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In recent years, content creation has become more accessible than ever, with platforms like Twitch. To stream, you don’t require a powerful and elaborate PC setup specifically, as you can go live on Twitch simply by using your smartphone, whether you are hosting casual chats, broadcasting events, or even vlogging your trips around the world.
In this guide, we will walk you through the process of setting up your first Twitch livestream through your mobile phone so that you can build and connect with your community from anywhere in the world with just a few taps.
How can I ensure high-quality streaming using my phone?
Before setting up your first livestream using your phone, ensure the quality of your stream is top-notch. Streamers typically pair their smartphones with various tech accessories, such as a lavalier microphone for clear audio, an external camera lens to achieve crisp video quality, and a power bank to ensure their phone can run for extended periods.
A dedicated streaming camera, such as the Hollyland VenusLiv Air, is a great choice for content creators, as it offers 24/7 streaming capabilities with 4K30fps recording and AI tuning. You can control this camera with your smartphone, as the device comes with HollyOS, which features a camera application that allows users to select from a wide range of streaming platforms.
Now, let’s get back to setting up your first livestream on Twitch through your smartphone.
Method 1: Stream Games
Twitch allows you to either stream games from your device by screen recording or you can use the IRL mode to livestream using your front or rear camera, which is very convenient for vlogging.
- Once you’ve logged into your Twitch account, on the Dashboard, tap on the ‘+’ icon.
- Select the Stream Games option.
To ensure that you can stream your voice for commentary and have quick access to Twitch settings, you will need to grant the app the relevant permissions.
- Enable Microphone.
- Enable Overlays. A hovering quick-access option to allow you to adjust Twitch settings without exiting your game.
- Choose Category. Select the game you want to stream, but make sure you have that particular game installed.
- Select Continue.
You will now need to add information regarding your live stream, along with the relevant tags required to make your live stream easy to search.
- Add Stream Title.
- Add Tags. These are keywords to make you discoverable on Twitch.
- Go Live Notification will notify your community whenever you go live. You can edit the notification text as well.
- Adjust Stream Volume by adjusting your microphone volume settings as well as the in-game volume settings.
- Once all the information regarding the stream has been entered, select the ‘Open Stream Controls’ option.
- Select the ‘Start now’ option to start recording or casting with Twitch.
After entering all the necessary information and adjusting correct settings, here’s what you need to do:
- Tap on the hovering Twitch icon on your screen.
- Select the ‘Go live’ icon in the pop-up.
You can now stream your games directly from your device by simply tapping on the game application. The Twitch app will simply cast your mobile screen to the livestream.
Method 2: Stream IRL
The Stream IRL method, as stated earlier, is designed for vlogging and documenting purposes. Users are required to turn on their cameras in order to use this option.
- Tap on the ‘+’ icon on your dashboard.
- Select the Stream IRL option.
Since the camera and microphone permissions on your device are not enabled for the Twitch app by default, you will need to allow these permissions to use them.
- Tap on the Enable Camera and Enable Microphone options.
You will now add or edit information regarding your livestream content, and to do that:
- Tap on the 3 dots icon
- Select the Edit Stream info option
- Edit the Title of your livestream
- Edit the Go Live Notification text relevant to your stream content
- Add a Category by selecting the topic of your stream
- Add Tags to help viewers easily find your stream on Twitch. Make sure the tags are relevant to your stream.
If your stream is sponsored by a brand or features a branded product, it is essential to mark the stream as branded content to prevent it from being removed.
NOTE: You may need to update the app to view the Branded Content option on your phone, as this feature is typically accessible through the desktop version.
- Tap on the Branded content check box (optional)
- Tap save on the top right to save the Stream info
Now that all the stream information has been added, all you have to do is go live.
- Select the Go Live icon
Conclusion
With this guide, streaming on Twitch using your smartphone will be very easy and accessible. Simply by following the outlined steps, users can set up high-quality streams for both Gaming and In-Real-Life Content just by tapping a few options, sharing their content with viewers around the world.
FAQ
1. Can I change my Stream Title and Tags during the stream?
Yes, you can change your stream title during live streaming, along with tags, simply by editing the stream information. You may want to do this if you want to increase traffic on your stream or if you decide to change content mid-stream.
2. Do I need to purchase a Twitch Membership to stream?
You don’t need a paid subscription to stream on Twitch. However, benefits such as exclusive chat emotes, an ad-free viewing experience, and exclusive subscribers-only chats and streams do require users to subscribe to Twitch’s membership in order to gain access to such benefits. Not to mention, you can also support your favourite Twitch star to help them continue making content.
3. How long can a Twitch last?
The maximum duration for a Twitch stream is 48 hours; after this time, the stream will be automatically disconnected. To continue your stream after the 48-hour time limit, you can start a new streaming session and resume your content without interruption. However, it is not recommended to stream continuously due to safety and health reasons.
4. How long will my broadcast be available for after the stream has ended?
Twitch usually has a VOD duration of 14 days for regular Twitch streamers; however, for exclusive Twitch partners, the VOD duration is up to 60 days, after which the stream is automatically deleted from Twitch servers. Streamers can export their streams to YouTube for permanent storage; however, the content of streams should adhere to YouTube policies as well.
