How to Add Games to Twitch – Best Tips & Tricks (2024)

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Even though Twitch is known for being a very popular streaming platform, if you are a fan of some games that are really not that popular in the community, you may have to add them to Twitch all by yourself.

All of the eligible games will be added to their public database and will be based on their inclusion in the IGDB, which is controlled by Twitch.

Here we will help you to sign in to the Twitch IGDB and learn how to add both a game and game category to your account.

How to Add Games to Twitch

Adding a game to your Twitch account is quite easy; you just have to follow these steps:

  • Open IGDB.com/discover
  • Log in with your Twitch account
  • Open Games in the drop-down menu
  • Choose ” Add game”
  • Open the next page
  • Enter title, description, game type, version; upload cover image
  • Click “Create game”
  • If you want, you can also add information like: release date, companies, websites, video, engine, screenshots

In order to add a game to your Twitch stream, you don’t need to upload all of this information, but it will certainly do better in the review process.

However, not all games can be uploaded to the Twitch website because there are some restrictions.

All of the games are restricted if their official ESRB rating is Adults only and if the game violates IGDB community rules like hate speech, nudity, sex, extreme violence.

You should always check out the list of banned games on Twitch because if you try to upload some of these games to your Twitch accounts, you might get suspended.

Adding a Game Category on Twitch

All Twitch streamers can add a new Twitch category and upload a game they want to play completely free, and start streaming it.

  • Sign-in into your Twitch account
  • In the upper right corner, click on your Avatar
  • Select a Creator Dashboard
  • Click on Stream Manager
  • Open the Edit Stream Info title
  • If you want to, you can even change the name of the stream in the Title field
  • Click on the Category field to add and find games
  • Click on Done

Adding Steam Games on Twitch

If you want to start streaming a Steam game on your Twitch app, the process of adding the game will be a bit different.

Each game has its own stream key that you will need to upload to streaming settings in order to make it work on Twitch.

In order to find your steam key, you will have to do this:

  • Log in to your account on Twitch.tv
  • Click on your avatar
  • Open dashboard
  • Open Stream Settings
  • Choose Channel
  • Click on “Stream key”
  • Show Stream key
  • Copy the text

Make sure your internet connection is good while completing this process and that your Twitch page is updated with the latest Twitch extensions; otherwise, you may not be able to find the Stream key and upload it to your Settings.

The live stream will be able to start only when you upload the stream key and save all of these stream settings, so make sure everything is right when adding games.

Adding Mini Games to Twitch

Mini Games are treated as Twitch extensions, so you should be able to install them without problems.

Find the extension, or the mini-game you want among the available plugins, install it and then visit your Extensions page to see whether it was successfully downloaded or not.

Open the Stream Mini games, and in case something is not working, choose the Activate button and set it as your Overlay.

Adding a Game Cover Image

If you want to update the game cover image, you will need to make just two clicks on your streaming software.

  • Open the Games page and choose “Edit”
  • Click “Choose File” and upload a new photo
  • Click “Update Game”

Make sure the photos you are uploading are according to Twitch requirements and that their dimensions are 600×800.

You can change your cover art without any limitations, but you should avoid changing it more than two times in 24 hours because you might get suspended for a while.

Software for Live Streaming on Twitch

Every Twitch stream should be flawless and enjoyable if you want to make sure you will gather a loyal Twitch audience.

These are some of the streaming software that will work with every game, whether it is the one from the Twitch public database or added by you to the server.

OBS Studio

OBS studio is one of the free streaming services that are very easy to use and is a favorite among content creators. It allows you to stream popular games without any problems, and you can start broadcasting with just one click.

XSplit

Even though it is not free for use, it is still software every content creator who has the funds will try to use because it provides you with amazing filters and guarantees a perfect live streaming process.

Restream

this is also free software that all the people who want to stream immediately need to try out, and you don’t even need to download it to your PC. However, it can’t provide you with multistreaming, which is probably something you won’t even need in the beginning.

FAQ

How do I get Twitch to recognize my games?

If the Twitch app is not recognizing your game on display even after you have entered a Stream key, you should click on the Refresh games button. Once you have purchased a game, it should be showing up on Display, but if it doesn’t, make sure to control complete settings once again and see whether there is some kind of problem with the gameplay. In case it is still not showing up, you should log out and then log into your channel again.

What is the size of Twitch cover art?

Twitch cover art or banner should be 1200 px to 360px, and these dimensions will give you the best picture and quality on monitors and computers.

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Dyami Rodriguez

Hey! I'm Phantom and welcome to the boo crew, I love making content for spooky games or honestly even FPS. I hope to be able to interact with all of you (especially you…you reading there..(: ) Come check out my streams! A follow wouldn't hurt anyone either (; Stay ghastly and keep it nasty!

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