Multistreaming lets you broadcast to Twitch, YouTube, Kick, and other platforms simultaneously, maximizing your audience reach. Here's how to set it up in 2026.
Multistreaming Methods
1. Cloud-Based: Restream.io (Recommended)
How it works: You send one stream to Restream's servers, and they re-broadcast it to all your platforms. Pros:- Only uses bandwidth for one stream
- Supports 30+ platforms
- Built-in chat aggregation (see all chats in one place)
- Free tier available (2 platforms)
- Slight added latency (~2-5 seconds)
- Free tier has Restream branding
- Paid plans: $16/mo (Professional), $41/mo (Premium)
1. Create a Restream account
2. Connect your Twitch, YouTube, and Kick accounts
3. Copy the Restream RTMP URL and stream key
4. Paste into OBS → Settings → Stream → Custom server
2. OBS Multi-Output Plugin
How it works: OBS sends your stream to multiple RTMP servers directly from your PC. Pros:- Free
- No third-party dependency
- No added latency
- Uses upload bandwidth for each platform (2 streams = 2× bandwidth)
- More CPU usage for multiple encodes
- Manual setup required
1. Install the "Multiple RTMP Output" plugin for OBS
2. Go to Tools → Multiple Output
3. Add each platform's RTMP URL and stream key
4. Start streaming — OBS sends to all platforms
3. Streamlabs Ultra
How it works: Built-in multistreaming in Streamlabs (requires $19/mo Ultra subscription). Pros:- Integrated into Streamlabs UI
- Easy setup
- Requires paid subscription
- Uses local bandwidth for each platform
- Streamlabs has higher resource usage than OBS
Bandwidth Requirements
Multistreaming multiplies your bandwidth needs if using local methods (OBS plugin, Streamlabs):
| Platforms | Bitrate Each | Total Upload Needed |
| 2 (e.g., Twitch + YouTube) | 6,000 Kbps | 18+ Mbps |
| 3 (Twitch + YouTube + Kick) | 6,000 Kbps | 27+ Mbps |
| Platforms | Bitrate | Upload Needed |
| Any number | 6,000 Kbps | 10+ Mbps |
Platform Restrictions
Important: Twitch Affiliates and Partners have exclusivity clauses:- Twitch Affiliates: Your VODs are exclusive to Twitch for 24 hours. Live simulcasting is allowed as of 2023.
- Twitch Partners: Check your contract — some partner agreements restrict simulcasting.
- YouTube and Kick: No exclusivity restrictions for most creators.
Recommended Setup
For most streamers, Restream.io is the best option:
1. It saves bandwidth (critical if your upload speed is limited)
2. Chat aggregation is invaluable for managing multiple platforms
3. The free tier supports 2 platforms — enough to start
If you have 50+ Mbps upload and want zero latency, use the OBS Multi-Output plugin for direct streaming.
Bitrate Settings for Multistreaming
When multistreaming, use settings that work for the most restrictive platform:
- Twitch cap: 6,000 Kbps
- Kick cap: 8,000 Kbps
- YouTube: No practical cap
Use our Bitrate Calculator to find the optimal settings, or check platform-specific recommendations at Platform Settings.