How Do I Stream FAQ

Through streaming, broadcasters create a dynamic, engaging relationship with their audience. There’s no single way to stream on Twitch. This guide is intended to help you get started by answering common questions, and is not a single comprehensive guide.

For more specific help setting up your profile, customizing your channel, and optimizing your setup, visit the Go Live section of Creator Camp. For stream configuration help, visit stream.twitch.tv.

What is streaming on Twitch?

At its most basic, live streaming is broadcasting audio and video over the internet in real-time. At Twitch, the main information pipeline for a stream starts with you. A broadcaster sends a video stream to Twitch over the public internet using any of several tools. Your stream arrives at the Twitch ingest subsystem, where your stream is authenticated and prepared for distribution. Once your stream enters our system, Twitch beams it all over the world. Learn more at stream.twitch.tv

What do I need to start streaming?

All you need to start streaming is a stable internet connection and a tool that can broadcast video to the internet, also known as a video encoder. This can be a physical device like a gaming console or device (Xbox, PS4, Nintendo Switch) or software like Twitch Studio, the mobile Twitch App (iOS and Android), OBS, to name a few. To learn more, visit the Go Live section in Creator Camp!

Do I need a powerful computer to stream on Twitch?

No! Compelling content can come from anywhere. It doesn’t matter whether your video encoding device is a powerful battlestation PC, a mobile phone, game console, laptop, or a potato.

Do I need a mic and/or camera to stream?

No, you don’t need a mic or camera to stream. However, an important part of streaming on Twitch is the interaction between the streamer and audience. For more information on recommended stream hardware, visit Setting Up Your Stream Hardware in the Go Live section of Creator Camp.

Can I stream without a good or stable internet connection?

For the best experience for your viewers, a good or stable network connection is required to stream on Twitch. A stable internet connection must have adequate upload bandwidth and upload speed.

As a general practice, streamers should ensure that their upload speed is equal to the bitrate at which they have set their stream +30%. For example, attempting to stream at 6mbps (megabits per second) may require a network upload speed of at least 8mbps. Additionally, ensure that there are no other devices on the network utilizing your upload bandwidth, as that will affect your upload speed. Measure your connection’s download and upload speed, and ping time using any browser speed test tool.

For a glossary of terms including bitrate, visit Twitch Inspector Glossary.

How can I run a test stream before going live?

To help ensure that your stream will be successful, you have the ability to run a network test. Learn more in Twitch Stream Key FAQ.

What do I do if I am experiencing stuttering or buffering?

Twitch Inspector allows you to review critical health information about your stream. Learn more about Twitch Inspector here. For further information, view our Guide to Stream Health.

How do I tell if a stream problem is on my end, or Twitch?

Visit the Troubleshooting section of our Guide to Stream Health.