Whether you want to host a private stream to your family, friends, and most loyal fans, or simply check the video and audio quality, a barrage of streamers usually seeks ways to private stream on Twitch. Granted, going live can be a nerve-wracking first-time experience with the array of parameters to consider.
They include ensuring your setup functions seamlessly throughout the stream, selecting a game that’s appealing to your audience, keeping your eyes peeled for anyone cropping up in the chat, and attempting to engage with them. So, this post will explore the ins and outs of how to work around the system.
Getting Started
Setting up a private twitch stream is a straightforward process that we’ve broken down into the steps below.
Study the Community Guidelines
While it may seem obvious but it’s best to keenly go through the entire legal section of Twitch’s website and the community guidelines before you jump straight into account creation. Furthermore, bookmark the webpage because the guidelines aren’t cast in stone, and thus, keep changing. So, you want to ensure you’re up to speed.
Create an Account
On a PC, creating an account entails clicking on the ‘Sign Up’ button and filling out the registration form with your details. However, on mobile gadgets, simply download the Twitch mobile app. The developers recommend using your phone number for the initial registration then adding an email address later.
Activate the Two-factor Authentication
It’s a bummer that you can’t stream without activating 2FA. And, you can’t enable it on mobile gadgets. So, head over to a PC, log into your Twitch account and activate 2FA under security settings. But remember, you’ll need a smartphone or tablet to do so.
Types of Streaming
Private Twitch stream falls into two categories, as discussed below.
Subscriber-Only Streams
You can opt for these upon including Affiliate status on your Twitch account (if you stream enough for at least three people and getting 50 accounts to follow you). So, get your family, friends, and fans to subscribe to your channel. They can use Twitch Prime if they have an Amazon account.
Password-only Streams
Users required a password to view certain private Twitch streams. So, people could grant it to be given after a minimum donation was sent or provide the password offline to their followers.
Factors to Consider When Making a Private Stream on Twitch
Here’s a breakdown of the key considerations to factor in when you make a private stream Twitch.
Software
When streaming Twitch from a PC, the consensus is that rookies should begin with software decoders if the hardware counterparts are unavailable. While there’s a myriad of reasons for this, it all boils down to affordability and unmatched user-friendliness.
It’s no secret that each software encoder is packed with unique pros and cons. But, some of the renowned options to consider are:
- Stream Labs OBS: It has a set of amazing features that could come in handy in capitalizing your channel. But, keep in mind that Stream Labs OBS is only compatible with Windows.
- X-Split: It’s the go-to for any broadcaster that wants to give paid software a try. So, it only shines through if you’re willing to shell out a few bucks for the paid version.
- OBS Studio: As a popular option for a myriad of beginners, OBS Studio is open-source, which means it has cross-platform compatibility, and more importantly, it’s free to use.
- V-Mix: It’s an option to consider when you’re ready to transition to pro streaming.
- Twitch Studio: As the proprietary software of Twitch, it’s currently accessible in open beta.
- Re-stream: It is state-of-the-art multi-streaming software that perfectly integrates analytics, broadcasting, and chat. It kicks-off with a free trial, is easy to set up, and more invaluable for Twitch affiliates that are subject to the platform’s exclusivity clause.
Hardware
There’s no need to dent your wallet on the newest generation of CPUs to stream on Twitch. After all, unlike YouTube, the platform doesn’t fall on the high end of the spectrum when it comes to video quality, which means it doesn’t support 4K streaming. So, users can get away with lower-quality gear.
But, one common pitfall that most Twitch users encounter is that gaming and encoding can be overbearing for a PC’s CPU when streaming video games. So, this deters you from streaming on Twitch using any type of gear; it has to be of a certain caliber. Let’s walk you through each component.
- Smartphone/PC/Console: It’s the heart of any streaming setup. Gaming consoles such as Xbox One, smartphones (Android and iOS), and Play Station 4 are viable alternatives. These ease you into the world of streaming because you don’t need to worry about additional software and hardware. But, PCs didn’t become the renowned streaming option by fluke.Users can incorporate various types of hardware with them. Moreover, streaming software ushers in amazing features ranging from using overlays to background creation. PCs will also have you spoilt for choice when you’re getting your feet wet.Overall, you can start streaming with a stable and fast internet connection coupled with 8GB of RAM and an i5 processor. But remember, the more you want from your content, the more you’ll require investing in the most fundamental gear. The same applies to other gear you’ll utilize for streaming.
- Camera and Microphone: Unless you’re a seasoned gamer that can lure in and keep an audience glued to the screen with exceptional gameplay, you’ll need audio commentary. It allows you to bring out your personality and keep your viewers engaged. And, it eliminates the need to answer questions by constantly typing in a Live Chat window. So, microphones are a worthwhile investment for streamers because the audio quality is crucial. After all, you want your audience to clearly hear and understand every word you utter. So, you can take your pick from the following topnotch options.1) ZM-Mic12) Blue Yeti Nano3) AU-04 USB Microphone Kit4) Blue Yeti X5) Samson G-Track Pro
If you want to spice things up further, you can add non-verbal cues such as facial expressions, to your roster, by investing in any of the following excellent quality cameras.
1) Razer Kiyo
2) Brio 4K
3) Life Cam HD-3000
4) HD Pro C920
Five Tips for a Better Private Twitch Stream
Let’s delve into five aspects that you can work on as you invest in the best streaming software and hardware.
Consistency
Human beings are creatures of habit. So, one of the essential things a new Twitch streamer should incorporate is a consistent streaming schedule. So, be clear with your viewers on the exact time you’ll be online, post it on your social media handles, and adhere to it. While spontaneity is thrilling a couple of times, people prefer having things to look forward to.
Establish an Online Identity
As an online personality streaming on Twitch, it’s vital to consider the brand you’re aiming at. With the multitude of people that stream, you need to come up with something that sets you apart from the pack and build a brand encompassing it.
Brainstorm on the Twitch gaming logo or profile picture that you want to be associated with. A mascot or channel name can be included as identification for your brand. Factor in your other social media channels as platforms by which people can locate you when you’re not live on Twitch.
Doing so means you can gather a large following on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter that can automatically translate into an audience on your Twitch account.
Join or Establish a Community of Streamers
Most successful Twitch streamers have grasped the importance of an online community. You can take baby steps with a few regulars in your chat, gradually making your up. If you put in the work and show concern about the people showing up, you’ll have a community that enjoys watching and supporting you.
For instance, you can reach out to other Twitch streamers you follow because the road can get quite lonely. They probably won’t mind giving you insight that can help you improve as a content creator. And, you can even team up to increase your following.
Check Your Metrics
It’s no secret that discouragement and disappointment set in when you start streaming and don’t get as many viewers as you’d like. So, search for games with high viewership but don’t have stiff competition for the opportunity to be easily discovered.
You can go the extra mile by conducting your due diligence and checking for trending games. Moreover, stream to a community you resonate with, for instance, one that you share the same interests with or from your native country.
Personality
It plays a major role because no two Twitch streamers are the same. So, find your style and what you’re most comfortable doing on camera. Then, work on honing it. Avoid feeling pressured to participate in a game that doesn’t tickle your fancy because it’s trending. And most importantly, have a blast!