Kick is quickly becoming a leading streaming platform, with over 134 million hours of watched content as of April 2024. Most live streams are about gaming or just chatting with viewers in real time. Kick’s rapid growth is due to less competition for new streamers than established sites. Plus, it gives you the chance to connect with millions of people worldwide, which helps strengthen your online presence.
The best part is that anyone can join Kick and start going live. All you need to do is create an account on the platform. However, make sure you have a good setup to keep viewers interested from the moment you go live. Here is a detailed guide to help you start a stream on Kick in different ways.
Table of Contents
What is Kick Stream?
A Kick stream is a live video where creators broadcast content to their viewers in real time. One advantage of Kick streaming is its fewer content restrictions, giving creators more freedom in sharing with their audiences. Kick supports various content categories such as gaming, creative arts, and lifestyle, unlike Twitch’s primary focus on gaming.
It also provides a creator-friendly environment with better revenue splits, allowing streamers to retain more of their earnings. Explore how to become verified on Kick to make your account stand out from others. Verification can provide additional benefits, such as boosting your credibility and visibility on the platform.
What Do You Need to Stream on Kick?
Having a content plan alone is not enough to start streaming on Kick. You’ll need a few important things, which are:
1. Stream Key and Server URL
The first step is to get your stream key and server URL, which connect your streaming software to Kick. To find these, log into your Kick account and navigate to the “Settings” tab. You’ll see the option to copy both the stream key and server URL. Once you have them, you’re ready to set up your stream.
2. Live Streaming Application
These tools help you broadcast your content in a smooth and professional way. Don’t forget that you’ll need a stable internet connection, a high-quality camera, and a microphone for the best experience.
- OBS (Open Broadcaster Software)
- XSplit
- Streamlabs Desktop
Remember, you must be at least 13 years old to create an account on Kick. Moreover, some features, such as certain content or monetization options, require users to be 18+. Check how old you need to be to stream and unlock special features based on your region.
If you’re looking to grow your reach, you can also sign up as an affiliate on Kick. The affiliate program allows you to earn money by promoting products and services through your streams.
How to Start Streaming on Kick
Follow these steps to start a new stream on Kick:
Step 1: Log in to your Kick account. If you don’t have an account, create one.
Step 2: Open your Kick Creator Dashboard.
Step 3: Click “Edit Stream Info”
Step 4: Provide a title, category, and language. If necessary, mark your stream as 18+, then click “Save.”
Step 5: On the left side of the Creator Dashboard, click the “Settings” tab to find the stream key.
Step 6: Click the “Create Restream Account” button to open a new tab.
Step 7: Log in or sign up for Restream. You will see the Stream Key popup if you’re already logged in.
Step 8: Copy the channel page URL, stream URL, and stream key provided by Kick. Paste the information into the Restream popup and click on “Add Channel.”
Choose how you want to go live after connecting Kick and Restream. Pick Restream Studio to go live directly from a browser-based streaming studio without installing additional software.
With the Restream Upload and Stream feature, you can upload a prerecorded video and stream it live to your audience. You can also connect Restream to a software encoder like OBS Studio to multi- or dual-stream across platforms.
1. Stream Through OBS
Here’s a step-by-step guide to streaming using OBS (Open Broadcaster Software):
Step 1: Go to the OBS Studio website to download and install the software for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
Step 2: Launch OBS Studio on your computer and get the stream key. Open the Kick dashboard and copy the stream key.
Step 3: Open the “OBS Settings page” and then select Stream from the menu. Choose your streaming platform or “Custom” if you’re using a specific server URL. Paste your stream key in the “Stream Key” box.
Step 4: Next, go to the Output Mode and click on Advanced for more control over your stream quality. For example, you can choose to stream 1080p HD.
Step 5: OBS uses “Scenes” to control what appears on your stream. Click the “+” button in the Scenes box to create a new scene.
Step 6: Then click the “+” in the “Sources” box to add items like your game capture, webcam, or text overlays.
Step 7: Once everything is set up, go back to the main OBS window and click “Start Streaming.” Your stream will begin on the platform you’ve selected.
2. Stream Through Xbox
Follow these steps to stream directly to Kick and share your Xbox gameplay live.
Step 1: Start by downloading the Kick app from the Microsoft Store on your Xbox.
Step 2: After installing it, log into your Twitch account or create one if you don’t have one yet.
Step 3: Press the Xbox home button and navigate to the “Live Streaming” option. Click on it to start setting up your stream.
Step 4: Before going live, adjust your stream settings. Under “More Options,” check the bit rate and resolution settings.
Step 5: To stream on Kick from Xbox you’ll need Aircast. Sign up and link your Kick account to Aircast.
Step 6: Next, choose Kick as your stream output and add your Kick Stream Key. You can find this in the “Kick Settings” section under Stream Key.
Step 7: Once Aircast is set up, return to your Xbox and press Go Live. Aircast will automatically stream to Kick, or you can start the Kick stream manually through Aircast.
3. Stream Through PS5
Here’s how to stream on Kick through a PS5:
Step 1: Your PS5 should be connected to the internet. Go to settings and select Network to set up a Wi-Fi or LAN connection.
Step 2: In your settings, go to Users and Accounts and click on Linked Services. Then, pick Kick and log in to your account.
Step 3: You need to be in a game to stream, so load up the game you want to play. Once it’s running, press the Create button on your controller and select Broadcast.
