Online gaming has come a long way since the early 2000s.

The technical advancements have allowed us to play with gamers from all parts of the world and live stream it on the web.

If you are into gaming, you might have heard of Twitch.

The streaming service was first launched in 2011 and has become the go-to hub for gamers globally. 

Right from e-sports competitions to music broadcasts, you can broadcast almost anything on Twitch. 

However, there is another thing you would need for a successful live stream – a stable internet connection.

You will require a good internet connection with a stable upload speed. Slow broadband can hamper your gaming experience. 

Therefore, it is important to know what internet speed for streaming Twitch is the best.

What Is Twitch?

What Are Gifted Subs on Twitch

Before we get into the main gist of this article, let us first look into the basics – what is Twitch? 

Twitch is a live-streaming platform that was launched in 2011. Since its release, the platform has gained millions of users from different parts of the world. 

Gamers and lifestyle influencers can stream their activities on Twitch so that others can watch in real time. The length of the streams can range between a few seconds/minutes to hours. 

You will find a wide range of categories on Twitch, including the ones for specific topics or games. 

If you have a favorite streamer, you can follow their channel and get notified about any activity updates.

Since its launch, Twitch has partnered with several prominent gaming companies like Overwatch League and Blizzard Entertainment to host international e-sports and gaming events on the service.

How Does It Work?

Gamers can broadcast themselves playing games or upload pre-recorded videos. Usually, all the streams also include an audio commentary. 

When streaming, gamers can keep playing and talk to the viewers. These viewers can send messages via a chat box. If you like the content, you can make payments via PayPal and Amazon. 

Typically, Twitch will broadcast two videos at once – one of the contents you want to stream (the game) and the other of the streamer. 

This feature allows the players to stream with more personality. The viewer can watch both the live stream as well as the streamer. 

You also need to remember that streaming on Twitch is not limited to only gaming. In fact, many popular musicians have used Twitch during the peak COVID-19 pandemic. 

The content creators can earn money via ads, subscriptions, and donations. You need to become a Twitch Affiliate to earn money from the platform directly. 

You will have to reach certain levels of stats and viewership to become a Twitch Affiliate. To become a Twitch Affiliate, you will have to meet the following requirements:

  1. A minimum of 50 Twitch followers
  2. An average of three or more concurrent viewers in the last 30 days 
  3. A minimum of seven unique broadcast days in the past 30 days
  4. A minimum of 500 total minutes broadcast in the last 30 days

After you meet all these requirements, Twitch will send you a Twitch Affiliate request. Once you accept, you will start earning through Twitch directly. 

What Is The Right Internet Speed For Streaming Twitch?

You need to find internet speed for streaming Twitch. As per resources, the minimum upload speed that you need for live streaming is 1.6 Mbps for low-resolution videos at 30 FPS. 

For higher-resolution videos, you will require a minimum speed of 3 Mbps. 

Like good content, it is important that you have decent technical proficiency when it comes to streaming on Twitch. This is because there is a lot of competition among streamers. 

If your video frequently loses connection, skips frequently, has low resolution, or is out of sync, viewers will not stick around. Therefore, it is important to have a quality internet connection. 

If you want to handle gaming and streaming simultaneously, it is recommended that you have an internet connection of at least 25 Mbps. 

You should also know that a higher bitrate will use more internet bandwidth. However, you can lower the bitrate by decreasing the bandwidth usage for other things. 

For instance, you can stop other background games, apps, and downloads when you are streaming. 

How Can You Check Your Internet Speed For Live Streaming On Twitch?

How to Rewind Twitch Stream

If you want to live stream on Twitch, you need to know the speed of your internet connection. The simplest way to do this is using speedtest.net. 

This is a specialized test that does not take more than 30 seconds to find the speed of your internet connection. 

This test will show your upload and download speeds as well as your ping. If you are facing any internet problems, you will be provided with some easy solutions. 

Figuring out the speed of your internet connection will give you an idea of the video resolution when you are broadcasting live. 

In case the video quality is low, you need to upgrade your internet plan or troubleshoot the issue. 

What Are Some Variables That Affects The Upload Speed Requirements?

Apart from bandwidth limits, there are other factors that you need to know so that you can improve the Twitch streaming quality:

1. Ensure To Keep Something In Stock

When you are streaming, always make sure that you save some of the network bandwidth.

