Streaming to Twitch and YouTube Simultaneously: The Complete Guide for Ambitious Gamers

As a streamer in 2023, you need to utilize every opportunity to grow your brand, your audience, and your revenue. That‘s why more broadcasters than ever are simulcasting – streaming their content concurrently to both Twitch and YouTube.

This guide will equip you with in-depth knowledge of the tools and techniques required for flawless simultaneous streaming. We‘ll cover everything from enhancing exposure to troubleshooting OBS crashes so that nothing can stop your ambitious expansion plans!

Why Leading Streamers Simulcast (And Why You Should Too)

Here are the key reasons you simply can‘t ignore the power of streaming to multiple platforms:

1. Exponentially Expand Your Reach

Every streaming site, even the largest ones like Twitch and YouTube Gaming, still only enables you to tap into a fraction of the total gaming audience. Reports show:

• Twitch attracts 30 million daily viewers
• YouTube Gaming sees over 200 million visitors per day

Simulcasting gives you a slice of both these massive viewer bases for maximum exposure. Even niche categories can attract bigger numbers across multiple sites.

According to Stream Hatchet analytics, simulcasting can expand your viewership by 150-300% compared to sticking to just one platform.

2. Offer Viewer Choice Across Preferred Platforms

Fans have their reasons for using Twitch versus YouTube. As Clay from Alpha Gaming explains:

"Particular viewers might enjoy Twitch because they are already comfortable with the platform. Similarly, YouTube viewers are already used to YouTube‘s interface and content discovery features."

Simulcasting means not forcing fans to go elsewhere while still consolidating your efforts for efficiency. Supporters get to watch you on their home turf.

And Google Trends data shows people actively use both sites:

So there‘s a clear demand across both that you can take advantage of.

3. Build Separate Streaming Communities

An underrated benefit of multistreaming is nurturing distinct Twitch versus YouTube communities tailored to each platform‘s norms:

• Twitch – Tight-knit loyal supporter squads who regularly raid each other.
• YouTube – More casual but scalable viewers who find you via search/feeds.

With the right community management tactics, you can actually forge even stronger connections despite spreading yourself across sites. Viewers will appreciate when you embrace the culture of their preferred platform.

4. Multiply Revenue Streams

More viewers and dedicated fan bases ultimately translate into greater earnings potential through forms of monetization like:

• Twitch – Subscriptions (50% cut goes to you) and Bit Cheers
• YouTube – Channel Memberships, SuperChats/Stickers (70% payouts)

By building audiences across multiple sites, you diversify cash flow sources. Even minor income bumps from each can compound your streaming profits.

Restream reports simulcasters increase revenue by 30-50% on average compared to singletask streaming.

Surmounting Simulcasting‘s Challenges

Of course with the impressive benefits multistreaming delivers come additional challenges and work on your end as the streamer:

• Increased Competition – You now have to stand out not just against others on Twitch but countless YouTube gamers too. Unique angles and personalities blaze trails.

• Technical Difficulties – Multi-encoding taxes computers and internet connections, introducing more opportunities for lag, crashes and delays. Prior proper prep prevents poor performance!

• Multi-Community Moderation – Keeping chat feel inclusive across both viewer bases brings another layer of real-time attention needed from you and any assigned mods.

• Learning Multiple Platform Algorithms – Cracking each site‘s discovery mechanics for new viewers finding your brand takes added effort upfront.

Thankfully later in this guide you‘ll gain specific equipment advice and troubleshooting tips to smooth out these hurdles.

While doubling down on streaming obligations won‘t appeal to every casual broadcaster, hungry go-getters who put in work building multi-channel networks reap exponential rewards.

Streaming Software: Making Simulcasting Possible

The key to technically pulling off concurrent streaming comes down to using robust, well-designed software solutions that handle multi-encoding and platform distribution for you seamlessly behind the scenes.

You want to avoid janky workarounds that add unnecessary stress! I thoroughly break down the three easiest, most popular tools:

Restream

Restream, used by the likes of standout streamers Asmongold and Pokimane, is the ideal cloud-based "simulcasting as a service" platform. By linking your Twitch and YouTube accounts to Restream, they instantly allow streaming to both destinations concurrently right from their site:

With over 150,000 users as of 2023, they‘ve solved virtually all the technical challenges like syncing chat and analytics together into one feed.

