Twitch Soundtrack Explained: Complete Guide to Royalty-Free Music, Setup & DMCA-Safe Streaming

Key Takeaways

• Completely free - No subscription required, available to all Twitch streamers.
• Over 1 million tracks - Licensed music from 30+ labels spanning all genres.
• VOD-safe by design - Music automatically excluded from recordings when properly configured.
• OBS integration - Works through separate audio tracks for seamless setup.
• Twitch-only license - Cannot be used on YouTube, TikTok, or other platforms.
• Curated playlists - Organized by mood, genre, and streaming activity.

Core Features

• Licensed music library: Over 1 million tracks from 30+ labels and distributors
• VOD exclusion: Music plays on live stream but is excluded from VOD recordings
• Genre variety: Lo-fi, electronic, hip-hop, rock, indie, ambient, synthwave, and more
• Curated playlists: Organized by mood (chill, hype, focus) and activity (gaming, just chatting)
• Search functionality: Find specific tracks, artists, or genres
• Queue management: Build custom queues and save favorites
• OBS integration: Automatic audio track separation when configured correctly

Why Twitch Created Soundtrack

The platform developed Soundtrack in direct response to the DMCA crisis of 2020, when major record labels sent thousands of takedown notices to Twitch. According to reporting by The Verge, this wave of enforcement left streamers scrambling to delete years of content containing copyrighted music.

Soundtrack addresses several key issues:

• Provides legally cleared music so streamers don't need to worry about licensing
• Separates music from VODs automatically, protecting archived content
• Offers a professional solution that doesn't require streamers to navigate complex music licensing
• Creates a sustainable model where labels get exposure and streamers get safe music

Step 1: Download and Install Soundtrack

1. Visit Twitch Soundtrack
2. Click "Download Soundtrack" to get the Windows application
3. Run the installer and follow the prompts
4. Log in with your Twitch account when prompted
5. Soundtrack will launch and display the music library

Note: Soundtrack is currently available for Windows only. Mac support has been requested but not yet implemented as of 2026.

Step 2: Configure OBS Audio Tracks

For Soundtrack's VOD exclusion to work, you need to configure OBS to use separate audio tracks. This ensures music plays on your live stream but doesn't record to your VODs.

1. Open OBS Studio
2. Go to Settings → Output
3. Select "Advanced" Output Mode
4. In the Recording tab, set Audio Track to tracks 1 and 2
5. In the Streaming tab, ensure Audio Track is set to track 1
6. Go to Settings → Audio
7. Scroll to Advanced and find the Soundtrack audio device
8. Assign Soundtrack to Track 2 only (uncheck Track 1)

With this configuration, your live stream (Track 1) includes Soundtrack music, but your VOD recordings exclude it because VODs only capture Track 1 by default.

Step 3: Verify the Setup

Before going live, verify everything is working:

• Start playing music in Soundtrack
• Check OBS Audio Mixer - you should see the Soundtrack audio source active
• Start a test recording in OBS
• After stopping, play back the recording - music should NOT be present
• Go live briefly and verify music plays on your stream

Common Setup Mistakes

• Not using Advanced Output Mode: Simple mode doesn't support multi-track audio
• Wrong track assignment: Soundtrack must be on a different track than your main audio
• Desktop Audio capturing Soundtrack: Disable Desktop Audio or configure it to exclude Soundtrack
• Using Streamlabs Desktop: Multi-track setup works differently in SLOBS

Browsing by Genre

Soundtrack organizes music into major genre categories:

Curated Playlists

Twitch provides pre-made playlists designed for specific streaming scenarios:

• Gaming playlists: Energy-matched music for different game types
• Just Chatting: Conversational background music that doesn't overwhelm
• Creative streams: Focus-friendly tracks for art, coding, or crafting
• Hype moments: High-energy tracks for celebrations and achievements
• Chill vibes: Relaxing music for low-key streams
• Late night: Mellow tracks for late streams

Building Custom Playlists

You can create your own playlists within Soundtrack:

1. Browse or search for tracks you like
2. Click the heart icon to add to favorites
3. Create custom playlists from your favorites
4. Organize playlists by stream type or mood
5. Use the queue to plan music for specific stream segments

What You CAN Do

• Play during live Twitch streams: The primary intended use
• Include in clips: Clips from your live stream can include Soundtrack music
• Use any track in the library: All tracks are pre-cleared for Twitch
• Mix with your other audio: Your voice, game audio, etc.
• Monetize your stream: No revenue sharing required

What You CANNOT Do

• Use on YouTube: Licensing is Twitch-exclusive - YouTube videos will get claimed
• Use on TikTok: Same restriction applies to all non-Twitch platforms
• Include in VOD exports: If you download VODs, the music shouldn't be there anyway
• Redistribute the music: You can't share Soundtrack tracks as separate files
• Use after ending stream: The license covers live broadcasts only

Multi-Platform Streaming Considerations

According to U.S. Copyright Office guidance, licensing agreements are platform-specific. If you simulcast to multiple platforms, Soundtrack's license only covers the Twitch portion. Your YouTube or Facebook simulcast may receive copyright claims for the same music.

