Since rebranding from Twitter to X, the social media platform has been working hard optimising its live streaming service. Twitter previously boasted a live streaming feature called Periscope, a feature that was discontinued two years ago. Now, Elon Musk's company is making a new attempt to gain a foothold in the live broadcasting industry.
X’s current venture into the live streaming industry is not the typical entry one might expect from an established social media platform like Twitter. The new live streaming feature has a distinct focus on video game live streaming, and the initial tests of the new feature broadcasted gameplay of the newly released Diablo IV. X is branching out into video game live streaming and aims to compete with established platforms like Twitch and YouTube Live.
Although still in its early stages, X’s live streaming capabilities look promising: with new developments seemingly constantly coming, collaborations with established streaming software like Streamlabs, and even a highly profitable revenue split for creators. So, how do you get started streaming on X?
How to stream on X
Going live on X (formerly Twitter) on mobile is a simple process; users tap the camera icon from the post box, click Live and then add details such as a description to the broadcast. If you want to go live from your computer, you will need third-party software such as OBS Studio. See the Software section of our streaming gear article for some recommendations.
Read also: Best streaming gear in 2024 for Twitch and YouTube
Steps for broadcasting on X may differ depending on your streaming software, but generally, users must first obtain a Source URL and Stream key for their broadcast and then go live through third-party software. Below is a detailed step-by-step process for how to broadcast through third-party software.
- Go to studio.twitter.com, the dashboard for interacting with live streams
- Click the Producer tab, this is where users can create broadcasts
- Click the Sources tab in the top left, and then Create Source in the top-right corner
- Select the region closest to you for the best stream quality
- This will provide you an RTMP URL (Source URL) and a Stream key, both of which are necessary to go live
- Open your third-party broadcasting software, and navigate to Settings to add a new stream source
- Enter your RTMP URL and Stream key as prompted by the software
- Fine-tune and change your broadcast settings in the software as needed
- Now your software is directly connected to your X (Twitter) account, you can return to the Producer tab of studio.twitter.com and click Broadcasts in the top left
- From this Broadcasts tab, you can go live immediately or schedule your broadcast for the future
The procedure for setting up your broadcast Source must only be completed once, as this data can be stored in your third-party software. Once completed, users can go live at the simple click of a button in their broadcasting software.
Some third-party software has an even more streamlined version of this process to set up your broadcasts. Users can navigate to adding a new Streaming Server or Source in their broadcasting program settings, and from there simply select “X” as a server option and directly authenticate their account with a simple X log-in.
What key features make X attractive for streamers?
X features some of the classic live streaming platform features that streamers have come to expect, such as a live chat for viewers to interact with the broadcast, saving a recording of the broadcast once concluded, and monetization options.
Twitter allows streamers to monetize their streams through its Amplify program, which users must be accepted into. There are two options for monetization of broadcasts: users can utilise Amplify pre-roll to let advertisers run pre-roll advertisements on live broadcasts or Amplify sponsorships to allow sponsors to directly partner with streamers. What else does X have to offer?
- Location tags of streams
- Custom timestamps to direct the attention of viewers
- Scheduling live streams in advance and promoting the stream beforehand
- LiveCut, X’s built-in video editing tool for creating highlights of your streams
One key advantage of streaming on X is that the platform is already an established social media network. Streamers can broadcast, promote their content, and network all on one platform. X emphasizes promoting your content through its network, by using their LiveCut tool to share highlights, promoting streams in advance through the scheduling function, and a live chat for X users to jump into from their regular browsing.
Multistreaming on X
Many third-party live streaming software allows for multistreaming, otherwise known as simulcasting, to multiple platforms. Previously, Twitch only allowed simulcasting to mobile platforms, but after a change in late 2023, you can now broadcast to any platform you wish. Streamers can go live on Twitch, YouTube Live, X, and many more all at the same time.
You can now see @X Chat in Streamlabs Multistream chat!
— Streamlabs (@streamlabs) January 10, 2024
Now when you go live on X and other platforms, X chat is included in Streamlabs Desktop with incoming chat from Twitch, YouTube, Facebook, and Trovo! Keep up with your audience wherever they're tuning in from. pic.twitter.com/jkRN8hu0m3
Streamlabs recently announced the inclusion of X to their Multistream chat function. Streamers can go live on multiple platforms, whilst keeping the chats all connected to one chat box so streamers can easily interact with chat and keep track of where their viewers are coming from. Restream and Streamyard also support X multistreaming and have integrated the platform into their broadcast studio programs. There is no lack of variety for streamers wanting to try multistreaming to X.
X is building itself up as a premiere live streaming platform for all kinds of streamers, building a bridge between traditional PC-based live streaming, and the live streaming functions of mobile social media apps. A standout feature for X is their 97/3 revenue split, which raises the bar for the industry and will likely attract many streamers to at least try simulcasting on the platform.
Revenue split on X and other live streaming platforms
Revenue splits decide what portion of revenue generated by a broadcast goes to the creator, and what portion goes to the broadcasting platform. Twitch offers a 50/50 split, but in mid-2023 announced the Partner Plus Program, which would allow streamers to enjoy a 70/30 split for a limited time.
This decision was likely a response to YouTube Live’s 70/30 default split for all fan-sourced revenue (memberships, super chats, etc.), but also pressure from the young upcoming live streaming platform Kick, which boasts a 95/5 split for creators. X is attempting to outbid all of these platforms with a 97/3 split for creators.
Typical for X, the live streaming dashboard has a heavy emphasis on a user-friendly experience. The mobile broadcasting experience is more streamlined and less intimidating for those new to live streaming, but their PC option which is boosted by third-party software to manage streams presents a solid option for veteran streamers.
Currently, monetization on X is locked behind their Amplify program, but as the social media platform expands their live streaming section this will likely become easier and easier to be accepted into. X’s unique features such as location tags and custom timestamping show that the company has some fresh ideas for the live streaming industry.
Those looking to stay in the loop of updates coming to X’s live streaming function should keep an eye on the Livestreaming on X community on Twitter. @natemcgrady on X is an engineer working for the company who regularly posts updates about the newest updates and coming changes. Streamlabs is a well-established third-party streaming software used by many top creators, and they recently announced seamless integration for X streamers; the Streamlabs blog is a good choice to keep an eye on new X-orientated features coming to one of the leading streaming programs.
Twitter’s own business.twitter.com page is a valuable resource for all information necessary on live streaming on the platform, as well as keeping an eye on new developments coming from the platform. Blog.twitter.com also supplies updates on what is happening internally within the company.
X’s established social media network means that the website can be a one-stop shop for streamers; from broadcasting to highlights and networking, X wants to do it all.