With over 35 million monthly visitors, Twitch has established itself as one of the top traffic platforms on the internet, being especially recognized as the “YouTube for gaming.” Offering a space for chats, live and recorded game streams, it is affiliated with popular platforms such as PlayStation and Xbox, and is a key resource for gaming enthusiasts looking for high-quality, lag-free streaming.
Next, We have selected the best programs that allow you to stream Twitch easily.
What shows does Twitch stream?
These are the programs for streaming on Twitch:
1. Open Broadcaster (OBS)
NOTE it's a free software which has been specially designed for the creation of streaming on Twitch. And it is completely open to any user who wants to share in real time their best hours within a video game.
Has interesting options such as being able to record and leave a record of your live broadcast; and it is certainly efficient in terms of its customization and simple interface. Because just by looking at it, you will be able to identify each function to get the most out of the program.
Another of its main features is the ability to edit, mix and upload any video file. Not to mention that it has a wide variety of filters that will make your broadcast more professional, unique and, above all, personal.
On the other hand you can find on different official sites and forums Plug-ins to increase the number of OBS features.
Now, we must keep in mind that to log in to Twitch with our OBS; we must previously have a “Transmission key or transmission key”. Since it changes periodically and automatically, it must be constantly updated every time we want to transmit through OBS.
Advantages:
- It is free software and is available for operating systems such as Windows, Linux and Mac.
- Comfortable interface Easy to use and handle.
- Despite its many parameters and functions, we only need to understand or use a few of them to broadcast our games through Twitch.
- Easy capture from Sources through the main OBS Studio window.
Disadvantages:
- It lacks some valuable elements to convey such as: Integrated chats, importable apps or themes (Although they can be added as plugins, they have not been integrated into the main program, which can be uncomfortable for someone new to the platform).
2. Xsplit Broadcaster
We present Xsplit Broadcaster a specialized program for streaming on Twitch with quality and much more professional features; and since 2014 I have provided access to the full and finished version of Xsplit Broadcaster (A version that was exclusive to those who already had the software, but which today has been included for free for any user who wants to have it).
This is how Xsplit is a essential program for those who want to become professional streamersAnd even though it seems to be a difficult program to handle; it is a tool with an intuitive design and truly easy-to-use features. That is why most MSI games have the Xsplit application installed and configured by default.
It also has a Premium version which takes live broadcasts to the next level. It integrates interesting features such as: Unlimited customizations, higher audio and video quality, 24/7 technical support, lag-free broadcasts, and seamless setup in just minutes.
Without a doubt, an amazing app that will make the most of your work, while you will be able to stream not only on Twitch, but also on YouTube, Facebook, Mixer, Twitter and many more.
Advantages:
- Intuitive 100% interface for novice streamers, thanks to a clean design and simplified use of all its features. Such as the ability to “drag and drop” any file into the mixer; to resize its windows or customize webcam videos without any problems.
- A higher quality and performance that does not allow delays, nor annoyances”“frozen screens”.
- 4k, 60fps streaming or higher.
- It includes exceptional audio and video quality thanks to its x264 and x265 codecs.
- Possibility of including powerful recruitment tools like the Cheer Alters for Twitch, YouTube Super Chat or chats for Facebook and Twitch, widgets and much more.
- Option of stream simultaneously.
- Annotation feature included, so you can draw on the game in real time.
- 24/7 Support.
Disadvantages:
- Although its free version has exceptional quality, It does not have the options and professionalism of the paid or subscription version.
- Not having an open source like OBS, blocks the possibility of installing thousands of plugins.
- Only compatible with Windows and can't use on linux or mac.
3. Stream Labs
Stream Labs It is another of the best-known programs for doing live broadcasts on Twitch. It has much more advanced functions and it is a renewed program that offers a more satisfactory experience to users. It has free software, which is easier to install. For now, it is only available for Windows and among its most notable features we find some functions such as:
- Stream Labels It is presented as a bridge between your PC and Twitch, since its Plus version is capable of collecting all the streaming information, to store it directly on your computer. It uses Twitch's API and creates an anchor of all the information from your live streams in a written path.
- Chat Box and Alert Box: to have absolute control over notifications and streaming chat.
- Viewer counter.
- Sponsor system.
- Many other additional features.
Advantages:
- Allows for great customization since it gives access to a huge catalogue of topics or Theme Tab; which lets the user customize the design of their channel to their particular taste and style. While adding numerous widgets to mark goals through donations, set alerts and much more.
- It has an integrated chat essential for any streamer, as it is a direct contact with the audience. Stream Labels' chat integrates a Chatbot and adds complements such as mini games for viewers and much more.
- Allows a preview of the channel settings before starting streaming, which avoids any technical problems before and during the transmission.
- Its configuration is very simple, and just by linking your account you will be ready to broadcast live through Twich.
Disadvantages:
- It requires greater use of our CPU than other programs, so if you have a powerful PC you will not be able to use it.
- Not yet compatible with Linux operating systems, so you can only use it on Mac OS and Windows.
- Still has some bugs, although these are becoming fewer and fewer; we can find temporary bugs between each update.
4. LightStream
LightStream is a free Twitch streaming application that makes this task “child’s play” thanks to its simple and intuitive platform. Well, it has an advantage that few similar programs have, which is that it broadcast live via browser; what is going to prevent you from downloading or installing some additional program to be able to do it.
This is how you can stream your favorite shows using just your favorite browser, for free and without the need to have extensive technical knowledge. So just by going to their official website and pressing the button “Start Streaming” you will be almost ready to start.
Additionally, you can select the service you like to start your transmission using your login or credentials. Twitch, YouTube, Beam or Facebook. And LightStream will take care of setting up everything you need to broadcast live for you.
However, you can customize the designs of your streaming session thanks to its hundreds of backgrounds and templates, as well as you will have the opportunity to bring guests to your live and share a screen; which is ideal for any collaboration or podcast.
Advantages:
- Easy use and setup.
- No downloads as it works through your preferred browser.
- Special for new streamers for its quick automated configuration.
- Possibility of Broadcasting from Twitch, Facebook, Beam and YouTube.
- Provides live chat support.
Disadvantages:
- In some cases may present problems, noise or interference with the sound while the Live is broadcast.
5. Gamecaster
Do you want simplicity and optimal performance? Gamecaster It is undoubtedly one of the best options; since this program to record live streaming has taken on an identity of its own after separating from XsplitAnd it is presented to us as an attractive, well-polished software with increasingly rapid growth.
And in a short time it has presented great improvements that facilitate its use and configuration; since by just choosing the platform from which we want to transmit Gamecaster will perform an automatic configuration based on the quality according to your equipment or computer. In addition, it has the latest updates available from NVIDIA and MDA; so You can forget about annoying lag or crashes during streaming..
While on the other hand its scene editor is quite simple but complete; and you can intuitively make a large number of adjustments Or if you prefer! You can choose any of its default templates and not worry about a thing since GameCaster will do the rest.
Advantages:
- Automatically link with highly renowned platforms such as Google +, Facebook and Twitter.
- It allows us a comfortable direct recording option.
- It's a program that is continuously updated providing a greater experience in terms of options, features and functionality.
Cons:
- Your full license is only available if you pay for it.
- It is not able to recognize very old games.