Since we’ve all been stuck inside this past year, a lot of us (myself included) have turned to watching live streams on YouTube or Twitch.tv. Seeing the success of streamers, and then looking at our own gaming setups can make you think “could I make it as a streamer?”. There’s no winning formula to becoming a successful streamer but here are some tips to help you get started!
Firstly, it’s important to make sure your computer can handle streaming. There are lots of websites out there which can tell you the best hardware to have. Don’t immediately go splashing out the cash on high-end microphones, webcams, keyboards, and LED strips. Nor do you really need an excessive number of monitors (honestly how do you even look at like more than two, we only have two eyes goddamnit!)
Secondly, figure out what you’re going to do! Despite what you might immediately think of streaming is not just limited to gaming! There is some great success for people streaming themselves doing art, cooking, crafts or even something as simple as chatting! As long as you’re enjoying what you’re doing that’s what’s important, your audience will always be able to tell if you’re not enjoying yourself.
After you’ve got your plan, its time to go! There is no better advice to give than just press the ‘Go Live’ button. Getting started and jumping that first hurdle will always be the worst part, but once the ball starts rolling then you’re set! Start having fun, play your games and enjoy the moment. Don’t worry about if anyone is watching, just always be in the mindset that there is. You should be primarily streaming for yourself, not for numbers. That being said though, the numbers game is always appealing. Spanish streamer TheGrefg broke his own record for a number of live concurrent viewers, reaching a whopping 2.6 million live viewers at once while streaming.
Equally though, don’t ignore the people that do show up! Interact with your chat, start conversations, and get to know people. Building and maintaining a community is a huge part of streaming. The interaction between the streamer and the chat is what starts up a recurring fanbase. Let chat to get to know you, and get to know your chat. Personal interaction is one of the most appealing things about being in someone’s chat.
Being a streamer is a big aspiration to have, and it doesn’t come without hard work and patience. No one can become a top-tier streamer instantly, nor can people make it a feasible career immediately. If you start streaming, start doing it for fun and to make some friends. See where it takes you, and what opportunities it grants you. If you’re lucky enough, soon you could be the next Ninja, Ludwig or Annemunition!