If you’re looking for a list of – oh, I don’t know – 101 of the best tips for streaming on Twitch, then you, my fellow gamer, have come to the right place!
Let’s jump in:
1. Learn about streaming software and hardware
Before you start streaming, make sure you understand the different streaming software and hardware options available to you. This will help you choose the right tools for your stream.
2. Get familiar with your stream software
Learn how to use the streaming software you chose for your live stream. This includes learning how to broadcast, connect encoder/capture card, add video switcher and transitions, adjust audio settings, view comments on screen, etc.
3. Connect your social media accounts to Twitch
Your Twitch channel can be linked to your other social media accounts so that your followers can easily find and follow you on Twitch. (Just one of the many tips for streaming on Twitch we have ;-))
4. Use a good quality webcam
A good quality webcam will give your viewers a clear picture of you while you’re streaming.
5. Use a microphone with good sound quality
A microphone with good sound quality will ensure that your viewers can hear you clearly.
6. Use a headset with a microphone
Using a headset with a microphone will help to reduce audio feedback and ensure that your viewers can hear you clearly.
7. Start off by streaming short segments
When you’re starting out, it’s best to start streaming short segments until you get comfortable with the process.
8. Learn how to set up a stream from your console or PC
Learn how to connect a capture card, video switcher and other equipment before you start streaming on Twitch.
9. Use a webcam overlay
A webcam overlay will make it easier for viewers to see your face while you’re streaming. (This tips for streaming on Twitch will make you look like a pro.)
10. Track your statistics
Start tracking your streaming stats so you can monitor them over time and know how well you’re doing.
11. Use a custom Twitch header image for better branding
Use a custom image as your Twitch profile picture to make yourself more easily recognisable. This should include only your logo and/or name.
12. Use a banner image for your stream
A banner image is a great way to show off what your stream is about. It should be 1920×1080 pixels in size.
13. Add game and chat modules to your stream
These modules will help to keep your viewers engaged with your stream.
14. Make a schedule and stick to it
If you want to build a following on Twitch, it’s important to make a schedule and stick to it. This will help your viewers know when to tune in.
15. Get creative with your stream content
Don’t be afraid to get creative with the content of your stream. This could include gameplay clips, tips, giveaways and more.
16. Consider sharing your streaming tips with other streamers
If you have tips or advice on how to improve a replay, share these tips with other broadcasters who are watching the replay.
Tricks & Tips for New Streamers
17. Keep your streams regular
Regularly streaming will help build a following on Twitch, especially if you’re new to streaming.
18. Use a chatbot to moderate your chat
A chatbot can help to keep your chat clean and organised while you’re streaming.
19. Connect with other streamers in your niche
Connecting with other streamers in your niche can help you learn from each other and grow your audience.
20. Interact with your viewers
Interacting with your viewers is a great way to keep them engaged with your stream. This could include answering questions, reacting to their chat messages and more.
21. Use emotes in your chat
Emoticons can help to add personality to your chat and keep viewers engaged.
22. Use a live video introduction
Adding a live video introduction can help new viewers learn more about you and your stream.
23. Make use of social media
Promoting your stream on social media can help to reach a new audience.
24. Make use of alerts
Alerts can help to notify your audience about important stream events. You can even make your own custom alerts using tools such as StreamLabs and StreamElements.
25. Do giveaways for tips
Doing giveaways is a great way to thank your viewers and gain tips from them at the same time. You can use a tool like StreamLabs or Hallow to run your tips & giveaways.
26. Make use of panels on stream
Panels can help to display important information about you and your stream on screen while streaming!
27. Don’t talk about politics or religion
It’s best to avoid talking about politics and religion in order to keep a friendly, safe environment during your streams.
28. Take a break from streaming if you need to
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed, take a break from streaming to recover. This will help keep you healthy and focused on your streams.
29. Use a stream delay
A stream delay can help to protect you from potential online bullies and keep your chat clean.
30. Use a green screen
A green screen can help you create professional looking overlay graphics and webcam recordings.
31. Add gameplay tips to your stream
Adding tips about the games that you’re playing can help your viewers learn more and be more engaged with you and your stream.
32. Use a dedicated streaming PC if you can
Using a dedicated streaming PC will help to keep your stream running smoothly.
33. Keep your computer running smoothly
Make sure that your computer is kept clean and free of viruses, bloatware and other junk to help keep it running properly.
34. Don’t use stolen music or sounds
Using a music track in one of your videos may result in a copyright claim from the owner of the original music, which can get your account penalised.
