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Best Twitch Recording Software With Zoom: 10 Tools for Pros and Novices
19 min. read
Updated onMay 27, 2024
updated onMay 27, 2024
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The best Twitch recording software with zoom lets you focus on gaming highlights, important content, and your reactions.
You’ll often need to zoom in and out during a live stream to emphasize specific graphics, text, images, and more. However, many apps don’t offer this feature out of the box.
Therefore, I’ve tested more than 25 streaming andscreen recording toolsfor a week. Here are my top contenders!
10 Best Twitch Recording Software With Zoom
Check out these ten standout apps:
Bandicam– Best for HD Webcam Recording
Bandicam is a lightweight and easy-to-navigate Twitch screen recorder that supportsdesktop overlay recording.When recording tutorials or gameplay walkthroughs, you can activate and use the Glassbrick zooming features. Bandicam will capture the zoom-in and out effects seamlessly.
Additionally, it comes withHDMI video capture support. Therefore, you can record content from an external device, like an IPTV, webcam, Xbox, smartphone, PlayStation, and more. Furthermore, you can use Bandicam for scheduled screen recording.
So, if there’s a webinar coming up during a busy schedule, you can set up a scheduled task for desktop recording on the app to watch or edit the webinar later.
Pricing:Its subscription starts at$2.78 / monthfor one PC. The basic package lacks a video editing tool. You can pay$49.97upfront for the whole year for a Bandicam+Bandicut package which includes video post-processing tools.
Get Bandicam
Camtasia– Best Premium Solution for Professionals
Camtasia is aprofessional-grade screen recorderfor Twitch creators, tech marketers, instructional designers, educators, and more. It allows you to mix content from a desktop screen, webcam, and microphone to create videos that easily explain complex technical processes, business workflows, and gameplay walkthroughs.
It comes with an intuitive zoom-in and zoom-out effect creator module. However,it only works post-recordingin theCamtasia Video Editor Canvas. Unfortunately, you can’t zoom in and out in real time. You can use Glassbrick or Windows Magnifier instead. Camtasia captures the entire desktop screen so it automatically records the real-time zoom effects.
Additionally, there are more content annotation functionalities that allow you to make comprehensive tutorials and PC game walkthroughs. You can choose from options likeCallouts,Arrows & Lines,Shapes,Blur & Highlight,Sketch Motion, andKeystroke Callouts.
Moreover, Camtasia is suitable for premium monetizable tutorials and gameplay videos. Firstly, you need to invest a hefty budget to buy a premium license. Secondly, you must invest a significant amount of time in perfecting the zoom effects in the screen recording editing canvas.
Leading corporate training companies use this tool to make impactful tutorials and walkthroughs.
Pricing:TheIndividual Subscriptioncosts$179.88 for a year. This excludes the costs for Camtasia video editing assets. For the premium content creation assets, you must get theCamtasia + Assets + Audiatefor$479.86 per year.
Get Camtasia
Open Broadcaster Software (OBS)– Best For Pro Broadcasters
OBS is an excellent choice for recording and streaming on Twitch. It captures all thedesktop screen activitiesalong with screen overlays. Hence, you can use it to record on-screen zoom effects created by Windows Magnifier or Glassbrick.
Moreover, you can createScenes. Scenes are multiple content sources like window captures, images, text, browser windows, webcams, and capture cards. This feature is useful if you want to switch between different content seamlessly. You can set up an unlimited number of them on OBS.
Most importantly,you can zoom via custom scenes, scaling, and transforming properties. You can plan how many zoom-in and out effects you might require. Then, you can focus on the content by adjusting theOBS bounding boxes.
Furthermore, themodular Dock UIlets you rearrange the layout to suit your video. You can quickly adjust the appearance of zoom effects exactly in the same order you want by dragging and dropping scenes.
Theintuitive audio mixeroffers audio filters likenoise gate,noise suppression, andgain. This ensures your audio is crisp and clear.
Additionally, the customizable transitions and hotkeys allow for smooth and dynamic streams.Studio Modealso lets you preview scenes before going live.
