The Stream

I stream to Twitch and Youtube simultaneously, with the following configuration:

Twitch

Video: 60fps/1080p

Bandwidth: 6500kbps

Audio: 320kbps

Youtube

Video: 60fps/1440p

Bandwidth: 12000kbps

Audio: 320kbps

-

These are 2 bespoke feeds in my OBS instance, with both individual and shared resources via Downstream Keying, RTMP outputs and nested scenes. I also take a recording of the OBS output for backup/edit, and a Source Recording of the main video with no stream components.

The reason for the split is both technical and to adhere to Twitch’s Terms of Service.

Twitch do not allow streaming in 1440p without Partner status, while Youtube does. Streaming at 1440p base allows me to send the highest quality I can to Youtube/Recording, then downscale slightly for Twitch.

This also means I can prevent showing Youtube chat on Twitch, which breaks their multistreaming rules. Youtube can see Twitch Chat, but only in the overlay on the stream video - no text input is passed on. Twitch cannot see Youtube chat in any form.

-

I myself consider Twitch the “Primary” stream: It’s inherently streaming-based as a platform, with far more integrations, tools and utilities than YT currently.

I offer Youtube as a backup source incase Twitch has issues, and for those that prefer to use it. It’s also worth noting that the YT feed is slightly higher resolution than Twitch currently. (1440p vs 1080p). If you’re not fussed on interacting and want the highest quality, YT is the better choice.

YT is also my primary choice for VOD storage, as Twitch offers limited storage/lifetime for VODs.

I think of Twitch as the place to see it live, then catch up on YT at your leisure.