How to Add Games to Twitch – Best Tips & Tricks (2025)

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Although Twitch is widely recognized as a popular streaming platform, if you are a fan of certain games that are not well-known in the community, you may need to add them to Twitch on your own.

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

Here, we will assist you in signing in to the Twitch IGDB and guide you on how to add both a game and a game category to your account.

How to Add Games to Twitch

Adding a game to your Twitch account is simple; just follow these steps:

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

To add a game to your Twitch stream, you don’t need to upload all of this information, but doing so will likely improve the review process.

However, not all games can be uploaded to the Twitch website due to certain restrictions.

All games are restricted if their official ESRB rating is Adults Only and if the game violates IGDB community rules, such as hate speech, nudity, sexual content, or extreme violence.

It is essential to review the list of banned games on Twitch, as attempting to upload any of these games to your Twitch account may result in suspension.

Adding a Game Category on Twitch

All Twitch streamers can add a new Twitch category and upload a game they wish to play for free, allowing them to start streaming it immediately.

  • Sign in to your Twitch account
  • In the upper right corner, click on your Avatar
  • Select Creator Dashboard
  • Click on Stream Manager
  • Open the Edit Stream Info section
  • If desired, you can change the stream name 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 begin streaming a Steam game on your Twitch app, the process for adding the game will differ slightly.

Each game has a unique stream key that you must upload to the streaming settings to enable it on Twitch.

To locate your Steam key, please follow these steps:

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

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

The live stream can only begin once you upload the stream key and save all of these stream settings. Therefore, ensure that everything is correct when adding games.

Adding Mini Games to Twitch

Mini Games are considered Twitch extensions, so you should be able to install them without any issues.

Locate the extension or mini-game you desire among the available plugins, install it, and then check your Extensions page to confirm whether it was successfully downloaded.

Open the Stream Mini games, and if something is not functioning, select the Activate button and set it as your Overlay.

Adding a Game Cover Image

To update the game cover image, you only need to make two clicks on your streaming software.

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

Ensure that the photos you are uploading meet Twitch requirements and have dimensions of 600×800.

You can change your cover art without any restrictions; however, it is advisable to limit changes to no more than two times within a 24-hour period, as doing so may result in a temporary suspension.

Software for Live Streaming on Twitch

To build a loyal Twitch audience, every stream should be flawless and enjoyable.

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

OBS Studio

OBS Studio is a free streaming service that is user-friendly and popular among content creators. It enables you to stream popular games effortlessly, allowing you to start broadcasting with just one click.

XSplit

Although it is not free to use, it remains software that every content creator with the budget will seek to utilize, as it offers exceptional filters and ensures a flawless live streaming experience.

Restream

This is also free software that anyone wanting to stream immediately should try out, and you don’t even need to download it to your PC. However, it does not offer multistreaming, which is likely something you won’t need at 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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