Introduction
As a streamer on Twitch or any other similar platform, you need to control every aspect of the streaming at any time.
One of the most important parts of any streaming is the chat.
However, if you are gaming and streaming it, your screen is occupied with the game and you cannot see the chat at that moment.
For that reason, we have written this text where we are going to discuss several ways of solving this problem and we will pay special attention to secondary monitors.
Secondary monitors
A secondary monitor is, as its name suggests, the second monitor that a streamer has.
So, he uses one monitor for gaming and the second one for additional actions.
Namely, a secondary monitor should be used for viewing comments, chatting, and interaction with viewers in general.
Using a secondary monitor instead of switching between tabs on one monitor only, looks more professional and leaves a better impression on viewers.
Additionally, you can either choose to purchase a cheaper monitor to use as this secondary option, or you can buy a monitor that is similar to your primary monitor and that can handle gaming.
If you opt for the first option, you will probably be able to use it for interaction with viewers only.
On the other hand, if you opt for a more expensive and quality option, you will be able to use it as a backup option in case your primary monitor has some issue.
Finally, it is much easier to save some money and buy a second monitor since that is practically a “plug & play” option, while with any other option that we are going to present you, you would need to install some additional software.
Pros of using secondary monitors
- The stream looks better and more professional
- It leaves a better impression on viewers
- A secondary monitor can be used as a backup option for a primary one
- It doesn’t require the installation of any additional software
Other ways of viewing Twitch chat while streaming
- Using third-party software
Many streamers use this option as a solution for the chat issue.These programs usually work as pop-ups or overlays and, most importantly, they don’t interrupt the streaming.
We singled out 2 third-party software
• Baffler
Baffler is the software that works as an overlay.
This software just needs to be installed on your computer and after that, you just enter your Twitch account and choose which chat you want to use as an overlay.
This program is quite simple and doesn’t require much effort and it also enables the streamer to manage the size of the chat and drag it around the screen.
• Restream
Restream can be used on several streaming platforms after being installed and it also works as an overlay just like Baffler.
With Restream you can also design the hotkey for the chat to appear when needed and to close when you don’t need it.
Since Restream is a multi-streaming software it is more complex than Baffler. - Text-to-voice
For using this option you have to install some text-to-voice software.This option practically reads your chat as the viewers are typing.Even though this can be a good option when you don’t have time to read the chat, the robotized speech you will hear all the time can be frustrating. - Window mode
The last option we’ll present to you is “window mode” with which you split your screen into two.Therefore, one screen shows the chat, and the other shows the stream.This option can be distracting for viewers and that’s why we wouldn’t recommend it.
Conclusion
Although we showed you many options for viewing chat while streaming on Twitch, in our opinion the secondary monitor is the best one.
So, our piece of advice is to save some money and buy the best secondary monitor for streaming you can.
