How to stream games on Twitch from your PC

💡 Need to know

• Check your upload speed: Downloading games is one thing, but streaming requires solid upload speeds. You’ll want at least 5 to 10 Mbps to avoid a laggy broadcast. (Not sure what you're getting? Here's how to test your internet speed).
• Skip the Stream Key: Modern broadcasting software lets you securely log in to your Twitch account directly, so you don't have to hunt down and paste complicated Stream Keys anymore.
• Two monitors are a game-changer: While not required, learning how to set up dual monitors makes it infinitely easier to play your game on one screen while reading your Twitch chat on the other.
• You don't have to go it alone: If your PC is lagging or needs a memory upgrade to handle streaming, drop by your local uBreakiFix® by Asurion store for expert help.

Ever watched someone streaming on Twitch™ and thought, “Hey, I could do that!”? Whether you're diving into your first game stream or finally ready to share your gameplay with the world, getting started is easier than you think. At Asurion, we help people level up their tech every day. Here's everything you need to know about how to stream games on Twitch from your PC.

What you need to start streaming on Twitch from a PC

Before you go live, make sure your gaming setup meets these basic requirements:

• A Twitch account: Free to sign up at twitch.tv.
• A reliable internet connection: A hardwired Ethernet connection is highly recommended over Wi-Fi for stability. (If your router is far away, check out our guide on how to boost your Wi-Fi signal).
• A solid gaming PC: A modern multi-core CPU and at least 16GB of RAM are standard if you want to play a game and stream it at the same time without performance drops.
• Broadcasting software: OBS Studio or Streamlabs Desktop.
• Audio and Video: A decent microphone or gaming headset for commentary, and a webcam if you want to show your face.

How to stream on Twitch from your PC

Ready to take the leap? Follow these steps to get your broadcast up and running.

Step 1: Set up your Twitch account

Go to twitch.tv to sign up or log in. Before you can stream, Twitch requires you to verify your email and enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA). You can do this in your account's Security and Privacy settings.

Step 2: Choose and install your broadcast software

You’ll need to download streaming software (often called an encoder) to capture your gameplay and send it to Twitch. The two best options are:

• OBS Studio: Completely free, open-source, and widely used by both beginners and top-tier pros. It uses very little of your computer's processing power.
• Streamlabs Desktop: Built on the OBS foundation, but includes built-in chat features, alerts, and free overlays that make it very user-friendly for beginners.

Step 3: Configure your stream settings

Open your new broadcasting software to set up your digital stage:

1. Connect your account: Go to the software's settings, find the Stream tab, select Twitch, and click Connect Account. Log in with your Twitch credentials.
2. Set your quality: Under the Output or Video settings, select your resolution and frame rate. 720p at 60 FPS is the perfect starting point for new streamers.
3. Add your sources: In your software's main dashboard, add your "Sources." You will need a Game Capture (for your game window), a Video Capture Device (for your webcam), and an Audio Input Capture (for your microphone).

Step 4: Test your stream before going live

Don't broadcast to the world until you know your mic works! In OBS or Streamlabs, hit the Start Recording button to record a quick offline video of yourself playing. Watch the playback to make sure your game audio and microphone levels are balanced and your video is smooth.

Step 5: Go live!

When everything looks and sounds great:

1. Hit Start Streaming in your software.
2. Open your Twitch Creator Dashboard in your web browser (or use the built-in chat in Streamlabs) to monitor your stream health and talk to your chat.
3. Have fun, be yourself, and engage with anyone who stops by!

Tips to improve your Twitch stream

• Use a wired connection: Wi-Fi can drop packets, causing your stream to stutter. An Ethernet cable provides a much more stable connection.
• Add stream alerts: Set up visual pop-ups (using tools like Streamlabs or Rainmaker) so viewers get a shoutout on-screen when they follow or subscribe.
• Stay consistent: You don't have to stream every day, but setting a schedule helps your audience know exactly when to tune in.
• Keep talking: Even if your viewer count says zero, keep commentating on your gameplay. There is often a delay, and you want to be entertaining the moment someone clicks on your channel.

FAQs

What’s the best software for Twitch streaming?

OBS Studio is the industry standard and uses the least computer resources. Streamlabs Desktop is highly recommended for beginners because it has alerts and themes built right in.

Can I stream on Twitch without a capture card?

Yes! If you are playing games on the same PC you are streaming from, the broadcasting software captures the game internally. You only need a capture card if you want to stream console gameplay (like a PS5 or Xbox) through your PC.

What bitrate should I use for Twitch streaming?

Bitrate determines your stream's video quality and relies on your internet upload speed. For a 720p stream at 60 FPS, aim for a bitrate between 4,500 and 6,000 Kbps.

How do I stream to Twitch and YouTube at the same time?

You’ll need a multistreaming service. You can use a browser-based tool like Restream.io, or use the multistreaming features built into Streamlabs.

Do I need to verify my Twitch account before streaming?

Yes. Twitch requires all streamers to verify their email address and set up Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) with a mobile phone number before they can go live.