Getting started with streaming on Twitch can be intimidating. There’s so much gear and software out there that it’s hard for beginners to know where to start. What kind of Twitch streaming setup do you need?
Like many hobbies and hustles, there’s an infinitely deep rabbit hole of advice and purchases to fall into if you’re not careful. But you don’t need much. If you want to get started streaming on Twitch right away, here’s how to do it.
Everything You Need To Know About Making a Twitch Streaming Setup
Basic Software for Twitch Streaming
The only piece of software you really need for streaming on Twitch is a live streaming application. There are plenty of these out there, but the one I recommend to pretty much anyone, including beginners, is OBS Studio. It’s free and does everything you’d want, and it’s hard to ask more than that.
Setting up OBS is pretty straightforward. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1) Install OBS and follow the auto-configuration wizard. This sets the software’s settings to be optimal for your computer hardware and your intended use. The wizard will also allow you to connect your Twitch account to OBS to broadcast the software to the platform.
Step 2) Set up your scenes. OBS uses “scenes” as a metaphor for different streaming setups. You might have one scene that’s a full-screen face camera, another that’s a game view with your camera view in the corner, and so on. You customize these scenes by adding sources, which include display captures, images, text, and more. Your go-to sources are likely going to be “Video Capture,” “Window Capture,” and “Game Capture.”
Step 3) Set up audio. OBS defaults to capturing your microphone and desktop audio. Make sure your microphone is set to the correct device.
Step 4) Test your settings by pressing the “Start Recording” button to record video for a few minutes, ensuring that your audio and video look right in the recording.
That’s it! You’re all set to stream on Twitch. Once you’re ready to stream, hit the “Start Streaming” button to go live on your channel.
What OBS Scenes Do I Need to Make?
You don’t need to build out a lot of scenes to start. Really, you only need three.
First, the scene you’ll be showing most of the time. If you’re playing a game, this will be a game view with your camera and anything else you want on-screen.
Second, build a “be right back” scene for scheduled and unscheduled breaks.
Lastly, create a “welcome” scene for when you start streaming. It’s good practice to have a splash screen display for a few minutes to give viewers some time to settle in before you start streaming in earnest. Streamelements, which I discuss in more detail below, can help you create nice-looking scenes without too much work.
Basic Hardware for Streaming on Twitch
You don’t technically need any specialized hardware to stream on Twitch. You need two things: a computer powerful enough to run the sources you want to stream and a fast internet connection to broadcast them.
If you’re playing newer games on high settings, you’ll need a more powerful computer and higher bandwidth, especially if you’re playing an online game. If a fiber optic connection is available where you live and isn’t cost-prohibitive, that’s the best option.
Well, you need a couple of other things. You need a microphone if you’re talking to your audience (and you probably are) and a camera if you want to show your face.
If you’re just getting started, you don’t need anything fancy. The Shure MV6 is a nice starter microphone that can be upgraded with a mic arm later. The Logitech C920 has been the gold standard budget streamer camera for years now.
If you’re streaming from a console or another computer, you’ll need a capture card. This device lets your streaming software pick up footage from an external machine. I’d go with the Elgato HD60 X here. It’s a powerful, easy-to-use piece of hardware. Its only major downside is that it doesn’t support Mac computers.
Do You Need Two Monitors to Stream on Twitch?
Many Twitch streamers use two monitors. This enables them to have the content they’re streaming on one screen and their stream interface on the other. For instance, say you’re streaming a full-screen game.
If you want to respond to your chat, looking to the side and checking in without interrupting your gameplay is convenient.
Of course, this isn’t necessary, but it makes things much easier. If you don’t have a second monitor, you can kind of fake this by using the Twitch app on your phone.
If you’re looking for a decent second (or first) monitor, consider the ASUS TUF Gaming 27” 1440P Monitor (VG27AQL3A). It’s a solid pick for all but the most hardcore gamers. If you want to mount it to a monitor arm, I love the Fully Jarvis Single Monitor Arm.
How Much Does it Cost to Start Streaming on Twitch?
It’s hard to pin down an exact number here. But let’s assume you already have a PC capable of streaming your desired content. OBS Studio is free, so you’re fine with that software. If you purchased the microphone and camera, I recommend above, plus an Elgato HD60 X and a second monitor, that would come to about $650, plus taxes.
That sounds like a lot, but the biggest expense is the monitor. You can start streaming without spending much money. That said, using a cheap headset mic and no camera won’t provide the best experience for your audience. It’s better to spend a little money and not need to upgrade your Twitch streaming setup right after you start streaming.
Next Steps and Upgrades for a Twitch Streaming Setup
Once you’ve got the basic equipment and software set up, you’re good to go. But there are a lot of tools that can make streaming easier and more fun. One of the most obvious choices here is a second monitor if you don’t already have one. There are plenty of other upgrades you can make, too.
One useful buy for many streamers is an Elgato Stream Deck or similar device. This is essentially a block of buttons that you connect to your computer via USB.
Each button can be customized to perform a different function. For example, you could have one that toggles to a “be right back” scene in OBS instead of manually switching in the software. These devices can take some getting used to, but when properly configured, they are a huge help in keeping your stream running smoothly.
If you want to upgrade your audio setup, consider a microphone with XLR outputs and a boom arm/swivel mount. Some good picks here are the Audio-Technica ATR2100 and the RODE PSA1 Swivel Mount.
You can route them and your headphones through an XLR mixer like the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 for better control of your audio input and output. Meanwhile, if you want to upgrade your camera, try the Elgato Facecam MK.2.
On the software side, consider upgrading your streaming application with a service like Streamelements. Stream elements lets you add overlays, alerts, and more to your streaming setup. You can create new elements from scratch or choose from a selection of free and paid resources. Once you get going with your stream, Streamelements even offers sponsorships.
