Begin your KICK streaming journey by following this guide on how to go live. KICK supports all major streaming applications, including but not limited to:
This article includes separate sections for OBS and Streamlabs Desktop.
OBS
Step 1: Find Your Stream Key and Server URL
Please ensure you are logged into your Kick.com account you wish to stream from and visit your creator dashboard.
Click the "Channel" menu item
Click "Stream URL and 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: Configure Your Output Settings
Everyone’s setup is different, so we have prepared several recommended settings for different encoders and setups.
To help ensure the best possible streaming experience, check your internet connection’s maximum upload speed and make sure your bitrate settings do not exceed it.
To change your output settings, click Output from the OBS Settings page.
x264 Encoding Options
Rescale Output: Only enable this option if you are using a base resolution greater than 1920x1080.
Encoder | x264 |
Rescale Output | 1920 x 1080 |
Rate Control | CBR |
Bitrate * | 1,000kbps to 8,000kbps |
Keyframe Interval | 2s |
CPU Usage Preset | veryfast |
Profile | main |
Tune | zerolatency |
Bitrate: KICK supports a bitrate of up to 8,000 kbps. Make sure you check your internet connection’s maximum upload speed.
CPU Usage Preset: Changing your preset will affect your CPU usage while streaming.
NVIDIA NVENC H.264
Rescale Output: Only enable this option if you are using a base resolution greater than 1920x1080.
Encoder | NVIDIA NVENC H.264 |
Rescale Output | 1920 x 1080 |
Rate Control | CBR |
Bitrate | 1,000kbps to 8,000kbps |
Keyframe Interval | 2s |
Preset | P6: Slower (Better Quality) |
Tuning | Ultra Low Latency |
Multipass Mode | Single Pass |
Profile | main |
AMD HW H.264
Rescale Output: Only enable this option if you are using a base resolution greater than 1920x1080.
Encoder | AMD HW H.264 |
Rescale Output | 1920 x 1080 |
Rate Control | CBR |
Bitrate | 1,000kbps to 8,000kbps |
Keyframe Interval | 2s |
Preset | P6: Slower (Better Quality) |
Tuning | Ultra Low Latency |
Multipass Mode | Single Pass |
Profile | main |
Step 4: Set Your Stream Title and Category
Now that you have saved your streaming settings, go to your KICK Streamer Dashboard to set your stream title and category.
Go to your Streamer Dashboard.
Click Edit Stream Info.
Set your stream title and category.
Click Save.
💡 If you do not set your stream title and category, your livestream may not start correctly.
Step 5: Go Live
You are now ready to start your stream. Click Start Streaming in OBS.
Step 6: End Your Stream
To end your stream, click Stop Streaming in OBS. KICK will then show your Viewers an offline banner, and your VOD will be saved to your channel page.
Streamlabs Desktop
Step 1: Download and Install Streamlabs Desktop
Start by downloading and installing Streamlabs Desktop, a free software built on OBS technology. Once installed, launch the software and follow the onboarding steps.
Step 2: Set Up Your KICK Account
If you do not already have a KICK account, create one and log in.
Step 3: Create a Streamlabs ID, Optional
A Streamlabs ID gives you access to Streamlabs creator tools, such as Cross Clip and Talk Studio, with one login. Set it up by visiting the Streamlabs website and clicking Login.
Step 4: Connect Your KICK Account to Streamlabs Desktop
Go to the Streamlabs Desktop settings, select the Stream tab, and click Connect next to KICK. Log in through your browser to authorise permissions, then return to Streamlabs Desktop.
Step 5: Go Live
Click Go Live on the Streamlabs dashboard, set your stream title, and make sure KICK is toggled on. Confirm to start streaming directly to your KICK account.
Note: Stream titles need to be set manually on KICK after going live. Streamlabs is working to streamline this process in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Maximum Audio Bitrate I can use?
Please ensure you only select 'Stereo' at a maximum of 48kHz
What is the Maximum Audio Bitrate I can use?
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 Streamer 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 can 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