How To Stream Xbox One, PS4 & PC Games On Twitch

Do you have a fun, likeable personality and have been wanting to live stream your gameplay on Twitch but don't know what you need or how to even get started?

There's no better time to start than the present so Kidzworld is here to give budding live streamers some tips to get you on your way.

There are different ways to live stream to Twitch depending on what sort of video game content you actually want to broadcast. So let's go over the gear you'll need for a few examples and point you to some detailed step-by-step guides. Remember to always ask for permission from a parent before live streaming and ask for help when needed.

First things first. Your stream needs a home on Twitch! So what you're going to need to do is create a free Twitch account. 

Once you've created your Twitch account, let's have a look at some of your live streaming options.

Streaming On Xbox One or Playstation 4

Using the built in functionality of Xbox One or Playstaion 4 is hands-down the easiest and quickest way to get your start in live streaming. 95% of the work and set up is done behind the scenes for you. All you need to do is create your free Twitch account on the Twitch website and then connect your respective console to your account.

The connection process is only done the first time. After that, you can be broadcasting by simply saying "Xbox Broadcast"!

Requirements:

• PS4 or Xbox One console
• Internet connection (Minimum 2 Mbps recommended)
• Xbox Live Gold or PlayStation Plus subscription
• Twitch account (free)
• Microphone (comes with console)
• Kinect or PS camera (Optional) 

Streaming From PS4

• Start your game
• Hit the "Share" button on controller
• Select "Broadcast Gameplay"
• Choose "Twitch"
• Connect to Twitch channel - use your previously created Twitch login info
• Give your stream a title
• Hit "Start Broadcasting"

Streaming From Xbox One 

• On Xbox One, Download Twitch app from Xbox One Store - under Apps (Free)
• Boot up your game
• Open Xbox One Twitch App & Hit "Login"
• You'll be given a 6 digit code to use
• On your computer visit twitch.tv/activate and enter the 6 digit code
• Your Twitch account & Xbox Gamertag are now connected
• Hit "Broadcast" on Xbox One Twitch App
• Give you stream a title & choose camera settings
• Select "Start Broadcast"

Welcome to the world of Twitch live streaming on Xbox One & PS4! You're live! Don't forget, if you have a Kinect, you can simply say "Xbox Broadcast" and you will start broadcasting immediately once you've done the above set-up.

Streaming Laptop / PC Games

Things start to get a little more complicated here because everything is done manually when compared to streaming from Xbox One and PS4. But with the extra complexity comes greater options to make your stream stand out via artistic and informative overlays, custom music, custom on screen text and generally speaking, a world of options and control you just won't find on consoles.

It will all seem daunting at first but with the right step-by-step guide you can get yourself set up without too much fuss. Trust me, if I can do it. You can do it.

Assuming you've created a free Twitch account as mentioned at top of the article there isn't much needed that most laptops or current PC gamers won't have other than some form of broadcast software.

There are a few different types of broadcast software, including Xsplit but they cost money, so we're recommending Open Broadcast Software (OBS) which is completely free to use and works great, especially for those just starting out.

Broadcasting software lets you set up various scenes and switch between them on the fly, making you the director of your own live show.

Requirements:

• Laptop or PC (capable of running the games you want to play)
• Internet connection (Minimum 2 Mbps upload speed)
• Twitch account (Free)
• Open Broadcaster Software (OBS) 
• Web Cam
• Microphone

With your Twitch account created and OBS downloaded, installed and open. It's time to set up and connect OBS with your Twitch account. There are a lot of setting to go through and trust me, I know at first it looks complicated but this step-by-step guide to broadcasting with OBS that Twitch has thankfully put together is fantastic . Just start at the top and work your way down. This is the same guide I used to get started and it had me up and running in no time. Also of note: if you don't have a second PC monitor, playing games in Window Mode is ideal.

Streaming Retro Consoles

 

To stream a full variety of consoles (retro to current) you need to connect them to your PC via capture hardware and software such as a Elgato HD or Hauppauge HD PVR 2. These devices are fantastic for live streaming a variety of consoles from the NES through to current gen hardware like Xbox One, Wii U and PS4 but aren't cheap. They range in price but for most people, the Elgato HD or Hauppauge HD PVR 2 are more than sufficient and cost between $120 - $200 depending on store.

Requirements:

• Laptop or PC with minimum specs for respective capture card
• Retro console of choice (Must have RCA , Component or HDMI out)
• Elgato HD or Hauppauge HD PVR 2 capture card
• Internet connection (Minimum 2 Mbps upload speed)
• Twitch account (free)
• Open Broadcaster Software (OBS) 
• Web Cam
• Microphone

The set-up to stream Retro Consoles is very similar to streaming PC games, except you have added an extra piece of hardware/software. After setting up OBS on your PC as outlined above in the streaming PC games section, simply install the software that came along with your capture card. After following the capture card software's step-by-step process and connecting your console to the capture device itself, you'll be all set. In the OBS set up guide, keep an eye out for the section on adding "Sources", this is how you bring your gameplay into OBS.

Have Your Say!

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