There are many options to record your screen as a streamer
One of those options is to just let Twitch do it and create a VOD
That is just the video they recorded for you
Most people don’t prefer it but it is a real option
To use a Twitch VOD for YouTube, you need to download it, edit it, and then you can use it for YouTube. I highly recommend editing your VODs before adding them to YouTube because it cleans them up, gives you more control, and makes your videos nicer for your viewers.
People can tell if you just upload a video without doing any editing
It is harder to keep viewer attention because there will be spaces in the videos that are boring to someone watching a recording
The atmosphere is different when viewers are there live
They can interact with you and interact with your stream while nothing exciting is happening
That is not the case with a video on YouTube
The video needs to be engaging and keep viewer’s attention by itself
What you use to screen record and edit is personal preference, but they both need to be done
What is a VOD?
A VOD (Video on Demand) is an archive of previous lives
If the settings area of your Twitch account, you can select the option to automatically save VODS when you stream
This will have Twitch save all your videos when you stream automatically
Having some kind of screen recorder is essential if you want to promote your stream on any other platform
It is important to know that Twitch automatically deleted VODs after 60 days
So if you want to use a Twitch clip and you use Twitch as your screen recorder, then you need to download your videos and keep them somewhere safe
Getting an external memory may be a good idea to make sure no terrible accidents happen and you lose your content
You are a content creator
So losing content is losing the thing that makes you money
How do you download a VOD?
Once you have your VOD saved in Twitch, now you have to download it so you can edit
A VOD is just the saved video so you can’t do a lot of editing there
You can edit a little on Twitch, but using an actual video editor is a better choice
Using a video editor is easier to use and learn and way less frustrating in the long run
To download your VOD, you need to click on your profile in the upper right corner and select video producer
You will see a select all square above the videos and a drop-down menu next to it
Select “past broadcasts” on that dropdown menu
This will show you all your past videos
Choose the one you want to download and look on the right side of it
Click the three dots and select download
Now you have a downloaded VOD ready to be edited for YouTube!
How long are VODs available on Twitch?
Make sure that you remember the time limit of VODs on Twitch
Twitch will automatically delete VODS over 60 days old
So make sure that you remember to download the content that you want before that happens
There is no way to get deleted videos back if you or Twitch deletes them
One thing I recommend is getting an external memory
This is where you can store all your raw and edited videos without slowing down your computer
How do I use my videos to grow on YouTube?
Once you have the videos, it is time to edit them!
The first thing you need to do is create a goal for the video
Do you want to teach your viewers something or are you creating a highlight video?
Having one goal is important to keep the video from being busy and confusing
It also helps with SEO
Once you have a video goal, choose the clips that best match that goal
If your goal changes when you see the clips you have to work with, that’s ok!
Download the clips that you want to use in your video and add them to a video editor
For 9 different ways to edit your videos, check out my article
Put the clips in the order that you want to use them in the editor so you can clearly see what is going on
Then you just start cutting!
Cut out the parts that don’t match your goal and cut out the dead space
Sometimes you will have a clip that is really cool but doesn’t match the video goal
Just make a different video with that clip!
Stick with your goal
If your goal is a funny video, don’t add instructions or trick shots unless you change the mood with narration and text
But for now, stay simple and choose clips that match your goal
Keep cleaning the video until you only have the parts you want in your editor
Now it is time for layers and detail work
Add text and add popups that ask people to like and subscribe
Adjust the sound and add sound if you want to
When you think you are done, watch the video one more time to make sure all details are what you want
Congratulations!
You have a video ready for YouTube
Do you have to use VODS to create content for YouTube?
Twitch VODs are just one option for screen recording your live stream
Many streamers use OutPlayed to record their screen
That is what we prefer too because OutPlayed has amazing features and can be used to more than just Twitch if we decided to live stream on YouTube or TikTok
If you try using Twitch VODs and don’t like it, just try a different tool!
There are options and the best one is often personal preference
The most important part is just recording your screen while streaming and getting those videos downloaded so you can promote your stream!