For multi-platform streamers, alternatives like StreamBeats (which offers broader licensing) may be more appropriate. See our DMCA guide for a comparison of multi-platform-safe music options.

Comparison Table

When to Choose Soundtrack

Soundtrack is the best choice when:

• You stream exclusively on Twitch
• You want the largest free music library available
• You prefer automatic VOD exclusion over manual management
• You don't need music for YouTube or other platforms
• You want an official, Twitch-supported solution

When to Choose Alternatives

Consider other options when:

• You create content for YouTube or TikTok from your streams
• You want music to appear in your VODs for viewers to enjoy later
• You use a Mac (Soundtrack is Windows-only)
• You simulcast to multiple platforms
• You need specific genres not well-covered by Soundtrack

Volume Balancing

Music should enhance your stream, not compete with your voice or game audio:

• Set music at -20 to -25dB relative to your voice
• Adjust based on game audio: Quieter for dialogue-heavy games
• Use OBS filters: Sidechain compression can duck music when you speak
• Test with headphones: What sounds right to you may be too loud for viewers
• Ask chat: Your viewers can tell you if the balance is off

Matching Music to Content

The right music enhances immersion. Consider these pairings:

• Horror games: Ambient or no music (let the game set the mood)
• Competitive FPS: Electronic or hip-hop for energy
• Story-driven games: Low-key background music or mute during cutscenes
• Just Chatting: Lo-fi or chill playlists
• Creative streams: Focus-friendly instrumental tracks
• Hype moments: Queue up energetic tracks for celebrations

Managing Music Transitions

Smooth music management during streams:

• Pre-plan playlists: Create playlists for different stream segments
• Use starting/ending scenes: Match music to BRB screens and outros
• Mute during important moments: Boss fights, announcements, emotional scenes
• Crossfade awareness: Pay attention to how tracks transition

Built-in Now Playing Widget

Soundtrack includes a browser source URL you can add to OBS:

1. In Soundtrack, click Settings (gear icon)
2. Find the "Now Playing" section
3. Copy the browser source URL
4. In OBS, add a new Browser Source
5. Paste the URL and adjust size/position

Chat Bot Integration

Using chat bots like Nightbot or StreamElements, you can create a !song command that displays the current track. This requires additional configuration but gives viewers an on-demand way to check what's playing.

Panel Extensions

Some Twitch Extensions can display now playing information in your channel panels. These provide a persistent view without taking up stream real estate.

No Sound in Soundtrack

• Check Windows audio output settings
• Verify Soundtrack is using the correct audio device
• Restart Soundtrack
• Check if music is paused (spacebar toggles play/pause)

Music Not Appearing in OBS

• Verify the Soundtrack audio device appears in OBS Audio settings
• Check Audio Mixer in OBS - the Soundtrack source should show activity
• Restart OBS after installing Soundtrack
• Ensure you're not accidentally muting the Soundtrack audio track

Music Appearing in VODs

If Soundtrack music is appearing in your VODs, the multi-track audio isn't configured correctly:

• Verify OBS is in Advanced Output Mode
• Check that Soundtrack is assigned to Track 2 only
• Confirm your streaming Audio Track is set to Track 1
• Make sure Desktop Audio isn't capturing Soundtrack
• Test with a local recording before going live

Soundtrack Crashing or Freezing

• Update to the latest version of Soundtrack
• Check for Windows updates
• Clear Soundtrack cache (Settings → Clear Cache)
• Reinstall if problems persist
• Report persistent bugs to Twitch Support

Requested Features

• Mac support: Currently the most-requested feature from the community
• Mobile app: For managing music from phone during streams
• Viewer requests: Allowing viewers to queue songs via channel points
• Better discovery: AI-powered music recommendations
• Artist features: More direct artist-streamer connections

Industry Context

The relationship between streaming and music continues to evolve. According to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), music licensing for streaming and creator content is one of the fastest-growing areas in the industry. Twitch's proactive approach with Soundtrack positions it well as these licensing frameworks mature.

Can I use Soundtrack if I'm not an Affiliate or Partner?

Yes, Soundtrack is available to all Twitch streamers regardless of Affiliate or Partner status. You can use it from your very first stream.

Does using Soundtrack affect my stream's Ad revenue?

No, using Soundtrack has no impact on your ad revenue or monetization capabilities. There's no revenue sharing requirement with Soundtrack artists or labels.

Can viewers hear the music at different volumes?

Viewers cannot adjust Soundtrack volume independently. Whatever volume you set in your stream mix is what viewers hear. This is different from some game audio implementations where viewers might have separate controls.

What happens if a track gets removed from Soundtrack?

Occasionally, licensing agreements end and tracks are removed from the library. Any VODs or clips containing removed tracks remain safe - the retroactive protection from proper licensing applies. You simply won't be able to play that track in future streams.

Related Resources

• Twitch DMCA & Copyright Guide - Understanding copyright risks and protection
• Twitch VODs Complete Guide - Managing your archived content
• Stream Overlays Guide - Adding visual elements to complement your music
• Twitch Alerts Guide - Integrating audio alerts with your music setup
• Twitch Studio Guide - Twitch's official streaming software