How to Co-Stream on Twitch in 2026 — Complete Squad Stream Guide
Twitch co-streaming — officially called Squad Stream — lets up to four channels go live simultaneously and share the experience with their audiences. Viewers on any participating channel can watch all streams at once in a multi-view layout, with separate chats for each streamer. This guide covers everything: how it works, who can use it, how to set it up step by step, and what to expect on the viewer side.
What Is Twitch Co-Streaming?
Co-streaming on Twitch means two to four streamers go live at the same time and their streams are linked together into a Squad Stream. Each streamer runs their own independent broadcast — their own video, audio, and chat — but viewers can watch all of them simultaneously in a side-by-side layout directly on Twitch.
Unlike a collaboration where one person joins another's stream, co-streaming keeps every channel independent. Revenue, subscribers, and viewers are not shared. It's purely a viewer-experience feature that makes it easier for audiences to follow multiple streamers covering the same event or playing together.
Requirements
All participants must meet these requirements before a Squad Stream can start.
- Twitch Affiliate or Partner status (all participants)
- All channels must be live at the time of the invite
- Maximum 4 channels per Squad Stream
- Each channel streams their own content independently
- No shared audio or video feed — each stream is separate
How to Set Up a Twitch Co-Stream — Step by Step
Go live on your Twitch channel
Start your stream as usual through OBS, Streamlabs, or any streaming software. You must already be live before initiating a Squad Stream.
Open Stream Manager in your dashboard
Navigate to your Twitch Creator Dashboard and open the Stream Manager. Look for the "Squad Stream" widget in the panel on the right side.
Click "Start a Squad" and invite co-streamers
In the Squad Stream widget, enter the Twitch usernames of up to 3 other streamers you want to co-stream with. They will receive an invitation on their end.
Co-streamers accept the invite
Each invited streamer must go live on their own channel and accept the Squad Stream invitation from their Stream Manager. All participants must be live to join.
Viewers watch the Squad Stream
Once all streamers have accepted, viewers on any participating channel will see a Squad Stream layout allowing them to watch all streams at once and switch between chats.
What Viewers See
When a viewer visits any participating channel during an active Squad Stream, they see a notification that a Squad Stream is in progress. They can switch to the Squad Stream layout to see all channels simultaneously in a grid view.
Multi-view layout
All 2–4 streams displayed simultaneously on screen.
Audio control
Viewers can choose which stream's audio to hear at any time.
Separate chats
Each channel keeps its own chat — viewers can switch between them.
No account required
Any Twitch visitor can watch a Squad Stream, logged in or not.
Revenue & Viewer Count — How It Works
Important: viewer counts and revenue are not shared between co-streamers.
- Subscriptions go to the channel the viewer is subscribed to.
- Bits go to the channel the viewer cheers on.
- Ad revenue is earned by the channel serving the ad.
- Your CCV only counts viewers watching your specific feed — not viewers on other participants' feeds.
Co-Streaming vs Squad Stream — Is There a Difference?
These terms are used interchangeably. Twitch's official feature is called Squad Stream and it is the only native co-streaming tool on the platform. “Co-streaming” is the general term used by the community to describe any situation where multiple streamers broadcast simultaneously on the same content or event — with Squad Stream being the built-in Twitch implementation.
When to Use Twitch Co-Streaming
Esports & gaming tournaments
Each team or player streams their own POV simultaneously — viewers choose who to watch.
Multiplayer gaming sessions
Friends playing the same game can co-stream so viewers see all perspectives at once.
Streamer events & invitationals
Events like creator tournaments use Squad Stream to let audiences follow multiple participants.
Watch parties & live reactions
Multiple streamers reacting to the same content (sports, concerts) can co-stream their reactions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Twitch co-streaming?
Twitch co-streaming (called Squad Stream) lets up to 4 Twitch channels stream simultaneously and share the experience with viewers. Viewers on any participating channel can watch all streams at once in a multi-view layout without leaving the page.
Who can co-stream on Twitch?
Squad Stream is available to Twitch Affiliates and Partners only. All participants in a co-stream must hold at least Affiliate status. Regular Twitch accounts cannot initiate or join a Squad Stream.
How many people can join a Twitch co-stream?
Up to 4 channels can participate in a single Squad Stream. One streamer initiates the session by sending invites; the other 3 accept from their own Stream Manager.
Do co-streamers share revenue or viewers?
No. Each channel keeps their own viewers, subscriptions, Bits, and ad revenue completely separate. Co-streaming only affects the viewing experience — a viewer's subscription or Bits go to the specific channel they interact with.
Does a viewer watching a co-stream count toward your CCV?
Only viewers actively watching your channel's feed count toward your concurrent viewer count. If a viewer opens the Squad Stream layout from your channel but switches to watch another participant's feed, they no longer count toward your CCV.
Can you co-stream Twitch Drops events?
It depends on the publisher's Drops campaign settings. Some campaigns allow co-streams to be Drops-eligible; others limit it to solo streams. Always check the specific campaign page before co-streaming a Drops event.
Is Twitch co-streaming the same as a watch party?
No. A watch party broadcasts external video content (films, TV shows) on your Twitch channel using Amazon Prime Video integration. Co-streaming connects multiple live Twitch streams together — all participants are streaming their own original live content.
Can viewers chat in all streams during a co-stream?
Yes. Each channel keeps its own separate chat. In the Squad Stream layout, viewers can click between the chats of all participating channels. There is no merged or shared chat.
Official Twitch Co-Streaming Documentation
Read Twitch's official Squad Stream help article for the latest updates on eligibility and setup.
Read on Twitch Help