Mac as a Second Monitor for PC: The Complete Guide

Want to share your epic gameplays live but don’t know which app to use? You're not alone.

More and more gamers want to stream their sessions—whether it’s to grow a following, entertain friends, or even start a side hustle. But with so many streaming apps out there, choosing the right one can feel like sorting inventory in survival mode.

I’ve been in the game (literally) for over a decade, and I’ve tested all the popular options. In this post, I’ll walk you through the 7 best streaming apps for gaming in 2025—what makes them great, who they're for, and how to start, Let’s jump right in.

1. Twitch

Twitch is still the go-to for most streamers—and for good reason. With a massive audience and deep integration with gaming culture, Twitch lets gamers interact in real time, build loyal communities, and even monetize their channels through subscriptions and Bits. Its features like raids, emotes, and clip sharing make it one of the best choice if you're looking to grow fast and engage consistently.

Why It's Great:

• Supports PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and mobile.

• You can grow fast if you're consistent.

• Huge community = easier to get discovered.

2. YouTube Gaming

YouTube Gaming is a strong contender for gamers who want long-term visibility. Your streams automatically become videos, helping you build a content library. The platform also offers high-resolution streaming and reliable monetization through ads and memberships. As part of the YouTube ecosystem, it's one of the best stream apps for gaming if discoverability and content longevity are your priorities.

Why It's Great:

• Everything is in one place—videos, shorts, streams.

• Streamed videos stay on your channel (great for building an archive).

• Powerful search and recommended videos bring traffic even after you go offline.

3. Facebook Gaming

Facebook Gaming makes streaming accessible to casual gamers and existing Facebook users. It’s easy to go live with just a few clicks, and you can reach friends or groups instantly. Plus, it integrates well with existing Facebook communities. If you're targeting your personal network or niche audiences, this is among the alternative stream apps for gaming with a social twist.

Why It's Great:

• Easy to invite your friend list.

• Built-in audience if you're active on Facebook.

• Live chat, reactions, and share options.

4. Discord

Originally a chat platform, Discord now offers seamless game streaming inside servers. You can share your screen in high quality with minimal delay, making it perfect for private streams among friends or exclusive communities. It may not be for public broadcasting, but it’s definitely one of the best stream apps for gaming if you're prioritizing intimacy and real-time feedback.

Why It's Great:

• No setup needed—just click “Go Live.”

• Works well for collabs, hangouts, or coaching sessions.

• Quality audio/video even on slower connections.

5. Streamlabs

Streamlabs is a broadcasting app built on OBS but with a much more user-friendly interface. It provides overlays, donation tools, and widgets that make your stream look pro with minimal effort. Whether you're streaming on Twitch, YouTube, or Facebook, this tool makes your setup smoother. For streamers who want customization, it ranks among the best stream apps for gaming.

Why It's Great:

• Easy setup with built-in themes & overlays.

• Supports multistreaming.

• Integrated widgets (chat, alerts, donation).

• Cloud sync & performance analytics

6. OBS Studio

OBS Studio is the industry standard for professional streamers. It offers full control over scenes, audio mixing, filters, and transitions. Though it has a steeper learning curve, its power is unmatched. For those who want flexibility and top-tier quality, OBS is one of the best stream apps for gaming used by esports pros and content creators alike.

Why It's Great:

• Raw and flexible, perfect for users who want full control.

• Open-source software for live streaming and recording.

• Free and lightweight, but requires manual setup (overlays, plugins, etc).

7. Kick

Kick is a newer streaming platform that’s quickly gaining traction due to its creator-friendly policies and high revenue share. With a simple interface and fewer restrictions than other platforms, Kick is ideal for those who want a fresh start. It might still be growing, but it deserves a spot on any list of the best stream apps for gaming in 2025.

Why It's Great:

• 95/5 revenue split (yes, really).

• Simple interface, no weird algorithm stuff.

• Chill vibe and growing fast.

Related reading:

• How to Play Steam Games on Android Without a PC

• How to Play iPhone Games on Android

Bonus Tip: Want to Play Game Remotely?

Streaming is great—but what if you also want to play your favorite games remotely with full graphics and responsiveness?

