How Do You Play Background Music on Twitch?
Playing background music on Twitch can enhance the viewing experience for your audience and create a more engaging atmosphere for your stream. However, it’s essential to ensure that you’re using music that is legally allowed for streaming and complying with Twitch’s terms of service. In this article, we’ll guide you on how to play background music on Twitch and provide some tips on how to stay safe from copyright claims.
Soundtrack by Twitch
One of the most straightforward ways to play background music on Twitch is to use the Soundtrack by Twitch plugin. This plugin allows you to access a vast library of music tracks that are specifically licensed for use on Twitch. Here’s how to get started:
- Download and install the Soundtrack plugin: You can download the plugin from the Twitch website and follow the installation instructions.
- Open OBS Studio: Once you’ve installed the plugin, open OBS Studio and navigate to the "Sources" box.
- Add the Soundtrack source: Click the "+" symbol to add a new source, and select "VOD Audio for Soundtrack by Twitch" from the list of available sources.
- Choose your music: Browse through the Soundtrack library and select the music track you want to play in the background.
Royalty-Free Music Options
While the Soundtrack by Twitch plugin offers a convenient solution, there are other royalty-free music options available for streamers. Here are a few popular options:
- Chillhop Music: Chillhop offers a vast library of hip-hop and electronic music tracks that are free to use for streaming.
- NCS: NCS (No Copyright Sounds) offers a wide range of electronic music tracks that are free to use for streaming.
- Outertone by RouteNote: Outertone offers a large collection of music tracks that are free to use for streaming, with no royalties or fees.
How to Check If a Song Is Copyrighted
Before using any music track, it’s essential to check if it’s copyrighted. Here are some tips to help you identify copyrighted music:
- Use royalty-free music libraries: Stick to royalty-free music libraries like Chillhop, NCS, and Outertone to ensure that the music you’re using is legally allowed for streaming.
- Check the song’s metadata: When downloading a song, check the metadata (title, artist, and album information) to ensure that it’s not copyrighted.
- Use online copyright checks: There are several online tools available that can help you check if a song is copyrighted. For example, you can use a tool like Audible Magic to check if a song is copyrighted.
Consequences of Using Copyrighted Music
Using copyrighted music without permission can result in severe consequences, including:
- Takedowns: Your stream may be taken down by Twitch, and you may lose your channel and all its contents.
- Fines: You may be fined for using copyrighted music without permission.
- Reputation damage: Using copyrighted music without permission can damage your reputation as a streamer and make it harder for you to attract new viewers.
Tips for Playing Background Music on Twitch
Here are some tips for playing background music on Twitch:
- Keep the volume low: Make sure the volume of your background music is low enough so that it doesn’t overpower your commentary or other sounds.
- Choose music that complements your content: Choose music that complements your content and helps to create a cohesive atmosphere for your stream.
- Use music that is relevant to your niche: Use music that is relevant to your niche or audience to help create a sense of community and engagement.
- Experiment with different genres: Experiment with different genres of music to find what works best for your stream and audience.
Conclusion
Playing background music on Twitch can enhance the viewing experience for your audience and create a more engaging atmosphere for your stream. However, it’s essential to ensure that you’re using music that is legally allowed for streaming and complying with Twitch’s terms of service. By following the tips and guidelines outlined in this article, you can create a unique and engaging audio experience for your viewers and avoid copyright claims.