Multistreaming Explained: What is Multistreaming on Twitch and How to Set It Up

Building a livestreaming community takes a lot of time, effort, dedication, and most importantly, a little bit of luck. But what if there was a way to increase the number of people who have access to your stream?

Instead of just streaming on one website, it is now possible to broadcast on multiple platforms simultaneously and reach thousands of potential viewers. Why build a community on Twitch only when there are viewers waiting on YouTube or Kick? Enter, multistreamingHere’s everything you need to know, including how to set it up.

What is multistreaming?

Multistreaming (or simulcasting) let a streamer broadcast their livestream on multiple platforms such as Twitch, YouTube, Kick and Facebook at the same timewhich generates more traffic by reaching different viewer groups simultaneously.

Multistreaming, at least on Twitch, was not always allowed. Ninja’s attempt to go simulcast in August 2023, despite signing an exclusivity deal with the Amazon-owned streaming giant, ultimately led to Twitch relaxing the rule. There are still some restrictions when it comes to what you can and can’t do while simulcasting: For example, Twitch doesn’t let you post links that cause viewers to leave the site for another during your stream.

But as long as you’re not tied to an exclusivity contract, there is nothing stops you from streaming to multiple sites—and that can be an advantage. With thousands of viewers on different platforms, visiting multiple sites dramatically opens up the potential for eyes on your stream. It’s also never been easier to multistream, with plenty of streaming software options allowing you to connect your accounts in just a few clicks.

That’s not to say multistreaming doesn’t have its drawbacks. Ludwig, who has been quite vocal against multistreaming, believes that developing a community across multiple platforms via livestreaming is difficult because you can’t prioritize it.

How to set up multistreaming

If you want to give it a try, the most widely used system for multistreaming is Restream.io, a site designed to connect multiple platforms at once. To set up simulcasting with Restream.io:

• Go to the Restream.io website.
• Create an account (or link your existing Google or Facebook account).
• Once it’s done, Open Restream Studio (in-browser) or download and open the Studio software on your PC.
• After the first installation, click Channels top right of the screen.
• Select the platforms what you want to stream and connect to.
• Once you have set up the rest of your stream, click Go live and start broadcasting to multiple channels at once.

You can also Connect to Restream from your existing streaming software such as Streamlabs or OBS via the Streams tab in settings. Instead of selecting a specific platform, select Restream.io and connect your account.

Other multi-streaming platforms include Castr, Switchboard Live, XSplit, and Wirecast.