Twitch free for PC, Mac, iOS, Android APK

Twitch is the king of live-streaming platforms regarding video games and innovative types of content. Acquired by Amazon in 2019, it has been the pioneer and remains the top place where content creators can broadcast all kinds of events and create unique lively connections with their audiences.

What is Twitch?

Twitch is an American video live-streaming service for video game live streaming, and esports competitions, but also offers music broadcast or content for in-real-life streams. Launched in 2011, Twitch has become a giant in the live-streaming industry and reunites content creators and viewers to create unique moments of sharing and entertainment. For some people, Twitch is now the way they make money and express their creativity.

What are the key features of Twitch?

• Become a streamer: Using a camera and a microphone, you can start steaming right now and create your own community of viewers. Once you've built up enough of a reputation, you can start monetizing your content and making a living from it (also, viewers can make donations, and you can perceive money through affiliation). Furthermore, you have access to many different tools like Analytics, you can archive your videos, and can even use Twitch Studio to create content easily.
• Huge catalog: Even though it is mainly about games, there are lots of different categories on Twitch, making it the most diversified live-streaming content platform. Indeed, feel free to browse all the different ones, like IRL (just chatting, talk shows, podcasts), Music, Esports, Games, or Creative.
• Interact lively: You can directly send instant messages to creators and other users through live chat. As streamers can include it in their stream, it is super handy to increase the engagement level of viewers, and it is really effective to create unique shared moments.

• Extensions: You can customize your Twitch experience by using many app-or-product-specific extensions like Prime Gaming or Spotify playlists, add scoreboards, or more complex social tools to translate content, add polls, and much more.
• Find your communities: On Twitch, you will find huge communities with the same interests and hobbies as you, and you will be able to chat, comment and learn with them. Besides, by using categories, you can efficiently browse your channels and focus on the kind of content you like.
• Notifications: Never miss your favorite streamers through alerts and saved channels. When a stream you like is about to start, you will receive proper notifications.

How to use Twitch?

Registration

1. Once Twitch is downloaded and installed, you can create an account and log in using the required information, enter the verification code you receive by email, and complete your registration.
2. Then, select your video content preferences so Twitch can start recommending channels matching your taste.
3. Follow other users, friends, or celebrities, and explore the different channels you want to follow using the filters.
4. Subscribe to channels and start chatting with a new community.
5. Create your own list of favorite channels. Buy bits and rewards that you can then send to content creators to support them. Also, start broadcasting live content.

Step by step to broadcast on Twitch

1. If you want the quickest way to broadcast on Twitch, you can use Twitch Studio. If you want a more versatile but complex solution, give OBS Studio a try.
2. You can consult our dedicated guide about how to broadcast video on Twitch using OBS from your computer or smartphone.

Monetize your content

One of the most interesting options on Twitch is that you can earn money through donations from your followers:

1. Affiliate program: You need at least 500 total minutes broadcast in the last 30 days, at least 7 unique broadcast days in the last 30 days, an average of 3 concurrent viewers or more over the last 30 days, and at least 50 Followers. This program allows you to receive bits, accept subscriptions and sell Twitch products for a commission.
2. Twitch Partner: To unlock the path to partnership, you must first become a Twitch Affiliate. In addition, you need concurrent viewership of 75 average viewers within the last 30 days, stream at least 12 different times within the last month, and stream for at least 25 hours over the last month.

Is Twitch free?

The platform is free to use by default. Still, it offers paid features, like watching exclusive content from famous creators or removing advertising.

In addition, the Prime Gaming version offers the possibility of subscribing to one channel per month at no extra cost, access to exclusive games and content, chatting with the crown emblem, the ability to use emojis and custom things in chats, etc. 

Is Twitch safe?

This is a safe platform with an age restrictions policy you should consult to ensure the content you want to watch is appropriate for you. However, to ensure content on Twitch is appropriate for diverse audiences, sexually suggestive content is prohibited on Twitch.

Is there a Twitch desktop app?

We provide you with the last available version of the Twitch desktop app for Windows and macOS. The reason why Twitch decided to cut off support for the desktop app is that "This move allows us to invest more heavily in enhancing and adding new ways to engage with the creators and communities you care about. If you're used to using the Twitch Desktop App, we recommend bookmarking Twitch.tv in your browser of choice for easy access.".

Is it better to stream on Twitch or YouTube?

Twitch has become a significant rival to YouTube. Both platforms have similar advantages but also some important differences.

Twitch is focused on video game streaming, and the monetization system is more accessible and faster than YouTube's, allowing for more lively interaction between content creators and viewers. However, simultaneously, the competition within the platform is more present, and viewers may be more prone to stop watching your channel.

On the other hand, YouTube remains the most viewed platform according to the number of users, is better optimized for mobile devices, and hosts more diversified content. Although earning money is much more challenging, it may lack monetization features like Prize on Twitch, and people are usually not making many donations.

Both have pros and cons, so you can choose what fits your needs depending on your content and your strategy.