17 Must-Have Tools and Extensions for streamers with instructions (Updated for 2019)

1. Stream Legends

Stream Legends is an RPG extension for Twitch that lets communities quest and build guilds together. For a streamer it helps you grow and engage your viewership by giving your audience a unique way to connect (fight together!). On the other hand, as a viewer, you can rally together to build the channel’s guild. A win-win.

How to use it:

• Go to their home page (www.streamlegends.com)
• Search your favorite streamer (or they will recommend you one)
• Play the game with your viewers

Bottom line:
A new way to engage with your viewers. Your community can play while watching at the same time. This simple extension has the potential to make a big change. Not only enhance the function of community building but also giving small streamers a chance to be found. (We will keep an eye on that)

2. Amazon Blacksmith

The name itself is already attractive in its own way. Blacksmith is a powerful way to start earning on Twitch seamlessly. It leverages the Amazon Associates Program, which has long been providing a way for people and companies to earn when they recommend products on Amazon. Whenever a viewer clicks on your recommended product (headphone, keyboard) and make a successful purchase, you get a commission from the sale.

How to use it:

• Go to blacksmith site, and click get started (https://www.twitch.tv/p/extensions/gear-on-amazon/)
• Once you click “get started”. It will take you to your Twitch homepage. Click Install.
• In order for you to be able to use it, you need to be a Twitch partner or affiliate.
• Sign up and create a list of products. You’re all set.

Bottom line:
Blacksmith provides a seamless way to monetize without being promotional. All you need to do is to list your current setup and devices. When viewers make a purchase, you get a commission.

3. Stream-Aid

Oh Yeah! It’s us! Since we are on the topic of monetization, we have to talk a little bit about what Stream-Aid is. Going beyond typical monetization practices is what sets Stream-Aid apart. Our platform allows streamers to set up custom pages and offer unique experiences to their viewers. On top of the monetization benefits, this deeper level of engagement will also keep the viewers coming back for more.

How to use it:
Since you are already here, simply click here to start your Stream-Aid page.

Bottom line:
With Stream-Aid, streamers can now go beyond typical monetization and engage with their viewers on a deeper level while they earn additional revenue.

4. Streamlabs

There is no way to not mention Streamlabs if we are going to do a list of must-have tools. If Stream-Aid is the new kid on the block, Streamlabs is definitely the captain of the football team. It puts all the features a streamer needs into one simple to use system. Streamlabs is user-friendly, yet packed with many features and capabilities. Currently, Streamlabs OBS is only available for Windows users but a Mac version is coming soon.

How to use it:

• Go to Streamlabs (streamlabs.com)
• Click on log in
• There you have it
• For Streamlabs OBS, here’s a helpful video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g65UYegBEbM

Bottom line:
As one of the most recommended tools for streamers, it’s #1 for a reason.

5. Exclusive Content for Subscribers

It does exactly as it sounds. Want to make your subscribers feel more special? This simple twitch extension allows you to create exclusive content directly on your channel. Just visit your extension configuration page and create your content with the content builder.

How to use it:

• Go to the extension page (https://www.twitch.tv/ext/7kodks69rwf64tad7558abd0268uzl-0.0.4)
• Install and configure
• Create your exclusive content

Bottom line:
This simple yet effective extension really achieves two things. First, it makes your subscribers feel exclusive. Second, it creates an incentive for people to subscribe.

6. Snap Camera

If you are already using Snapchat, you should know about these face lenses. Snap Camera’s Twitch extension brings the magic of Snapchat’s Lenses to your live streams. “React to game events, amplify your streaming persona, or just have fun expressing yourself with viewers.”

How to use it:

• Download the Snap Camera here (https://snapcamera.snapchat.com)
• Install the Twitch extension (https://www.twitch.tv/ext/pt33xuskm584dpxkqnjs35zlkp406d)
• Select Activate and select either Set as Component 1 or Set as Component 2
• Drag the Snap Camera square to wherever you want the extension displayed on your stream.

Bottom line:
If you want to introduce a new layer of fun into streaming, Snap Camera is a good tool for that. Not only due to the popularity of Snapchat itself but the versatile lenses you can choose from are great. It really makes a difference in terms of gaming and personal branding.

7. Crowd Control

Your fate is in the hands of the viewers. Sounds familiar, right? This extension literally makes that happen. Crowd Control allows viewers to participate in the game while the streamer is playing it live. Your viewers can now aid you by sending you in-game items.

How to use it:

• Viewers can interact by sending items in supported games while the stream is playing
• Viewers use their bits to enable effects like Powerups/ Instant death (Yeah..)
• Streamers keep 80% of the bits
• See this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1ZT1N3OqGM

How to set it up:
https://crowdcontrol.live/setup

Bottom line:
One of the best tools to get viewers engaged. The only downside is the limitation of games which are supported. Overall, it’s a tool worth a try.

8. Sound Alerts

Sound Alerts, a simple yet powerful tool to engage with your users. Sound Alerts allows you to upload sounds attach to certain bits. When viewers press on it, you will hear the sound. If you are not convinced, check out this “How I made 2000$ while sleeping on stream”.