Since the app isfree and open source,you can use it without any limits. You don’t need to worry about copyright requirements or content ownership.
Pricing:It’s free but you can contribute to the open-source project by becoming anOBS Patreonmember.
Get OBS
ShareX– Best Lightweight Solution
ShareX is anopen-source optionfor screen recording for Twitch, YouTube, Facebook,and more. It offers multiple capture areas like window, fullscreen, monitor, region, etc. If you need to zoom in and out when recording tutorials, gameplay, or presentations, you must start with theScreen recording mode.
In addition, it supports recording screen overlays created by Glassbricks and Windows Magnifier. So, by capturing content from the entire monitor, youautomatically record zoom effects. The tool is alsofully compatible with GPU hardware accelerationand screen overlays so the zoom effects stay sharp and clear.
ShareX comes with abuilt-in video converteras well. It can change content encoding to 15 different types likeH.264,H.265,HEVC,VP8,MPEG-4,AV1, etc.
Another cool feature is that you canupload your videos directly from the desktop to more than 50 video and content-sharing platforms.This includes Imgur, ImageShack, Flickr, Google Photos, VGY.me, Dropbox, OneDrive, Google Drive, Amazon S3, MediaFire, YouTube, and many more.
However, you must pre-configure these websites with your account credentials before uploading videos.
Pricing:It’s a freeware software.
Get ShareX
VLC Media Player– Best Open Source Option for Simple Videos
If you’ve already been using VLC Media Player to playback video files, you can also rely on it for Twitch recording. It supports the zoom effects created by the Glassbricks and Windows Magnifier tool.
However, VLC is aminimalistic screen recorder. It’ll record the whole screen seamlessly but itdoesn’t allow live customizations like video annotating, content highlighting, and more. Therefore, it’s suitable for small-scale and simple personal Twitch channel videos and tutorials.
VLC also offers a few post-processing features like conversion. Using theVLC Convertfeature, you can transform an input video file to various other formats, like MP4, Webm, TS, MP4, OGG, ASF, FLAC, iPod SD, Android SD/ HD, YouTube SD/ HD, and more.
Another helpful post-processing tool is theEffects and Filtersmodule. You can use it to access theVideo Effectslibrary and configuration interface. It supports options likeCrop,Colors,Geometry,Overlay,Motion blur,Denoiser, etc.
Moreover, it has video effects such asAnaglyph 3D,Mirror,Psychedelic,Waves,Water effect,Motion detect, etc.
In summary, VLC is an all-in-one video player and editor for personal Twitch channel content creation along with a zoom feature.
Pricing:It’s a freeware screen recording software.
Get VLC Media Player
Streamlabs– Best for Monetization
If you’re willing to create Twitch videos and earn a passive income through content monetization, try Streamlabs. It’s a simpler version of the OBS Studio app. You cancreate zooming effectswhen recording PC games or presentations using two techniques.
Firstly, you canuse a Streamlabs Scene and add the Display Capture option as the Scene Source.This allows you to record the entire PC screen along with any overlays and effects created by Windows tools and third-party apps. Then, you can capture gameplay and other multimedia content.
When you want to highlight important elements in your video, use theWindows Flag+Plus (+)key to zoom in and theWindows Flag+Minus (-)key to zoom out. Alternatively, you can use the Glassbricks app for advanced zoom effects, like colored frames, fast zoom, zoom tracks, and more.
Secondly, you canadd the same content in multiple Streamlabs Scenes. Then,adjust the Scene sizeto create zoom-in and zoom-out effects.
Moreover, Streamlabs assists you in spicing up your streams and video recordings with Twitch overlays. There’s anexhaustive overlay libraryfor Twitch, YouTube, and more. They’re available in different designs and styles, like Anime, Pixel Art, Retro, Among Us, Battlefield, Dark Souls, Dota 2, Halloween, Valentines, Animated, Art, TikTok Friendly, and more.
Another cool feature is acollection of support toolsso viewers can donate to your channel. For example, you can set upGoals,Tip Ticker,Tip Jar,Stream Boss, andSponsor Banner.
