In October 2025, Twitch removed Host Mode from the platform.
In its place, Twitch implemented a ‘Suggested Channels‘ function. Regardless, here’s how you could have learned how to host on Twitch.
On Twitch, when you ‘host’ another streamer, you’re essentially using your platform to boost their content. It may be a streamer that you like or a friend that you’re trying to help grow on Twitch, but you’ll effectively use your channel to broadcast their stream. This means that when you’re offline, something is still playing through your channel – even if it’s not your content. With this guide, we’ll teach you everything you need to know about how to host on Twitch.
It’s a relatively easy concept and can make a new streamer feel much more welcome on the platform. For the biggest creators, thousands of smaller channels may host them – it’s a two-way relationship that can benefit both parties somewhat, even if just a little. So, let’s take a closer look at the process and learn how to host a stream on Twitch.
Image Credit: HEYOU
How to Host Someone on Twitch
Let’s imagine you’ve just started learning how to become a streamer, and you’re going to need every advantage possible. Now, let’s also imagine that you’ve got a friend who also streams, and they’ve got 10,000 followers on Twitch. If they’re going to help boost you up, they could host your channel – but how do they actually do it?
Fortunately, learning how to host on Twitch is a relatively basic principle, and it can be accomplished with just a few clicks of a mouse. Here’s how to host someone on Twitch:
Use Auto-Host to Make it Easier
When a streamer uses auto-host, they’re basically telling Twitch to broadcast a user’s content on their channel every time they go live. Of course, this only happens when the streamer doing the hosting is offline. This is how one can set up an auto-host on Twitch:
- Log into your Twitch account and navigate to the Creator Dashboard.
- Then, follow this path: Settings > Channel > Featured Content.
- Navigate to the ‘Auto Hosting’ section and identify the ‘Host List’.
- Finally, add the list of channels that you want to host, set the priority, and switch on ‘Auto Host Channels’.
That’s it – you’re now hosting other streamers’ channels on Twitch. It doesn’t matter if they’re the most subbed Twitch streamer in the world or a totally new creator, you’re doing them a favour.
Use the Manual Host Function
There’s a more manual way to host someone on Twitch, but it’s still a remarkably simple process. It’s arguably even easier than auto-hosting, too. Here’s what you’ll need to do to manually host a channel whenever you feel like doing so:
- Open up your own Twitch channel on the platform – ideally on the browser.
- Then, navigate to your own Chat, and type in the command /host followed by the name of the channel you want to host.
- If you don’t want to host that channel anymore, then simply follow the first steps but type /unhost to clear the channel.
This is a great tactic for a spur-of-the-moment host. For instance, if a friend were to go live and ask for a small boost, you could jump into your own channel and host them – it takes seconds to accomplish.
That’s effectively the two main processes for learning how to host on Twitch.
Even the biggest streamers started out small. (Image Credit: Ninja)
How Else Can You Help People Grow on Twitch?
It’s not as simple as just building a streaming setup and going live whenever you feel like it. There’s a long journey in store for anyone looking to learn how to grow on Twitch, and it takes the support of a community as much as it does the ability actually to stream in the first place. For instance, one of the best streaming tips we can offer is to make sure you build a community, network effectively, and grow hand-in-hand with those around you.
But how can you help people grow on Twitch, aside from learning how to host on Twitch?
1. Raid Other Streamers
When you raid a streamer, you’re taking a portion of your viewers directly into their stream when they’re live. It’s an instant injection of viewers – and often followers – and it can help a new streamer grow at a rapid rate, particularly if they’re raided repeatedly. It doesn’t matter if you’re a Call of Duty streamer or a cooking content creator, a raid from anyone is always appreciated.
2. Use the Shoutout Function
If a streamer is in your chat, you can give them recognition by typing /shoutout followed by their username. In fact, they don’t even need to be in your chat, as you can effectively perform the shoutout whenever you so desire. It’s just that, in most cases, a streamer will see a particular person enter their chat, and by way of recognition, they’ll type in the /shoutout command.
3. Co-Stream with Smaller Streamers
There are services out there that make use of the best live-streaming apps to support co-streaming. This is where you can stream alongside another user on the same page, allowing viewers to watch multiple perspectives of the same game at the same time. Alternatively, you can simply play the same game as a smaller streamer at the same time, and then make sure to shout them out or name them in your stream title.
4. Create a Discord Community
While you can also stream on Discord, you can use the communications platform to create a community that’s beneficial for its members. For instance, you can have a ‘go-live’ channel, where streamers can post their links just ahead of them streaming, so they can get a little exposure from your community. It’s a simple thing, but very effective.
For more advice on becoming a top-tier content creator, check out our in-depth streaming tips guides.
