Using the right audio for your Twitch streams is imperative to add an extra layer of quality to your work. It really sets your mood and keeps things engaging from start to finish. Basically, the audio can go in two directions. Some streamers leave the original gaming soundtrack, which makes the experience more realistic. Others choose specific music that fits the stream.
Now, can you listen to Spotify while streaming on Twitch? Here’s everything you need to know.
The Short Answer
To keep it simple, you can listen to Spotify while streaming on Twitch. If you play Spotify music over a different device in your headphones, your listeners won’t even hear it. It’s a private boost for your focus without any hassle.
You can also play it for everyone, but there are some issues you may face, especially if it’s not your music or you don’t have the right to play it. Twitch’s detection tech spots it quickly these days.
Music Vs. Original Gaming Soundtrack
The debate goes in more directions. While some streamers choose specific music for their streams, many others prefer to leave the original gaming soundtrack on. Both can work great depending on your setup.
If you’re streaming a first-person shooter, there’s a decent chance that your viewers prefer to hear you talk or perhaps hear the shots, rather than some music. It’s not a general rule though.
But then, if you’re trying to grow Twitch viewers and gain some followers, you’ll have to interact as well. You’ll have to ask questions, reply to questions or even mention what you’re doing while you’re doing it.
In other words, it depends on what you’re streaming and what your viewers normally prefer.
From a different perspective, you should know that it doesn’t have to be one or the other.
You don’t have to choose between actual music and your voice explaining what you do or what techniques you use. You can have both as well.
For example, you can have some light music in the background for those times when you’re silent. But when you need to say something, your microphone should be much louder, so that your voice can be clearly heard.
Even in this case, copyrighted music could still be a problem for your Twitch stream.
What to Know Before Playing Music from Spotify
You may have noticed that many social networks mute your stories or posts if the audio content is detected to be copyrighted material. Twitch does the exact same thing. It’s obsessed with copyright infringement, so you might end up with a copyright strike for playing music. DMCA notices are no joke anymore.
In some cases, you may not necessarily get a live strike, but the network could automatically mute everything. This means your audio won’t exist whatsoever. Even if you’re talking over the music or interacting with viewers, they won’t be able to hear you.
This issue may occur automatically if copyrighted content is detected, so be careful.
The issue isn’t all about Twitch. For instance, having a free account on Spotify and playing music on Twitch won’t trigger anything with Spotify. But when you have a premium account, you’re basically signing up for all music for personal use.
When this music goes to your stream, you’re violating Spotify’s terms and conditions. Again, nothing will trigger automatically, but you could still get in trouble.
How to Play Music During Your Twitch Stream
These legal issues don’t mean that you can’t play music over your Twitch streams, especially if your viewers prefer music over random chats.
For instance, you could use Twitch’s soundtrack library. The network provides access to an extensive library of music that can be used on live streams. There should be no issues whatsoever, just make sure that your audience prefers music. Soundtrack by Twitch grows monthly with fresh tracks.
Second, you can also find music that’s not copyrighted. Given all these restrictions, there are websites and services out there offering royalty-free music to streamers. You may still need to get a license, but you can then play the music as often as you prefer. Sites like Epidemic Sound offer streamer plans.
To make it even safer, some streamers create their own music.
Indeed, interactions are extremely important on Twitch, especially if you’re trying to build a community. But at the same time, whether you don’t need to talk or you simply prefer something in the background, creating your own music is probably the best way to do it. Obviously, it requires equipment and tools.
Another option would be to get explicit permission from music creators or copyright holders. This is less likely to happen, so that’s why Twitch automatically deals with streams with copyrighted music the way it does. Even when permission is granted, it’s important to have written agreements to avoid disputes later.
Sure, if you’re a famous streamer with millions of followers or viewers, chances are you might get some permission from music producers, but this isn’t always a general rule.
Bottom line, you can play Spotify music while streaming on Twitch, but there are plenty of restrictions. This is one of the main reasons wherefore so many people choose to interact instead. Your voice, interactions and the original game soundtrack are often enough to draw viewers and followers. Focus on community for long-term wins.