Twitch offers gamers the opportunity to turn their recreational hobby into an interactive gaming experience that others can enjoy. Learn how to stream mobile games on Twitch.
The rise in popularity of mobile games in recent times is remarkable, and no wonder. Games like Call of Duty, PUBG, Minecraft, Among Us, and Fortnite make it so that the quality of entertainment we had only with a console can be easily matched on a smartphone. And this is thanks to the evolution of smartphones in terms of hardware and software. Now, if you want to stream your mobile games on Twitch, here we will show you how to do it.
The audience that watches live streaming of mobile games on Twitch is growing, so if you’re wondering if it’s worth it, the answer is yes. To do this you’ll need to install Reflector 4 and OBS Studio on your computer and configure them to stream games from your mobile device to your computer and Twitch.
Twitch streaming options
There are a few options for streaming mobile games to Twitch. If you want to stream games over your iPhone, iPad, or Android without overlays, a webcam, or any other software, you can stream directly from your device using the Twitch app for Android and iOS. This option is the simplest way, but the most limited.
As for using desktop software, such as Open Broadcasting Software (OBS), Twitch Studio, or Streamlabs OBS, you can add a video of yourself captured by the webcam with the game overlay. In addition, you gain the ability to manage the broadcast from your computer.
In addition to your mobile device and the game installed on your smartphone, you will need:
- A Windows or Mac PC
- The Reflector 4 program on your computer
- The free streaming software OBS Studio on your computer
- A webcam
- A microphone
You will need to transmit the screen of your mobile device to your computer so that the device can be captured via your chosen streaming software, and thus broadcast to your viewers.
To do this you will need the Reflector 4 software on your computer. Reflector allows you to transmit the screen of your mobile device to your computer without any wired connection. The screen of the mirrored device is then captured using the chosen software, and broadcast to your viewers.
Install Reflector 4 (US$ 18.35)
To stream the game from your mobile device, you need to get the image displayed on your computer, which will send them to Twitch. It’s similar to how you need to connect a Blu-ray to your TV so you can watch the Blu-ray disc.
Reflector 4 is software that works on both Windows and macOS, makes them compatible with the numerous wireless projection technologies supported by iOS and Android smartphones, such as Google Chromecast and AirPlay.
You will not need to use cables or any hardware when using Reflector 4. The software costs $18.35, which in real conversion is $93.40, but it can be a worthwhile investment if you are serious about streaming mobile games on Twitch. In addition, the platform offers a free 7-day trial.
After downloading the software, open it on your computer and then wirelessly project your mobile screen to your computer using one of the following methods:
- iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch: Swipe up from the bottom of the iOS device’s screen to open the Control Center. Press the AirPlay icon in the middle of the menu.
- Android: Open the Notification Center on your Android smartphone or tablet, and press the Cast icon. Once open, select More Settings and choose your computer.
Open Broadcasting Software, Streamlabs OBS, or Twitch Studio?
You’ve decided that you want to do mobile game broadcasts in the most sophisticated way, so you need to decide which software to use. OBS, Streamlabs OBS, and Twitch Studio are the most popular and reliable options, and they all offer unique advantages.
Open Broadcasting Software – OBS
OBS is open source and compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux devices. This classic streaming software quickly receives updates and new features. Moreover, it is fully customizable and you can configure it as you wish. However, you will have to add the overlays to the videos yourself.
How to broadcast to Twitch with OBS
- Open Reflector 4 on your computer and mirror your device to the computer screen.
Important: You need to check some settings to ensure that the device’s screen is shared correctly. Once the device is connected to Reflector, hover your cursor over the mirrored device and click the settings cog next to the device name. Make sure that “Always on Top” and “Fullscreen” are enabled to ensure that the transmission works. If you prefer, you can toggle these settings after you start sharing your screen.
- Open OBS and grant the permissions to access your webcam and microphone.
- The automatic configuration wizard should appear. Specify your video settings and select “Next”.
- Under Service, select “Twitch” and select “Connect Account”. Make the connection
- OBS will now test your computer and recommend optimal streaming settings. Click “Next”.
- Now click “Apply Settings”.
- Set up your overlays using the Scenes and Sources boxes in the lower-left corner:
- In the Scenes box, click “+”. You can name the scene anything you want.
- In the Sources box, click the “+” as you did with the scene.
- In the Sources settings, select “Window Capture” from the list of options, and name it whatever you want.
