun and for yourself – and if you get regular viewers, great! If that’s you, you’re probably leaning towards the more casual suggestions in this guide.

Others want to create a community, even a small one, of devoted viewers. And still others hope to monetize streaming via advertising, partnerships, or viewer donations (or a combination of them). In an ideal world, streaming can even be a full-time job.

However, this is a difficult dream, and it is important to set realistic expectations. There are a lot of streamers out there and it’s hard to distinguish yourself from the rest. Don’t quit your day job or school without months of proven financial stability through streaming (or a trust fund you can lean on).

When everyone is fighting for viewers, it’s worth having a “catch” or a special talent. You may be able to make him a regular streamer playing your favorite games, but your chances of standing out aren’t high. The key to success is some form of marketing.

Sometimes it depends on the genre of the game. If you are particularly gifted in first person shooters for example, this is the beginning; people tend to look for elite-level gameplay for this kind of game. Or maybe you are a really fun “Hey, let’s play!” kind of streamer or good at community building and chatting with followers. Or maybe you are very funny. It’s best if you’re a combination of them, but the point is that not everyone who is successful streamer has exceptional gaming abilities (But it helps.)

Regardless of the angle, consistency is key. Viewers need to be able to see you often and come back to you on a regular basis if you like them. You can’t immediately get put off by low viewership as the odds are against you. However, with some determination and the tools below, you can carve a niche for yourself and beyond who knows?

Once you become a streamer with a reliable community, you can take advantage of the sponsorship opportunities on the platform. In the past, sponsorship on Twitch has come from endemic brands such as game publishers and brands of PC accessories. But in recent years, more non-endemic brands have entered the fray.

How can you stay safe?

“Of course there must be limits”… Clare Siobhan, with 1.75 million subscribers.

When you stream to a global audience, anyone can follow you or leave comments in the chat window. If that sounds scary, both Twitch and YouTube allow users to create private streams that are invite-only if you just want to entertain your friends. Both platforms also offer moderation tools, allowing you some control over the types of messages people can post in chat (find out more here and here). You can also manually block access to the stream of people who say something disturbing. “Personally, I have a list of rules in my Info section that explains exactly why I can block a user so everyone is on the same page about what language is allowed in my chat,” says Freeman.”I’ve also given moderation permissions to many friends and volunteers who will be watching my chat when I’m too busy to see every message.”

Make sure you don’t reveal any personal information such as your address or phone number, and if you have a face camera, make sure there’s nothing in the background that could reveal your personal information (same if you are sharing your computer desktop during a broadcast) . But what you really need to do is take the time to nurture the community you want. As Siobhan says, “Of course there must be limits – take time off, not reveal a bit of your personal life, etc. – but there’s a lot to be said about treating your community as a group of friendship and involving people as much as possible. My “peach” community means the whole world to me and without them I wouldn’t be able to do my job.”

Can I make some money?

Yes you can! Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook provide methods for popular streamers to monetize their broadcasts through ad revenue, viewer donations, and subscriptions (where fans agree to pay you a monthly fee, often in exchange for perks like exclusive chats and personalized emotes). These three platforms have their own affiliate and creator programs, and they differ in how they allow streamers to monetize – it’s worth researching each one to see which works best for you. Importantly, it’s all about your commitment to streaming regularly and growing your audience. The best streamers treat it like a business and work many hours every day.

But remember, money isn’t everything. “The end of your streaming doesn’t have to be a huge number of views or financial success – it can just be a fun thing to do,” says Freeman. “Try not to pay attention that you don’t have a lot of viewers, even if you’ve been streaming for months – this does NOT mean you lost or you’re a bad streamer. Building more audiences can take years – requires hard and consistent work. If you enjoy pursuing it and working hard, then go! If you’re happy to be streaming to your friends, that’s great too, super fun.”