How to Start Streaming on Twitch: Complete Beginner's Guide (2026)
Everything you need to go live on Twitch for the first time — equipment, software setup, donation alerts, and a 30-day growth plan to reach Affiliate fast.
To start streaming on Twitch, you need a Twitch account, streaming software (OBS Studio is free and recommended), a computer or console, and an internet connection with at least 6 Mbps upload speed. The entire setup process takes 30–60 minutes for your first stream, and you can start accepting donations and building an audience from day one without Twitch Affiliate status.
This guide walks you through every step — from choosing your equipment and configuring OBS to setting up donation alerts, creating a streaming schedule, and hitting your first milestones. Whether you're streaming from a gaming PC, a laptop, or a console, you'll have everything you need to go live today.
Key Takeaways / TL;DR
- You can start streaming for free — OBS Studio, a Twitch account, and basic equipment is all you need
- Minimum internet: 6 Mbps upload speed for 720p, 10+ Mbps for 1080p streaming
- Set up donation alerts before your first stream — Stream Alert supports CashApp & Venmo from day one
- You do NOT need Twitch Affiliate to accept donations or start earning
- Follow the first 30 days plan below to build momentum and reach Affiliate
Table of Contents
What You Need to Start Streaming on Twitch
One of the biggest misconceptions about streaming is that you need expensive equipment. The truth is, you can start streaming on Twitch today with gear you already own. Here's what you actually need, broken down by priority level.
Essential (Free / Already Own)
PC, laptop, or gaming console
Any computer from the last 5 years can stream. PS5 and Xbox Series X/S have built-in Twitch streaming. Even a phone can work in a pinch.
Internet connection (6+ Mbps upload)
Test your speed at speedtest.net. 6 Mbps upload handles 720p streaming. 10+ Mbps is ideal for 1080p. Wired ethernet is strongly recommended over Wi-Fi.
Microphone (even built-in works)
Your laptop mic, headset mic, or earbuds mic will work for your first streams. Upgrade later when you're committed.
Twitch account
Free to create at twitch.tv. Choose a memorable username — you can change it later, but it's best to pick the right one from the start.
OBS Studio (free streaming software)
Download from obsproject.com. OBS is free, open-source, and used by the vast majority of Twitch streamers. It works on Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Recommended ($50–$200)
- USB microphone — Blue Yeti ($70–$100) or HyperX QuadCast ($60–$80). Massive audio quality upgrade over built-in mics.
- Webcam — Logitech C920 ($50–$70). Viewers connect more with streamers they can see. A webcam isn't required, but it helps.
- Second monitor — Read chat, manage OBS, and watch your dashboard without alt-tabbing out of your game.
Nice to Have ($200+)
- Capture card — Elgato HD60 S+ ($130–$180). Required for streaming console gameplay through OBS on a PC.
- Green screen — Removes your background for a cleaner, more professional look.
- Ring light or key light — Good lighting makes your webcam look 10x better.
- Stream Deck — Elgato Stream Deck ($90–$250). Hardware buttons for switching scenes, muting mic, running commands, and more.
Budget Breakdown
| Budget | Setup | Quality |
|---|---|---|
| $0 (Free) | PC/laptop + built-in mic + OBS | Basic but functional |
| $50–$100 | + USB microphone | Good audio, game + voice |
| $100–$200 | + webcam + mic | Professional look |
| $200–$500 | + capture card + lighting | Near-pro quality |
| $500+ | + stream deck + green screen + XLR mic | Full pro setup |
Our Advice
Start with the $0 setup and upgrade one piece at a time as you get more serious. A USB microphone should be your first upgrade — audio quality matters more than video quality for viewer retention.
Step-by-Step: Setting Up Your First Twitch Stream
Follow these 10 steps and you'll be live on Twitch in under an hour. We'll cover account creation, OBS configuration, donation alerts, and your first test stream.
- Create a Twitch account
Go to twitch.tv and click Sign Up. Choose a username that's easy to remember and spell. Enable two-factor authentication immediately — Twitch requires it before you can stream. Verify your email address.
