Your Twitch Pre-Streaming Checklist (2024)

What to do before your livestream to secure victory.

Hey there, Twitch streamers! We know: there’s a lot that goes into a live stream. From content to promotion to technology, it’s a lot to be on one person’s plate. So because we love you, we made this handy little streaming checklist of things to do before you go live so you’re all set up for success. Let’s dive in.

Streamer Checklist: Before Your Twitch Stream

Eat A Meal / Gather Snacks & Water
Depending on how long you plan on streaming, meal prep is important. The last thing you want is to be starving on camera, so if you’re doing a shorter Twitch stream one meal in advance should do it. But if you’re planning a multi-hour marathon, be sure to bring water and snacks to minimize both hanger pains and time off camera.
Check Yourself Out
Yep, we mean literally. Depending on what type of content you stream, costumes and makeup might be part of your routine already. But if not, give yourself a once over in the mirror before turning on the camera to check that all is in order.
Restart Your Hardware
We all know the best way to fix any tech problem is the magic “on/off” button, so preempt any machine glitches with an ol’ restart. It’s good for what ails you (and your computer).
Launch Your Broadcasting Software
Streamlabs, OBS, vMix, Lightstream… no matter what streaming software you use, power it up now and double check that it’s running properly.
Open Other Applications
What other applications, you ask? Your game, Discord, browsers, social media platforms… any additional software you use while streaming, now’s the time to get the party started. Double check that you’re all logged in — the last thing you want is having to deal with a forgotten password while live. If you’re a gamer, we also recommend playing a few minutes of your game to make sure all is working as expected.
Open Your Music Player
We definitely recommend adding music to all your live streams — great audio can set the perfect tone to start your stream and keep viewers more engaged throughout. If you have a music player set, open it now. Or if you need help finding Twitch-safe music, that’s kinda our jam: check out Pretzel plans to get started.
Turn On Your Lighting Gear
“Lights” are always the first step in “lights, camera, action!” Let’s get ’em shining now.
Check Your Audio & Video Levels
For your audio, check the balance of your music and microphone and make any adjustments necessary. (Looking for tips on avoiding mutes & splitting your audio? See our recent blog.) For your video, take a look that the lighting is clear and that there’s nothing in the background you don’t want on screen.
Open Your Twitch Chat
The key here is placing the chat where you can see it once you’re streaming so you can engage with your audience in real time.
Preview Your Stream
Run a 2–3 minute test of all equipment you’re planning on using during your stream. Record it, then check out the recording and make any audio/ video adjustments needed.
Name & Categorize Your Stream
Your stream title and categories do more than just organize your content — they can also bring new viewers to your Twitch table. So the snappier the better!
Set Up Channel Points For Breaks
If you’re planning on a longer stream, it’s important to take small breaks for water or even stretching. Use these as opportunities to engage with your viewers by setting up Channel Points for them to remind you to take little breathers.
Post Last Minute Promotion
While you may have done advanced promotion of your upcoming stream, there’s nothing quite like a quick reminder on Discord and social media that you’ll be starting soon, so post away!
Turn Off Your Phone
Unless talking/texting on your phone is part of your on-camera schtick, take a moment before you go live to turn off (or at least silence) your electronic significant other.
Go To The Bathroom
You know the minute the live stream starts you’ll have to go, so might as well do it now.
Start The Party!
You’ve done all the prep work; now’s the time to go live and have a blast. You got this!

There you have it, folks. We hope this live streaming checklist can help serve as a guide on the path to Twitch triumph. Curious about a post stream checklist? Come back soon for insider tips on what to do when the lights go down.

Cheers,
The Pretzel Team