How to Start a Live Stream on Twitch from Your PC

Set Up Your Twitch Account and Connect Your PC

To go live on Twitch from your PC, you need a Twitch account, streaming software installed on your computer, and a stable internet connection. Start by creating a free account at twitch.tv if you don't have one already. Once logged in, go to your Creator Dashboard — click your profile icon in the top right, then select "Creator Dashboard" from the menu. This is where you'll manage your stream settings and go live.

Next, read streaming software to your PC. OBS Studio (Open Broadcaster Software) is free and works on Windows and Mac. Alternatively, you can use Streamlabs OBS, XSplit, or Elgato Stream Deck — all have free versions. For this guide, OBS Studio is the most common choice. read it from obsproject.com, install it, and open the process.

Key Takeaways

You need a Twitch account, streaming software like OBS Studio, and internet speed of at least 2.5 Mbps upload to go live.
Connect your streaming software to your Twitch account by copying your Stream Key from the Creator Dashboard and pasting it into OBS settings.
Add video sources (your webcam or game window) and audio sources (microphone and desktop sound) to your OBS scene before you start streaming.
Test your audio and video by running a test stream or checking the preview window, then click "Start Streaming" when you're ready.
Your stream appears on your Twitch channel page and in the directory once it goes live, and viewers can find you there.

Connect OBS Studio to Your Twitch Account

Open OBS Studio and go to Settings (bottom right of the main window). Click "Stream" in the left menu. Under "Service," select "Twitch" from the dropdown. Leave the "Server" set to "Automatic."

Now you need your Stream Key from Twitch. Go back to your Twitch Creator Dashboard in your web browser, click "Settings" in the left menu, then select "Stream." Under "Primary Stream Key," click "Reveal" and copy the long string of characters. Return to OBS, paste it into the "Stream Key" field, and click "OK" to save.

Add Your Video and Audio Sources to OBS

In OBS, you'll see a "Sources" box at the bottom left. This is where you add what viewers will see and hear. Click the "+" button under Sources to add your first source. If you want to stream gameplay, select "Game Capture" and choose your game window. If you want to stream your webcam, select "Video Capture Device" and choose your camera.

You can add multiple sources — for example, a game window and a webcam at the same time. Resize and position them by clicking and dragging in the preview window on the right. Next, add audio: click the "+" button again and select "Audio Input Capture" for your microphone, and "Audio Output Capture" for desktop sound (game audio, music, or video sound). You'll see audio levels appear at the bottom of OBS when sound is detected.

Check Your Internet Speed and Audio Levels

Before you go live, verify your upload speed can handle streaming. Open a speed test site like speedtest.net and check your upload speed. Twitch recommends at least 2.5 Mbps upload for 720p at 30 frames per second (fps), or 4.5 Mbps for 1080p at 60 fps. If your speed is lower, your stream may lag or drop frames.

In OBS, watch the audio meters at the bottom of the window. Speak into your microphone and play a game or video — you should see green bars move when sound is detected. The bars should stay in the green zone and not turn red, which means the audio is too loud and will distort. Adjust your microphone volume in Windows Settings or in OBS by right-clicking the audio source and selecting "Filters."

Run a Test Stream Before Going Live

Many streamers run a short test stream to check video quality and audio before inviting viewers. In OBS, click "Start Streaming" — your stream will go live on your Twitch channel. Open your Twitch channel in a web browser (go to twitch.tv and click your username) and watch the preview. Check that your video is clear, your audio is audible, and there's no lag between what you see in OBS and what appears on your channel.

If something looks wrong — pixelated video, muted audio, or a frozen image — stop the stream by clicking "Stop Streaming" in OBS. Fix the issue (adjust your bitrate in Settings > Output, check your microphone is selected, or move closer to your router), and try again. Most issues come from low internet speed, a microphone that isn't selected, or video settings that are too high for your PC to handle.

Go Live and Manage Your Stream

Once you're ready, click "Start Streaming" in OBS. Your stream will appear on your Twitch channel page within a few seconds. You'll see a red "LIVE" indicator on your channel, and your stream will show in the Twitch directory under your game category. Viewers can find you there and click to watch.

While streaming, monitor the OBS window for dropped frames or connection issues — these appear in the stats at the bottom right. If you see red text or high numbers, your internet or PC may be struggling. You can lower your bitrate (Settings > Output > Bitrate) or reduce your resolution to 720p to fix this. When you're done, click "Stop Streaming" to end your broadcast. Your stream will be saved as a VOD (video on demand) on your channel for 60 days if you're not a Twitch Affiliate or Partner.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most common mistake is forgetting to add audio sources, so viewers hear nothing. Always add both "Audio Input Capture" (your microphone) and "Audio Output Capture" (game or desktop sound) to your sources. Another mistake is streaming at a bitrate too high for your internet — start at 2500 Kbps for 720p and adjust down if you see dropped frames.

Don't stream at a resolution higher than your monitor can display, and don't set your fps (frames per second) higher than your PC can handle — 720p at 30 fps is a safe starting point. Finally, make sure your Stream Key is kept private — never share it in chat or on social media, because anyone with that key can stream to your channel.

Frequently Asked Questions

What internet speed do I need to stream on Twitch?

Twitch recommends at least 2.5 Mbps upload speed for 720p at 30 fps. For 1080p at 60 fps, you'll need around 4.5 Mbps. Check your upload speed at speedtest.net. If your speed is lower, stream at 720p or lower bitrate instead.

Why is my stream laggy or pixelated?

Lag usually means your bitrate is too high for your internet speed, or your PC can't encode the video fast enough. Lower your bitrate in OBS Settings > Output, or reduce your resolution to 720p. Close other programs using your internet, like downloads or video calls.

Can I stream without a webcam?

Yes. You can stream just your game, desktop, or a single window without a webcam. Add only a "Game Capture" or "Window Capture" source and skip the video capture device. Many streamers use just their game and microphone audio.

How do I know if my microphone is working?

In OBS, add an "Audio Input Capture" source for your microphone. Speak into it and watch the audio meters at the bottom of the window — you should see green bars move. If nothing moves, your microphone isn't selected. Right-click the audio source and check that the correct device is chosen in the dropdown.

What happens to my stream after I stop broadcasting?

Your stream is saved as a VOD on your channel for 60 days. After 60 days, it's deleted unless you're a Twitch Affiliate or Partner, in which case VODs stay longer. You can also manually save highlights or read your stream using third-party tools.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.