How to Set Up Your First Stream on Twitch and Kick: A Beginner’s Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Gather Your Gear

You don’t need fancy stuff to start. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Computer/Laptop: Any device with at least an Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3, 8GB RAM, and built-in graphics works for simple streams.
• Microphone: A cheap USB mic (like a $30 FIFINE Gaming USB Microphone) or earbuds with a mic.
• Webcam (Optional): A basic 720p webcam (like a Logitech C270) adds a friendly face and doesn’t break the bank.
• Internet: At least 5 Mbps upload speed—check it at speedtest.net.
• Game/Content: Something easy like a retro game, chess, or just chatting.

Plug your microphone and webcam into your computer’s USB ports. If you have a console and a capture card, connect it now (console to capture card, capture card to laptop via USB). Want to see what this looks like? Check out pictures of setups at Restream’s Guide.

Step 2: Download and Install OBS Studio

OBS Studio is free and simple to use. Here’s how to get it:

1. Go to obsproject.com.
2. Click “Download” for your system (Windows, Mac, or Linux).
3. Run the installer—say “yes” to everything it asks.
4. Open OBS Studio.

You’ll see a black screen with boxes like “Scenes” and “Sources.” Don’t panic—we’ll set it up next! For pictures of OBS, see the OBS Quick Start Guide.

Step 3: Get Your Stream Keys from Twitch and Kick

A stream key is a secret code that links OBS to Twitch or Kick. You’ll need one for each platform. Here’s how:

Twitch Stream Key

1. Go to twitch.tv and log in (or sign up—it’s free).
2. Click your picture (top-right) and pick “Creator Dashboard.”
3. On the left, click “Settings,” then “Stream.”
4. Copy the “Primary Stream Key” (keep it secret!).
5. Paste it in a note to save it.

Kick Stream Key

1. Go to kick.com and log in (or sign up).
2. Click your profile icon (top-right) and choose “Creator Dashboard.”
3. On the left, click “Settings,” then “Stream Key.”
4. Copy the key and save it somewhere safe.

Need to see this? Check screenshots at Twitch Help Center or Kick Help Center.

Step 4: Connect OBS to Twitch or Kick

Let’s tell OBS where to send your stream:

1. In OBS, click “Settings” (bottom-right).
2. Click “Stream” on the left.
3. Pick “Twitch” or “Kick” from the “Service” dropdown.
4. Paste your stream key from Step 3 into the “Stream Key” box.
5. Click “Apply,” then “OK.”

For a picture of this step, look at Descript’s OBS Guide.

Step 5: Set Up Your Stream in OBS

Now, let’s add what people will see and hear:

Add Your Game or Screen

1. In the “Sources” box, click the “+” button.
2. Pick “Game Capture” for a game:
   • Name it (e.g., “Game”), click “OK.”
   • Choose your game from “Window” (start the game first).
   • Click “OK.”
3. Or pick “Display Capture” for your whole screen:
   • Name it, click “OK,” pick your screen, and click “OK.”
4. Drag the red corners in the black area to fit it right.

Add Your Webcam

1. Click “+” in “Sources.”
2. Choose “Video Capture Device.”
3. Name it (e.g., “Webcam”), click “OK.”
4. Pick your webcam from “Device,” then click “OK.”
5. Move it to a corner in the preview.

Add Your Microphone

1. Check the “Audio Mixer” box in OBS.
2. Your mic should be “Mic/Aux.” If not:
   • Go to “Settings” > “Audio.”
   • Set “Mic/Auxiliary Audio” to your mic, click “Apply,” then “OK.”
3. Talk—green bars should move. Slide the bar if it’s too loud or quiet.

Test it by clicking “Start Recording.” Stop after a bit and check the video in your “Videos” folder. See how it looks in the OBS Quick Start Guide.

Step 6: Twitch Dashboard Settings

Set up Twitch before going live:

1. In the Twitch Creator Dashboard, go to “Settings” > “Channel.”
2. Stream Info:
   • Title: Something fun (e.g., “My First Stream – Chess!”).
   • Category: Pick what you’re doing (e.g., “Chess” or “Just Chatting”).
   • Tags: Add 3-5 like “New,” “Live,” “Fun.”
3. Click “Save.”
4. Go to “Moderation” > “AutoMod” and set it to Level 1 (keeps chat nice).

See this in action at Twitch Help Center.

Step 7: Kick Dashboard Settings

Set up Kick too:

1. In the Kick Creator Dashboard, click “Stream Settings.”
2. Stream Title: Something cool (e.g., “Retro Games Live!”).
3. Category: Choose your content (e.g., “Gaming”).
4. Tags: Add a few like “Newbie,” “Live,” “Retro.”
5. Save it.
6. Under “Chat Settings,” turn on “Slow Mode” (10 seconds) to keep chat easy.

Check screenshots at Kick Help Center.

Step 8: Basic OBS Settings for Beginners

Make OBS work smoothly:

1. Go to “Settings” in OBS.
2. Output:
   • Pick “Simple” mode.
   • Video Bitrate: 2500 Kbps (works for 720p).
   • Encoder: “x264” (default) or “NVENC” (if you have NVIDIA).
   • Audio Bitrate: 128 Kbps.
3. Video:
   • Base Resolution: 1280×720 (720p).
   • Output Resolution: 1280×720.
   • FPS: 30 (easy on your computer).
4. Audio:
   • Sample Rate: 44.1kHz.
   • Desktop Audio: Your game sound.
   • Mic/Aux: Your microphone.
5. Click “Apply,” then “OK.”

See these settings in pictures at Descript’s OBS Guide.

Step 9: Go Live!

1. In OBS, click “Start Streaming.”
2. Open Twitch or Kick’s Creator Dashboard in your browser—look at the “Live” tab to see your stream (wait a few seconds).
3. Say hello, play, or chat—you’re live!
4. Click “Stop Streaming” in OBS when done.

Watch what going live looks like at Twitch Help Center or Kick Help Center.

Tips for Your First Stream

• Test It: Try a short test stream first (Twitch has a “Test” mode in OBS).
• Chat: Talk to anyone watching—it’s how you make friends!
• Have Fun: It’s okay to mess up—just enjoy it.

Visual Help

Here’s a table of pictures and guides to make this even easier:

Conclusion

So, What do you need to start streaming on twitch? Well as you saw, after doing the setup necessary, allot of it is just your personality and authenticity.  Setting up your first stream on Twitch or Kick is easy with these steps! Plug in your gear, get your stream keys, set up OBS, and tweak your dashboards. The pictures in the guides above will show you exactly what to do. You’re ready to go live and have fun—happy streaming!