How To Host Someone On Twitch

How to Host Someone on Twitch: A Comprehensive Guide

Hosting someone on Twitch is a popular way for streamers to support each other and share content with their audiences. It allows you to showcase another streamer’s live broadcast on your channel, giving your viewers something to watch when you are offline or when you want to promote a fellow content creator. In this guide, we will explore the ins and outs of hosting on Twitch, including how to do it, the benefits, and the latest updates regarding hosting features.

1. What is Hosting on Twitch?

Definition and Purpose

Hosting on Twitch is a feature that allows one streamer to broadcast another streamer’s live content on their own channel. When you host someone, viewers who visit your channel will see the stream you are hosting instead of a blank screen or an offline message. This feature is particularly beneficial for promoting smaller channels and fostering community among streamers.

Benefits of Hosting

• Support for Fellow Streamers: Hosting is a way to show your support for other creators, especially those who are just starting out or have smaller audiences.
• Engagement: It keeps your channel active and engaging, providing your viewers with something to watch while you are offline.
• Community Building: Hosting can help build relationships with other streamers, leading to collaborations and increased visibility for everyone involved.

2. How to Host on Twitch

Hosting on Twitch is a straightforward process, whether you are using a desktop or mobile device. Here’s how to do it:

Hosting from Desktop

1. Open Your Twitch Channel: Log into your Twitch account and navigate to your channel.
2. Enter the Chat: Click on the chat box to type a command.
3. Type the Hosting Command: Enter the command /host followed by the username of the channel you want to host. For example:
   text

   /host channelname


   Confirm the Hosting: Once you send the command, your viewers will see the hosted channel’s stream.

4. To Stop Hosting: Type /unhost in the chat to stop hosting the channel.

Hosting from Mobile

1. Open the Twitch App: Ensure you are logged into your account.
2. Find the Stream You Want to Host: Navigate to the channel you wish to host.
3. Tap the Share Icon: Look for the arrow icon usually located at the top of the screen.
4. Select “Host Channel”: Choose the option to host the channel.
5. To End Hosting: Repeat the process and select “Unhost Channel.”

Auto Hosting

Auto hosting allows you to automatically host channels when you are offline. This feature is useful for maintaining engagement with your audience even when you are not streaming.

1. Access Your Settings: Click on your profile picture in the top right corner and select “Settings.”
2. Go to the Channel and Videos Tab: Find the “Auto Hosting” section.
3. Add Channels to Your Auto Host List: Enter the usernames of the channels you want to auto host.
4. Set Your Preferences: Choose whether to host channels in random order or in the order they appear in your list.

3. Managing Your Hosted Channels

Once you start hosting, you may want to manage your hosted channels effectively.

Adding Channels to Your Host List

To add a channel to your host list:

1. Open Your Channel Settings: Click on your avatar and navigate to “Settings.”
2. Select Channel and Videos: Find the section for managing your host list.
3. Add Channel Names: Enter the names of the channels you want to host.
4. Save Changes: Ensure you save your settings.

Removing Channels from Your Host List

To remove a channel from your host list, follow the same steps as adding a channel, but instead, select the option to remove or delete the channel from your list.

4. Best Practices for Hosting

To maximize the benefits of hosting, consider the following best practices:

Choosing the Right Streamers to Host

• Relevance: Host channels that align with your content or audience interests.
• Engagement: Choose streamers who actively engage with their audience, as this can enhance the viewing experience for your followers.
• Support Smaller Channels: Hosting smaller or emerging streamers can help foster community and collaboration.

Engaging with Your Audience During Hosting

• Interact in Chat: Stay active in your channel’s chat while hosting to keep your audience engaged.
• Provide Context: Let your viewers know why you are hosting this channel and what they can expect.
• Encourage Follow-ups: Encourage your viewers to follow the hosted channel if they enjoy the content.

5. Troubleshooting Common Issues

While hosting is generally straightforward, you may encounter some issues.

What to Do If Hosting Isn’t Working

• Check Your Permissions: Ensure you have the necessary permissions to host another channel.
• Verify the Channel Name: Double-check that you are entering the correct channel name in the hosting command.
• Refresh the Page: Sometimes, refreshing your Twitch page can resolve minor glitches.

Understanding Hosting Limitations

• No More Hosting: As of October 2022, Twitch removed the traditional hosting feature and replaced it with suggested channels. You can still support other streamers by adding them to your suggested channels list.
• Limited to One Channel at a Time: You can only host one channel at a time using the traditional method.

6. FAQs

How do I host someone on Twitch?

To host someone on Twitch, type /host channelname in your channel’s chat. To stop hosting, type /unhost.

Can I host multiple channels at once?

No, you can only host one channel at a time using the traditional hosting feature.

What happened to the hosting feature on Twitch?

As of October 2022, Twitch removed the hosting feature and replaced it with suggested channels. You can now add channels to your suggested list to promote them when you are offline.

How do I know if I’m successfully hosting someone?

If you see the hosted channel’s stream on your channel page, you are successfully hosting that channel.

7. Additional Resources

For further information on Twitch features and updates, you can visit the official Twitch Help Center:

In conclusion, hosting on Twitch is a valuable tool for streamers looking to support their peers and provide engaging content for their viewers. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can effectively host other channels, manage your hosted content, and foster a sense of community within the Twitch platform. Whether you are a seasoned streamer or just starting, hosting can enhance your streaming experience and help you build meaningful connections with other creators.