So be sure to check out sites like Epidemic Sound and AudioMicro before using music during your streams!
35. Don’t copy images/gifs from other streamers
Using an image or gif created by another streamer may result in copyright claims, which can get your account penalised.
36. Participate in giveaways
Taking part in giveaways can help you to win monthly subscriptions, games and more – as well as giving you a chance to interact with your viewers.
37. Interact with other streamers
Recording co-streams or playing games with other popular Twitch streamers can help bring your channel exposure and grow your audience.
“How do I get better at streaming on Twitch?”
Getting better at streaming on Twitch is about how you present yourself and how you interact with your viewers. Here are some tips to help you improve:
38. Be social and friendly
Be social and engaging with your viewers – this will keep them coming back for more!
39. Be professional
Present yourself in a professional manner and always be respectful to your audience and other streamers.
40. Be creative
Try different things to keep your stream fresh and entertaining.
This could include using creative overlay graphics, playing games with other streamers or doing giveaways.
41. Take feedback seriously
If viewers are giving you negative feedback, take it seriously and work on how you can improve.
42. Talk a lot
Make a conscious effort to talk a lot during your stream.
This will keep viewers more engaged in what you’re doing!
43. Use proper lighting
Bad lighting can make you look washed out and unprofessional. Use a good light source to help improve how you look on stream.
44. Have a strong internet connection
If your internet connection is unstable, it’s best to take a break from streaming in order to ensure nobody’s experience is affected.
45. Don’t be afraid of silence
Sometimes there may not be much going on during your stream.
But this can help build tension for viewers and make it more interesting!
46. Don’t worry about how you look
Don’t worry if you’re wearing sweats and a bad haircut – focus on how you can entertain your audience instead!
47. Interact with your webcam
Make sure that you interact with your webcam when recording videos. This will help improve the quality of how people see and hear you in your stream.
48. Take care of your equipment
Make sure to take care of your streaming equipment if you want it to last for a long time.
49. Don’t drink or eat excessively while streaming
It’s best to stay away from drinking or eating excessively while streaming.
These can cause your stream to have a bad quality and viewers may turn away from watching you.
50. Don’t be negative on your stream
Don’t whine, complain or criticize how everything is going – keep things positive!
Do’s and Don’ts of Twitch Streaming
When it comes to streaming on Twitch, there are a few do’s and don’ts that you need to keep in mind. Here are some of the most important ones:
51. Do make sure your chat is active
Keep your chat active by talking to your viewers and answering any questions they may have.
52. Do interact with your audience
Interact with your viewers as much as you can to keep them engaged – this could include responding to chat messages or hosting giveaways.
53. Do give your viewers a chance to hang with you
Give your viewers a chance to hang out by letting them do random things, such as hosting games or reacting to videos.
54. Do give attention to your moderators
Make sure that all of your moderators are treated well and given the same amount of attention as other viewers in chat.
After all, they’re the ones helping do the hard work by keeping things positive and clean in chat!
55. Do follow moderators’ instructions
When given moderator instructions, make sure to follow them to keep things running smoothly.
56. Don’t curse excessively
If your viewers are young, be careful about cursing excessively on stream. You don’t want to offend anyone or cause them to leave your channel.
57. Do be aware of your surroundings
When streaming, be aware of what’s going on around you and who may be watching.
58. Don’t promote other channels excessively
While it’s fine to promote your friends’ channels every once in a while, don’t do it every time you’re on stream.
Chances are, your viewers will get tired of seeing that and leave.
59. Don’t do anything illegal
It goes without saying, but when streaming, don’t do anything that breaks the law!
60. Do make sure your audio and video are in good quality
If your audio and video quality aren’t good, it’ll be hard for viewers to enjoy watching you. Make sure to do some testing before your stream to ensure everything is working properly.
61. Don’t be mean to other people on stream
If you do this, your viewers will get involved and it could lead to a serious argument – do us all a favor and play nice!
62. Don’t do anything racist or offensive
This is never okay. Do not do it!
63. Do focus on the positive things about your stream
When it comes to streaming, there are many do’s and do nots that you need to keep in mind.
One tip is to focus on the positive things about your stream, such as giving attention to your moderators or making sure your chat is active!
64. Do try playing games with other people online
Playing games with other people online is a great way to interact with your audience and have fun.
65. Do do random things on stream from time to time
Doing random things, such as hosting giveaways or reacting to videos, can be a lot of fun for both you and your viewers!
66. Don’t play music over your game audio
This makes it very hard for your viewers to hear what you’re saying. So do yourself a favor and mute your mic before playing music!
