How do I screen share or stream games on Discord?

Discord has evolved from a simple communication platform for gamers to a versatile tool for various online communities. One of its standout features is the ability to screen share and stream games. If you’ve ever wondered, “How do I screen share or stream games on Discord?”, then this guide is tailor-made for you. Let’s dive in!

Understanding Discord’s Screen Share and Streaming

At its core, screen sharing on Discord allows you to share your desktop or specific application windows with others. This is especially beneficial for collaborative tasks, tech support, or just showcasing something you’re working on.

On the other hand, Discord’s game streaming lets you broadcast your gaming sessions live to your friends or server members, much like platforms like Twitch, but on a more intimate, personal scale.

How to Screen Share on Discord:

  1. Start a Voice Call: Navigate to your friend’s list and initiate a voice call with the person you want to share your screen with.
  2. Click the Screen Share Icon: Once the call starts, you’ll see a screen share icon (it looks like a computer monitor) next to the video icon in the call toolbar at the bottom. Click on it.
  3. Choose What to Share: You can opt to share your entire screen or just a specific application window. Select your preference.
  4. Adjust Settings: You can modify the resolution and frame rate using the two dropdown menus.
  5. Go Live: Once you’ve made your selections, click the “Go Live” button. Your friend can now view your screen.

How to Stream Games on Discord:

  1. Launch Your Game: Before you can stream, ensure the game you want to broadcast is running.
  2. Open Discord: Navigate to your server and join a voice channel.
  3. Game Detection: Discord should automatically detect your running game. You’ll see a “Go Live” icon next to the server name.
  4. Click Go Live: Click the icon, and a small window will pop up, previewing your game.
  5. Stream Settings: Here, you can adjust stream quality and invite specific friends to watch if you don’t want to broadcast to the entire server.
  6. Start Streaming: Once ready, click the “Go Live” button in this window. Members of the voice channel can now join your stream by clicking on your name.

Optimizing Your Screen Sharing and Streaming Experience:

  1. Use Ethernet: For a smoother experience, consider using a wired connection rather than Wi-Fi.
  2. Adjust Quality: If viewers experience lag, you might want to reduce the streaming quality.
  3. Stay Updated: Ensure your Discord application and graphics drivers are updated for optimal performance.
  4. Use Streamer Mode: This mode automatically hides personal information and mutes unwanted notifications during streaming.

Conclusion

Screen sharing and game streaming on Discord enhances the platform’s collaborative and community-driven nature. Whether you’re showing off a new game, troubleshooting an issue with a friend, or collaborating on a project, these features are valuable additions to the Discord experience.

Remember that like any other tool, the more you use it, the more familiar you’ll become with its nuances. So, don’t be afraid to experiment and fine-tune settings to fit your needs. Happy streaming!