While lots of streaming software now let you log in with your Twitch account there may still be occasions where you need a stream key. If you’re struggling to find your stream key then follow along with this tutorial and we will show you how to quickly find it. Let’s jump in.
What is A Stream Key On Twitch?
A stream key allows your streaming software such as OBS to send data to your channel on Twitch. A stream key is unique to your profile so when you hit go live on OBS your stream video gets sent directly to your channel for your viewers to see.
Never publicly show your stream key anywhere as this would allow others to stream on your channel. If they have your stream key they can plug it into their software and stream a video feed live on your channel, even without your username and password.
When Twitch was hacked in late 2021 there was a fear that people’s stream keys had been leaked so Twitch sent out an email prompting everyone to change their stream key.
How To Find Your Stream Key On Twitch
If you need your stream key, follow the steps below to find it on Twitch:
- Go to Twitch.tv and login to your account
- Click on your profile image in the top right-hand corner and click on Creator Dashboard
- In the Creator Dashboard navigate to Settings –> Stream
- Under Stream Key & Preferences the first thing you will see is your Primary stream key
- On the right hand side click on Copy to copy the stream key to your clipboard. You can now paste this stream key wherever you need it.
It’s as easy as that to get your Stream Key for Twitch.
How To Reset Your Stream Key On Twitch
If you think someone may have access to your stream key or you have accidentally shown your stream key on stream then you should reset it immediately. Reseting your key will stop anyone from being able to stream to your channel without your permission.
To reset your stream key follow the steps below:
- Go to Twitch.tv and login to your account
- Click on your profile image in the top right hand corner and click on Creator Dashboard
- In Creator dashboard click on Settings –> Stream
- Under Stream Key & Preferences you will see Primary Stream key. To the very right there is a Reset button
- Click on the Reset button to immediately reset your stream key
Remember when you Reset your stream key you will need to update it on any streaming software you use to stream.
Where To Put Your Stream Key In OBS Studio
If you want to stream from OBS using your stream key follow the steps below to connect OBS to Twitch:
- Copy the stream key from Twitch using the steps we mentioned above
- Open OBS Studio
- In OBS Studio navigate to Settings –> Stream
- Here you can either sign in with your Twitch account or use a stream key. To use your stream key click on “Use Stream Key”.
- Paste your stream key into the Stream Key box and click OK.
Your Twitch account will now be linked to OBS via your Stream key. When you now click “Start streaming” you will broadcast to your channel on Twitch.
Should I Use A Stream Key Or Account On OBS?
Since OBS launched the feature to automatically login to your Twitch account through the software there is little reason to use a Stream Key. The safest method is to login to Twitch through OBS to connect your account.
Is It Okay To Share Your Stream Key With People On Twitch?
No, you should never share your stream key with anybody. If someone has your stream key, it gives them full access to stream on your channel. There are people out there who will try to trick you into giving them your stream key so they can use your channel for scams etc. Be vigilant of these and never give your stream key to anyone.
There is one situation where you may want to share a stream key with someone. For example, if you have a Twitch channel that has multiple streamers on it throughout the week, you may want to give them a key to stream to the channel.
How To Share A Stream Key With Someone
If you want to share a stream key with someone you trust you can follow the steps below:
- Go to Twitch.tv and login to your account
- Click on your profile picture in the top right and go to Creator Dashboard
- Navigate to Settings –> Stream
- Scroll down to the Permissions section and click on “People who can stream to your channel”
- Enter the email of the person you want to invite to your channel. This user will then be sent a stream key which they can use to stream directly to your channel.
Wrapping Up
It’s as easy as that to find your stream key and even change it if you need to. Remember to keep your stream key private at all times. Enjoy streaming 🙂
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