Is It Okay to Multistream on Twitch? A Comprehensive Guide for Streamers

Yes, it is currently okay to multistream on Twitch. In a significant policy shift announced at TwitchCon 2023, Twitch officially removed its previous restrictions on multistreaming, also known as simulcasting. This means you are now free to stream on Twitch and other platforms like YouTube, Kick, or Facebook simultaneously, without violating Twitch’s Terms of Service. This change reflects the evolving landscape of streaming and the increased competition among platforms. This development opens new avenues for content creators to expand their reach and engage with a wider audience.

Understanding Twitch’s Evolving Multistreaming Policy

The Historical Context: Why the Change?

For a long time, Twitch prohibited simulcasting, citing concerns that it could lead to a suboptimal experience for the community. The idea was that splitting your attention across multiple platforms could dilute the quality of your interactions and the overall stream. However, the rise of competitor platforms like Kick, aggressively poaching established Twitch streamers with more permissive policies and lucrative deals, forced Twitch to reconsider its stance. Losing top talent like xQc and Amouranth to these competitors highlighted the need to adapt to remain competitive.

What Does This Mean for Streamers?

The removal of the multistreaming ban is a game-changer for streamers. It offers several key benefits:

• Increased Reach: You can now broadcast to a wider audience across multiple platforms simultaneously.
• Reduced Risk: If one platform experiences technical difficulties or server outages, you can continue streaming on others, preserving your stream.
• Diversified Income Streams: You can potentially monetize your content on multiple platforms, increasing your overall revenue.
• Experimentation and Growth: Multistreaming allows you to test different platforms and identify where your content resonates best.

Important Considerations Before You Multistream

While Twitch now permits multistreaming, there are still some vital factors to keep in mind to ensure a smooth and successful experience:

• Community Engagement: Maintain a consistent level of interaction across all platforms. Don’t neglect one audience for another. Tools like restream chat can help manage multiple chats.
• Technical Requirements: Multistreaming demands significant bandwidth and processing power. Ensure your internet connection and computer can handle it.
• Platform-Specific Guidelines: Each platform has its own rules and guidelines. Familiarize yourself with these to avoid violating their terms of service.
• Affiliate and Partner Agreements: Review your Twitch Affiliate or Partner agreement for any specific clauses related to multistreaming. While multistreaming is now allowed, certain exclusivity clauses regarding content categories might still apply.

How to Multistream Effectively

Choosing the Right Tools

Several tools can facilitate multistreaming. Some popular options include:

• Restream: A dedicated multistreaming service that allows you to broadcast to multiple platforms simultaneously.
• OBS Studio (with Restream Plugin): A free and open-source streaming software that can be enhanced with the Restream plugin for multistreaming.
• XSplit: Another popular streaming software with multistreaming capabilities.

Optimizing Your Stream for Multiple Platforms

• Resolution and Bitrate: Adjust your stream settings to accommodate the requirements of all platforms you are streaming to. Generally, a lower resolution and bitrate might be necessary to ensure a smooth stream across all platforms. Remember that Twitch doesn’t support 4K streaming.
• Layout and Overlays: Design your stream layout to be suitable for all platforms. Consider using universal overlays that don’t prominently feature platform-specific branding.
• Chat Management: Use a centralized chat management tool to monitor and respond to messages from all platforms. This ensures that you don’t miss any important interactions with your viewers.

Balancing Audience Engagement

• Acknowledge Different Platforms: Occasionally mention the different platforms you are streaming to and acknowledge viewers from each community.
• Moderate Effectively: Ensure you have moderators on each platform to maintain a positive and respectful environment.
• Adapt to Platform Cultures: Be aware that different platforms have different cultures and expectations. Adjust your content and communication style accordingly.

FAQs About Multistreaming on Twitch

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify Twitch’s multistreaming policy and best practices:

1. Can I still lose my Twitch Affiliate status if I multistream?

No, multistreaming itself will not cause you to lose your Twitch Affiliate status. However, inactivity can. Twitch automatically removes accounts from the Affiliate program that haven’t been active for more than a year. So, stream at least once every 12 months to remain active.

2. Will I get banned for multistreaming on Twitch now?

No, you will not be banned for multistreaming since the policy has been officially changed.

3. What is co-streaming on Twitch?

Co-streaming is a feature that allows you to air another broadcast on your channel while providing your own commentary. It’s typically enabled for special events and Twitch-licensed programming. This is different from multistreaming, where you are simultaneously broadcasting your own content to multiple platforms.

4. Does Twitch support 4K streaming?

No, Twitch does not currently support 4K streaming. It’s generally recommended to prioritize a stable stream over a high-resolution picture.

5. What resolution and FPS should I stream at on Twitch?

Twitch recommends streaming at 720p at 30 frames per second with a bitrate of 3,000 kbps in most situations. However, if your internet and computer can handle it, 1080p at 60 fps is also an option.

6. Is it better to stream on Twitch or YouTube?

It depends on your content and goals. Twitch is primarily focused on live streaming, especially for gaming and esports. YouTube is better for on-demand video content and has a more diverse audience. Multistreaming allows you to leverage the strengths of both platforms.

7. What is the 3% rule on Twitch?

The “3% rule” on Twitch refers to the branded content guidelines that limit on-stream logos to 3% of the screen size. Burned-in video ads and display ads are not allowed.

8. What content is not allowed on Twitch?

Twitch prohibits content that is sexually explicit or suggestive, promotes violence, terrorism, or illegal conduct. Content that is discriminatory, hateful, or harassing is also prohibited.

9. What will get you banned on Twitch?

You can get banned on Twitch for violations of their Community Guidelines, including:

• Hate speech and harassment.
• Sharing sexually explicit content.
• Promoting violence or illegal activities.
• Violating copyright laws.

10. What is the best multistreaming software?

Popular choices for multistreaming software include Restream, OBS Studio (with Restream Plugin), and XSplit. The best option depends on your specific needs and technical expertise.

11. Can I multistream from OBS without Restream?

No, OBS Studio natively only allows streaming to one platform at a time. You need a plugin like Restream or a similar service to multistream from OBS.

12. Is Restream safe to use?

Yes, Restream is a reputable and safe multistreaming service with security measures in place to protect your information.

13. Can I multistream on Twitch and TikTok?

Yes, you can multistream on Twitch and TikTok using a service like Restream.

14. Is Kick better than Twitch?

Whether Kick is “better” than Twitch is subjective and depends on individual preferences. Kick offers different monetization models and more lenient content policies, which might appeal to some streamers. However, Twitch has a larger established audience and a wider range of features.

15. How do I manage chat from multiple platforms when I multistream?

Use a centralized chat management tool like the one offered by Restream. This allows you to view and respond to messages from all platforms in one place.

Conclusion: Embracing the Multistreaming Era

The removal of Twitch’s multistreaming ban marks a significant shift in the streaming landscape. Streamers now have the freedom to expand their reach, diversify their income streams, and engage with a wider audience. By understanding the nuances of multistreaming and implementing best practices, you can leverage this new freedom to grow your community and achieve your streaming goals. By prioritizing engaging content and actively interacting with viewers, you can create a thriving community across all platforms.

Remember that the world of streaming is constantly evolving. Stay informed about the latest trends and policy changes to remain competitive and adapt to the changing landscape. Be sure to check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org for more information on the intersection of games, learning, and community building!