67. Do thank your viewers after the stream is over
Remember to always thank your viewers after streaming, whether it’s in the chat or in a post-stream highlight video.
68. Do do giveaways if possible
Giveaways are a great way to thank your viewers for watching!
69. Don’t do fake giveaways
Fake giveaways are never okay, keep them real!
70. Do do some post-stream highlights
Remember to do some post-stream highlights by saving the most important things that happened during your stream.
“How many hours a day should I stream on Twitch?”
This is a question we get a lot.
So, unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all approach, but there are a bunch of tips that will help you find what works for you…
71. Use a timer
Using a timer is a great way to make sure you’re taking breaks and not streaming for too long.
72. Take care of your body
Remember to take care of your body while streaming by drinking water, eating healthy foods, and getting enough sleep.
73. Take care of your voice
Remember to take care of your voice while streaming by drinking water, avoiding caffeine and alcohol, and using a microphone.
74. Use a break screen
A break screen is a great way to let viewers know that you’re taking a break.
75. Have a plan
Before you start streaming, have a plan for what you’ll be streaming and how long you’ll be streaming for.
76. Don’t overcommit
Don’t commit to more than you can handle. Streaming takes a lot of time and energy, so don’t overcommit.
77. Stream when you have energy
Stream when you have energy so that you can give your best to your viewers.
78. Stream when you’re in the mood
Stream when you’re feeling motivated and up for it so that you don’t get discouraged because it’s not going how you want it to, or frustrated with how tired or unmotivated you are.
79. Mix up what you’re streaming
Don’t stream the same thing every day – mix it up and try new things!
80. Stream for a set amount of time
Streaming for a set amount of time, whether it’s two hours or six hours, allows you to have a schedule for how long you’ll be streaming.
81. Stream when people are likely to watch
Streaming at peak times ensures that lots of people will see your stream. So stream when there are more viewers!
82. Don’t stream for more than eight hours a day
Streaming for more than eight hours a day can lead to fatigue and decreased quality of your stream.
83. Spread out your streaming days
Spreading out your streaming days allows you to rest and prevents burnout.
How to Attract Viewers on Twitch
84. Use social media to promote your stream
Make sure to use social media to promote your stream so that people who may not have heard of it before can check it out.
Use Twitter, Facebook, and Tumblr to build a following.
85. Use a catchy headline
Your headline is the first thing that people will see, so make it catchy.
86. Use emotes
Emotes are a great way to add personality to your channel and attract viewers.
87. Add a tip or how-to section to your channel page
Your Twitch profile is the main site for your stream so be sure to give some tips and how-tos on how to do things that you are showcasing how to do.
88. Link your stream in the bio of your social media profiles
Make sure that people can find your Twitch channel on other sites by linking them right to it.
89. Add a link to your profile on forums where you post
If you have any forum accounts, be sure to add a link to your Twitch profile so people can watch you live.
90. Run ads on Twitch
Run ads on Twitch to help get the word out about your stream and attract more viewers.
91. Promote your stream at other live streams
You can find other Twitch channels that are doing similar things to what you are and communicate how your stream is different.
92. Participate in Reddit communities
Reddit has many amazing communities for anyone who is looking to take part in streaming or watching streams, like /r/livestreamfails .
93. Use your contacts
Use your existing contacts to help get the word out about your stream.
You can find old school friends or post to other communities you are a part of.
94. Mention your stream during live events
If you have an event going on, mention how people can check out your stream as well as how it is different from the other streams that people could be watching.
95. Go offline sometimes
People love variety and if you go offline for a bit, they will be more likely to check out your stream when you come back.
96. Tweet out links to popular VODs on your channel
If you have some popular VODs on your channel, make sure to tweet out the links so people can watch them.
97. Add alerts
Add alerts for people to set up so they can be notified when you go live.
98. Invite guests on your stream
If you have friends that are good at what you’re doing, invite them on the stream and show how their game is different than yours.
99. Add some variety to your gameplay
If you are streaming the same thing every time, people will get bored.
100. Add timers so people know how much longer you have left in your stream
Having timers on how much longer someone has left to watch is a great way to keep them engaged and watching for as long as possible.
101. Be active on social media
Make sure to stay active on social media while you are streaming so people can stay up-to-date with what’s going on.
In conclusion
If you follow these tips, you’ll be well on your way to attracting viewers on Twitch!
Just be sure to experiment with different things and see what works best for you and your channel. Good luck!
Oh, and if you enjoyed this article, please share it with your friends!
And as always, have fun gaming!
-The Zombie Writing Team