How to Stream on Discord: Step-by-Step Guide

Streaming on Discord is one of the easiest ways to share gameplay, watch videos together, teach a lesson, or host a small live event with your community. This article is aimed at demonstrating how to stream on Discord in a beginner-friendly and straightforward manner. You will learn how to share sound, alternate screens in real-time, and stream content on various devices.

Part 1: Things You Need to Do Before Streaming on Discord

Discord allows you to easily share your screen, video, or gameplay with a server. However, a consistent and smooth stream requires some basic prerequisites. Before going live, take a few minutes to prepare your Discord settings and device. These tests reduce frequent problems such as no audio, lag, or a stream not starting.

Update Discord (Desktop or Mobile)

If the Go Live or screen share options look different from this tutorial, make sure your Discord app is up to date. Updating ensures you have access to the latest streaming features and layout changes.

Join the Right Place to Stream

Streaming will not be allowed unless you are part of a server voice channel or present in a DM/group call. This is because streaming options are not shown in regular text channels.

Check Server Permissions (Video Permission)

Streaming on a server may be limited through permissions; therefore, ensure that you have video access or request an administrator to enable it for your role.

Choose Your Stream Method

• Share an Application Window: Select an application window when you require more privacy and a cleaner stream, particularly when you only need to show a single game or a single tab.
• Share Your Entire Screen: Choose the entire screen share when you need to change apps in the stream, such as switching slides to a video or switching tools during mid-call.

Prevent Common Stream Problems

• Close Private Tabs and Notifications: Close sensitive tabs and disable pop-up notifications to ensure that no private information is shared with the audience when you are sharing your screen.
• Allow Screen Recording on macOS: Discord might not screen-record on Mac unless you have permission to record your screen in your macOS privacy settings and preferences.
• Test Your Audio and Input Devices: Before streaming, make sure you have the correct microphone, speakers, and camera selected in Discord, so your viewers can hear and see you clearly.

Part 2: How to Stream Video on Discord(3 Ways)

This section covers the core steps of how to go live on Discord. The techniques and methods outlined apply to games, videos, tutorials, and group watch sessions.

How to Stream Video on Discord (Basic Steps)

Discord audio capture is supported on Windows desktop, macOS desktop, Chrome browser, and mobile, but not Linux (and not other browsers).

Steps:

• Enter a voice channel (or place a DM call)

• Open the screen share window and choose the application or screen you want to share. Ensure the stream audio option is turned on. (For Mobile: Tap Screen Share in the call controls, select the screen to share, and confirm that system audio is included if available.)

• Click Go Live and request a friend to verify that the audio is audible.

How to Stream on Discord with Your Webcam

For long Discord streams or live classes, an AI-powered webcam like the OBSBOT Tiny 2 can help maintain consistent framing without manual adjustments, especially when the host moves or changes posture during a session.

Key Features:

• Ultra large 1/1.5'' CMOS sensor to provide more robust image quality.
• Built-in AI tracking and auto zoom dynamically follow your movement,  you are perfectly framed for video calls, live streaming, and presentations.
• 4 times faster focus to minimize soft focus instances.
• Hands-free control through voice and gesture control when streaming, recording, or live call.

Price: $329

Target Audience: Discord creators, educators, remote teams, and live streamers who have strict requirements for image quality and composition.

If you want to learn more about face-tracking cameras, you can check out this article: Best Face Tracking Webcams for 2026

Steps: How to Stream on Discord with Your Webcam

• Connect the OBSBOT Tiny 2 to your computer and choose it as your webcam in your computer settings (where prompted).
• Open Discord and select User Settings - Voice and Video.

• In Camera, choose OBSBOT Tiny 2 as an input device.

• Enter a voice chat (or DM call) and enable Video to present your webcam feed.

• Auto-framing is available and can be used successfully. Turn tracking on in the OBSBOT software and enable gesture/voice controls as needed.

How to Stream on Discord to Twitter, YouTube, or Facebook

Steps:

• Get OBS Studio (Open Broadcaster Software) or Streamlabs Desktop.

• Install Discord as a video source by recording your Discord video call window.
• Adjust the options of your stream to preferred resolution, bitrate, and encoder.
• Add your stream Twitch, Facebook, or YouTube stream key in OBS under Settings > Stream.

• Enter streaming in OBS that will stream to the external platform of your choice.
• Simultaneously stream on your Discord to broadcast to your Discord community.
• Watch streams on platform dashboards to confirm quality is not compromised.

Tips for How to Switch Screens Whilst Streaming on Discord

Steps:

• During a stream, when the window is at the bottom of the Discord window, the streaming controls will appear.
• Click the gear icon in the settings or change the windows of your stream preview.

• Click another screen or program among the available ones.

• Streaming will automatically switch without losing an audience.
• Or, press the stop button and choose the desired window by just clicking on a new stream.

Part 3: How to Live Stream on Discord From Any Device

Discord streaming works on most devices, but the steps differ depending on the device used. The table below helps you pick the quickest route before you start.

How to Live Stream on Discord from a Mac

Steps:

• Enter a voice channel allowed to share a screen.

• Click Screen Share and select what to share (screen, window, or app).

• Select stream quality and proceed.

• Allow screen sharing in macOS if prompted.
• If blank stream, adjust privacy settings and confirm Discord screen permission.

How to Live Stream on Discord from a Windows PC

Steps:

• Enter a voice channel or initiate a DM/group call.

• Click the screen icon to access streaming options.
• Choose the game, an application window, or the entire screen.

• Click Go Live to begin streaming.

• If the game is missing, add it in User Settings - Game Activity.

How to Live Stream on Discord from an iPhone or Android Device

Steps:

• Participate in a voice call (DM, group DM, or server voice channel).
• Tap Screen Share and open the call controls.

• Confirm the system prompt to begin broadcasting your screen.
• Tap Stop Sharing when done.

Part 4: FAQs about How to Stream on Discord

1. How to Improve Discord Stream Quality

The quality of Discord streams varies depending on your plan. The default limit is 720p, 30fps for most users, but higher options are available with Nitro tiers. To improve quality, use a stable internet connection, enhance lighting, and consider a higher-quality webcam such as the OBSBOT Tiny 2.

2. How to Increase Your Viewership on Discord

Increasing viewership depends on consistency, visibility, and interaction. Focus on:

• Streaming on a regular schedule
• Keeping sessions short and focused
• Announcing streams in advance
• Interacting with viewers in real time
• Maintaining clear audio and stable video

3. Why does my Stream Show a Black Screen?

Permissions or incorrect capture options normally cause a black screen. On Mac, it is often a screen recording permission problem. On Windows, it may occur when Discord fails to identify the game properly.

4. Is Discord Streaming Free?

Yes, Discord is free. Stream quality is the main distinction: up to 720p/30fps for free, higher options require Nitro plans.

5. How Many People Can Join My Live Stream on Discord?

Live streams can host a maximum of 50 people at once. This limit is independent of server size, making Discord suitable for small communities, classes, or group sessions.

6. Can You Stream Discord Chat?

There is no chat-only stream mode, but chat can be displayed when needed. Sharing the Discord window or using OBS with a virtual camera allows a cleaner composition.

Conclusion

To learn how to stream on Discord, it is essential to first find the Go Live button and decide what to share. Using an external webcam like the OBSBOT Tiny 2 noticeably improves video quality and presentation. Once everything is set up, streaming on Discord feels natural, reliable, and easy to integrate into your routine.