Begin your Kick streaming journey by following our guide on how to go live. Kick supports all major live streaming applications including (but not limited to):
OBS (Open Broadcaster Software)
XSplit
Streamlabs Desktop
For the purpose of this article, we will be using Open Broadcaster Software (OBS) which can be downloaded for free from https://obsproject.com/
Step 1 - Stream Key + Server URL
Please ensure you are logged into your Kick.com account you wish to stream from and visit your creator dashboard.
Click the "Settings" menu item
Click "Stream Key"
We'll be using the above in the next step.
Step 2 - Adding your Kick Stream Key to OBS
How to add your stream key and stream URL to OBS.
Open OBS
Click "File"
Click "Settings"
Click "Stream"
Change the service to "Custom..."
Paste the "Server" URL from your Kick Settings Page
Paste the "Stream Key" from your Kick Settings Page
Press Apply
Step 3 - Output Settings
We appreciate that everybody's setup is different, so we have prepared a number of different instructions below for different encoders and setups.
To ensure the best possible streaming experience, please check your maximum upload speed for your internet connection and ensure your bitrate settings do not exceed this.
To change your output settings, please click the Output option from the OBS Settings page.
x264 Encoding Options
Encoder | x264 |
Rescale Output | 1920 x 1080 |
Rate Control | CBR |
Bitrate * | 1,000kbps to 8,000kbps |
Keyframe Interval | 1s |
CPU Usage Preset | veryfast |
Profile | main |
Tune | zerolatency |
Bitrate: Kick supports a bitrate of up to 8,000kbps - please ensure you check your internet connection's maximum upload speed.
CPU Usage Preset: Changing your preset will affect your CPU usage when streaming.
NVIDIA NVENC H.264
Encoder | NVIDIA NVENC H.264 |
Rescale Output | 1920 x 1080 |
Rate Control | CBR |
Bitrate | 1,000kbps to 8,000kbps |
Keyframe Interval | 1s |
Preset | P6: Slower (Better Quality) |
Tuning | Ultra Low Latency |
Multipass Mode | Single Pass |
Profile | main |
AMD HW H.264
Encoder | AMD HW H.264 |
Rescale Output | 1920 x 1080 |
Rate Control | CBR |
Bitrate | 1,000kbps to 8,000kbps |
Keyframe Interval | 1s |
Preset | P6: Slower (Better Quality) |
Tuning | Ultra Low Latency |
Multipass Mode | Single Pass |
Profile | main |
Step 4 - Setting your Title and Category
Now that you have saved all your streaming settings, it's time to head on over to your Kick Creator Dashboard to set your Stream Title and Category
Go to your Creator Dashboard
Click "Edit Stream info"
Press Save
💡 If you do not set your stream title and category your livestream will not start correctly.
Step 5 - Going Live
You are now ready to start your live stream! Press the "Start Streaming" button from your OBS software.
Step 6 - Ending your Stream
To end your live stream, please click the "Stop Streaming" button in your OBS software. Kick will then show your viewers an offline banner and your replay will be saved to your channel page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Kick stream stutter?
If you're noticing that your stream is stuttering / lagging, please try adjusting the following settings:
Bitrate | Try reducing your bitrate by 1,000kbps until your stream is lag free |
Preset | Try using a less demanding preset such as: |
Does Kick support Variable Bitrate (VBR)?
Unfortunately not. You must set your streaming software to CBR. If you are using a Mac to stream please change your encoder to x264 to enable this option.
What is the maximum resolution Kick supports?
Kick currently supports a maximum resolution of 1920x1080. Please ensure your Rescale Output is checked at this value.
What is the maximum bitrate Kick supports?
Kick currently supports a maximum bitrate of 8,000kbps.
What is the maximum FPS Kick supports?
Kick supports a maximum of 60fps.
Does Kick support H.265 encoding?
Kick currently only supports X264 / H.264 encoding.
Can I stream from my Mac to Kick?
Absolutely! Please be sure to select the x264 encoder to enable CBR.
How do I regenerate / reset my Kick Stream Key?
To regenerate your stream key, please visit your Creator Dashboard and click the "Reset" button.
💡 If you reset your stream key, you must update your streaming software with the new key.
How do I stream from LiveU Studio to Kick?
To ensure you are able to connect to our servers from LiveU, please add the following extra text to your stream URL ":443/app"
Your final stream URL should be:
✅ rtmps://fa723fc1b171.global-contribute.live-video.net:443/app