Live streaming is an excellent way to connect with your audience on social media platforms. Twitter, in particular, offers easy-to-use tools that allow brands and influencers to interact with their audience in real-time. This not only helps build better relationships with customers but also enhances engagement on the platform. In this article, we will guide you through the process of streaming live on Twitter, both on desktop and mobile.
Streaming Live on Twitter: Desktop Platforms
The process of going live on Twitter can vary depending on the platform you’re using. On desktop platforms, Twitter does not provide a native streaming studio as part of its media production tools. However, you can still stream live by following these steps:
- Open the Twitter app or website and log in to your account.
- Tap on “More” from the left navigation bar and select “Media Studio.”
- In the library, you can view all the posts you’ve uploaded on the platform.
- Next, select the “Producer” tab from the top bar.
- Click on the “Create Broadcast” button located in the top right corner.
- Choose a unique name for your broadcast and select a category for your stream.
- Click on the “source” button to bring up a drop-down menu and select “Create a new source.”
- After creating, you will receive your unique “RTMP URL” and stream key. Use these with your preferred streaming software, such as OBS Studio.
- Open OBS Studio, go to settings from the bottom right corner, and select “Twitter” from the streaming platform options.
- Choose the nearest region for the best streaming quality and enter your unique stream key.
- Finally, click on “Start Streaming” to begin your live stream on Twitter.
Streaming Live on Twitter: Mobile Platforms (iPhone or Android)
On mobile platforms like Android and iPhone, going live on Twitter is a breeze. Simply follow these steps:
- Open the Twitter app on your device and tap on the composer to select the camera icon.
- Choose “Live” from the options listed below.
- If you want to create an audio-only stream, tap on the microphone icon in the top right corner.
- Write a short description for your live video if desired. This will become part of your tweets.
- Tap on the “Go live” button to start broadcasting to your followers on Twitter.
Ending a Live Video on Twitter
To end your live stream on Twitter, follow these instructions:
- On Desktop: Use OBS Studio or any other broadcasting software you’re using and click on the “Stop Streaming” button under the controls section.
- On Mobile: Look for the prominent “stop” icon in the top left corner while recording. Tap on it and confirm by selecting “Stop Broadcast.” This will end your live stream on Twitter.
Finding Live Videos on Twitter
Twitter has recently made it easier to find live videos on the platform. You can now locate them in the “Explore” section on the homepage. This applies especially to live streams from accounts you don’t follow. Additionally, when the accounts you follow start a livestream, their video will appear on your timeline. You can also search for individuals currently streaming on Twitter to view their streams as tweets.
Sharing and Replaying Live Broadcasts
Sharing live broadcasts on Twitter is simple. While watching a livestream, tap on the “Share Live” button to share it directly. During replay mode, tap on “Share” and select “Share from beginning.” You can share live streams as tweets or copy their links to share externally.
Where Does My Live Video Go on Twitter?
Once you start a live stream on Twitter, it becomes visible to all your followers on their feed. After the broadcast ends, it will appear with your other tweets. Your live streams are treated just like any other tweet on the platform and are visible to all your followers.
Modifying and Saving Live Videos
After broadcasting a livestream, you can make changes to it just like any other video tweet. This applies especially to mobile platforms, where you can easily specify the start point, change thumbnail images, and modify the video title. Furthermore, you have the option to save your live videos. On desktop, you can save them using third-party broadcasting software. On mobile platforms, you can save them directly using the “Save to Camera Roll” option.
Notifications and Interactions During Live Videos
Twitter offers various options for notifications and interactions during live videos:
- To receive special notifications for live videos, enable it in your profile settings under “Account Notifications.” You can choose between “Only live videos” or “All Tweets” for your preference.
- During live streams, viewers can comment and send hearts to show their appreciation. These features are available on all platforms where Twitter is accessible.
Managing Live Video Viewership
If you want to remove someone from watching and commenting on your live video, simply tap on their profile, go to settings, and block them. Twitter offers a simple way to manage your audience and ensure a positive streaming experience.
Frequently Asked Questions about Live Video on Twitter
Here are answers to some common questions about live video on Twitter:
-
Q: How do I find more live videos to watch?
- A: You can find new and popular live videos on your Twitter timeline from accounts you follow. Additionally, explore the “explore” section on Twitter to discover more live content.
-
Q: What type of content is allowed in live video?
- A: Any content that does not contain self-harm, nudity, gore, or disruptive elements is accepted as valid content for live video on Twitter.
-
Q: How can I use live videos to stand out to my followers?
- A: Live videos offer a unique opportunity for one-to-one interaction with your followers, helping you build trust and attract new customers.
-
Q: Why don’t I have the live option on Twitter?
- A: If you have protected tweets enabled, you won’t be able to go live on Twitter. Simply disable this option in your account preferences to re-enable live streaming.
-
Q: What happens to past Twitter live streams?
- A: Past Twitter live streams are saved as regular tweets on the platform. Your followers and interested viewers can revisit them, and you can also edit and repost them later.
For more tips on live streaming on Twitter, check out our article on Mr Reviews.