The PS5 is an amazing console, and with the recent release of many amazing games, the world of streaming is on the rise. Streaming involves gamers showing off the games they’re playing, allowing audiences to follow along in the fun and even give them advice. So, how do you stream PS5 games to Discord?
You can stream PS5 games to Discord one of two ways — by remote play or capture card. Remote play is easier, but the capture card provides a better gaming experience. Just make sure you have a strong, stable internet connection and the right permissions set up on Discord before you proceed.
Let’s take a closer look at how to stream PS5 games to Discord, including why you’d want to in the first place, how to do it, and the alternative platforms you can use.
Why Would You Need to Stream Your PS5 to Discord?
Streaming your PS5 to Discord (and generally using Discord on PS5) allows you to share your gaming experience with friends, which can make the game even more fun. If you’re doing it with a small circle of friends, you can each take turns sharing your game, making even single-player games feel more engaging as you immerse yourself in a community of fellow gamers.
It can also allow you to practice streaming for a larger audience. If you want to become a Twitch streamer and eventually monetize your content or build a platform, then Discord is a great place to start. It’s easy to stream there and you can get tips and advice from friends in your server.
It can also serve as a way to get help. For example, if you’re stuck on a game level or need tips on your Overwatch skills, streaming to Discord and asking for assistance is a great way to do it. We talk a lot more about this and other ways to connect with friends in our Ultimate PS5 Owner’s Guide, but for now let’s cover how to do this Discord streaming:
What Are the Requirements for Streaming PS5 to Discord?
You’ll need a few things to successfully stream your PS5 to Discord, some of which are optional and some of which you must have:
- A Discord account (a free one is fine)
- A PS5 console (on Amazon) and controller
- A stable internet connection
- A capture card (optional)
- An HDMI cable (which you can buy on Amazon) (also optional)
Setting Up Discord for PS5 Streaming
If you already have a Discord server where you want to stream, then you won’t have to do much to get set up. However, if you’re creating your own Discord server, you’ll have to start from the beginning. Hit the plus sign at the bottom of your servers on the lefthand side to create your own, where you can then set up the channels the way you want them.
You don’t need a bot to stream to Discord, but it can help to have one for the community. Carlbot, for example, can grant different roles to members of the community they sign up for, and bots like Rhythm can overlay music into your stream.
Streaming PS5 to Discord
There are two main ways you can stream your PS5 to Discord: remote play and capture card. Let’s take a look at each one in more detail.
Remote Play
Remote play is the easier option that doesn’t require additional hardware, but it may not be best for large games that take up a lot of memory or involve intense, fast-paced gaming sessions where the audience wants to catch every detail.
- Make sure your PS5 is connected to the internet.
- Download and install the PS Remote Play app on your computer from the official Sony website.
- Open the PS Remote Play app and log in to your PSN account.
- Connect your PS5 controller to your computer via USB or Bluetooth.
- Select your PS5 console and click ‘Start’ to begin remote play.
- On your computer, open Discord and select the server you want to stream to.
- Click on the voice channel you want to use and click the ‘Go Live’ button in the bottom left corner of the screen.
- Select ‘Application Window’ as the source and choose the PS Remote Play window.
- Click ‘Go Live.’
People in the same Discord server can now join and watch you play.
Capture Card
For an enhanced gaming experience that’s good for fast-paced games, you might want to use a capture card. It may also require a high-powered gaming computer.
- Connect your PS5 to your capture card using an HDMI cable.
- Connect the capture card to your computer via USB.
- Install the capture card software on your computer.
- Open the capture card software and configure the settings for your capture card, including the resolution and frame rate.
Then, you can follow the rest of the same steps as above to stream your game on Discord.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
There are a few issues that may arise while streaming on Discord and a few things you can do to minimize those issues and troubleshoot them.
Lag
You may come across some lag issues while streaming games. In this case, the first thing you should do is check that your internet connection is stable. If your computer doesn’t have enough power to handle streaming, it may also be inevitable that there will be lag.
People Can’t See or Hear You
If people are having trouble seeing or hearing your stream, make sure Discord has access to your mic and screen sharing. Not sure if it does? Check your individual computer settings.
Video and Audio Quality Problems
If your network connection is slow or unstable, the video quality of your stream may be poor or choppy, making it difficult for others to see what’s happening in the game. If there’s a delay between the video and audio in your stream, it can be difficult for others to follow the game and understand what’s happening. This can usually be fixed by checking on the connection or upgrading equipment.
Additional Tips and Tricks
The best thing you can do while streaming to Discord is to make sure you have the best equipment and most stable internet connection. High-powered gaming PCs are better than laptops, and as for your internet connection, making sure you’re as close to the router as possible can help.
If this isn’t enough, you can also try connecting your computer with an ethernet cable (on Amazon) to the router. This can help provide a high-speed connection that enhances the gaming experience.
If you’re trying to build an audience, it also helps to provide shoutouts and incentives for people coming to the stream. Make sure to acknowledge the audience, and maybe even throw in a game giveaway every once in a while.
What Are the Alternatives for Streaming PS5 to Discord?
If you don’t want to stream to Discord, there are a few other platforms you can use.
Twitch
Twitch is perhaps the most famous and successful streaming site thanks to its streamlined features and how easy it is for Twitch streamers to monetize their content. Many streamers have made significant income from Twitch, and the chat features mean it’s easy to interact with your audience.
However, Twitch isn’t as private as Discord, as anyone can join.
Facebook Gaming
Facebook Gaming is a free streaming platform that allows you to stream to your Facebook page or profile. It offers features like chat, donations, and viewer analytics, and is popular for streaming games, esports, and other content.
It’s not quite as popular for streaming as Twitch, despite having the name Facebook attached to it, but it works well for some gaming news sites.
Caffeine
A less popular option to try is Caffeine. Caffeine is a social broadcasting platform that allows you to stream live video to a community of viewers. It offers features like chat, emojis, and social sharing, and it’s popular for streaming gaming, music, and other content.
The Final Word
Streaming to Discord can be a great hobby, as it can help you get assistance with games, practice for streaming to a wider audience, or just have fun with your friends. As long as you have a PS5 and a computer, you can use remote play — or go all out and get a capture card if you’d like to have higher-quality streaming.
Just make sure to keep a strong network connection and give Discord permission to access everything necessary.