A Practical Multitwitch Alternative for Viewing Streams

If you’re searching for a multitwitch alternative, you need a way to watch several streams at once in the same window. ViewGrid is a free tool that lets you build a grid of live streams from Twitch, YouTube, Kick, and Rumble, giving you a single place to watch everything. You just paste in the channel links and arrange them how you like.

For years, Multitwitch was the go-to for watching multiple Twitch channels. But the streaming world has grown, and viewers now follow creators across different platforms. A modern alternative needs to handle more than just Twitch and be easier to use than editing a URL by hand.

This guide explains what to look for in a multi-stream viewer and how you can use one to follow all the action.

What a Good Multitwitch Alternative Does

When you move on from an older tool, you expect a few improvements. Instead of just replacing the basic function, a good alternative should make the entire experience simpler and more flexible.

Here are the key features that matter:

Multi-Platform Support: The most important change. You should be able to watch a streamer on Twitch next to their friend on YouTube, with another creator on Kick in the same grid.
Simple Setup: You shouldn't have to manually type channel names into a web address. A modern tool lets you paste a link or search for a channel directly.
Flexible Layouts: You need control over how streams are arranged. This could be a simple 2x2 grid for an esports tournament or a main stream with a few smaller ones on the side.
Easy Audio Control: Juggling audio is a major challenge. A good viewer mutes all streams by default and lets you switch which one you’re listening to with a single click.
* Integrated Chat: Flipping between browser tabs to chat is distracting. The ability to pull up a stream's chat in a side panel keeps you in the conversation.

How to Set Up a Multi-Stream Grid

Creating a grid of your favorite streamers in ViewGrid is straightforward. You don’t need an account to get started.

1. Go to the multi-stream viewer. You’ll see an empty grid with a space to add your first stream.
2. Add Your Streams. You can add channels in a few ways:
3. * Paste the full URL of a Twitch, YouTube, Kick, or Rumble channel or video.
4. * Type the channel name (e.g., "shroud" for Twitch, "DrDisrespect" for YouTube).
5. * Use the search bar to find live streams directly on YouTube.
6. Choose a Layout. Once you have streams, a toolbar appears. Use the layout selector to arrange your grid. On a desktop computer, you can choose layouts for up to 20 streams. On a mobile device, layouts support up to 6 streams to fit the smaller screen.
7. Manage Audio. Every stream you add starts muted. Click the speaker icon on the stream you want to hear. Clicking the icon on another stream will automatically switch the audio source.
8. Open Chat. Hover over a stream and click the chat bubble icon. This opens the live chat for that Twitch, YouTube, or Kick stream in a panel on the right side of your screen.

That’s it. Your grid is running. You can click on any stream to bring it into "focus" (making it the largest view in the grid) or use the fullscreen button to watch just that one stream.

Saving and Sharing Your Layouts

One of the most useful features is the ability to share or save a specific grid you’ve created.

The web address (URL) in your browser automatically updates to include all the streams in your current layout. If you want to share the exact grid you're watching with a friend, you just copy the link from your address bar and send it to them. When they open it, they’ll see the same streams in the same arrangement.

If you find yourself watching the same group of streamers often, you can save your layouts permanently. This requires a free ViewGrid account. Once you’re signed in, you can save any grid with a name you choose and load it again later with one click.

Common Questions About Multi-Stream Viewers

Does this use a lot of computer resources?

Watching multiple video streams at once requires a decent computer and a stable internet connection. Each stream is a separate video player running in your browser. While ViewGrid itself is lightweight, playing four 1080p streams is four times as demanding as playing one.

If you notice performance issues, try lowering the video quality on some or all of the streams. You can usually do this from the settings gear on each individual video player.

Can I watch on my phone or tablet?

Yes, ViewGrid works in mobile browsers. The interface is adapted for smaller screens, with layouts available for up to six streams. There are also free ViewGrid apps for iOS and Android that provide the same experience.

How do I watch a grid on my TV?

There is no "cast" button built into ViewGrid. To watch on a TV, people typically use one of three methods:
Use the web browser built into their smart TV to open viewgrid.tv.
Connect a laptop or computer to the TV with an HDMI cable.
* Use the screen mirroring feature of their phone, computer, or browser (like AirPlay or Google Cast's screen mirroring) to show their device's screen on the TV.

These methods depend on your specific devices, not on ViewGrid itself.

Is this just for esports?

While multi-stream viewing is very popular for esports, it’s useful for many other situations. People use it to follow:
Multiple news broadcasts during major events.
Different camera angles for a single event, like a rocket launch.
A group of friends all streaming their own perspective of a multiplayer game.
Live sports events that offer different feeds or commentary tracks.

For some large-scale gaming and esports events, you can check the Events calendar, which often has pre-made grids ready to go.

If you're interested in exploring a wider range of tools, the article "A Guide to Finding a Good Multitwitch Alternative" offers a broader look at the different types of viewers available.