- Customize your Twitch profile
First impressions matter. Set up these elements before your first stream:
• Profile picture: A clear photo of yourself or a custom logo
• Bio: 1–2 sentences about what you stream and your schedule
• Banner image: 1200×480 pixels, showcasing your brand
• Panels: Add About, Schedule, Donate, and Social Media panels below your stream. Use Canva (free) to create panel graphics. - Download and install OBS Studio
Download OBS from obsproject.com. Run the installer and launch the app. When prompted, run the Auto-Configuration Wizard — it tests your system and internet to recommend optimal settings. Choose "Optimize for streaming" when asked.
- Configure OBS settings
Go to Settings → Output and configure your encoding settings. Here are the recommended settings for beginners:
Setting 720p (Recommended for Beginners) 1080p Resolution 1280×720 1920×1080 Bitrate 3,000–4,500 kbps 4,500–6,000 kbps Framerate 30 fps 60 fps Encoder x264 or NVENC NVENC (GPU) Upload Speed Needed 6+ Mbps 10+ Mbps Important
Start at 720p/30fps even if your hardware can handle more. Non-Affiliate streamers don't get transcoding options, meaning viewers can't lower the quality. A 720p stream loads faster and works for viewers on slower connections.
- Add your first scene
In OBS, create your first scene with these sources:
• Game Capture or Display Capture: This captures your gameplay or desktop
• Video Capture Device: Your webcam (if you have one)
• Audio Input Capture: Your microphone
• Browser Source: For donation alerts and overlays (we'll set this up in the next steps)
Position your webcam in a corner, resize it to be small enough to not block gameplay, and make sure your mic levels are showing in the Audio Mixer. - Set up donation alerts
This is one of the most important steps — and one most beginners skip. Set up Stream Alert for CashApp and Venmo alerts (takes 5 minutes), and optionally StreamElements for PayPal alerts (free). See the detailed section below for a full walkthrough.
- Add a chatbot (Nightbot)
Go to nightbot.tv, sign in with your Twitch account, and click Join Channel. Nightbot handles chat moderation, custom commands (!discord, !socials, !donate), and spam protection automatically. Set up at least 3–5 basic commands before your first stream.
- Connect OBS to Twitch
In OBS, go to Settings → Stream → select Twitch as the service. Click Connect Account to log in with your Twitch credentials, or manually copy your stream key from the Twitch Creator Dashboard (Settings → Stream → Primary Stream Key). Never share your stream key with anyone.
- Test your stream (private test)
Before going live to your audience, do a private test:
• Click Start Streaming in OBS
• Open your Twitch channel page in a browser to watch your own stream
• Check video quality, audio levels (is the mic picking you up? is game audio too loud?), and donation alert functionality
• Record or screenshot any issues to fix
• Click Stop Streaming when done. Delete the VOD from your dashboard if you don't want it saved. - Go live!
Set your stream title (be descriptive and include your game name), choose the correct category, add relevant tags, and click Start Streaming in OBS. Welcome to Twitch — you're officially a streamer. Start talking, play your game, and engage with anyone who stops by.
Setting Up Donation Alerts Before Your First Stream
Many new streamers skip donation alerts because they think "nobody will donate to me yet." That's the wrong mindset. Setting up donation alerts before your first stream matters for three reasons:
- It looks professional. Panels, commands, and working alerts signal that you take streaming seriously. Viewers are more likely to stick around — and donate — when your channel looks polished.
- You capture early supporters. Some of your earliest viewers will want to support you. If there's no way to donate, you've missed that revenue forever.
- You don't need Affiliate. Twitch Bits and Subscriptions require Affiliate status, but direct donations through CashApp, Venmo, and PayPal work for everyone from day one.
Option 1: Stream Alert (CashApp & Venmo) — 5 Minutes
Stream Alert is the only alert service that automatically detects CashApp and Venmo payments. It monitors your Gmail inbox for payment confirmation emails and triggers on-screen alerts within seconds. No manual donation page required — viewers just send money to your CashApp $cashtag or Venmo @username as they normally would.
Setup takes about 5 minutes: create an account at streamalert.gg/register, connect your Gmail, add your payment details, copy the overlay URL into an OBS Browser Source, and test. For a detailed walkthrough, see our CashApp & Venmo donation alerts setup guide.
