Twitch Guest Star Explained: Complete Guide to Collaborative Streaming & Guest Invitations

Key Takeaways

• Guest Star allows up to 5 guests to appear on your stream via video and audio.
• Available to Affiliates and Partners - guests don't need special status.
• Browser-based for guests - no streaming software required to join.
• Host controls everything - layout, audio levels, and who appears on screen.
• Perfect for collaborations - podcasts, interviews, group gaming, and community events.

Guest Star at a Glance

Understanding the core functionality of Guest Star:

• Up to 5 guests: Invite multiple people for panel discussions or group content
• Browser-based joining: Guests click a link - no streaming software needed
• Host control: You manage layouts, audio, and guest visibility
• Real-time integration: Guests appear directly in your stream
• Moderation tools: Mute, remove, or adjust guests as needed
• Green room: Guests can wait in a "green room" before going live

Host Requirements

To host a Guest Star session, you must be:

• Twitch Affiliate or Partner: The feature isn't available to non-monetized channels
• Currently live: You must be streaming to use Guest Star
• Using compatible software: OBS, Streamlabs, or any software that supports browser sources

If you haven't reached Affiliate status yet, check our Stream Growth Calculator to track your progress toward eligibility.

Guest Requirements

Guests have minimal requirements:

• Twitch account: Any Twitch user can be a guest (no Affiliate/Partner needed)
• Web browser: Modern browser with webcam/microphone access
• Webcam and microphone: Basic equipment for video and audio
• Stable internet: Sufficient bandwidth for video streaming

This low barrier makes Guest Star ideal for bringing on viewers, community members, or collaborators who don't have streaming setups.

Step 1: Enable Guest Star in Creator Dashboard

Before you can use Guest Star, enable it in your settings:

1. Go to your Twitch Creator Dashboard
2. Navigate to Settings → Stream
3. Find the Guest Star section
4. Toggle Guest Star to "Enabled"
5. Configure your preferences (covered below)

Step 2: Configure Guest Star Settings

Customize how Guest Star works for your channel:

• Who can request to join: Choose between "Invite only," "Followers," or "Anyone"
• Moderator permissions: Allow mods to manage guest requests
• Green room settings: Configure the waiting area for guests
• Default layout: Set your preferred guest arrangement

Step 3: Add Guest Star to Your Stream

Integrate Guest Star into your broadcasting software:

1. In your Creator Dashboard, find the Guest Star browser source URL
2. Open OBS (or your streaming software)
3. Add a new Browser Source
4. Paste the Guest Star URL
5. Set dimensions (1920x1080 recommended for full-screen layouts)
6. Position the source in your scene as desired

The browser source will automatically display guests when they join your session.

Method 1: Direct Invite Link

The most common way to invite guests:

1. While live, open your Creator Dashboard
2. Go to the Guest Star panel
3. Click "Create Invite Link"
4. Copy and send the link to your guest (via Discord, DM, etc.)
5. Guest clicks the link and joins your green room
6. You approve them to go live on your stream

Invite links can be single-use or reusable, depending on your settings.

Method 2: Request-Based Joining

If you've enabled "Anyone" or "Followers" to request joining:

1. Viewers see a "Request to Join" button on your channel
2. They submit a request with their webcam/mic ready
3. You receive the request in your Guest Star panel
4. Approve or deny the request
5. Approved guests enter your green room

This method works well for open Q&A sessions or community call-ins.

Pro Tip: The Green Room

The green room is a waiting area where guests can prepare before appearing on stream:

• Guests can test their audio and video
• You can communicate with guests privately before bringing them on
• Multiple guests can wait in the green room simultaneously
• Bring guests on-air one at a time or all at once

Layout Options

Guest Star offers various layout configurations:

• Picture-in-Picture: Guest appears in a small window over your content
• Side-by-Side: Equal screen space for host and guest(s)
• Interview Layout: Optimized for one-on-one conversations
• Panel Layout: Grid view for multiple guests
• Custom: Position guests anywhere using your streaming software

You can switch layouts mid-stream to match your content needs.

Audio Controls

Manage guest audio independently:

• Individual volume: Adjust each guest's audio level
• Mute guests: Temporarily silence specific guests
• Audio monitoring: Preview guest audio before it goes live
• Balance with game audio: Ensure guests are heard over gameplay

Guest Management

Control who appears on your stream:

• Bring to live: Move guests from green room to broadcast
• Send to green room: Remove from broadcast but keep connected
• Disconnect: Remove guest from session entirely
• Spotlight: Highlight a specific guest in multi-person layouts

Podcasts and Talk Shows

Guest Star is perfect for interview-style content:

• Professional-looking layouts without complex setups
• Easy guest rotation for multi-segment shows
• Green room for guests waiting their turn
• Clear audio separation for post-production if needed

Many streamers use Guest Star for regular weekly podcasts or interview series, bringing on industry experts, fellow creators, or community members.

Collaborative Gaming

Play with friends while showing everyone on stream:

• Co-op gaming sessions with visible reactions
• Viewer games where participants appear on stream
• Tournament commentary with multiple commentators
• Squad streams without full multi-streaming setups

Community Events

Engage your community in new ways:

• Q&A sessions: Bring viewers on to ask questions face-to-face
• Talent shows: Feature community members' performances
• Debate panels: Host discussions with multiple perspectives
• Art reviews: Have artists explain their work on camera

Combined with Channel Points, you can create rewards that grant viewers Guest Star appearances.

