Twitch and live streams:music for intros, breaks and outros

Music makes a stream feel produced: a starting screen that builds anticipation, a break that does not feel dead, an ending that sends people off. But music on streams needs more care than on edited videos, because streams are saved as VODs and cut into clips.

Only play what you are allowed to

Playing commercially released music you do not have rights to is a common reason streamers get takedown notices or muted VODs. Use music whose licence explicitly covers live streams and VODs. Check the licence for our coverage.

Starting screen

The minutes before you go live are a waiting room. Music with energy and a clear identity builds anticipation.

• Pixel Dash on the Gaming & Chiptune shelf

Pixel Dash is fast and retro, perfect for a gaming stream's starting screen.

Breaks

Break music should be pleasant and loopable, so it can run for an unknown length. Loop a steady section of the track, and choose something less intense than your starting music.

Gameplay

Most streamers keep music off or very low during gameplay, so viewers can hear the game and the commentary. If you do play music, keep it well under your voice, and mute game music to avoid a clash.

Ending

A short, recognisable outro cue helps the stream feel finished, and signals to viewers it is time to raid or leave.

Organise it in your streaming software

Set up separate audio sources for each scene: starting, break, gameplay, ending. It makes it much harder to forget music running by accident.

For cutting stream highlights into videos, see Music for speedruns and highlight reels.