Pricing:You can download and install the free version without subscribing. However, you can join theUltra subscription planto access premium features. Ultra starts at$19/ month.
Get Streamlabs
ShadowPlay– Best for NVIDIA GPUs
Do you regularly stream high-quality gameplay videos on Twitch and need to highlight your amazing stunts?ShadowPlayinGeForce Experiencefor NVIDIA graphics cards is your best bet.
This screen recording tool allows you tocapture thrilling gameplay actions in real-time.Also, you can use it to upload GIFs, screenshots, and videos to your favorite streaming platforms like Twitch, Facebook, and YouTube, without leaving the game.
GeForce Experience ShadowPlay doesn’t offer dedicated keys to zoom into an in-game character or event. However, you cancapture zoom-in effects created by in-built or third-party tools. For example, during gameplay, you can use the Glassbricks tool to zoom in, zoom out, pan, and record with ShadowPlay.
The best thing about ShadowPlay is that it lets yourecord gameplay in 4K and 8K resolutions. The tool has been fine-tuned for NVIDIA graphics cards so it can useNVIDIA Physics,3D rendering, andhardware acceleration.
Pricing:Available for free for all compatible NVIDIA GPUs.
Get ShadowPlay
Radeon ReLive– Best for AMD Radeon GPUs
You can activate theRadeon ReLivefeature in theRadeon Software Adrenalin Editionto record gameplay in HD and UHD definitions. The tool works with select AMD Radeon GPUs like Radeon™ RX Vega Series, Radeon™ RX 500 Series, Radeon™ Pro Duo, and more.
Furthermore, theRecord Desktopfeature lets yourecord all the activities on your Windows PC screen including overlays.Therefore, if you zoom in and out using the Windows Magnifier or Glassbricks app, Radeon ReLive will capture that.
Its notable feature isBorderless RegionCapture.Your video recordings will only contain the gameplay and software interface for clarity and maximum viewing area. It won’t include a video frame as a border.
Pricing:Freeware Windows PC screen recorder.
Get Radeon ReLive
Visla– Best for Easy Zoom UI
If you’re looking for an effortless Twitch recording software with zoom that works with simple hotkeys, Visla should be your first choice. Also, the tool is highly affordable compared to its competitors.
It comes withdedicated keyboard shortcutsand a settings panel for zooming effects:
While recording your desktop screen, you can press the dedicatedzoom-in keys. The tool will create a zoom frame and focus on the content beneath the cursor. So, the mouse cursor position controls the zooming location.
Now, if you need to pan when already zoomed in, you can use thePan while zoomed-inhotkey. Again, the Visla app will move the pan frame towards the mouse cursor. The Pan frame moves automatically to always keep the mouse cursor in the middle of the frame.
It also includes must-have features, likemixing microphone and webcam content into the screen recording.You can enable or disable recording the mouse cursor, showing speaker notes, and capturing system sound to make your Twitch videos engaging.
Furthermore, Visla automatically creates a shareable link for your screen capture. For this purpose, you get10 GB to 100 GB ofcloud storageon theVista cloud server. You can make your videos view-only, editable, downloadable, and more.
Pricing:There’s a forever-free plan. For premium features, you can subscribe to the$24/ month Premium Plan.
Get Visla
EaseUS RecExperts– Best for Professional Tutorials
EaseUS RecExperts is a third-party desktop recording tool with cool features that add value to your Twitch channel content creation. Firstly, you get adedicated zooming effects featurein itsAnnotationmodule. It’s easily accessible with a hotkey or floating toolbar.
Additionally, thebuilt-in zoom feature works in real time. It means that when you’re recording a tutorial or gameplay walkthrough, you can zoom in on specific content or in-game elements.
RecExperts alsosupports the recording of desktop overlaysin the entire display recording mode. It’s compatible with system tools, like Windows Magnifier or Glassbricks.
Moreover, you can display game overlay info effortlessly using theShow overlay informationfeature. It allows you to displayFrame rate,Remaining storage space,Recording duration,Recording file size, andHotkeys.
