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Multistreaming on Twitch: rules, settings and how to go live

Short answer: Is multistreaming allowed on Twitch? Yes, since 2023, unless you have an exclusivity agreement with Twitch. Keep Twitch's stream at least as good as the others, don't send Twitch viewers to your other streams, and don't show other platforms' chat on your Twitch stream.

Twitch has allowed simulcasting since 2023: you can stream the same thing on Twitch and on YouTube, Kick, TikTok or anywhere else, as long as you follow three rules. For most streamers that means Twitch stays home base while the other platforms bring in viewers who'd never find you there.

This page has the Twitch side of it: how to send your stream there with Multistream Cloud (one upload) or the free Multistream app (from your PC), where Twitch's stream key is, the settings Twitch recommends, and Twitch's rules for streaming to other platforms at the same time.

Method 1: Multistream Cloud (one upload for every platform)

Multistream Cloud takes one stream from OBS and sends a copy to Twitch, YouTube and Kick, and to up to 12 platforms in all. Your internet only uploads that one stream, so adding a platform doesn't need a faster connection. It comes with Pro, $10/mo.

  1. Create your Multistream account, then get Pro on your Account page.
  2. In the Studio, step 1 (Pick platforms), click Add a platform and add each one:
    • Twitch: click Sign in with Twitch, then Authorize in the Twitch window. Multistream reads your stream key for you.
    • YouTube: click Sign in with YouTube and pick your channel's Google account. Multistream Cloud then starts your YouTube broadcast by itself, so it doesn't sit in preview.
    • Kick: click Sign in with Kick, log in and click Allow. Or paste the Stream URL and stream key from Kick's Creator Dashboard → Settings → Stream Key.
  3. Install Multistream for OBS (Windows 10 or 11, OBS 31 or newer) and open OBS. The Multistream dock opens on the right.
  4. In the dock, click Sign in with your browser and approve it.
  5. The dock's pre-flight check looks at your OBS settings, Multistream Cloud, your platforms and where OBS sends. If OBS isn't sending to Multistream yet, click Point OBS at Multistream.
  6. Click Go live on 3. After a 3, 2, 1 countdown, OBS starts streaming and Twitch, YouTube and Kick go live.

If OBS or your internet drops, Pro keeps your platforms live on your BRB clip for up to 30 minutes, and when OBS is back you carry on in the same broadcast, with the same chat. Turn it on under Disconnect protection.

Method 2: the free Multistream app (from your own PC)

The free Multistream app for Windows can send the copies from your own PC instead. Your upload then carries one copy for each platform, and if your PC's internet drops, your platforms drop with it. Run the app's Speed test first to see what your connection can carry, or work it out with the free upload calculator.

  1. Download the Multistream app for Windows 10 or 11 and open it.
  2. Go to Multistream → Go live and set Where the relay runs to This PC.
  3. Open Setup guide and click Add a platform for Twitch, YouTube and Kick. Twitch, YouTube and Kick accounts you've connected in the app add in a click; the others take their stream key.
  4. Install Multistream for OBS and open OBS. Without Pro, the Multistream dock sends your stream through the app on this PC, so keep the app open.
  5. Click Go live on 3 in the dock. Your PC uploads one copy for each platform.

Twitch's simulcasting rules

Twitch's Terms of Service (section 11) allow simulcasting with three conditions:

Twitch can't be worse. Viewers on Twitch must get an experience at least as good as on the other platforms, including how you engage with them in chat.

No sending viewers away. Don't link or direct Twitch viewers to your stream elsewhere: Twitch's FAQ names stream titles, go-live notifications, banners, QR codes and chat commands. Plain links to your social profiles in your panels are fine.

No merged activity on the Twitch stream. Don't show other platforms' chat on your Twitch stream. Combining chats for your own use, off stream, is fine. Multistream's pre-stream check warns when a merged chat overlay, your title or a bot command would break these rules.

Twitch's stream key and settings

The stream key is in Twitch's Creator Dashboard under Settings → Stream. With Multistream you can skip it: Sign in with Twitch and Multistream reads your stream key for you.

Settings Twitch recommends (H.264, constant bitrate, a keyframe every 2 seconds): 1080p, 60 fps: 6,000 kbps; 1080p, 30 fps: 4,500 kbps; 720p, 60 fps: 4,500 kbps; 720p, 30 fps: 3,000 kbps. Every platform gets the same stream OBS sends, so if your other platforms accept more, Twitch's numbers are the ones to stay within.

Enhanced Broadcasting. If you use Twitch's Enhanced Broadcasting, which encodes several qualities on your PC, you can keep it: see multistreaming with Enhanced Broadcasting.

Twitch with each platform

Step-by-step guides for the most common pairs: Twitch and YouTube, Twitch and Kick, Twitch and TikTok, Twitch and Facebook, Twitch and Rumble, Twitch and X.

Questions, answered

Is multistreaming allowed on Twitch?

Yes, since 2023, unless you have an exclusivity agreement with Twitch. Keep Twitch's stream at least as good as the others, don't send Twitch viewers to your other streams, and don't show other platforms' chat on your Twitch stream.

What bitrate does Twitch recommend?

6,000 kbps for 1080p at 60 fps, 4,500 kbps for 1080p at 30 fps or 720p at 60 fps, and 3,000 kbps for 720p at 30 fps, with a keyframe every 2 seconds.

Can I show my YouTube or Kick chat on Twitch?

Not on the Twitch stream while you simulcast: Twitch's rules forbid merged chat there. Reading combined chat yourself, off stream, is fine.

Can I multistream from Twitch for free?

Yes, with the free Multistream app, which sends a copy to each platform from your PC. With Pro ($10/mo), Multistream Cloud takes one upload and sends every copy.

Create your account · Get the free app

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