While some may prefer things to always remain the same, in the world of online video content, things are constantly changing. Sure, some of the biggest platforms for video seem like they’ll always remain the same. YouTube may always be the largest and most popular platform for all types of video content.
But the world of streaming is changing. And while Twitch remains the most popular platform for live streamers currently, another upstart service has launched, backed by some notable names and personalities.
If you’re curious about Kick livestreaming, particularly how to get started and ensure you’re building a safe and successful channel, we’re here to help you try out this new streaming service.
What is Kick streaming?
Launched in 2022, the Kick streaming platform (also known as Kick.com) is a video livestreaming service backed by former Stake co-founders Bijan Tehrani and Ed Craven, as well as streaming personality Trainwreckstv.
Since its inception, Kick has quickly become one of the top rivals to the Amazon-owned Twitch livestreaming platform, which had previously been considered the primary livestreaming option for most streamers.
However, Kick has distinguished itself with low revenue charges and has seen a quick rise thanks to partnership deals with many popular (if not sometimes controversial) streamers. Kick has grown its livestreaming footprint to over 2.1 billion total hours of streams watched and has an average viewership rising to above 200,000 as of 2024
Differences between Kick and Twitch
As mentioned above, one of the most significant differences between Kick and Twitch is the breakdown of revenue sharing (95% is offered by Kick vs Twitch, which only provides between 50% and 70%). This revenue split is much more advantageous for many streamers looking to get started; however, without a built-in audience, it is hard to accurately compare the two.
The other major differences between the two streaming platforms concern content moderation. Kick has been appealing to many controversial streamers due to the company's promise to be more flexible with its content moderation.
It’s worth mentioning that Twitch also still offers more advanced features and tools for creators, and generally remains more attractive to advertisers and sponsors who are more familiar with Twitch, its audience, and its moderation policies.
How does music work on Kick?
One area in which Twitch and Kick are essentially in lockstep is how music works. Similar to other social video platforms like YouTube and TikTok, as well as Instagram, both of these streaming platforms require streamers to use only music that they own or have properly licensed.
This means that unless you’re composing and recording your own music for your Kick live streaming sessions, you’ll need to find ways to properly license music to use during streams. Even if the music is just in the background, Kick’s Terms of Service stipulate that Kick does not provide copyright protection for its users. Hence, streamers are responsible for any copyright claims, which could result in strikes against their accounts.
If you’re curious to learn more about what public performance rights are and how to get a live stream music license, here’s a full guide on music licensing for live streaming to check out. Properly licensing public performance rights are going to be your top option to protect yourself and your live streams, especially because Kick does not provide copyright protection whereas most streaming platforms have public performance licenses in place.
As we’ll explore below, your best bet for using music in your Kick streams is to use high-quality, royalty free music provided by trusted music licensing resources, such as Soundstripe.
The best royalty free music for your Kick streams
If you’re curious about what this high-quality royalty free music sounds like, here are some hand-picked top selections of great royalty free music that would be excellent for your Kick streams.
1. Cross Dissolve by Sam Barsh
- Description: A very low-energy, jazz song best described as chill and romantic. Piano and bass are the primary instruments in this track.
- BPM: 90
- Key: Bb/A# Minor
- Listen and license here.
- Description: A medium-energy, rock song that is best described as fun and angry. Guitar and electric guitar are the primary instruments in this track.
- BPM: 176
- Key: A Major
- Listen and license here.
- Description: A low-energy, funk song best described as romantic and chill. Organ and bass are the primary instruments in this track.
- BPM: 83
- Key: A Minor
- Listen and license here.
4. Dearest Vetina by Featherland
- Description: A medium-energy, electronic song best described as reflective and hopeful. Piano and synth are the primary instruments in this track.
- BPM: 130
- Key: C Major
- Listen and license here.
- Description: A medium-energy, rock song best described as fun and happy. Synth and guitar are the primary instruments in this track.
- BPM: 149
- Key: A Major
- Listen and license here.
6. Let's Get It Started by Suedecouch
- Description: A high-energy, electronic song that is best described as fun. Synths and horns are the primary instruments in this track.
- BPM: 135
- Key: G Minor
- Listen and license here.
- Description: A medium-energy, rock song that is best described as reflective and angry. Guitar and electric guitar are the primary instruments in this track.
- BPM: 160
- Key: F Minor
- Listen and license here.
8. Break A Sweat by Nu Alkemi$t
- Description: A high-energy, electronic song that is best described as angry. Percussion and samples are the primary instruments in this track.
- BPM: 88
- Key: C Minor
- Listen and license here.
9. Sweet Change by Alsever Lake
- Description: A very low-energy, acoustic song that is best described as calm and reflective. Guitar and acoustic guitar are the primary instruments in this track.
- BPM: 43
- Key: Bb/A# Major
- Listen and license here.
10. Highway Outa Town by Andy Shaw
- Description: A high-energy, pop song that is best described as hopeful and inspiring. Banjo and guitar are the primary instruments in this track.
- BPM: 115
- Key: F Major
- Listen and license here.
Now, these are just a few hand-selected picks. If you’re at all interested in browsing through our music library yourself, you can always check out even more options on the Soundstripe app.
Best royalty free music playlists for Kick streams
To complement the handpicked tracks above, which would be great for your Kick streams, we have some additional playlists that have already been tailored for live streaming. So, if you’re itching to explore more royalty free music for streams, check out these additional playlists below.
- Gaming Lo-Fi Playlist
- Streamer Playlist
- Makeup Playlist
- Travel Vlog Playlist
- Electronic Creator Playlist
These playlists feature a range of tempos and genres to explore. However, if you haven’t found a curated playlist to your liking, we have additional royalty free music playlists available if you’re looking for a specific genre or vibe for your streams.
More Resources for Live Streaming
Jumping into live streaming, whether that be on Kick, Twitch, or any other platform, can be intimidating if you haven’t streamed much before. To further help you with your livestreaming and content creation journey, here are some additional articles from the Soundstripe blog that will help you get started.
- The Best Royalty Free Music For Streaming: Top 10 Trending Tracks for your Live Streams, and How to Use Them
- Patreon Live Streaming Is Here: Launch Your First Live Stream with Top Royalty Free Music Tracks
- Royalty Free Music for Live Streaming Video Games: Top 10 Tracks and Playlists to Level Up Your Streams
- Premiering vs. Live Streaming Services For Church Video Production
- The Best Royalty Free Music for YouTube Live Streams - 10 Perfect Tracks for Every Streaming Genre