That’s where DeskIn shines. It’s not just for work—DeskIn is a remote desktop built for gamers, letting you:

• Play PC games on your phone or tablet with custom controls

• Stream up to 2K/144FPS or 4K/60FPS visuals

• Connect up to 100 devices across platforms

• Use mirroring, extended, or multi-screen setups for full flexibility

With the DeskIn Remote Game upgrade priced at only $14.32 USD, it’s a powerful add-on to your streaming setup.
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Use the promo code deskinsummer1 between July 16–31 for extra savings.
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The gaming industry is no longer just for players or developers, it’s a career ecosystem filled with opportunities. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or someone who grew up leveling up on weekends, your skills are more marketable than ever. From creative fields to technical positions, gamers today have access to diverse and often remote-friendly careers. Here are 10 top jobs for gamers that align with their passions and, in many cases, allow the freedom of remote work:

1. Game Developer 

If you love building worlds as much as exploring them, becoming a game developer might be your calling. Many studios now offer remote roles in design, coding, and prototyping.

Traits That Fit: Systems thinking, technical curiosity, iterative problem-solving. 

2. Game Tester / QA Analyst

Every game needs stress-testing. As a QA analyst, you test functionality, bugs, and mechanics before a game goes public. It’s one of the most direct jobs for gamers who want to improve experiences for others.

Traits That Fit: Patience, attention to detail, persistence, and a critical eye. If you’ve ever written feedback on a beta release, this is you.

3. Streamer or Content Creator

Whether on Twitch, YouTube, or TikTok, content creators share gameplay, tips, and reactions. This job for gamers thrives on community engagement and personal branding.

Traits That Fit: Charisma, communication, consistency, a sense of humor, and deep game knowledge.

4. Community Manager

Love Discord? Can’t stop replying on forums? Many gaming companies hire community managers to engage with players, moderate spaces, and bring feedback to dev teams.

Traits That Fit: Empathy, problem-solving, diplomacy, and a love for community-building.

5. Esports Coach or Analyst

Competitive gamers are always optimizing. If you’re analytical and understand team dynamics, coaching or analyzing esports teams could be your ideal job.

Traits That Fit: Tactical thinking, data analysis, team leadership.

6. Game Translator

Combine your language skills with your love of gaming. As a game translator, you’ll translate your favorite video games into another language, helping gamers worldwide enjoy more variety.

Traits That Fit: fluent in multiple languages, this role values attention to detail, cultural sensitivity, and a deep understanding of gaming terminology and narrative.

7. UX/UI Designer for Games

If you notice every clunky menu or awkward HUD, you might be perfect for UX design in games. Your job is to make interfaces fluid and enjoyable.

Traits That Fit: gamers with an eye for detail and empathy, this role suits those who understand player behavior, enjoy intuitive design, and think critically about user experience.

8. Senior Effects Artist

As a senior effects artist, you’ll work on games’ texturing, modeling, and simulation. Work with developers to provide technical support throughout the creative process.

Traits That Fit: cinematic eye and technical flair, this role fits those who appreciate visual impact, motion timing, and immersive gameplay moments.

9. Senior Technical Artist

When you’re a senior technical artist, you’ll analyze the technical side of games, offering suggestions and feedback to improve visual effects through better technological implementation.

Traits That Fit: for gamers who love both art and code, this role blends creative vision with problem-solving skills to optimize performance and push visual boundaries.

10. Localization Specialist

For bilingual gamers, translating games from one language to another—while preserving context—is a skill in high demand.

Traits That Fit: Perfect for gamers with strong linguistic skills and cultural awareness, this role suits those who can adapt game content to resonate authentically with local audiences.

Related reading:

• How to Play Steam Games on Android Without a PC

• How to Play iPhone Games on Android

Why Do Gamers Prefer Remote Work?

Most of these top jobs for gamers thrive in remote settings. Gamers value flexible hours, digital collaboration, and comfort—all things remote work provides. Plus, with tools like cloud-based editing, multiplayer testing platforms, and virtual workspaces, the transition is seamless.

Gamers are already digital natives. They're efficient with tech tools, comfortable with asynchronous workflows, and able to thrive in online communities. These qualities make them strong candidates for remote jobs across creative and technical disciplines.

