Twitch: Everything You Need to Know

Written by Muqadas Wattoo | Last modified on:

Twitch

Immensely popular with the younger generation, the older demographic may not be that familiar with it, but by now everybody has heard of Twitch. At the basic format, Twitch is primarily a video streaming service. It falls under Amazon’s wing and initially was purely a streaming service for gamers.

However, over the years, Twitch has seen a remarkable evolution. The evolution showcases itself in the number of different categories that are available to watch now. From art to cooking, you can enjoy a variety of different video streams on the website now. If you still have questions about Twitch, keep reading! This article will hopefully address all your concerns.

What is Twitch?

Twitch is primarily a video streaming service, and, in the beginning, it would only cater to gamers. However, over the years, it has gone on to include even more categories. Users can now enjoy specific channels dedicated to art, cooking, and even podcasts. There’s a lot to enjoy on Twitch.

Furthermore, Twitch has also gone on to become more of a social media platform over the years. Like Facebook and Instagram, people can interact with each other’s profiles and direct message, whoever they want. Furthermore, each live stream also has a chat that allows you to communicate with each other. So necessarily, now it’s a functional social media platform and streaming service.

Who owns Twitch?

Amazon bought Twitch in 2014 and are the current owners of Twitch interactive. It began as a spin-off of Justin.tv. Now Twitch is easily the most essential video game streaming service in the world.

How to stream on Twitch?

If you’re wondering how difficult to become a streamer these days, well, then there’s no need to worry. Anyone can quickly start streaming on Twitch. The very first thing you need is a Twitch account. After you’re done making your Twitch account, you can begin working on beginning your stream.

One of the most useful broadcasting apps you can use is Open Broadcaster Software (OBS). OBS is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux. The software is entirely free and is open source so anyone can download and use it. After downloading the software, make sure you watch a tutorial, so you’re comfortable with all the settings.


Afterward, you can go on to Twitch and start your stream from the dashboard option. Moving back to OBS will allow you to actually begin broadcasting and go live. It may seem slightly complicated, but the software is intuitive, and after doing it once or twice, you will have no trouble.

Streaming is even more comfortable on the consoles, although getting your audio across may be a challenge. However, if you want to start streaming gaming, it’s much more comfortable with your console. You can download the app, and in a click of a button, your gameplay will be on display for your broadcasters to view.

What is Twitch Prime?

Twitch prime is essentially Twitch’s subscription for premium users. You have to pay a bit of money to get services, but there are some benefits. Firstly none of the broadcasts you watch will have any advertisements. However, you’ll still be supporting the channels you watch because of ad impressions.

Additionally, gamers also get access to in-game content. There are several downloads available for all the major games. Fortnite and Call of Duty users get new skins that they can use. Each month there are new releases that gamers can enjoy.

Prime users will also get a new channel subscription to Twitch. Usually, streamers require a small donation to enable a subscription to their channels. However, with Twitch Prime, you get a free subscription that you can use. Furthermore, you get a Prime badge, and there are several other chat features. Only Prime users can access them.

A range of other benefits include discounts and free games every month. A yearly subscription to Twitch Prime costs $99 per year.

How to cancel Twitch Prime?

If you have an Amazon Prime subscription, you can go to your account settings and cancel your subscription from there. However, if you want to cancel your Twitch Prime subscription, you can do that as well. You need to select your account settings from the website. Then you can go on to cancel your subscription.

How to host on Twitch?

One of the best features of Twitch is the sense of community. The ability to host other users on your channel allows creating a very interactive stream. Once you open up the website and log in, click the username on the top right corner. Once you see the pop down display, you can click on the channel to open up the chat on the right side.

To host a channel type in /host and then insert the name of the channel in your chat. Once you add the name, people viewing your channel will be able to see the channel you’re hosting. To stop hosting the channel, simply type /unhost into the chat room.

How to donate on Twitch?

Another reason why streamers love Twitch is the donations they get from the viewers. As a viewer, anyone can easily donate on Twitch after linking their account with Paypal or credit card. To donate to the streamer of your choice, open up the channel and click on the donate button, you see.

Once you click on the button, you’ll be taken to the donation page. If you’re already done the linking with your credit accounts, you can just select your amount and message. After you’re done, click on the donate button, and your donation will go through. Most streamers also have the option to donate in their chat, as well.

What are bits on Twitch?

Twitch bits are a way of interacting with the website as well as donating to your favorite channels. Bits are twitch currency that you can spend on the broadcasters’ channel. For every bit you use on a channel, the streamer will receive one percent from Twitch.

Currently, you can only buy bits using your Amazon currency. However, Twitch is looking to expand the options soon.

How to become a Twitch affiliate?

A Twitch affiliate is essentially the stepping stone before you reach a partner. Becoming a Twitch affiliate allows you to start earning revenue from your channel. There are a few conditions that streamers need to meet to become an affiliate.

These requirements are essential;
50 followers
500 minutes broadcast
Streams on seven unique days
Average of three or more concurrent viewers

Once you fulfill these, you get several additional benefits. You can opt for paid monthly subscriptions and free Twitch Prime subscriptions. Additionally, you also get the ability to earn Bits from people that view your channel. Twitch affiliates also get the ability to earn revenue from games.

There are several ways to start you on your journey to Twitch affiliate status. The simplest way is to ask your friends and family to spread the word. Engage with people that are watching your stream. Additionally, playing a relevant game will help you a lot.

How to delete Twitch account?

Even if there are so many benefits and advantages, there comes a time when social media gets too much. Like all platforms, Twitch also allows you to delete your account.

If you want to take time off from Twitch, simply login to your Twitch account using a PC, proceed to click on the drop-down menu in the top right corner. From the list, go on to select settings.

Delete Twitch Account

From the settings menu, you’ll scroll down to see the disable your Twitch account section. Select disable the account, and you’ll go to a different page. Here Twitch will ask you why you’re disabling your account, and then you can click on the button to disable. Once you disable, you will only be able to recover your account by emailing Twitch support.

Conclusion

Twitch is a brilliant platform for both streamers and viewers. It may seem slightly inaccessible. However, that’s no longer the case. It’s straightforward to use and accessible on all platforms. Regardless of whether you’re simply a viewer or a potential streamer, good luck on your Twitch journey!