How to Stream from PS5 on Twitch

You don’t have to be a PC gamer to stream on Twitch. In fact, you could be broadcasting from your console in just a few minutes. Ever wondered how to stream on Twitch from PS5?

The truth is, there are more than 12 million Twitch creators, millions of whom are streaming from PlayStation. And why not? Streaming from console is generally easier and cheaper than investing in a gaming PC. Console streaming is a great option for new streamers, allowing you to learn the broadcasting ropes in a low-risk environment. Plus, with all the great exclusives available to PS5 owners, you’ll have an amazing collection of games to showcase.

Luckily, all it takes is a few simple steps to prepare your PS5 for streaming. You don’t need any extra gear, aside from your PlayStation, a Twitch account and a PC or mobile device nearby.

Here’s how to stream on Twitch from PS5:

1. Create a Twitch account from your desktop or mobile device.
2. From your PS5’s home screen, select the Settings tab, then Account Management.
3. In the next window select Link with Other Services, then choose Twitch.
4. Sign in and link your Twitch and PSN accounts by going to twitch.tv/activate and entering your 6-digit code.
5. Open a game and click the Share button on your controller.
6. Press Broadcast Gameplay and select Twitch from the list of services.
7. Adjust your stream settings and enter a title for your broadcast.
8. Select Start Broadcasting to go live!

Need more help? We’ll walk you through the steps in more detail below. Then we’ll show you how to set up overlays for your first stream.

[Prefer to stream from Xbox? Check out our separate companion guide to broadcasting Twitch from your Xbox Series X.]

What You’ll Need to Stream Twitch on PS5

All you’ll need to go live is:

• A PS5
• Internet connection (wired or wireless)
• A Twitch account
• A desktop or mobile device nearby
• (Optional) Webcam and microphone (or headset)
• (Optional) Capture Card or Lightstream Subscription

Let’s get started.

How to Twitch Stream on PS5

1. Create a Twitch Account

If you already have a Twitch account, grab your login information. If not, create a new account by visiting twitch.tv from your desktop or mobile device. While you’re there add some basic channel information, like a profile picture and a brief bio – plus moderation and safety features.

Note that you will have to configure two-factor authentication (2FA) on your Twitch account in order to stream on PlayStation.

2. Link Your Twitch and PSN Accounts

From your PS5 home screen, select the “Settings” tab. In the next window, select “Account Management”. Then choose “Link with Other Services” and select Twitch from the list of options.

Enter your login information for your Twitch account. You’ll then be prompted to enter a six-digit code. To get your code, visit twitch.tv/activate from your nearby PC or mobile device. Once your code has been entered, your PlayStation and Twitch accounts should be connected.

3. Adjust Your Stream Settings

Now it’s time to prepare to go live. Open up a game and click the “Share” button on your controller. In the next menu, press “Broadcast Gameplay” and select Twitch.

The next window allows you to customize your stream settings. You can adjust your microphone and audio settings, give your stream a Title, choose a video quality and more. If you’ve wondered how to stream on Twitch from PS5 with camera controls, you can adjust webcam settings from this screen as well.

4. Start Broadcasting

Once you’re ready hit “Start Broadcasting” to go live to the world. Learning how to stream on Twitch from PS5 is as easy as that!

Adding Overlays to your PS5 Twitch Stream

Going live for the first time is a big step, but it’s only half the battle. Now you need to upgrade your stream with overlays. After all, you’re trying to stand out and get noticed, right?

Overlays are a must for any new streamer, especially for console gamers. Overlays are specialty graphics that slide in over your gameplay, displaying your most important stream information. They include visual indicators, animations, logos, stream alerts and more. Overlays mark a professional broadcast – and are the key to building a loyal community.

Unfortunately, there is no way to add overlays directly from your PS5 console. Instead, most streamers use one of two options:

1. Capture Card and PC

A capture card is a small hardware device that plugs into both your PS5 and PC (via USB). The capture card records and reroutes your gameplay through your PC – not your console. This means you’ll be gaming from your PS5, but streaming through your PC. From your computer you can set up overlays using OBS software, like OBS Studio, Streamlabs or StreamElements. If you’ve ever been curious how to stream PS5 on Twitch through PC, this is it!

Unless you have a big budget, this is probably not the best option for a new or casual streamer. Capture cards are not cheap, and you’ll need a decently-powerful PC to run your stream. Later however, as your stream and fan base grow, you may want to consider a capture card. Not only do they provide enormous flexibility to customize your stream, you’ll also notice better stream quality compared to if you were streaming directly from console.

2. Lightstream Studio

Lightstream provides an easier, cheaper solution – without the need for expensive capture cards and high-end PCs. Their cloud-based broadcast software acts as a middleman between your PS5 and Twitch – unlocking features previously impossible for console streamers. Using their Studio, you can customize overlays, alerts and scenes before they go live to your Twitch channel.

All you need to do is sign up and make a simple network change on your console. Best yet, your graphics will be automatically applied before every stream. That means no need to leave Lightstream open in your web browser! Learn more about how it works and try a seven-day free trial here.

Wrapping Up

Your setup is complete and you’re loaded up with overlays. Now what? Well it’s time to stream of course!

Now that you know how to stream on Twitch from PS5, you’re one step closer to streamer fame. It’s time to build communities, make new friends and become a broadcasting legend. There’s a whole world out there waiting for you; get out there and make your mark!