If you’ve been thinking about making your mark as a live game streamer, here’s a great place to start.
Whether you’re hoping to monetize your love of gaming or just want to share your unique style of gameplay with other aficionados, you’re also coming at it at exactly the right time.
But before you let yourself loose on the world there are certain things you’ll have to sort first – and the most important is which game, or games, you’re planning to play.
Some titles like League of Legends, GTA and Fortnite already have plenty of exposure. So, you’ll probably be better off looking for a specific niche to occupy. For example, casino game popularity is on the rise so you may decide to play for free at a sweepstake casino and stream your game for others to watch in on the action.
You can also check out other games which have fairly low rankings via the analysis provided by Twitch and other streaming platforms. Choose one of these and you’ll find yourself standing out far more than if you’re playing one of the biggies.
It’s also going to involve a little bit of investment in hardware, and possibly software too, to get you started. So, here’s a quick primer on what you’ll need.
A PC that’s up to the task
This is going to be your single biggest cost. You’re going to need a machine that is powerful enough to play games as near as possible to the maximum settings at whatever screen resolution that you choose.
You’ll find that the majority of gamers play at full HD resolution because they need to show the images clearly so you’ll need to stick to a 1080p setting. That way you’ll be getting far higher frame rates than you would at 4K, and that’s going to translate into much smoother action on screen.
The good news is that there’s a wide range of suitable PCs available to fit in with your needs and budget.
Make yourself heard and seen
The second vital piece of kit you’re going to need is a quality microphone. You might think that the built-in mike on your PC would do the job, but it really won’t. Equally, ones that are linked to a headset aren’t great. Far better to spend a little extra on a plug and play USB model.
Similarly, you need to get a good enough web cam so you can be seen clearly, even if it’s just a thumbnail size image in the corner of the screen – and that’s going to mean thinking about the lighting too.
A ring light makes for the perfect solution with the Elgato being a particularly good choice.
To OBS or not to OBS?
To put together a truly professional streaming service it will be well worth your while downloading a program called Open Broadcasting Software, or OBS. It brings together all the elements including hardware and software and makes them simple to manage through just one interface.
It can be a little intimidating to use at first but you should be able to get to grips with it soon enough, and you can even customize it to your individual needs. For a simpler alternative you can also try Xsplit’s Gamecaster.
Where to stream
Obviously, Twitch is the first platform that will spring to mind when it comes to choosing a platform. But it’s by no means the only game in town.
YouTube Live has its own gaming arm that’s specifically aimed at live streamers as does Facebook Live.
Needless to say, TikTok is also getting in on the act too and lets you live stream for 30 minutes or more – a great way to connect with followers there and on other social media sites.
Getting a following
Even if you’re not hoping to become the next HasanAbi or XQC you do want to generate a loyal group of followers.
Using social media is the obvious way to spread the word. As you do, you also need to be consistent so people know exactly when and where you’ll be streaming.
Once you start, dig into the data that the streaming platform in question is sure to provide. This will give you a good idea about what does and doesn’t appeal to people who tune in.
With so many streamers out there you also need to do something that makes you stand out. We’ve already mentioned focusing on less popular games. And if you can also add an amusing, quirky or interesting commentary into the mix, so much the better.
Put all of these elements together and you should be in a good position to launch your streaming career. Start small and gradually build up, learning as you go. You probably won’t become a gaming millionaire, at least straight away. But you will be sharing doing something that you love with the rest of the online world.
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Whether she is researching the latest trends in home decor, life-changing destination getaways, or the best way to maintain your finances, Dewey takes pride in leaving no stone unturned. She is passionate about distilling and delivering high-quality information that you can use to upgrade your life.
