Short answer, by platform
| Platform | Can you simulcast? | Condition worth watching |
|---|---|---|
| Twitch | Yes | don't degrade the Twitch experience or push the audience to the competing stream |
| YouTube | Yes | verified channel, live streaming enabled and enough bandwidth |
| Kick | Yes | partners need to turn on Multistreaming; revenue changes during that time |
Individual contract terms beat any public summary. If you signed an exclusivity, campaign or partner agreement, check that document before you hit GO LIVE.
Twitch
The rule applies to everyone, unless you have an exclusivity agreement with Twitch. Your stream there can't be worse than on the other platforms, and that includes paying attention to the Twitch chat. Shrinking or degrading the video on Twitch is the example Twitch itself gives. You also can't call people on Twitch to go watch somewhere else: a title, QR code, chat command, banner or "live" notification carrying that invitation is off-limits. Linking to your profiles in your bio and panels is still fine, as long as it doesn't turn into a call to watch there. If you slip up, Twitch warns you before penalizing you.
A private panel that gathers chats for you is fine to use. It shouldn't automatically turn into a merged chat shown to your audience.
YouTube
YouTube's own Help Center teaches simulstreaming. The recommendation is to add up the bitrates and keep your upload between 1.5× and 2× that total, with a real test of audio and motion.
Kick
If you're in the Partner Program, Kick requires you to turn on the Multistreaming toggle when you also stream to long-form platforms such as Twitch or YouTube. The Help Center states a 50% payout reduction during that time; review this figure before every stream, because it's a commercial rule that changes often.
To avoid tripping over chat during a simulcast, see private panel or public overlay.