Bonus Tip for Gamers Who Value Freedom

If you’re already in a remote job or looking to optimize your setup for both work and play, consider upgrading with DeskIn Remote Game. It’s built for gamers who want to access high-performance desktops from any device—whether you’re working on game design, running streams, or just winding down with your favorite title.
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Regular Price: $19.90/month

• First Month: Only $14.32 with code deskinsummer1

• Valid through: Now until July 31

• Click here to upgrade

Make your passion your profession—and your workstation your gaming station.

A 2024 study by MIT on hybrid workers found that taking short creative or leisure breaks—like gaming, creating, or even switching up your device or workspace—for just 15 to 30 minutes a day can boost focus recovery by 22% and increase overall job satisfaction by 17%.

Chances are, you've already felt this yourself. A few rounds of Monster Hunter after lunch—launched remotely from your iPhone to your PC at home—can leave you more refreshed and sharper for your next meeting. It’s not slacking off; it’s a mental reboot.

So here’s the real question: how do you make this kind of quick, productive “switch time” easier? Thanks to modern remote desktop tools, switching devices or locations is no longer a hassle. You can now tap into your desktop from virtually any device, anytime, anywhere. And DeskIn has quickly become a go-to solution for creators and mobile professionals who want seamless access to their work—or play—across platforms.

One Phone. Your Gaming Rig and Edit Suite, Always with You.

Old-school remote desktops used to require IP setup, firewall tweaks, or relay servers—definitely not made for casual users. But DeskIn keeps it simple: zero setup, one-click connection, and support for macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android. If you hate dealing with technical headaches, this is your kind of tool.

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Remote desktop software aren’t just for work anymore. According to Microsoft’s 2023 Digital Habits Index, 63% of users now use them for non-work purposes—like accessing files at home (42%), controlling media or gaming gear remotely (31%), or helping parents with their computer (27%).

Today, it’s not about “remote access for overtime” but remote creativity, gaming, and collaboration. On a trip and suddenly think of a transition idea? Use your iPad to remotely open Premiere Pro on your home PC and cut that clip you never finished. Hear a melody in a café? Fire up FL Studio from your Android and drop it into your latest beat. Snapped some RAW photos on the street but can’t get home? Use your MacBook Air to tap into your GPU-powered desktop, open Lightroom, edit, and post—just like that.

This isn’t hypothetical. These are everyday possibilities.

2K, 144FPS, Near-Zero Lag—Built for Gamers and Creators Alike

According to TechRadar benchmarks, DeskIn delivers an industry-leading average latency of just 15–18ms, supporting up to 2K resolution and 144FPS refresh rates. With synchronized keyboard and mouse inputs, even on an iPhone, Android, or tablet, you’ll barely feel any lag.

It’s not just for spreadsheets and emails anymore. Video editors, 3D artists, and even competitive gamers are starting to use DeskIn as their go-to daily tool.

Tested: Play NBA 2K or Render 3D from Your Phone

My own setup includes an RTX GPU and 32GB of RAM, mainly for editing and game testing. As long as I’ve got Wi-Fi, I can use my iPad to remotely render animation in Blender, or launch a few rounds of NBA 2K—no need to move files or set up a VPN. It’s so smooth it feels like I’m sitting right in front of my PC.

Even with FPS games, there’s zero lag in aim or motion. For someone like me who constantly needs to test software and performance, DeskIn passes with flying colors.

Why Give It a Try? One-Click Access, Any Device, Any Role

You don’t need to be an engineer, and you definitely don’t need to understand networking. DeskIn lets anyone work, create, or play from anywhere with any device. Once your creativity is no longer tied to a single screen or desk, your rhythm can finally flow freely.

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The free version connects up to 3 devices, while the Pro plan supports up to 100—perfect whether you’re a student, designer, content creator, engineer, or just someone who wants to play PC games from their phone.

Special Summer Offer: DeskIn Remote Gaming Edition

• Regular Price: $19.90/month

• First Month: Only $14.32 with code deskinsummer1

• Valid through: Now until July 31

• Click here to upgrade