How Do I Start Streaming On Chess.com?

Chess.com is thrilled to bring chess fans around the world more options to watch their favorite players live. To grow the chess streaming ecosystem, we offer a number of benefits to chess streamers of all skill levels who want to get involved on Twitch, YouTube, and other streaming platforms!

How Do I Start Streaming On Chess.com?

First, create a streaming account on Twitch, YouTube, or any other streaming platform.

Next, you'll need to download streaming software. There are many great programs which allow you to share your computer's screen, along with your microphone and webcam. We recommend OBS Studio, which is the free software we use for big events such as PogChamps, Speed Chess Championship, and the PRO Chess League.

Chess.com's producer, Aran, has produced a quick and concise tutorial playlist to help you get started streaming with OBS Studio.

Why Get Listed At Chess.com/Streamers?

Once you have a channel set up, and you understand your streaming software, there's nothing stopping you from streaming at any time—playing games, solving puzzles, or doing anything you'd like on Chess.com! Once you've been consistently streaming for some time, you can apply to enter our official streamers' program.

What the program does is help promote you, making it easier for interested viewers to find your channel. Here are some benefits:

• Fans can easily follow you directly from our Chess.com/Streamers page.
• Your stream can appear on Chess.com/TV if you become a Chess.com Partner Streamer, giving you the chance to show your content to hundreds (and even thousands) of viewers at a time
• Your channel is prominently featured and viewers can click your listing.
• Fans who follow you will see alerts and notifications when you "go live."
• You can see who else is online and start building your streaming network.
• and more!

If you still have more questions, check out our FAQ below.

I'm In! What's Next?

If you would like to apply for the official streamers' program, fill out the form below. Once our staff has verified the information you provided, we will contact you if you meet the requirements and send you an introductory email with useful resources and further instructions to complete your setup as a Chess.com streamer.

Please note: we will only respond to serious inquiries. You must be signed in to a Google account to be able to complete the form.

Frequently Asked Questions:

I have a great personality, and it sounds fun, but is there really an audience for chess streamers? 

Yes, there is! Live streaming and esports are taking over the internet. Twitch has an average of two million people streaming a multitude of games every day, and chess is regularly among the most popular categories on the platform! Other services like YouTube are also actively hosting web events across the globe every minute. Chess.com/streamers already lists many of the world's most famous chess streaming personalities, and there's room for you!

What software should I use for my shows? Is there an easy way to understand the differences between them?

Chess.com recommends OBS Studio for its helpful tools and easy-to-understand user interface.

Do you have any recommendations on sound and equipment?

We do! Surely there are many great microphones and webcams, but we've done our research and have lots of experience. Most of Chess.com's streamers and video authors use the following:

• Elgato Wave:3 - Great starting microphone
• Logitech c922 - Great 1080p HD webcam
• Elgato Facecam - Excellent HD webcam

Will Chess.com help my streams look good?

If you're accepted into the streamers' program, we will:

• Provide you with some resources to help improve your channel's visual presentation
• Provide you with some advice to help improve your stream quality and performance
• Share best practices for growth as a content creator

Why do I see some streamers get their shows embedded at Chess.com/TV and mine aren't?

Streamers on Chess.com/tv have "Partner Streamer" status with Chess.com and are considered amongst our best, most entertaining streamers. They receive this perk of reaching thousands more viewers via the Chess.com/tv embed for the quality of their shows and service to the community.

Partnering with Chess.com is NOT equivalent to becoming a Twitch Partner. We use this as an internal designation only.

How do I earn "Partner Streamer" status?

The first thing you should do is take note of what current partner streamers excel at and try to emulate that experience for your audience. We are always on the lookout for entertaining new streamers!

Secondly, Partner status requires that:

• The majority of the streamers' content is "family-friendly" and something Chess.com would be proud to put its name and brand behind; all shows on ChessTV must be "PG" rated.
• Partners must be consistent users of Chess.com, streaming regularly (at least twice a week).
• You have built a strong following. This usually means at least 1,000 followers/subscribers on your given platform (Twitch, YouTube, etc) or an established reputation in the larger chess community.
• Content streamed must be from Chess.com.

What if I apply and don't get into the Partner program?

Everyone who streams should consider our Community Streamer program as a stepping stone towards growing your channel, and then you can apply again for the Partner program after some further growth.

If you feel you meet the requirements, please fill out the form embedded in this article, and we will be in touch with you if we feel you would be a good fit for our program!