This margin will be useful if there are some changes in the parameters of your internet connection. 

However, the download speed of your connection can also be affected by any other activity going on the network, like ongoing gameplay, VoIP communication, ongoing downloads, etc. 

To calculate the required bandwidth of your network, you can use the following formula:

Total video bit rate and audio bit rate multiplied by 1.5, which will show you the required upload bandwidth. 

This will avoid fluctuations in the connection. 

2. Consider The Network Type

As we know, there are many different types of internet connections available today – cellular, satellite, cable, DSL, etc. 

Each of these network types has its own upload and download speeds and reliability.

This is another piece of information you need to remember when you are streaming live on Twitch.

Let us consider the DSL as an example.

DSL provides lower download speeds, which can affect the quality of the broadcast and the video stream. 

DSL is mostly available in rural areas where satellite communications are mostly used. In such cases, you will have to look into the current weather conditions. 

The current weather conditions will determine the success and quality of your Twitch stream. 

3. What You Get By The Providers

In most cases, the ISPs provide maximum download and upload speeds to advertise the respective service packages. 

For instance, you might have seen certain advertisements that showcase messages like download speeds up to 30 Mbps, upload speeds up to 10 Mbps, etc. 

However, you need to remember that the speed of the internet connection can vary, even on a daily basis. 

For instance, if you share your internet connection with other people in the same local network, the speed of the connection will depend on the activities of the users. 

On the other hand, there are also some providers that will charge you for the maximum bandwidth.

Hence, ensure that you do not incur additional charges for hosting live Twitch streams. 

4. Make Sure The Speed Is Sufficient For Multistreaming

When you broadcast the stream to several platforms, it is called multistreaming.

Most streamers today multistream their videos on several social media websites at once. 

Similarly, multi-coding is a technology that allows you to broadcast simultaneously at varying bit rates. 

With the help of multistreaming, you will reach more audiences. As for multi-coding, you can ensure that the streams will be available for viewers with different bandwidth limits. 

While such technologies do exist to help provide a better streaming experience, you also need to remember that additional running programs can affect the outgoing bit rate. 

How Can You Get A Good Internet Speed For Streaming Twitch?

How to Save Streams on Twitch

While calculating the required internet connection for streaming Twitch is one thing, accessing this speed is a different story. 

The internet speed will depend on the internet service provider and the service package you select. For residential users, the download speed will be greater than the upload speed. 

The best way to get the best of both speeds is to opt for a business-level service. This way, you will get access to the declared upload speed at all times. 

This type of connection will provide reliability and stability so that you have a smooth Twitch streaming experience. 

The first step to getting a good internet speed for streaming on Twitch is to look for an ISP that provides the upload speed you are looking for. 

Remember, you might have to pay a bit more than what you are paying for your current internet connection.

You will also have to ask around to understand the quality of the service better. 

Here are some tips that can help you get a better internet connection for streaming on Twitch:

1. Opt For A Wired Connection 

When it comes to watching YouTube videos on your smartphone, a Wi-Fi connection is a great option. 

In the case of live streaming on Twitch, however, a wired connection with an Ethernet cable is a better option. 

This way, you will get more stability and less interference, which will provide better streaming quality. 

2. Remove Unwanted Devices From The Internet Network

When you start streaming, you need to avoid a crowded internet connection. If not in use, disconnect other devices from the internet connection. 

Disconnecting unwanted devices from your internet connection will improve your upload speed, which will also improve the streaming quality of your Twitch video.

3. Close Down Excess Apps And Programs On Your Computer/Laptop

When you are streaming on Twitch, ensure that this program is the only streaming program.

Most other apps and programs today utilize their share of your internet connection.

Closing these apps and programs will help you run a smooth Twitch stream session and provide a better viewing experience for your audiences. 

4. Use Updated Hardware And Software

Perhaps the simplest way to ensure that you have the best internet connection for streaming your videos is by updating all the related hardware and software. 

Old drivers can often slow your computer down. Additionally, old modems can restrict your upload speed. 

Ensure that all your software and hardware are updated for streaming your live Twitch video. 

Final Thoughts 

As mentioned above, you need a good internet speed for a smooth Twitch experience. 

If you are facing slow internet speeds, you can use the tips that we have mentioned in this article to speed up your connection.

If you have any questions related to this article, you can let us know about the same in the comment section.