If you’re looking to stream your Xbox or Xbox Series S/X gameplay on Kick there are currently two options: using a capture card (like the Elgato HD60 X), or taking advantage of the built-in streaming capabilities in conjunction with a service like Aircast.app or Restream.io
This post may contain Amazon affiliate links so I may receive compensation if you purchase products linked to below — think of it as a virtual tip jar!
EDIT – Feb 22, 2023: Kick recently tweeted saying they’re looking into a native console streaming option! It’s not here yet, but be on the lookout!
Each choice has positives and negatives to it. So I’ll give you a quick overview of how to set up each option, as well as the pros and cons of each.
Streaming with a Capture Card
A capture card is a handy device that lets you record and stream your game play from your Xbox. Here’s how to set it up:
1. Get a capture card
First, purchase a compatible capture card, like the Elgato HD60 X or EVGA XR1 Lite.
If you’re tight on money, and would prefer to go the capture card route, check out this article on the best cheap capture cards for streaming!
2. Connect your Xbox to the capture card
Plug an HDMI cable from your Xbox’s HDMI Out port to the capture card’s HDMI In port.
3. Connect the capture card to your computer
Use a USB cable to connect the capture card to your computer’s USB port.
A computer is required to encode and send your game play to Twitch with this option
4. Set up your streaming software
Download and install a streaming software like OBS Studio or Streamlabs OBS.
Add your capture card as a video source and configure your audio settings
Some users do run into audio issues when using a capture card with their console in OBS. If you do, checkout this guide on how to fix sound issues with a capture card
5. Sign in to your Kick account
Create a Kick account if you don’t have one, and sign in.
6. Get your Kick stream key
Go to your Kick account settings, find the Stream Key, and copy it.
Wondering how to find your Kick stream key? All you need to do is go to the Creator Dashboard by clicking on your profile image in the top right, click Settings, and then click the green button that says Stream Key
7. Enter your stream key into the streaming software
In your streaming software, go to the settings and enter your Kick stream key.
This can be a bit difficult, so here’s how to stream to kick with OBS:
You need to go to Settings, then click Stream, change the Service to “Custom”. Then for your Server, enter the Stream URL from Kick and enter your Stream Key from Kick as well
8. Start streaming
Click “Start Streaming” in your streaming software, and your Xbox game play will be live on Kick!
Also, if you (or your viewers) would like to watch Kick on your Xbox: here’s a guide on just that!
So that was the how, but let’s talk about the why. Streaming your Xbox with a capture card is overall more difficult, but more customizable as well
Here are the pros and cons broken down:
Pros of using a capture card
- Guaranteed to work, with answers to most issues being commonly found online
- No monthly fees
- Can customize your stream with alerts, notifications, graphics, etc. to the full extent
Cons of using a capture card
- A capture card and computer to stream from are required!
- A significant amount of configuration may be required for your capture card + streaming software
Built-in Streaming with Aircast.app or Restream.io
The alternative to purchasing a capture card and needing a computer, is using the built in streaming capabilities of your Xbox. In this example, we’ll be using Aircast.app; Here’s how:
1. Stream to Twitch
Start by streaming your Xbox game play to Twitch as you normally would. If you’ve never streamed to Twitch, here’s their guide to getting that set up!
2. Create an Aircast account
Go to Aircast.app and create an account.
The main difference between the two account tiers, is if you don’t purchase the higher tier subscription, you’ll have to manually start and stop each destination stream (in our case, Kick) every time you start or stop your stream to Twitch.
3. Link your Twitch account
In your Aircast account settings, connect your Twitch account.
4. Get your Kick stream key
Sign in to your Kick account and go to your account settings.
Find the Stream Key and copy it.
If you’re having difficulty finding your stream key, scroll up to step seven for setting up with a capture card, to find out how
5. Add Kick as a platform on Aircast
In your Aircast account, click “Add Stream Output” and select Kick.
Enter your Kick stream key and save your settings.
6. Start streaming
Now, whenever you stream on Twitch, you’ll just need to start your Kick destination stream as well (unless you purchase the higher tier subscription)!
That’s the how, and it’s a bit simpler than setting up a capture card and a computer.
But let’s weigh the pros and cons for streaming right from your Xbox to Kick
Pros of using Aircast.app or Restream.io
- No need to purchase a capture card or for a computer
- No configuring hardware or troubleshooting issues with your stream
Cons of using Aircast.app or Restream.io
- You need to pay monthly for the service
- Users have reported issues with the stream sometimes just not working, but there aren’t too many complaints
- Can’t customize your stream quite as much with alerts, notifications, graphics, etc.
I would highly recommend at least giving Aircast.app or Restream.io a try before purchasing a capture card. If you find it’s not working well, or you’d prefer to take things in your own hands/ customize your stream — get a capture card and start streaming! If you end up choosing to purchase a capture card, check out this guide on the cheapest capture cards for streaming on consoles!