How to Use a Multi Twitch Viewer

A multi twitch viewer is a tool that lets you watch several live streams together in a single browser tab. You can use it to follow an event from multiple points of view or keep up with a few different streamers at once, without having to jump between windows. With a tool like ViewGrid, you just add the channels you want to watch, and they appear together in a customizable grid.

It works by using the official embedded players from each platform, so you're still watching directly from Twitch, YouTube, or Kick. The tool just organizes them all on one page for you.

Setting Up Your Multi Twitch View

Creating a custom layout is straightforward. You don't need an account to get started; you just build the grid and the URL in your address bar updates automatically to save your setup.

1. Add Your Streams

First, decide which streams you want to watch. You can add channels by pasting their URL or by just typing the channel name.

For example, you can add a Twitch channel by pasting twitch.tv/channelname or just channelname. This also works for YouTube, Kick, and Rumble streams. Once you add a stream, it will appear in the grid and start playing on mute.

2. Arrange the Layout

As you add streams, they will automatically arrange themselves on the screen. The real benefit is being able to customize this layout.

You can choose from several grid presets, from two streams side-by-side up to twenty on a large desktop monitor. On a phone, the layout options are simplified, showing up to six streams to fit the smaller screen. You can also click a stream to bring it into focus, making it the largest video in the grid while the others become thumbnails.

3. Control the Audio

To avoid a mess of overlapping sound, every stream you add starts muted. A speaker icon appears on each video player. To hear a stream, just click the icon on that player to unmute it.

Only one stream can have audio at a time. If you click to unmute a different stream, the first one will automatically mute itself. This lets you switch your audio focus with a single click without having to manually mute and unmute multiple sources.

4. Open the Chat

Live chat is a big part of the viewing experience. You can open the chat for any Twitch, YouTube, or Kick stream in your grid.

Click the chat icon on a specific video player, and that stream's chat will open in a panel on the right side of your screen. You can switch to another stream's chat by clicking the chat icon on that player instead.

Watching More Than Just Twitch

While "multi twitch viewer" is a common term, these tools aren't limited to one platform. This is useful when you're following events that are broadcast across different services.

For instance, a gaming tournament might have its main broadcast on YouTube, while individual players stream their own perspectives on Twitch or Kick. You can combine all of these into one grid. Just add the links from each platform to build a single, unified view of the event. You can see how this works on the main multi-stream page.

This is also helpful for non-gaming events. Many people set up grids to watch different news channels during major announcements or follow live space launches from official and enthusiast streams simultaneously.

Practical Tips for a Good Experience

Watching multiple video streams at once asks more of your computer and internet connection than watching a single stream. Here are a few things to keep in mind.

Internet Connection: Each stream in your grid is a separate video feed. If you have four streams open, your device is downloading four separate videos. A stable, reasonably fast internet connection is needed for a smooth experience, especially if you're watching in high quality.
Computer Performance: Decoding multiple video streams can also be demanding on your computer's processor (CPU). If you notice your computer's fan spinning up or other applications slowing down, you may be running too many streams for your hardware. Closing unneeded browser tabs can help.
* Mobile vs. Desktop: While you can use a multi-viewer on your phone's browser or with an app, the experience is best on a desktop or laptop. The larger screen allows for more complex layouts, and the hardware is generally more capable of handling multiple video feeds.

Sharing a Layout with Friends

If you create a layout you want to share, you don't need to send a list of links. The entire grid configuration is stored in the page's URL.

Just copy the full URL from your browser's address bar and send it to a friend. When they open the link, they will see the exact same layout with the same streams you arranged. This is great for setting up a co-watching session for an event like those listed on our events calendar.

How is This Different from Twitch's Squad Stream?

You might be familiar with Twitch's built-in Squad Stream feature. It allows up to four partnered or affiliated streamers who are playing together to combine their streams for viewers.

A multi twitch viewer is a more flexible, independent tool. The main differences are that you can add any streamer you want (they don't have to be in a pre-arranged squad), you can add more than four, and you can mix in streams from other platforms like YouTube. If you want a more detailed breakdown, our article "Multi Twitch Viewer: Squad Stream Alternative?" explores this topic specifically.

Watching on a TV

ViewGrid doesn't have a dedicated "cast" button. To watch a grid on your television, you generally have three options, which depend on your TV and other devices:

1. Use the TV's Web Browser: If you have a smart TV with a built-in web browser, you can navigate to viewgrid.tv and set up your grid there.
2. Connect a Laptop: The most reliable method is to connect a laptop or computer to your TV using an HDMI cable. This turns your TV into a second monitor.
3. Screen Mirroring: You can use your computer or phone's built-in screen mirroring feature (like AirPlay or Miracast) to display your screen on the TV.