How to Host Another Twitch Channel on Your Stream

Updated 14 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

Hosting another Twitch channel puts their live stream on your channel page for your viewers to watch, while your chat stays active and your channel gains visibility. This guide walks you through hosting manually or with a command, and covers what to do if things go wrong.

What You’ll Need

A Twitch account (free or affiliate/partner status works).
Access to your channel’s chat (either through the Twitch website, a mobile app, or a chat client like Twitch’s own chat or a third-party IRC client).
The exact username of the channel you want to host. It’s case-sensitive but usually written in lowercase.

Step-by-Step

Decide when to host. The most common time is when you’re ending your own stream. You can also host someone while you’re offline, so your channel shows their content instead of a blank screen.
Open your channel’s chat. Go to your own channel page (twitch.tv/yourusername) and click the chat box on the right side. You can type commands there even if you’re not live.
Type the host command. In the chat box, type:
/host channelname
Replace channelname with the exact username of the streamer you want to host. Press Enter.
Confirm it worked. You’ll see a system message in your chat saying something like “Now hosting channelname.” Your channel page will now show that streamer’s live video, and your chat will remain active.
Stop hosting when you’re done. Type /unhost in your chat and press Enter. This immediately removes the hosted stream and returns your channel to its normal state.
Use the auto-host feature (optional). If you want to automatically host channels when you’re offline, go to your Dashboard > Settings > Channel and find the “Featured Channels” section. Toggle on “Auto Host Channels” and add the channels you want to host. Twitch will then host one of them when you’re offline, in the order you set.

That’s the basic process. But there are a few extra things you can do:

Host with a message: Type /host channelname message to show a custom message in your chat when hosting starts. For example, /host ninja Check out this streamer!
Host while live: You can host another channel while you’re still streaming. Your viewers will see a small “Hosting” indicator, and they can click to watch the hosted stream in full. Your own stream continues in the background.
Use the Twitch mobile app: Open your channel page, tap the chat icon, and type the same commands. It works the same way.

Common Mistakes

Typing the command in the wrong chat. Make sure you’re in your own chat, not the chat of the channel you’re trying to host. If you type /host in someone else’s chat, it won’t work.
Using the wrong username. Twitch usernames are case-insensitive for login but the host command expects the exact username. If you typo, you’ll get an error.
Forgetting to unhost. If you end your stream and don’t unhost, the hosted stream will continue on your channel even after you’re offline. That might be fine, but if you want to go back to normal, remember to unhost.
Hosting a channel that is offline. If the channel you’re hosting isn’t live, Twitch will show a message like “This channel is offline” instead of a stream. That’s not a mistake per se, but it might not be what you intended.

Tips

Host people you actually watch. Your viewers will see your recommendation, so make sure it’s someone you genuinely enjoy.
Use hosting to build community. Hosting a smaller streamer can earn you their gratitude and potentially a host back. It’s a common way to network on Twitch.
Set up auto-host for offline time. This keeps your channel active even when you’re not there, which can help with discoverability.
Check your chat settings. If you have “Slow Mode” or “Followers Only” enabled, the host command still works, but your viewers might not be able to chat as freely.

Troubleshooting

If the host command doesn’t work, here’s what to check:

Are you typing it in your own chat? Look at the top of the chat window – it should show your username. If not, you’re in the wrong chat.
Is the channel name correct? Double-check spelling, including any underscores or numbers. Try copying the username from the channel’s page.
Do you have permission? Hosting is available to all Twitch users, but if you’re in a chat with restricted permissions (like a sub-only chat), the command might be blocked. Try it in your own chat on your channel page.
Is the channel you’re hosting live? If they’re offline, the host will still start, but you’ll see an offline message. That’s not a failure, but it might look like one.
Is there a delay? Sometimes the host takes a few seconds to appear. Wait about 10 seconds and refresh the page.
Are you using a third-party chat client? Some IRC clients might not support the /host command. Try the native Twitch chat on the website or app.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I host someone while I’m live?

Yes, you can. Your viewers will see a small “Hosting” indicator, and they can click to watch the hosted stream in full. Your own stream continues in the background.

Does hosting count as a view for the hosted channel?

Yes, hosting counts as a view for the hosted channel, as long as the stream is actually playing. If your viewers are watching your channel and see the hosted stream, they count as viewers for that streamer.

Can I host multiple channels at once?

No, you can only host one channel at a time. If you try to host a second channel, the first host will be replaced.

What’s the difference between hosting and raiding?

Hosting puts another channel’s stream on your page, and your chat stays active. Raiding sends your current viewers to another channel after you end your stream. Raids use the /raid command and are meant to transfer your audience live to another streamer.

How do I stop auto-hosting?

Go to your Dashboard > Settings > Channel, find “Featured Channels,” and toggle off “Auto Host Channels.” You can also type /unhost in your chat to stop a current auto-host.

Can I host a channel that is not live?

Yes, you can, but the hosted channel will show an offline message. It’s usually better to host only live channels to give your viewers something to watch.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.