Option 2: StreamElements (PayPal) — Free
StreamElements is a 100% free platform that lets you accept PayPal donations through a custom tipping page. It also provides overlays, chatbot features, and an Alert Box widget for OBS. It's the best free option for PayPal-based donations. Check out our OBS donation alerts guide for the complete setup.
Option 3: Ko-fi / Buy Me a Coffee (Tip Pages)
Ko-fi and Buy Me a Coffee are simple tip page platforms where viewers can send one-time donations or set up recurring support. They're great as a supplementary option — add your Ko-fi or BMAC link to your Twitch panels and chat commands alongside your primary donation alerts.
Recommended Setup for New Streamers
Use Stream Alert for CashApp & Venmo alerts + StreamElements for PayPal alerts. This combination covers all three major payment platforms, and you can be fully set up in under 15 minutes. No Affiliate status needed.
Your First 30 Days Streaming Plan
Your first month on Twitch sets the foundation for everything that follows. Here's a week-by-week plan to build momentum and push toward Twitch Affiliate.
Week 1: Setup & Test
- Finish your entire setup — OBS, overlays, donation alerts, chatbot commands, Twitch panels
- Do 3–4 test streams to work out audio, video, and alert issues
- Find your game niche — pick 2–3 games you enjoy that aren't oversaturated (avoid Fortnite, Warzone, League as your primary game — the directories are too crowded for new streamers)
- Set a consistent schedule (even if it's just 3 days per week) and post it on your channel
Week 2: Build Habits
- Stream 4 days this week for 2–4 hours per session
- Engage every single viewer who enters chat — greet them by name, ask questions, respond to messages
- Set up a Discord server for your community (even if it's tiny — it shows commitment)
- Start watching and networking with other small streamers in your game category
Week 3: Expand & Network
- Start raiding other small streamers at the end of every stream — this builds genuine relationships
- Create your first TikTok/YouTube Shorts clips from your best stream moments — these drive discovery
- Join Discord communities for small streamers in your niche
- Refine your Twitch panels, bio, and commands based on what questions viewers ask
Week 4: Evaluate & Push for Affiliate
- Review your analytics in the Twitch Creator Dashboard — what days/times get the most viewers?
- Adjust your schedule based on what's working
- Push for Affiliate requirements (see below) — you should be close by now
- Ask your regulars to follow if they haven't already, and keep raiding to build reciprocal viewership
Twitch Affiliate Requirements
You must meet ALL of the following in the last 30 days:
50 followers
7 unique broadcast days (in last 30 days)
500 minutes streamed (in last 30 days) — that's about 8.3 hours total
3 average concurrent viewers (in last 30 days)
The 3 average viewers requirement is usually the hardest to hit. Networking, raiding, and creating short-form content on TikTok/YouTube Shorts are the best strategies to build concurrent viewership.
For a deeper dive into growth strategies, check out our guide: How to Grow on Twitch as a Small Streamer.
Go-Live Checklist: Before Every Stream
Use this checklist every time you go live. Bookmark this page or screenshot it and keep it next to your setup. Skipping even one step can lead to a frustrating stream.
Test audio levels — Check mic volume, game audio, and alert sounds in OBS. Talk into your mic and make sure levels hit the yellow/green zone, not the red.
Check internet speed — Run a quick speedtest.net test. If upload is below 6 Mbps, close other devices/apps using bandwidth.
Update stream title and category — Set a descriptive title and make sure the game category is correct in your Twitch dashboard.
Verify OBS scenes are correct — Make sure game capture is working, webcam is positioned, and overlays are in place.
Confirm donation alerts are working — Send a test alert from your Stream Alert or StreamElements dashboard.
Post on social media — Tweet, post a TikTok, or send a Discord notification that you're going live.
Have water and snacks ready — You'll be talking for hours. Stay hydrated and fueled.
Start streaming! — Click Start Streaming in OBS, welcome your viewers, and have fun.
Common Beginner Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
Every new streamer makes some of these mistakes. Learn from others so you can skip the growing pains and look like a pro from day one.
1. Streaming without testing first
Your first "real" stream should never be your first time hitting the Start Streaming button. Do at least 2–3 test streams to dial in your audio, video, scenes, and alerts. Fix problems before your audience sees them.
