Your stream key is in the Twitch Creator Dashboard under Stream settings

Log into your Twitch account, then click your profile icon in the top right corner and select Creator Dashboard. On the left sidebar, click Settings, then Stream. Your stream key appears under the heading "Primary Stream Key" — it's a long string of letters and numbers that looks like this: live_1234567890abcdefghijklmnop.

This key is what you paste into your streaming software (OBS, Streamlabs, XSplit, or whatever you use) to connect your computer to Twitch. Without it, your software won't know where to send your video. The key itself is unique to your account and never changes unless you reset it.

If you've never streamed before, the key will be there waiting for you — Twitch generates it automatically when you create an account. You don't have to do anything to "set up" it or request it. Just find it and copy it.

Key Takeaways

  • Your stream key lives in Creator Dashboard > Settings > Stream, labeled "Primary Stream Key".
  • Copy the entire key (it's a long string) and paste it into your streaming software's settings, not into chat or anywhere public.
  • If someone sees your stream key, reset it when ready by clicking "Reset" next to the key in that same settings page.
  • You can have a secondary backup key in the same location, useful if you're streaming to multiple platforms at once.
  • Your stream key is different from your OAuth token or API key — those are for bots and extensions, not for streaming.

How to copy and use your stream key in streaming software

Once you have the key from Creator Dashboard, open your streaming software. In OBS, go to Settings > Stream, select "Twitch" as the service, and paste the key into the "Stream Key" field. In Streamlabs OBS, click the settings icon, go to Stream, and paste it there. The exact location varies by software, but it's always labeled "Stream Key" or "Primary Stream Key."

Do not share this key with anyone. Do not paste it in Discord, email it to a friend, or type it into a chat. If your stream key is visible to someone else, they can broadcast to your channel without your permission. If you think someone has seen it, go back to Creator Dashboard > Settings > Stream and click Reset next to the key. Twitch will generate a new one when ready, and the old one stops working.

Secondary stream key and multi-platform streaming

Below your primary stream key, you'll see a Secondary Stream Key option. This is a second, separate key that works exactly like the first one. You use it if you want to stream to Twitch from two different computers or software instances at the same time, or if you're using a service that broadcasts to multiple platforms (like Restream or StreamYard) and need a backup.

Most people never need the secondary key. If you're streaming from one computer with one piece of software, you only use the primary key. The secondary key is there if your setup changes later.

What to do if you can't find your stream key

If you log into Creator Dashboard and the Stream settings page is blank or shows no key, your account may not be set up for streaming yet. Twitch requires accounts to be at least 30 days old and to have two-factor authentication enabled before you can stream. Check that both conditions are met, then refresh the page.

If you still see nothing, try logging out completely and logging back in. Sometimes the page doesn't load correctly the first time. If the key appears after that, copy it right away and save it somewhere safe (like a password manager or a text file on your computer — not in a public place).

Keeping your stream key safe

Your stream key should be treated like a password. Store it in a password manager (like Bitwarden, 1Password, or the one built into your browser) rather than writing it down or leaving it in a text file on your desktop. If you use the same computer for streaming every time, you can paste it into your software once and leave it there — you won't need to copy it again.

If you're streaming from a shared computer or a computer you don't fully control, reset your key after you're done. If you're lending your computer to someone else, reset the key before they use it. If you suspect anyone has seen your key, reset it when ready — it takes 10 seconds and generates a brand new one.

Stream key vs. other Twitch credentials

Your stream key is not the same as your password, your OAuth token, or your API key. Your password is what you use to log into Twitch. Your OAuth token and API key are for developers building bots, extensions, or tools that interact with Twitch — you don't need those to stream. Your stream key is only for connecting your streaming software to your channel.

If someone asks you for your "Twitch credentials" or "Twitch token" to set up streaming, they're asking for the wrong thing. They should only ask for your stream key, and only if they're helping you configure your software. Even then, it's safer to do it yourself — you control what goes into your software that way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my stream key to something I can remember?

No. Twitch generates the stream key automatically and you can't customize it. The long random string is intentional — it makes the key harder to guess. You can copy it into your software once and forget about it, or store it in a password manager so you don't have to remember it.

What happens if I reset my stream key?

The old key stops working when ready. Any software using the old key will lose connection to Twitch. You'll need to paste the new key into your software and reconnect. If you're streaming when you reset it, your stream will drop.

Do I need a different stream key for each platform if I stream to YouTube and Twitch?

Yes. YouTube has its own stream key, separate from Twitch. You get YouTube's key from YouTube Studio > Settings > Stream. If you want to broadcast to both at once, use a multi-platform service like Restream, which handles both keys for you.

Is my stream key the same every time I log in?

Yes, unless you reset it. Your primary stream key stays the same until you click "Reset." You don't get a new key every time you stream or every time you log in.

Can someone stream to my channel if they have my stream key?

Yes. That's why you should never share it or leave it visible. If you think someone has your key, reset it right away in Creator Dashboard > Settings > Stream.