Best Multi Stream Viewer: Compare Twitch, Kick, YouTube

Okay, here's a blog post comparing multi stream viewers, written as a streamer and ViewGrid enthusiast.

So, you want to watch all the streams at once, huh? I get it. Between Twitch, Kick, YouTube, and even lesser-known platforms popping up, there's just too much good content to keep up with one screen at a time. That's where a multi stream viewer comes in clutch.

But finding the best multi stream viewer? That can be tricky. There are a bunch of options out there — some good, some… not so much. And let's be honest, nobody wants to juggle a million browser tabs. Trust me, I've been there. Last week I was trying to keep up with both the Valorant Masters Madrid playoffs and a cozy Stardew Valley stream, and my browser almost crashed from the load. Never again.

This post will break down what to look for in a solid multistream setup, compare some popular options (including my personal favorite), and hopefully help you find the best multi stream viewer for your needs. Whether you're trying to keep up with esports, want to watch multiple friends at once, or just have a serious case of FOMO, I've got you covered.

Why You Need a Multi Stream Viewer

Okay, yeah, maybe "need" is a strong word. But seriously, once you go multistream, it's hard to go back. Here's why I think everyone should at least try it:

• Catch everything: No more missing hype moments in one stream because you were focused on another. Especially useful for esports tournaments like the League of Legends MSI or CS2 Majors.
• Discover new streamers: It's easier to stumble upon someone new when you've got multiple streams running. You might find your next favorite streamer just by having them on in the background.
• Maximize your monitor real estate: If you've got a big monitor (or multiple monitors), why not use them to their full potential? I've got an ultrawide, and it's practically begging to display four streams at once.
• It's just… cool: Let's be honest, there's something undeniably awesome about being able to monitor multiple digital worlds at the same time. Feels like you're hacking the matrix or something.

What to look for in the best multi stream viewer

Not all multistream viewers are created equal. Some are clunky, some are unreliable, and some are just plain ugly. Here's what I look for:

• Platform support: Does it support the platforms you actually watch? Twitch is a given, but what about Kick, YouTube, or Trovo? The more, the merrier.
• Customization: Can you arrange the streams how you want? Resize them? Mute individual streams? Customization is key to a good viewing experience.
• Reliability: Does it actually work consistently? Does it crash a lot? Does it buffer constantly? Ain't nobody got time for that.
• Ease of use: Is it easy to set up and use? Or do you need a PhD in computer science to figure it out? I prefer something simple and intuitive.
• Resource usage: How much CPU and memory does it use? You don't want your multistream viewer to bog down your entire system.

Common Multistream Issues and How to Solve Them

Even with the best multi stream viewer, you might run into some snags. Here are a few common issues and how to fix them:

• Buffering: This is usually a bandwidth issue. Try lowering the resolution of one or more of the streams. Or, you know, upgrade your internet. I know, easier said than done.
• Audio Overlap: This is why individual stream muting is essential. Most good viewers will let you mute specific streams with a click. If not, get a different viewer. Seriously.
• Lag: Similar to buffering, but can also be caused by high CPU usage. Close unnecessary programs and make sure your drivers are up to date.
• Chat problems: Some multistream viewers don't handle chat well. If you're having trouble seeing or sending messages, try popping out the chat for each stream into separate windows. Or use a viewer that integrates chat properly... like ViewGrid. More on that later.

Is Multistreaming Allowed?

Here's a question I get all the time: Is it actually okay to watch multiple streams at once? Are you somehow cheating the streamers?

The answer is a resounding yes, it's perfectly fine. You're still a viewer, even if you're splitting your attention. You're still contributing to their viewer count, and you're still potentially engaging with their content. Streamers want viewers, period. They're not going to complain if you're watching them alongside someone else. I've even seen streamers encourage multistreaming during big events!

And frankly, if a streamer did have a problem with it, I'd probably just stop watching them. It's my time, and I'll spend it how I want.

Multistream Options: A Detailed Comparison

Alright, let's get down to brass tacks. Here's a comparison of some of the most popular multistream viewers out there.

Option 1: ViewGrid Multi-Stream Viewer

Okay, I'm biased, but hear me out. ViewGrid multi-stream viewer is my go-to for a reason. It's clean, it's simple, and it just works.

• Pros:
• - Supports Twitch, YouTube, and Kick (the big three!)
• - Easy to use interface. I usually have it up and running in seconds.
• - Customizable layouts. You can drag and drop streams to arrange them however you like.
• - Integrated chat for all platforms. No more juggling separate chat windows!
• - Low resource usage. Doesn't bog down my system, even with multiple streams running.
• - It's free! Can't beat that price.
• - Check out the multiple Twitch streams page for a demo.
• - Multiple YouTube streams and multiple Kick streams also available.

• Cons:
• - It's web-based, so you need an internet connection (duh).
• - Lacks some advanced features like custom CSS (but honestly, who needs that?).