Educational Content

Guest Star enhances teaching and learning streams:

• Bring on students for live coding help
• Expert interviews for deep-dive discussions
• Panel discussions with industry professionals
• Interactive tutorials with audience participation

Host Technical Setup

Requirements for hosting Guest Star:

Guest Preparation Guide

Share this checklist with guests before they join:

• Test webcam and mic: Ensure they work in browser
• Good lighting: Face a light source, not away from it
• Quiet environment: Minimize background noise
• Stable internet: Use wired connection if possible
• Close other apps: Reduce bandwidth competition
• Use headphones: Prevent echo from speaker output

Audio Quality Tips

Audio is often the biggest challenge in collaborative streams:

• Guests must use headphones: Speakers cause echo feedback
• Monitor audio levels: Check each guest's volume balance
• Use noise suppression: Enable in OBS for cleaner audio
• Test before going live: Do a quick audio check in green room

Poor audio quality is the fastest way to lose viewers in collaborative content. Invest time in getting it right.

Guest Star vs. Discord Streaming

Guest Star vs. Squad Stream

Squad Stream (now deprecated for most uses) was different from Guest Star:

• Squad Stream: Multiple independent streams shown together
• Guest Star: Guests appear within your single stream
• Key difference: Guest Star is one stream; Squad Stream was multiple

For most collaborative use cases, Guest Star is now the preferred solution.

Guest Can't Connect

If a guest can't join your session:

• Verify they're using a supported browser (Chrome recommended)
• Check that they've granted webcam/microphone permissions
• Ensure they're logged into their Twitch account
• Have them try an incognito/private window
• Check if their firewall is blocking WebRTC connections

Poor Video Quality

If guest video looks choppy or pixelated:

• Guest should close bandwidth-heavy applications
• Switch to wired internet connection
• Reduce browser source resolution in OBS if needed
• Check if guest's camera supports higher resolution

Audio Echo or Feedback

Echo is usually caused by:

• Most common: Guest not using headphones
• Guest's mic picking up their speaker output
• Multiple browser tabs with the stream open
• Solution: Always require guests to use headphones

Guest Star Not Showing in OBS

If the browser source isn't displaying:

• Refresh the browser source in OBS
• Verify the Guest Star URL is correct
• Check that Guest Star is enabled in your dashboard
• Ensure you're actually live (Guest Star requires active stream)

Vetting Guests

Before bringing someone on air:

• Check their Twitch profile and history
• Review their previous content if they're a streamer
• Use the green room to assess behavior before going live
• Have clear expectations communicated beforehand

Moderation During Sessions

Your moderators should be ready to:

• Alert you if a guest behaves inappropriately
• Help manage the green room queue
• Handle chat during guest segments
• Be prepared to cut to break if issues arise

Safety Warning

You are responsible for content that appears on your stream, including guest behavior. According to Twitch Community Guidelines, violations by your guests can result in enforcement against your channel. Always:

• Have a finger on the disconnect button
• Be ready to cut to a "technical difficulties" scene
• Set clear ground rules with guests beforehand

Collaboration with Similar Channels

Partner with streamers in your niche:

• Invite streamers with similar audience sizes for mutual benefit
• Cross-promote each other's channels during the session
• Schedule regular collaborative content (weekly shows)
• Use shoutouts and raids alongside Guest Star appearances

Community Engagement Events

Build loyalty by featuring your viewers:

• Create Channel Point rewards for Guest Star appearances
• Host regular "viewer spotlight" segments
• Run contests where winners appear on stream
• Feature subscriber milestones with Guest Star calls

Expert Interviews

Bring on guests who add value to your content:

• Interview game developers for gaming channels
• Feature professional players for competitive content
• Invite industry experts relevant to your niche
• Host Q&A sessions with notable community figures

Quality guests attract new viewers who stay for your regular content.

What is Twitch Guest Star?

Twitch Guest Star is a built-in feature that allows streamers to invite up to 5 guests to appear on their stream via video and audio. Guests can join from their browser without streaming software, making collaborative content creation simple and accessible. The host controls the layout and can add or remove guests at any time.

Who can use Twitch Guest Star?

Twitch Guest Star is available to Affiliates and Partners. Guests don't need to be Affiliates or Partners - any Twitch user can be invited to join as a guest. The host must be live and streaming to use Guest Star.

How many guests can join a Twitch Guest Star session?

Twitch Guest Star supports up to 5 guests simultaneously, plus the host. This allows for panel discussions, group gaming sessions, podcasts, and other multi-person content formats.

Do guests need streaming software to use Guest Star?

No, guests don't need OBS or any streaming software. Guests join through their web browser by clicking an invite link. They only need a webcam and microphone. However, the host needs to be streaming with software that supports browser sources.

Is Twitch Guest Star free?

Yes, Twitch Guest Star is completely free for eligible streamers (Affiliates and Partners). There are no additional costs for using the feature, and guests can join without any payment.

Can I use Guest Star for gaming content?

Absolutely! Guest Star works great for gaming - show your co-op partners' reactions, run commentary panels, or have guests spectate and discuss gameplay. Just ensure your streaming setup has enough resources to handle both game capture and Guest Star browser source.