Furthermore, you can use itsAI Assitanttool to transcribe audio of the content into text for closed captions and subtitles. AI can help you withupscaling HD videosto 4K and 8K as well.
Pricing:Starts at $19.95 per month for one PC. Other license options are also available, like yearly, lifetime, business licenses, etc.
Get EaseUS RecExperts
Prepare Your Windows PC for Twitch Recording With Zoom
First, you’ll need to install a lightweight and secureWindows UWP appto get the zoom-in and out effect when recording screen content. Glassbrick is free. Also, I’ve tested the software on my Windows 10 PC and have confirmed that it doesn’t install spyware, adware, and malware.
Here’s how you can get it from Microsoft Store:
Although the built-inWindows Magnifier[Winodws Flag+Plus (+)orMinus (-)] tool can help you, it might fall short on features.
Glassbrick offers advanced zoom-in and out functionalities that can:
How I Chose the Best Twitch Recording Software With Zoom
After carefully testing these tools and observing Twitch live streams and recorded videos, I’ve created this master list of requirements your ideal tool should fulfill:
Not all screen recording apps can capture desktop overlay activities you can see in Windows On-Screen Keyboard, Windows Game Bar, or Windows Magnifier. I’ve meticulously tested all the tools to ensure they support display overlay capturing so you can create a zoom-in effect using the Windows Magnifier API.
Windows Magnifier comes with very limited zoom-in features. There are better third-party apps, like Glassbrick. So, I tested all the screen recorders keeping this app in mind.
Gameplay walkthroughs, tutorials, live chat, and recordings for Twitch are intellectual properties. I installed and tested the tools to ensure no viruses or malware could harm your PC, content, or identity in any way.
I’ve chosen only software that’s easy to use. Even novices can quickly get started with the tools I selected.
I’ve prioritized freeware apps so you don’t need to invest anything to own the best Twitch recording tool with a zoom feature. I’ve also added a few premium paid apps that you can use if you want to enhance the monetization of your Twitch videos.
All of the above options offer HD and UHD screen recording. These apps use advanced lossless video compression technologies to give better display outputs at minimum overall file size.
I’ve only included services that a professional would use with or without Windows Magnifier to create effective tutorial videos. The zooming effects available are highly functional and show up on the output videos as well.
I’ve tried to include only options that consume the least possible system resources. These apps won’t slow down your PC noticeably when you run them in the background.
Apart from screen recording, I’ve also opted for tools that offer an easy setup of live streaming and broadcasting for free.
Since screen recording involves tens and hundreds of GBs of video files, it’s not economical and rational to go for exclusively online tools. Therefore, I’ve chosen apps that offer offline support, as well as select online features for additional editing, post-processing, etc.
I listed apps that even non-techy Twitch users can grasp quickly. Some of them come with different levels of learning curves only for the advanced and premium features.
Most of the apps listed here support overlay screens and scenes, like Twitch overlays for viewer engagement and monetization purposes.
Once you’ve recorded a video on your desktop, you might need conversion, splitting, cropping, watermarking, and similar features. You’ll find basic and standard video post-processing tools in most of the apps listed above.
Summary
Now you know all about the best Twitch recording software with zoom tools for personal and professional use. And not just Twitch, you can use these apps for YouTube, Facebook, Vimeo, and more. You can also incorporate the Windows Screen Magnification feature in screen recordings and live streaming.
Feel free to give them a try and comment below which one you prefer! If the article helped you or you think it lacks some options, include that in your comment as well.
More about the topics:gaming,screen recording,Video streaming
Vlad Turiceanu
Windows Editor
Passionate about technology,Windows, and everything that has a power button, he spent most of his time developing new skills and learning more about the tech world.
Coming from a solid background in PC building and software development, with a complete expertise in touch-based devices, he is constantly keeping an eye out for the latest and greatest!
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Vlad Turiceanu
Windows Editor
Coming from a solid background in PC building and software development, he’s a Windows 11 Privacy & Security expert.