I've been using ViewGrid for months now, and I haven't looked back. It's just the best multi stream viewer for my needs. I love that I can easily switch between layouts depending on what I'm watching, and the integrated chat is a lifesaver. Plus, the fact that it's free is just icing on the cake.

Tip: Try using ViewGrid in fullscreen mode for the ultimate multistreaming experience.

Option 2: Multitwitch

Multitwitch is the OG. It's been around forever, and it's still a decent option. It's a very basic multistream site.

• Pros:
• - Simple and straightforward.
• - Supports Twitch (obviously).
• - Free.

• Cons:
• - Very limited customization. You can basically just choose the number of streams you want to watch.
• - No chat integration. You'll need to use separate chat windows.
• - Only supports Twitch. If you want to watch YouTube or Kick, you're out of luck.
• - The design is… dated, to put it kindly.

Multitwitch is a good option if you just want a barebones split screen streaming setup for Twitch. But if you want more features or support for other platforms, you'll need to look elsewhere. And let's face it, in 2024, expecting people to be okay with "dated" is a tough sell.

Option 3: Twitchls

Twitchls is another popular option that's similar to Multitwitch.

• Pros:
• - Supports Twitch.
• - Free.
• - Slightly more customization than Multitwitch.

• Cons:
• - Still limited customization.
• - No chat integration.
• - Only supports Twitch.
• - Can be a bit buggy at times.

Honestly, Twitchls and Multitwitch are so similar that it really just comes down to personal preference. Try them both and see which one you like better. But again, if you're looking for a more modern and feature-rich experience, you'll probably want to look elsewhere.

Option 4: Third-Party Apps (Restream, etc.)

There are also a number of third-party apps that offer multistreaming functionality, like Restream. These are generally geared towards streamers who want to broadcast to multiple platforms at once, but some of them also offer viewing options.

• Pros:
• - Can support multiple platforms.
• - Often includes advanced features like analytics and stream management tools.

• Cons:
• - Can be expensive. Most of these apps are subscription-based.
• - Can be overkill if you just want to watch streams.
• - May require more technical knowledge to set up and use.

Unless you're a streamer yourself, I probably wouldn't recommend going this route. These apps are generally designed for broadcasting, not viewing. But if you're curious, it's worth checking them out.

Step-by-Step: Setting Up Your Perfect Multistream

Okay, let's walk through how to set up a multistream using my preferred method: ViewGrid. It's super easy, I promise.

1. Go to ViewGrid.tv: Head over to the ViewGrid multi-stream viewer in your browser.
2. Add Streams: Type in the usernames of the channels you want to watch. You can add Twitch, YouTube, or Kick channels.
3. Arrange Your Layout: Drag and drop the streams to arrange them how you like. Resize them to your heart's content.
4. Mute/Unmute: Click the speaker icon on each stream to mute or unmute it.
5. Chat: Use the integrated chat to chat with viewers in each channel.
6. Enjoy! That's it! You're now watching multiple streams at once.

See? I told you it was easy.

Pro Tip: Save your favorite layouts as bookmarks so you can easily access them later. I have different layouts for esports, chill streams, and news.

Level Up: Advanced Multistreaming Tips

Want to take your multistreaming game to the next level? Here are a few advanced tips:

• Use multiple monitors: If you have multiple monitors, spread your streams across them for an even more immersive experience.
• Invest in good headphones: Good headphones will help you focus on the audio of the stream you're most interested in, without being distracted by the other streams.
• Learn keyboard shortcuts: Many multistream viewers have keyboard shortcuts for common tasks like muting/unmuting streams, switching layouts, and adjusting volume. Learn these shortcuts to speed up your workflow.
• Experiment with different layouts: Don't be afraid to experiment with different layouts to find what works best for you. Try different sizes, different arrangements, and different numbers of streams.
• Use a stream deck: If you're really serious about multistreaming, consider investing in a stream deck. This will allow you to control your streams with the touch of a button.

Why I Use ViewGrid (And You Should Too)

Look, there are a lot of multistream options out there. I've tried most of them. But for me, ViewGrid just hits the sweet spot.

It's got the right balance of features, ease of use, and reliability. It supports all the platforms I care about (Twitch, YouTube, and Kick). It doesn't bog down my system. And it's free. What's not to love?

But beyond the practical stuff, I also appreciate the fact that ViewGrid is actively developed and maintained. The developers are constantly adding new features and fixing bugs. They're clearly passionate about multistreaming, and it shows.

And honestly, as someone who spends way too much time watching streams, I want to support projects like that. I want to support the people who are making it easier for me to consume the content I love.

So yeah, I'm biased. But I'm biased because I genuinely believe that ViewGrid is the best multi stream viewer out there. Give it a try. You might just agree with me. I mean, you can watch multiple esports streams, multiple sports streams, or even multiple news channels if that's your thing.

And hey, if you don't like it, no big deal. There are plenty of other options out there. But I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.