Ways You Can Watch Twitch on Your TV
The following are popular methods for watching Twitch on your TV:
- Watch Twitch Through Amazon Fire TV
- Watch Twitch From Gaming Consoles
- Cast From Twitch App to Smart TV
- Use Miracast or ChromeCast
- Watch Twitch from PC
How to Watch Twitch on Amazon Fire TV
As Amazon is Twitch’s parent company, it makes sense that they want control over the app. You can watch Twitch from an Amazon Fire TV device. Here is how you can set it up:
Step 1: Plug the Amazon Fire TV stick into the HDMI port on your TV.
Step 2: Follow the instructions on your TV screen to sync your Amazon Fire TV to your Amazon account.
Step 3: Download the Twitch App and sign in.
How to Watch Twitch from Gaming Consoles
You can also set up your TV to watch Esports by using a Playstation 4 or XBox One to download the Twitch App. Many gamers already own one of these consoles, making it very easy to watch Twitch on your television.
Step 1: Search for the Twitch App in the App store
Step 2: Log in to your Twitch account to watch your favorite streamers.
How to Watch Twitch From a Smart TV
There isn’t an easy way to stream Twitch from a Smart TV since Amazon is keeping an iron grip on an official Twitch app. However, you can cast from the Twitch App on your mobile device to your television of ot has Google’s Chromecast feature or Roku Streaming box.
If you have a device that supports the feature, here is how you can cast from the Twitch app:
Step 1: Open your Twitch app
Step 2: Hit the cast button (which will only appear if when a supporting device is present).
How to Stream Your Phone to Your TV
In some cases, you are able to mirror your phone to your TV with MHL cable or HDMI cable. Many new Android devices use Miracast for screen share capabilities. While Apple products are generally only compatible with other Mac products, you can get around this with adaptors. Read this article by ScreenBeam for more information.
You can also use Chromecast to watch Twitch on your TV from your phone, laptop, or computer.
Step 1: Plug in the Chromecast device to your television.
Step 2: Hook it up to your wifi
Step 3: Press “the cast” button on a Cast-enabled application.
How to Watch Twitch From Your PC
While more complicated, it is also viable to plug your computer directly to your TV using an HDMI cable. If you don’t own an HDMI cable, you can buy one online for under $10 from the likes of Amazon or eBay and be watching your favorite team or streamer in no time.
Will There Ever Be a Smart TV Twitch App?
In April 2019, Samsung removed the Twitch app from their Smart TVs due to a request by Twitch. The app hadn’t been released by Twitch, but by a third-party developer. It is currently unknown if a Twitch will release an app for Smart TV in the future.
The Future of Esports on TV
Even through esports have forced its way into the mainstream in recent years, we are still a way off of being able to surf through TV channels to watch a regular game of League of Legends, CS-GO, or Blizzard’s Overwatch. Where there is a growing number of great broadcasters to watch, only a few significant, professional events are televised. Currently, this is based upon guaranteed viewership.
Even with a lingering skepticism from traditional sports fans, notable players like ESPN have recognized the considerable role online games will play in the future of the sport. Many are signing up to back the play.
For now, most esports fans must watch smaller events on Twitch. While this can easily be done from a personal device, it is harder to watch your favorite team compete with your friends. It would be much easier on television.
Closing Thoughts
It is worth noting that other competing platforms such as YouTube Gaming and Facebook have started heavily promoting Esports. While Twitch is still the best source of watching Esports there have been occasions where Facebook has purchased the exclusive rights to large events.
The rapid rise of Esports into the mainstream has pathed the way for streaming companies to compete and bid for attention. We expect to see the world embrace these modern competitions as they have traditional sporting events over the years.
For more information about what it takes to become a professional esports player, read our post, 11 Steps to Become a Professional Esports Athlete.
Chris
Chris is a marketing major with a strong background in small business and influencer branding. He applies his knowledge of content and promotional strategies to design actionable advice for new and intermediate streamers. When he’s not busy crunching analytics, he can be found in the salt pits of League of Legends.