Split Screen Streaming: How to Watch Multiple Streams at Once

Split screen streaming is when you watch multiple live streams or videos on a single screen at the same time. The most direct way to do this is by using a multi-stream viewer, where you can paste links from different platforms like YouTube, Twitch, and Kick into a single, organized grid in your browser. This lets you follow all the action from one tab.

This guide explains why you might want to do this and walks through how to set it up.

Why Watch Multiple Streams at Once?

While most people watch one stream at a time, there are a few common situations where a split screen setup is really useful. It’s a popular way to watch, too; on ViewGrid, about two thirds of all layouts people create include three or more streams.

Following Live Events
For big events like esports tournaments, rocket launches, or breaking news, there are often multiple official streams or different commentators covering the same thing. Watching them side-by-side gives you different perspectives, camera angles, or player point-of-views (POVs) that you would otherwise miss.

Comparing Information
If you're trying to learn a new skill, like a strategy in a game or a creative technique, watching a couple of experts at the same time can be very helpful. You can see how different people approach the same problem in real time.

Keeping Up with Multiple Creators
Sometimes, a few of your favorite streamers go live at the same time. Instead of picking just one or constantly switching between tabs, you can keep them all on one screen. You can listen to the audio of one main stream while keeping an eye on what’s happening in the others.

How to Set Up a Split Screen Stream

There are two main ways to watch multiple streams: the manual do-it-yourself method and using a dedicated tool.

The Manual Method: Arranging Browser Windows
This is the old-school approach. You open each stream in its own separate browser window and then manually resize and drag them around your screen until they fit.

This works, and it doesn't require any special tools. However, it can be clumsy. You have to reposition everything yourself, and managing the audio from different windows can be a hassle. It also tends to use more of your computer’s resources, as each window is a separate process.

The Tool Method: Using a Multi-Stream Viewer
A multi-stream viewer is a website or app designed specifically for this purpose. You stay in a single browser tab and add streams into a pre-made grid. This is what ViewGrid does.

The main benefit is organization. Everything is contained in one place, making it easier to manage audio, change the layout, and share your setup with others. Because it's designed for this task, it's generally a more straightforward experience.

Setting Up Your Grid with ViewGrid

ViewGrid is a free tool that runs in your web browser. You don't need an account to start building a grid. Here is how you can set one up in a minute or two.

1. Go to the ViewGrid website.
2. You’ll see an empty grid with slots to add streams.

1. Add your streams.
2. Find the stream you want to watch on YouTube, Twitch, Kick, or Rumble. Copy the URL from your browser's address bar. Back in ViewGrid, paste the link into one of the empty slots. You can also add streams by searching for a channel name. ViewGrid also supports direct HLS (.m3u8) links.

1. Choose a layout.
2. You can change the grid to fit the number of streams you're watching. On a desktop computer, you can choose layouts for up to 20 streams. On a phone, the screen size limits you to a maximum of 6 streams.

1. Control the audio.
2. Every stream you add starts muted. This prevents a wall of noise when you first load a grid. To hear a stream, just click the speaker icon on that video player. Clicking another stream’s speaker icon will automatically mute the first one, so you only hear one at a time.

1. Open the chat.
2. If you're watching a live stream from Twitch, YouTube, or Kick, you can open its chat. A chat panel will appear on the side of your grid, letting you follow the conversation while you watch.

1. Share your layout.
2. The URL in your browser's address bar updates automatically as you add or remove streams. If you want to share your exact layout with a friend, just copy the URL and send it to them. When they open the link, they’ll see the same grid you created.

If you want to save a layout to use again later, you can create a free account.

Practical Tips for a Good Experience

Watching several video streams at once asks more of your computer and internet connection. Here are a few things to keep in mind.

Your Internet Connection
Each video stream needs its own bandwidth. If you have four streams open, you're effectively downloading four separate videos. For a smooth experience, especially with high-quality video, you’ll need a stable and reasonably fast internet connection. If streams are constantly buffering, try reducing the number of videos or lowering their quality settings in each player.

Your Computer's Performance
Your computer's processor (CPU) has to decode every video you're watching. This can be demanding. If your computer starts to slow down or the fans get loud, it might be struggling to keep up. Closing other demanding applications or unnecessary browser tabs can help free up resources.

Mobile vs. Desktop
While you can use ViewGrid on a phone's web browser or through the iOS and Android apps, the experience is best on a desktop or laptop. The larger screen allows for more streams and a clearer view.

A Common Question: How Do I Watch on a TV?

People often ask how to get their split screen grid onto a television. ViewGrid doesn't have a built-in "cast" button like you might find on the YouTube or Twitch apps. However, you can still get it on your TV using your device's own features.

Here are the three most common ways people do it:

Use your TV's web browser: If you have a smart TV, you can open its browser and go directly to the ViewGrid website to build or load a grid.
Connect a laptop with an HDMI cable: This is often the most reliable method. Just connect your computer to your TV and use the TV as a second monitor.
* Use screen mirroring: Most modern laptops, tablets, and phones have a built-in screen mirroring or "cast screen" function that can send your entire screen to a compatible TV.

These methods are general features of your devices, not specific to ViewGrid, but they work well for getting your grid onto a bigger screen.

Pre-Made Grids for Live Events

For major live events, you don't always have to build a grid yourself. You can check the ViewGrid Events calendar, which often features pre-made layouts for things like gaming tournaments, space launches, and political events. These grids gather the most relevant streams in one place, so all you have to do is click a single link to start watching.