Help Docs

We will be shutting down the livestreaming system on October 16th 2023.

Livestreams on Game Jolt can either be private or public. There are many different uses for streams such as team meetings, gaming streams, community events, chatting with your buds, etc.

For the best streaming experience, we recommend using the Game Jolt desktop app. For streaming directly from your internet browser, Chrome works best.

Starting a Stream

Start a stream from your feed by clicking on the circular button that says "Start a Stream." Then, after giving your stream a title, click on "Let’s go!" to begin.

Your stream will automatically start in a private state; you choose if/when you want it to go public. Before making that decision, however, there are a couple things to set up first.

Click on "Set up your stream" and then follow the prompts to choose your microphone, audio output, and camera.

If you would like to stream gameplay or some other video content directly from your device, you will need to set up a virtual camera with OBS or Streamlabs. For step-by-step instructions on this process, check out this video tutorial.

Using the Game Jolt desktop app will give you the ability to easily toggle on/off desktop audio streaming in the side panel without any further consideration. However, if you’re streaming via browser and have other hosts present, advanced set-up will be required to prevent an echo, accessed by clicking "[+]Advanced Settings." We’ve put together an extensive video tutorial on this process, which you can find here.

Once your devices are all connected and ready for streaming action, you can click on "Start private stream" to get started. As indicated, this won't make your stream public just yet, but be aware that other hosts of the stream will be able to see your stream in its private state. These would include hosts you’ve selected for your stream (more on this below), or in the case of starting a stream within a community, other users who have the ability to host streams in said community.

If you need to change any of the above settings while streaming, you can do so from the settings.

Once you’re streaming privately, you may choose at any time to go public by clicking "Make stream public."

Adding additional hosts and moderators

Add/remove hosts by clicking the Manage Hosts button. Hosting permission can be granted to those on your friend list, or viewers of your stream. You must already be friends with the user to add them to be a host on your stream.

We recommend adding moderators to your stream to help you moderate chat. Promote any user from the member list to a moderator by clicking on their avatar (profile picture).

How to enable, disable gifs, images, etc.

Fine-tuning your stream settings: Clicking on "..." button will reveal more options in the side panel so that you can set up your stream just the way you want it.

• Chat commands: Chat commands allow users in chat to receive an automated message. For example, you could make a "!follow" command that lists your socials. To create and/or toggle chat commands, click on the wand icon.

• Chat timers: Send periodic messages to chat when your own defined requirements are met by using chat timers. Create and/or toggle chat timers by clicking on the alarm clock icon.

• Sharing your stream: Copy the link to your stream and share it via a post on Game Jolt, or by way of some other communication. Clicking on "..." button will give you some quick sharing options for other platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, Reddit, WhatsApp, Messenger, Email, and SMS.

• Renaming your stream: Change the title of your stream by typing a new one in the text field provided. When you’re satisfied with the new title, click on "Save" to apply the change.

• Changing the background: If desired, choose from a selection of colorful backgrounds to change the look and feel of your stream. Each host has the option to set their own choice of background, so the background viewers see will vary depending on which host they’re currently focused on. We sometimes add new backgrounds as quest rewards, so keep your eyes out for opportunities to unlock more options to your collection!

Configure image, GIF, and link permissions: Choose who has permission to share images, GIFs, and links in chat. You can keep these permissions limited to yourself as owner of the stream, allow other hosts to share, or go hog wild and grant these abilities to everyone in chat.

Best Practices:

Try following these tips to maximize your stream’s visibility and viewer count:

• Commit to a stream schedule and your schedule at least one week in advance, or better yet, choose 1 or 2 of the same days each week. Example: "Catch my streams every Tuesday and Thursday at 1pm ET on Game Jolt!"

• Post about your stream before it goes live.

• Add your post to community channels and realms that relate to your stream’s content.

• Inform potential viewers of the starting time and subject matter so they will know what to expect and when to expect it!

• Make sure the title of the stream matches the content. For example, the title "Bleh" would not properly convey that you are streaming an intense action game!

• Wisely and carefully select willing and responsible moderators to help manage your stream’s chat.

• Don't forget to promote your stream across all of your socials!

At all times, please be sure your stream’s content adheres to Game Jolt’s Site Guidelines.