Restream Marketing - d
Intro
Twitch is a key part of live streaming. The platform that came into being as an offshoot of the live streaming platform JustinTV is a fundamental part of the live streaming ecosystem. Twitch was originally a platform for gamers, but it has expanded to include creators of all types over the years. Even if you're not a gaming streamer, you should still know how Twitch works if you want to get into the world of live online broadcasting
Twitch's 2020 market share of hours watched was 67 percent. Other platforms follow far behind, with YouTube at 22 percent and Facebook at 11 percent. Although 2020 was a huge year for every major live streaming platform (except Mixer), Twitch benefitted the most from the live streaming boom.
Creating a Twitch account
Twitch's best features are only accessible to registered users. To interact with content, you will need an account. The same goes for joining the ranks of content creators. This is where we will start. Then, we'll discuss the software, gear, and how to stream.
How to sign up on Twitch
How to create a Twitch account for live streaming
Setting up an account is straightforward. Twitch offers an additional step to stream live on the platform. However, this only increases the number of steps to 3. Twitch accounts come with no fees.
1. Review the community guidelines.
Ideally, you'd read through the whole legal section of Twitch's website. But there's a lot of jargon, so stick to the community guidelines at the very least. Read the guidelines before you've actually made the account and bookmark the page to check back for occasional updates.
2. Create an streamingliveacademy.com/twitch-turbo/ account.
On a desktop computer, it's as easy as clicking the "sign up" button and filling out the form.
You will need to install the Twitch mobile application on mobile devices. Twitch recommends signing up with your phone number initially and adding an email later.
3. Enable two-factor authentication.
The catch is that you cannot broadcast on Twitch if you don't enable 2FA. 2FA can also not be enabled on mobile devices. So, head to a desktop computer, log into your account, find the security settings, and enable 2FA. To complete the 2FA process, you will need a mobile device.
Best streaming software for streaming on Twitch
Which software should you use to live stream on Twitch?
When broadcasting on Twitch from a desktop computer, the consensus is that beginners should start with software encoders unless they have hardware encoders available. Read our guide on the difference between software and hardware encoders to learn why.
Every software encoder comes with its own sets of pros and cons. If you're interested in some of the more popular options, they are:
OBS StudioOBS Studio, a free and open-source streaming tool with cross-platform compatibility, is the top choice for novice content creators. If you have never used live streaming software before, the learning curve can be steep.
Streamlabs OBS-- The Streamlabs version of OBS has some great features that might help you monetize your channel. It's only available on Windows, though. Learn more about thedifference between OBS Studio and Streamlabs OBS to help you decide.
XSplit-- A common solution for broadcasters who want to try out paid software, it only shines if you're willing to invest in the paid version.
vMixThis option is available to you if you are ready to be a professional streamer.
If you're looking for a quick start on Twitch just to see if streaming is for you, try Twitch Studio, Twitch's proprietary streaming software that's currently in open beta. For even more options, check out Twitch's streaming software suggestions.
If you want to broadcast to other platforms besides Twitch simultaneously, you'll need to enlist an additional software solution to your roster.
Restream, the multistreaming software that integrates broadcasting, chat, and analytics, can help you out. It is easy to set-up, doesn't require any download, and it's free. You're probably thinking that simultaneous broadcasts are not possible if you're an Affiliate on Twitch. Multistreaming is a great way for Twitch to get started (although you won't be an Affiliate in an instant). It can also be a great ally, even after you are subject to the exclusivity clause.