To start a 24/7 Twitch Stream you need a Twitch Channel and Streaming Software (like Upstream or OBS)

Prerequisites:

• A Twitch account with a verified email.
• Streaming Software (Sign up at Upstream.so).
• Pre-recorded video files or a background image and audio files.

Step 1: Get Your Twitch Stream Key

The quickest way is Connect with Twitch: in Upstream, add Twitch as a destination, choose Connect with Twitch and sign in. There's no stream key to copy. If you prefer a stream key, follow the steps below.

Before you can go live, you need to tell Upstream where to send your video. This is done via the Stream URL and Stream Key. You only need the key, Upstream knows the URL (same for everyone).

1. Log in to Twitch.tv.

2. Click on your profile icon and select Creator Dashboard.

3. In the left-hand menu, navigate to Settings > Stream.

4. Under Stream Key & Preferences, click "Copy" next to your Primary Stream Key.

Step 2: Set Up Your Stream in Upstream

Now, let's configure your cloud-hosted stream.

1. Log in to your Upstream Dashboard.
2. Click the "Create Stream" button.
3. Select Twitch as your destination platform.
4. Paste your Primary Stream Key into the provided field.
5. Give your stream a name. With Connect with Twitch, Upstream sends this name to Twitch as your stream title.

Step 3: Upload Your Content

Since this is an automated 24/7 stream, you need to provide the media that will loop. Read the full guide to uploading here.

1. Select Stream Type: Choose whether you want to stream a single video, a playlist, or a static image with background audio.
2. Upload Media: Upload your .mp4 video files or .jpg background images.
3. Configure Settings: Select your desired resolution (e.g., 1080p) and bitrate. For Twitch, a bitrate of 4500–6000 Kbps is recommended for high quality.

Step 4: Go Live 24/7

1. Scroll down and click "Create Stream".
2. Once created, click the "More Actions" to reveal the dropdown menu (or head back to your Dashboard)
3. Hit "Start Stream".
4. Close your browser: Your stream is now running on Upstream’s cloud servers, and is showing up on Twitch. You can turn off your computer and the broadcast will continue 24/7.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on Twitch 24/7 Streaming

Can I turn off my computer while the 24/7 stream is running?

Yes. Because Upstream is a cloud-based encoder, once you hit "Start," the stream runs on our servers. You do not need to keep your PC or OBS running.

How long can a stream be on Twitch? What's the maximum duration.

Twitch ends every broadcast after 48 hours. At the 48 hour mark, Upstream reconnects to Twitch on its own, so the stream continues after a short break. To choose when that break happens, use Back-to-back stream cycles in the stream's schedule settings: for example 47 hours 50 minutes per cycle with a 10 minute break.

Is 24/7 streaming allowed on Twitch?

Yes, as long as you own the rights to the content you are broadcasting or have permission to use it. Many creators use 24/7 streams for "Always-On" music channels, replays of their past content, or nature cams. Twitch asks you to label recorded content: tick Rerun in Edit Stream Info.

How do I change the title of my 24/7 stream?

With Connect with Twitch, change the stream name in Upstream. Upstream sends it to Twitch as the title every time the stream starts. With a stream key, change the title and category in your Twitch Creator Dashboard under Edit Stream Info.

Is there a free trial

Yes! You can sign up without a credit card and start your stream right now.

For Twitch's rules on reruns and music, and ideas for what to run, read our guide: How to run a 24/7 Twitch stream.

Updated on: 10/10/2026