- Select the Reflector with the corresponding name for your device from the dropdown. If you are using a Windows computer, select “Windows Graphics Capture” under “Capture Method”.
Note: If the Reflector does not appear, you must grant OBS access to record your screen in your system preferences. If the device is still not appearing, review Step 2 to ensure that you have the correct settings enabled for the Reflector.
- Click “Ok” and the device screen will appear in the OBS flow window. Your sources will appear in order from top to bottom.
- Open the game you want to stream.
- Close the settings and click “Start streaming” in the lower right corner of the OBS software.
You are now streaming live to your Twitch audience via OBS
Streamlabs OBS
Streamlabs OBS and Open Broadcasting Software are very similar, but Streamlabs OBS can be useful for those who find Open Broadcasting Software complicated. Streamlabs OBS has an easy setup process, a friendly user interface, and hundreds of free overlays and design elements for you to customize.
It is available for Mac and Windows, plus a mobile app where you can stream your mobile games directly from your device with basic widgets, but themes and more customizations are not free. Also, this option does not allow you to add a webcam during streaming.
How to stream to Twitch with Streamlabs OBS
- Open Reflector 4 on your computer and mirror your device to the computer screen.
Important: You need to check some settings to ensure that the device screen is shared correctly. Once the device is connected to Reflector, hover your cursor over the mirrored device and click the settings cog next to the device name. Make sure that “Always on Top” and “Fullscreen” are enabled to ensure that the transmission works. If you prefer, you can toggle these settings after you start sharing your screen.
- Open Streamlabs OBS and choose Twitch from the available options;
- Log in to Twitch and agree to the terms of service.
- Now click on “Import from OBS” or “Start from scratch” if you have never used OBS before;
- Configure your microphone, webcam, theme, and optimization settings.
- Customize your overlays using the Scenes and Sources boxes in the lower-left corner.
- Select “Live Scene” in the Scenes box, then navigate to the Sources box and click the “+”.
- Select “Window Capture” and click “Add Source”.
- In the window drop-down list, select the Reflector with the corresponding name for your device and then “Done”. If you are using it on Windows, select “Windows Graphics Capture” under “Capture Method”.
Note: If the Reflector does not appear, you may need to grant Streamlabs OBS access to record your screen in system preferences. If your device is still not showing up, review step 2 to make sure the correct settings are enabled for Reflector.
- Edit the size and position of your device in the preview. Your sources will appear in order from top to bottom.
- Open the game you want to stream on your smartphone and click “Done”.
- Fill in your broadcast information and click “Broadcast Live”.
You are now streaming live to your audience give Twitch via Streamlabs OBS!
Twitch Studio
If you’re new to game streaming, Twitch Studio is a great place to start. This streaming software is part of Twitch, designed especially for beginners. With simple, customizable overlays to choose from, it’s quick to set up and easy to use.
How to stream to Twitch with Twitch Studio
- Open Reflector 4 on your computer and mirror your device to your computer screen.
Important: You need to check some settings to ensure that your device screen is shared properly. Once the device is connected to Reflector, hover your cursor over the mirrored device and click the settings cog next to the device name. Make sure that “Always on Top” and “Fullscreen” are enabled to ensure that the transmission works. If you prefer, you can toggle these settings after you start sharing your screen.
- Open Twitch Studio, and then sign in to your Twitch account.
- Select “Get Started” and configure your microphone, webcam, scenes, and broadcast-quality settings.
- Go to the settings in the bottom right corner. Under “General” > “Permissions”, select “Check permissions”. Permit Twitch Studio to record. This may cause you to restart the app.
- Customize your overlays and what appears in your broadcast in the tab on the left.
- Click “Change Capture” under “Main Screen Sharing”.
- In the window, select the Reflector with the corresponding name of your device and then “Next”.
Note: There is a known issue with Twitch Studio that may prevent it from displaying certain applications correctly. If your device shows a blank or black screen, try selecting “Full Screen” and putting the Reflector into a full-screen mode when it is connected.
If the Reflector still doesn’t show, go back to step 2 to make sure the correct settings are enabled for the Reflector.
- To edit how your smartphone screen appears in the streaming window, select “Main” and “Edit Scene”.
- Your sources will appear in order from top to bottom.
- Open the game you want to stream.
- Once you have everything set up, click “Start broadcasting”.
You are now live streaming to your Twitch audience via Twitch Studio!
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