2. Bad audio quality
Viewers will tolerate bad video, but they will NOT tolerate bad audio. If your mic is too quiet, echoey, or has background noise, viewers leave immediately. Use noise suppression filters in OBS (go to your mic source → Filters → add "Noise Suppression"). A $60 USB mic solves most audio problems.
3. Not talking when no one's watching
New streamers often sit in silence when chat is empty. This is a fatal mistake. Talk constantly — narrate your gameplay, react to what's happening, share your thoughts. When a new viewer drops in, they need to hear an active, engaging streamer. If they see silence, they leave in seconds.
4. Playing only oversaturated games
Fortnite, Valorant, League of Legends, and Warzone have thousands of streamers competing for viewers. As a new streamer, you'll be buried at the bottom of a massive directory. Instead, find games with 500–3,000 viewers in the category — big enough to have an audience, small enough to be discovered.
5. Inconsistent schedule
Streaming randomly whenever you feel like it makes it impossible for viewers to become regulars. Pick 3–5 days per week at consistent times and stick to them. Post your schedule on your Twitch channel, Discord, and social media. Consistency builds audience habits.
6. No donation alerts or panels set up
If your channel has no panels, no donation link, no commands, and no alerts, it looks like you don't care. Set up your donation alerts, About panel, social links, and basic chat commands before your first stream. It takes 30 minutes and makes a huge difference.
7. Ignoring Twitch chat
Chat interaction is the #1 reason viewers stay on a stream. When someone sends a message, acknowledge it within 10 seconds. Use a second monitor or your phone to keep chat visible at all times. Viewers who feel seen become followers. Followers who feel valued become subscribers and donors.
8. Giving up too early
Most streamers quit before month 3. Growth on Twitch is slow at the start — you might stream to 0–2 viewers for weeks. That's normal. The streamers who succeed are the ones who show up consistently, improve their content, and network with others. Give yourself at least 3–6 months before evaluating whether streaming is for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to start streaming on Twitch?
$0. You can start streaming completely free with a PC or console you already own, a built-in or headset microphone, OBS Studio (free software), and a Twitch account (free). The only ongoing cost is your internet connection, which you likely already have. Optional upgrades like a USB microphone ($60–$100) and webcam ($50–$70) are recommended but not required for your first streams.
Do I need a webcam to stream on Twitch?
No, a webcam is not required. Many successful streamers — especially in gaming categories — stream without a facecam. However, having a webcam significantly increases viewer engagement and connection. Studies show that streams with a facecam tend to have higher average view times and more chat activity. If you're comfortable on camera, it's one of the easiest ways to stand out.
Can I stream on Twitch from a console (PS5/Xbox)?
Yes. Both PS5 and Xbox Series X/S have built-in Twitch streaming through their broadcast features. You can go live directly from the console without any additional software or hardware. However, console streaming has limitations: no custom overlays, no donation alerts, limited scene control, and lower customization. For the full streaming experience with alerts and overlays, you'll want to stream through a PC using OBS and a capture card (like the Elgato HD60 S+) to capture your console gameplay.
How fast does my internet need to be for Twitch?
You need at least 6 Mbps upload speed for a stable 720p stream, and 10+ Mbps upload speed for 1080p at 60fps. Download speed matters less for streaming — it's your upload speed that determines stream quality. Test your speed at speedtest.net. A wired ethernet connection is strongly recommended over Wi-Fi to avoid frame drops and disconnects during your stream.
How do I get Twitch Affiliate?
To qualify for Twitch Affiliate, you must achieve all of the following within the last 30 days: 50 followers, 7 unique broadcast days, 500 minutes streamed (about 8.3 hours), and 3 average concurrent viewers. Once you meet these requirements, Twitch sends you an invitation through your Creator Dashboard. Most dedicated streamers reach Affiliate within 1–3 months. Remember: you do not need Affiliate to accept donations — tools like Stream Alert let you receive CashApp and Venmo payments from day one.
Start Accepting Donations From Your Very First Stream
Stream Alert detects CashApp and Venmo payments automatically, no Affiliate required. Your viewers send money to your $cashtag or @username just like a normal payment, and a custom alert pops up on your stream within seconds. Set it up in 5 minutes and start earning from day one.
No credit card required