How to use it:

• Install the extension (https://www.twitch.tv/ext/bttsqjy6dnv05acplp5vy0mflgrh3z)
• You need to be a partner or affiliate to be able to use it

Bottom line:
Sometimes complex doesn’t always mean effective. Sound Alerts is a good example of how one simple function can be used creatively and increase engagement and monetization potential.

9. SullyGnome

SullyGnome provides statistical and analytical services for Twitch. The aim of the site is to aid streamers by providing information and data. In its simple layout you can easily find the most relevant information and data on streamers and game trends

How to use it:

• Go to SullyGnome
• Start browsing reports or search
• There you have it

Bottom line:
The owners of this site clearly put a lot of effort into making this platform. The data is constantly being updated and the best part is: It’s free. Having a statistic platform to analyze how you performance as a streamer and staying alert on what’s trending currently on Twitch is powerful information. Bookmark the site already.

10. Twitch Tracker

Compare with SullyGnome, Twitch Tracker adds another layer of elegance to Twitch data. The site is very polished combined with data for games, and streamers. One of the best, features on this platform is the comparison feature they have. Simply put in the usernames you want to research and you get a visual presentation of how they streamers stack up.

How to use it:

• Go to Go to Twitch Tracker
• Start browsing reports or search for specifics
• There you have it

Bottom line:
User-friendly, beautiful design. Hands-down one of the best Twitch analyzer tools available today.

11. OBS Studio

If you are on this page, most likely you won’t need an introduction of this OBS Studio. This open broadcaster software works with Windows, Mac, and Linux. You can feed it multiple visual and audio sources, introduce overlays, and configure many advanced elements.

How to use it:

• Go to the homepage https://obsproject.com
• Download
• A quick start guide https://obsproject.com/wiki/OBS-Studio-Quickstart
• If you want to have look at all features click here
• A video guide for starters https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DTk99mHDX_I

Bottom line:
While some people prefer SLOBS, OBS still has its advantages. At the end of the day, you need to test out which one works best for you.

12. Nightbot

Nightbot is a chatbot which allows you to automate your chat with moderation and other cool features. It’s easy to integrate and has useful features such as spam filters, song requests, and timers. It gives your stream an edgy feeling since you will have a bot “working” for you.

How to use it:

• Go to home page of nightbot https://beta.nightbot.tv/
• Log in with Twitch or Youtube
• Follow the instructions

Bottom line:
As the most popular Chatbots among Twitch streamers, it offers great value and it’s packed with different features. Moreover, it’s free to use. If you want to level up your streaming game, take a look at Nightbot.

13. YouTube Gaming

So far, we haven’t mentioned any other platforms other than Twitch. With the recent update, YouTube gaming has made some slight changes. Instead of having a separate domain of gaming YouTube, they will have a channel called gaming instead. All your gaming content will also be upload into the gaming category.

Bottom line:
It might be a good idea to separate your streaming on both platforms. A lot of streamers suggest uploading highlight videos on YouTube while streaming live on Twitch.

14. Xsplit

Xsplit is a platform not only for streamers but also for content creators. The platform gives 3 options: gamer caster, broadcaster, and vcam. It’s a free to use tool which has an premium plans that offer you a wide variety of advanced features.

How to use it:

• Go to https://www.xsplit.com
• Install
• Quick Guide https://www.xsplit.com/gamecaster/thank-you?app=gamecaster&appid=2&appversion=3.4.1812.0304&filename=XSplit_Gamecaster_3.4.1812.0304.exe&release_state=stable

Bottom line:
The three different features alone make Xsplit’s offer very attractive. However, it is only available on windows.

15. Wirecast

Among the options presented here, Wirecast is the most expensive. However, if you’re using Windows or Mac and aiming to produce a broadcast that is of the highest quality, Wirecast is worth exploring. You can Easily stream and produce professional video just by using your laptop.

How to use it:
For more information, click here

Bottom line:
Expensive. It might not be suitable for a part-time streamer. But If you’re streaming full-time as a career, it is worth it to take a look.

16. Stream Elements

“Stream management made easy”. Indeed, Stream Elements does that very well. It offers you ways to customize beautiful overlays on your stream and increase engagement with the built-in chatbot and other features.

How to use it:

• Go to Streamelements.com
• Log in with Twitch or YouTube account
• Now you’re on the dashboard
• Check this video for set up https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UuweQah3v00

Bottom line:
An all in one type of platform for streamers. monetization, overlays, engagements, and stats. If you like to have everything setup in one place, Stream Elements is a simple way to do so.

17. PhantomBot

Most likely you haven’t heard about it. Unlike Moobot or Nightbot, PhantomBot is definitely an underdog but packed with some serious punch. It is One of the most advanced and in-depth Twitch Bots you can choose from, with full customization. Moreover, it is also open-source, which means if you’re talented in the skills of development, you could turn it into whatever you want.

How to use it:

• Go to PhantomBot.tv
• Download
• Follow instructions in the dashboard

Bottom line:
PhantomBot has great potential to become one of the best bots for streaming due to its open source function. The difference between a Gundam and a Wall-E.