How to Host on Twitch in 4 Steps

Key Points

• Twitch hosting is no longer available, but you can still use the suggested channels feature to recommend other Twitch streamers on your channel.
• Networking with other streamers through suggested channels can help grow your own channel and get more exposure.
• To enable suggested channels, go to your Twitch channel settings, click on ‘Channels and Videos’, and enable the ‘Suggested Channels’ toggle.
• You can use Twitch raids to send your viewers to another channel, but this must be done while you are still live on the stream.

Twitch is one of the most popular streaming platforms in the world. It has millions of monthly viewers, who tune in for mostly gaming-related content. Yet, how are you going to keep your audience engaged when you’re offline? One thing you can do is recommend the channels of other Twitch streamers on your own channel. This can also be a great way to get exposure for your channel when you’re first getting started. In this article, you’ll learn how to host on Twitch in a few simple steps.

What Is Twitch Hosting?

Essentially, Twitch hosting gave you the ability to broadcast another Twitch channel on your own channel once your stream was over. This helped keep your audience watching your channel, even when you were not streaming live. However, this feature is no longer available. You can still use the suggested channels feature for a similar experience.

Now, instead of the stream appearing in the live view, it will display a note that your broadcast has ended, but that users can check out another channel. In essence, the idea is still the same, but it gives users a choice to continue watching or not.

The suggested channels feature can help you network with other streamers since you’ll be giving their channel additional exposure. Networking and building a relationship with other Twitch streamers is a great way to grow your channel and get exposure.  

You can also use Twitch raids if you want to send your viewers to another channel. To start a raid, you type the “/raid” command into the chat, followed by the channel, then enter to have your viewers raid the chat of another streamer. Using the raid feature can help you get noticed by another streamer because you are basically passing your audience on to their channel. However, you need to do raids when you’re still live on the stream.

How to Host on Twitch

Below, you’ll learn how you can set up hosting on Twitch and suggest new channels for your visitors to watch once your stream has ended. 

Step 1. Go to Your Twitch Channel Settings

The first thing you need to do is log in to your Twitch account and then click on the “Settings” drop-down. This brings you to your creator dashboard.

Step 2. Click on Channels and Videos

After that, click on the “Channels and Videos” menu tab. This will take you to the screen where you can manage all of your channel settings. Here, you can enable suggested channels, set your schedule, customize your moderation options, and much more. 

Step 3. Enable Suggested Twitch Channels

Now, let’s enable suggested channels and learn how to stream another channel on your Twitch account. You can choose to suggest a single channel or offer your visitors multiple choices. This is similar to the suggested videos feature that shows up when you’re done watching a YouTube video. 

To enable suggested channels, all you need to do is click on the “Featured Content” tab. Then, click on the toggle called “Suggested Channels” to turn it on. You can also choose to display the channel suggestions in a certain order. Simply click which option you prefer.

Step 4: Add the Channels You Want to Suggest

Once you’ve done that, you can click on the “Suggested Channels” option to add the channels you want to suggest. Then, all you need to do is type the channel name into the search box, and click on the “Add” button once it appears.

Keep in mind that you can add multiple channels, or simply select a single channel that you want to promote. 

Tips on Promoting and Finding Channels to Suggest

When you’re looking for the right channels to suggest on Twitch, it’s important to find channels that align with the interests and preferences of your audience. This helps ensure a seamless and enjoyable viewing experience for your viewers. Plus, they’re more likely to keep on watching. Keep the following in mind as you’re looking at different Twitch channels.

Suggest Similar Content

First, make sure the content is similar to what you stream. Even if you’re offline, users coming to watch your stream should be offered a similar experience. For example, if you stream gaming content, look for channels that also focus on gaming. Those who focus on art should host art channels.

Suggest Channels with Active Communities

Next, make sure you choose channels with active communities and high levels of engagement, as this will help maintain your viewer’s interest. Think of channels you enjoy watching where you always have fun in the chat. Your viewers may enjoy these channels also.

Suggest Channels with High-Quality Content

Finally, make sure the channels you recommend produce high-quality content with good production value. The last thing you want is to send viewers to a channel that will reflect poorly on you. 

By using the recommended channels feature, you’ll not only help other channels grow, but you will also cultivate interest within your own community. This leads to stronger connections with other streamers and the potential for new followers. By sending channels you admire your passionate audience, there’s a chance they could do the same. You’d be surprised how many larger channels do their part to help smaller channels gain exposure.

Remember that recommending other channels on Twitch is about community growth and support. By being selective and intentional about the channels you choose to host, you’ll promote a positive and exciting environment in which your audience can discover new content and creators. You can also combine this with the raid feature mentioned above to get on the radar of popular channels, or channels you want to network with.

Closing Thoughts: How to Host on Twitch

As you’ve learned, the ability to actually “host” channels on Twitch no longer exists as a feature. However, you can still promote other channels to keep your visitors entertained, even when you’re not currently streaming. This can help you give exposure to other accounts and make even earn you more viewers in the future. The steps are quite simple:

• Log in to your Twitch settings.
• Click on “Channels and Videos.”
• Enable “Suggested Channels.”
• Select the channels to feature.

Just make sure that you choose channels that are in alignment with your channel, are high quality, and have an engaged community. The channels you refer your viewers too will reflect on your channel, either positively or negatively.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©salarko/Shutterstock.com.