Features power users love include:

• Multi-source input support – Mix channels with audio mixing capabilities
• Video layout customization – Perfect for tailoring to each platform
• Instant VOD uploading across sites – Extend reach beyond just live viewers
• Robust metrics – Track individual site concurrents, chat rate, and precise viewer geography:

Pricing tiers range from free to $30/month for the Pro suite depending on advanced needs. For most, the $15/month Plus package nails the right level of personalization and features.

Melon

Gaining steam since its 2022 launch is Melon – an integrated portal for managing multi-platform content. Like Restream they make the technical aspect brainless: Just link your accounts and streaming keys.

Melon‘s defining perk is its silky smooth integration directly with Streamlabs OBS for those wanting more visual customization control through that software:

Further handy highlights:

• Clean user interface with minimal clutter
• Advanced options for stream schedules/reruns
• Automated notifications to various platforms
• Solid analytical breakdowns identifying viewer retention and traffic sources:

Paid tiers at $10/$20 monthly open more custom overlay capabilities plus options to run polls and sell merch. But again, most general streamers can operate fine with the forever free version.

Streamlabs OBS + Restreamer

To completists wanting absolute control over their visual stream design while still multi-tasking distribution, Streamlabs OBS plus an add-on utility called Restreamer is the ultimate power combo.

It does expect slightly more technical know-how for initial configuration compared to dedicated platforms like Restream/Melon. But the workflow enables split-second scene and source transitions all happening transparently behind Restreamer broadcasting out your feed in real-time to both destinations.

If you already have an eye-catching Streamlabs template dialed in, it means not having to change graphic elements purely for consistency across sites.

The sole extra step this route entails is occasionally checking the Restreamer extension to validate all keys stay actively connected:

For tinkerers craving unhindered access down to the OBS engine level while still multi-streaming, it‘s a setup making no compromises!

Comparing Key Software Differences

While technically there are other options like using encoders such as the $399 Teradek Vidiu or slicing software like Splitmedialabs‘ Webcaster X5, they cater more to enterprise video producers versus lean indie streamers. Stick with this guide‘s recommendations for achieving simulcasting success!

Now let‘s move onto the critical hardware and internet considerations when configuring your streaming HQ for smooth concurrent performance across platforms.

Gear & Connectivity: Guaranteeing a High-Quality Multi-Stream

With great scale comes great responsibility. When aiming to broadcast to two heavily trafficked sites simultaneously, your equipment better be up for the task!

Use these best practice computer specifications and internet speed benchmarks while configuring your battlestation:

CPU Processing Power

Dual encoding gobbles CPU cycles, especially when layered with extras like webcams, overlays and alerts.

• At minimum, go with a current generation Intel i5 CPU like the 12600K or AMD Ryzen 5 5600X.
• For flawless performance and future-proofing, choose an i7 or Ryzen 7 processor.

RAM

You‘ll want ample memory so adding browser sources or apps to your scene doesn‘t choke out available resources:

• 32GB RAM is recommended for simultaneously streaming while still preserving full PC usability.
• 16GB can suffice on tighter budgets if you don‘t mind closing other programs while broadcasting.

Graphics Card

Offloading video encoding to dedicated graphics hardware prevents choppy output:

• Nvidia‘s RTX 3060 or AMD Radeon RX 6600 XT straddle the right balance of streaming prowess combined with 60+ FPS high-resolution gameplay for under $400.

Internet Upload Speeds

This can make or break your ability to maintain stable 1080p streams across sites:

Upgrading to fiber, DOCSIS 3.1 cable or at least VDSL plans guarantees sufficient bandwidth headroom.

Other Accessories

Don‘t neglect peripherals that also influence broadcast polish!

• Microphone – Blue Yeti or Razer Seiren V2 X
• Webcam – Logitech Brio 4K or Sony ZV-1
• Lighting – Elgato Key Light Air or Lume Cube Panel Mini

Reviewers and audiences notice audiovisual details. Delivering quality directly correlates to sustaining engagement.

Now let‘s shift gears into pro tips for executing your simulcast streams flawlessly once equipment is prepped.

Executing Flawless Simulcasts: Pro Streamer Tactics

With software configured, a beastly PC built, internet speeds verified and peripherals plugged in, here‘s how to stick the landing on your simultaneous Twitch/YouTube broadcasts:

Monitor Diagnostic Stats

All multi-streaming tools provide critial debugging widget panels tracking vital signs. Keep these visible on a separate device:

• Overall health at a quick glance via color codes
• Bitrate to confirm sufficient internet throughput
• CPU/GPU usage to pinpoint scene lag causes
• Chat rate on respective platforms to compare engagement

Create Consistent Yet Unique Branding

While you want recognizable logos, colors and imagery carrying over across sites, take advantage of custom fields for tailored titles/descriptions specifically resonating with each community.