Step 4: You can adjust things like your stream title and video quality, as well as whether you want to show your camera or chat. Once you’ve set everything up, you’re ready to go live.
Step 5: Hit the “Go Live” button, and your stream will start broadcasting on Kick. You can stop streaming whenever you want.
How to Live Stream on Kick Through the Mobile App
It is very easy to stream on Kick from your mobile device. Follow these steps to get started:
Step 1: First, you need to download the Streamlabs app. The app is available for both Android and iOS in the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store, respectively.
Step 2: Once the app is installed, open it and allow access to your camera and microphone.
Step 3: Open the Kick app and tap on the three horizontal lines at the top right corner to open the menu.
Step 4: Now Select “Account Settings” from the list of options.
Step 5: In the settings, choose the “Custom RTMP” option. This is where you will input the streaming details for Kick.
Step 6: Name the RTMP setup, such as “Kick.” Then, enter the Kick streaming URL and your stream key. You can find your stream key by visiting Kick’s Creator Dashboard.
Step 7: After entering these details, tap “Save.”
Step 8: Before going live, you’ll need to set up a stream title and category on Kick’s website through the Creator Dashboard, as this step cannot be done in the app.
Step 9: Once everything is set, press the “Go Live” button at the bottom of your screen to start your stream!
That’s it! You’ll stream in full HD on your mobile phone.
The Major Benefits of Live Streaming on Kick
Here are some key benefits of streaming on Kick:
1. Generate Revenue Easily
Kick makes it easy for streamers to generate income while doing what they love. You can receive donations from viewers, earn ad revenue, or become an affiliate. You can also earn money on Kick through subscriptions.
2. Profitable Revenue Split
Unlike many other platforms that take a larger portion of your earnings, Kick lets you keep 95% of the earnings. This way, Kick users can maximize their streaming efforts and build sustainable incomes over time.
3. Flexible Content Guidelines
Kick’s flexible content guidelines allow streamers to explore different creative paths without feeling overly restricted. You can share different types of gaming, music, or lifestyle content. While following community rules is important, Kick’s guidelines are more moderate.
4. Cross-Platform Support
Kick supports integration with other platforms to grow your fanbase faster than ever. You can easily share stream links on social media apps. This cross-platform support means you don’t have to limit your audience to just one site.
6 Valuable Tips to Make Your Kick Stream Better
Here are a few ways to improve your Kick streams:
1. Focus on Your Category
Position yourself as an expert or go-to streamer for a certain type of content. This helps build a community around your stream so viewers know what to expect every time they tune in. Pick a category that aligns with your skills, interests, and what’s trending on the platform to get started.
2. Grow Your Followers
Increasing your followers is key to making your stream more appealing and visible. A larger follower base builds trust and attracts new viewers. Buying real Kick followers is the easiest way to grow your numbers without any struggles, giving your stream the boost it needs and helping you reach a wider audience on Kick.
3. Optimize Your Streaming Settings
Viewers will probably leave if your stream lags or has poor audio. Always test your settings in private streams before going live to see how everything looks. Pick the correct bit rate and resolution based on your internet speed. Another tip is to monitor your audio quality and get a good microphone.
4. Regular Streaming Schedule
Start by deciding how many times a week you can stream without burning out, then create a schedule and share it with your followers. Consider different time zones for a global audience. Many of the most followed Kick streamers maintain a consistent schedule to build a loyal fanbase and increase visibility.
5. Interact With Your Audience
Streams with active engagement are more enjoyable and help turn casual viewers into dedicated fans who will keep returning to your stream. Acknowledge new viewers, answer questions, and comment on their messages. You can also use polls or ask for feedback during your stream.
6. Promote Your Stream
You can have the best content, but without promotion, it may never reach a wider audience. Share your streamed content across social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and other possible ways. Post updates when you go live and include highlights or teasers from your stream to attract attention.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How Much Does Kick Pay Streamers?
Kick pays live streamers 95% of their subscription earnings and keeps only 5%, making it one of the most generous revenue-sharing platforms for content creators in the live-streaming industry.
2. How Do You Change the Stream Name on Kick?
To change your stream name on Kick, log into your account, go to the streaming dashboard, and edit the stream title field. Save the changes, and your updated stream name will be reflected instantly.
3. How Can You Stream Kick and Twitch at the Same Time?
To stream on Kick and Twitch simultaneously, use a multistreaming tool like Restream or Streamlabs Prime. These tools will let you broadcast your content on multiple services at once without affecting quality.
4. Can I Set My Stream Title and Category From the Streamlabs Mobile App?
No, you cannot set your stream title or category directly from the Streamlabs mobile app. Before going live, these settings must be configured on the streaming platform’s dashboard.
5. Is It Possible to Do Kick Streaming From Mac?
Yes, it’s possible to stream on Kick on a Mac computer. Just select the x264 encoder and enable CBR (Constant Bitrate) to stream without interruptions or broadcasting issues.
6. What Is the Maximum FPS Supported by Kick?
Kick supports a maximum of 60 FPS (frames per second) for high-quality streaming for users who want to deliver crisp and fluid video content to their audiences.
7. Is Variable Bitrate (VBR) Supported by Kick?
No, Kick does not currently support Variable Bitrate (VBR). It requires streamers to use Constant Bitrate (CBR) to maintain consistent video quality throughout the live stream.