Twitch is one of the platforms that has seen exponential growth since the beginning of the pandemic , with thousands of new channels offering all kinds of information that have been consumed by millions and millions of viewers, who have found it more interesting than other well-known alternatives such as YouTube.
A fever that comes to stay
So it's no surprise that with this explosion of content, many young people (and some older ones too) have been inspired to create their own gaming-related content. Remember that Twitch originated precisely from the idea of ​​making it easier to watch live PC or console gameplay. Now, are you clear on the hardware you need to stream properly from your Xbox (One or Series X|S)?
It's worth noting that, as we showed you in the video above, the ability to stream a live game from your Xbox One has been available since 2015 , always through the official Twitch app. However, since February 23, 2022, this capability has been natively integrated into the console's dashboard . This means you no longer need to have the Amazon app downloaded for the rest of the world to see how well you're dishing out damage in Call of Duty. This feature is now, in a way, integrated with the rest of the operating system.
What do we need to broadcast live?
Now, before we go any further with this short guide, and just like when cooking a recipe, it's necessary to list the ingredients you'll need to start streaming on Twitch through your Xbox. So, take note and add these items to your shopping cart.
An Xbox console
Indeed, although it seems obvious to you, it is necessary to have any Xbox model compatible with this service. It is the case of:
- Xbox Series X
- Xbox series s
- Xbox One X
- Xbox One S
- Xbox One
Internet connection
As in the previous case, it might seem obvious that we need an internet connection, but it's important to remember that to maintain high transfer rates (for example, for 1080p resolutions), there's nothing better than having the console connected to the router via cable . Only in this way can we avoid frame drops , interruptions, or instability, which can lead to viewers switching to other channels for a more polished broadcast.
headset with microphone
Here's where the details that will set your broadcast apart begin. If you want to interact with your audience, it's best to have one of these accessories that will guarantee seamless communication if you want to comment on what's happening on screen, or simply to reply to the show's chat. They're essential for creating a channel that aspires to gain popularity.
webcam supported
Since Kinect left the Xbox One ecosystem with the S and X models, gamers have needed their own webcam if they want to stream live on Twitch and have their image visible while watching their gameplay. So, if you want to take the step towards setting up the most professional setup possible, don't forget to buy a webcam model that supports the YUY2 or NV12 standards.
How do we broadcast live from an Xbox?
As we've mentioned, you no longer need to use the official Twitch app to start a new live stream, as you can do so directly from the console's video capture and creation menu. However, you'll first need to go to your Xbox settings and link your Twitch account so that all subsequent steps are virtually automatic. This process is done by scanning a QR code with an iOS or Android smartphone, or by navigating to the URL displayed on your screen using a PC or mobile device.
Capture and share menu
So, once we've decided which game we're going to stream , we need to press the Xbox button to access the on-screen dashboard, or the share button that comes with the new Xbox Series X|S gamepads. The idea is to navigate to "Capture & Share" and then select the live stream. As you can see, the interface turns into Twitch's signature purple. Click "Go Live Now" to start the process.
Choose the broadcast quality
The following menu is important because it allows us to define certain parameters that will ensure viewers can follow the stream without problems. This includes:
- Game audio: if we are not going to comment, leave it very high but in the event that we want our voice to be heard above, it is mandatory to reduce it. To set that volume, it is advisable to test until you find the perfect point.
- Microphone volume: If you have some headsets and you are going to comment on everything you do as if it were a football game, then you should set their level above the video game. As in the previous case, it is advisable to do tests to see at which point both sound sources do not collide.
- Change resolution and bitrate: here we will have to choose in which resolution we are going to broadcast, preferably 720p (HD) or 1080p (FullHD). In many cases this choice is not completely free since if the console connection is via Wi-Fi, we recommend that you stay in HD quality. If it's cable, feel free to go up to 1080p or any higher resolution (if possible).
- Adjust overlay: In this menu it will be possible to fix the position on the screen of the window (of the webcam, for example) superimposed, in any of the four corners. Choose it carefully to try not to cover too much of the game interface.
You are online, enjoy!
To confirm you're online, you'll need to check that the "Live Streaming" indicator on your console menu displays the LIVE notification with information about the game you're streaming. Once you've done that, simply close the console dashboard and start playing. Now, your success as a streamer depends solely on your ability to capture the attention of the masses. Your charm, your humor, and that charisma that could make you the next Ibai Llanos. Right?