Schedule Streams in Advance

Building reliable broadcast windows trains fans to show up. Allowing spectators to set reminders via built-in platform tools goes further engaging them.

Reuse Top Content Across Sites

Repurposing your best viral clip compilations or Let‘s Play playlists to YouTube both saves prep time while showcasing must-see moments possibly missed live on Twitch.

Promote Simulcasts On Social Media

Remind Twitter, Instagram and Facebook followers they can catch you on both sites by sharing direct stream page links leading into premieres.

These proven tactics separate appropriately prepped amateurs from pros squeezing max viewer mileage out of their simulcasting efforts!

Monetization Musts Across Multiple Revenue Streams

Contrary to popular belief, you need not be an ultra famous gaming celeb just to profit nicely from simultaneous streaming across platforms. Several income avenue options await:

Twitch Subscriptions

Twitch‘s subscription tiers rewarding loyal recurring supporters still drive most full-time streamer salaries. Remember you earn 50% of every $4.99/month sub.

Consistent simulcasters reliably pull 2,000+ subscribers, yielding ~$5,000 monthly from Twitch alone if retaining fans.

Tactics like creating Subscriber Discord channels and Subscriber Sundays building exclusive events around paying members further incentives sign-ups.

YouTube Channel Memberships

Roughly analogous to Twitch Subs, YouTube Memberships let fans pay $4.99 monthly for special badges, custom emoji access and members-only posts from you while funding your efforts.

As the stream creator, you keep 70% of funds after platform fees. Again, granting 2,000 members is realistic from simulcast density and nets over $5,500 extra each month.

Advertising & Sponsored Segments

Once regularly exceeding 500+ viewers per stream, sponsors come calling to get their brands integrated into streams via:

• Shoutouts & product demos
• Custom overlay ads
• Giveaways & unboxings

Mid-tier streamers report earning between $400 – $1,200 per dedicated sponsorship session.

Simulcasting to multiple sites actually looks highly attractive to marketing teams hoping to tap into combined viewer bases you unite.

Merchandise Sales

Viewers constantly exposed to your brand across Twitch and YouTube tend to convert better into merch buyers prone to grabbing shirts, hats and hoodies repping your logo once attached.

Most merch platforms let you keep 65-70% post-sale profit. Moving 50 units monthly at $25 average order value (AOV) tacks on an additional $800+ to your streaming income.

Platform Tipping

While ads and subs generally outweigh one-off donations over the long-run, tipping still generates noticeable short-term boosts, especially during standout streams.

Optimize payouts by enabling:

• Twitch Bits – 1000 Bits nets just over $5
• YouTube SuperChats – Funds senders and highlights comment
• YouTube SuperStickers – Animated icon comments

Charity streams also motivate increased gifting across any configured tipping methods.

So tally up even $250 inBits plus $200 in SuperChats weekly, and we‘re looking at a solid extra $650 monthly to add onto revenue piles.

As the math depicts, combining multiple income sources made possible through expanded simulcasting visibility pays…literally and figuratively!

Final Thoughts

At this point, no ambitious streamer can deny both the tangible and intangible benefits of streaming to Twitch and YouTube simultaneously to accelerate their growth and earnings.

The platforms reduce barriers by handling the overly technical tasks like multi-encoding and chat merging for you.

Choose streaming software you connect with whether optimizing for customization, sleek ease-of-setup or seamless integrations.

Do invest in sufficient internet and modern PC components guaranteeing lag-free concurrent broadcasts. Viewers will be far less forgiving of choppy dual streams expecting that TV channel-surfing feel.

Stay attentive by monitoring diagnostic stats and chat engagement rates across each community. Unique branding and scheduled programming trains fans to become regular multi-stream participants.

Proper Execution pays back tenfold by combining subscription-style and ad-based monetization models across Twitch and YouTube fortifying your overall streaming business.

I hope this guide stirred up excitement for bringing your talents to more gaming enthusiasts eager to support fresh faces pushing new boundaries across platforms.

So what are you waiting for? The tools are in place. Knowledge is power! Now get streaming simultaneously over to exponentially more viewers thirsty for entertainment.

The gaming world awaits your unique brand of energy…

On Twitch and YouTube!