Chapter Select
Broadcast Recommendations
Recommended Settings
Video
Setting | Definition | Recommendation |
Encoding Profile | Determines which features the encoder enables on the video feed. Typically, mobile devices are unable to play anything outside of baseline or “main” encoding profiles. | Main (preferred) or Baseline |
Mode | Determines how the encoder handles changes in scenes or inputs. “Constant Bit Rate" ensures a steady and consistent flow of data, whereas Variable Bit Rate creates spikes and valleys that stress encoders and can have adverse effects for viewers watching on source quality. | Strict CBR (Constant Bit Rate) |
Audio
Setting | Definition | Recommendation |
Codec | The algorithm compresses digital audio data for transmission and decompresses that data when received according to a specific format. | H.264 (x264)
AAC-LC. Stereo OR Mono |
Recommended Bitrate | The number of bits that are processed in a unit of time. High-Quality web audio typically runs about 128 Kbps. | 128 Kbps (for maximum compatibility) |
Maximum Audio Bitrate | The highest number of bits that can be processed, and typically aligns with the recommended Codec chosen. | 320 kbps (AAC) |
Sampling Frequency | The number of audio samples carried per second, and typically aligns with the Codec chosen. | 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz |
Other
Setting | Definition | Recommendation |
Maximum Broadcast Length | The longest duration of a single stream in order to preserve the quality of the video, audio, and VOD rendering. | 48 hours |
For more information and details on specific recommended settings, as well as troubleshooting assistance, please visit the Broadcast Requirements Help Article .
Recommended Software
When streaming from a computer, there are a number of options to get you live on Twitch. The easiest solution is to download Twitch Studio , which can help you go live with the recommended settings above, as well as get you up and running quickly with chat and alerts integrations, starter stream layouts, and more.
Three other common options among broadcasters are third-party tools OBS , Streamlabs Desktop , and Xsplit .
Troubleshooting
Whether you’re using a streaming encoder software (like Twitch Studio or OBS), streaming directly from a console, or a hardware video encoder, there’s a process that takes place that actually gets your stream from your location to Twitch.
Through the internet, the broadcast tool uses Real-Time Messaging Protocol (RTMP) to Twitch. It then ingests with Twitch, gets authorized and registered, and finally displays to your viewers. Sometimes during that process, something can go wrong and your ability to go live or stream reliably is impacted. If you’re experiencing issues going live, you can use the Twitch Inspector tool to investigate the health of your stream or run a test stream until you resolve the issue. To learn more about troubleshooting or the Twitch Inspector tool, please visit the Guide to Broadcast Help Article .