Our top tips to start streaming

We’ve watched videogame streaming transform from a simple side-hustle into a full-fledged career for some creators. While you’re not likely to hit it rich from just streaming, it can be a fun way to connect with your fans and site users. We’ll tell you the steps you’ll need to take to make sure your first few streams are a success.

Serve your audience first

On average, there are over 90,000 channels streaming on Twitch at once. Viewers are spoilt for choice, which means you’re unlikely to see random users wander into your stream. Don’t be disheartened though, this just means you can cater to your existing audience already. Stick with your existing niche instead of trying to stream games or hobbies your site users aren’t really interested in. Instead of following current trends, find out what game releases your users are excited for. Pinpoint what content is fostering a lot of engagement on your site, and use that to guide the groundwork of your streams.

Change how you game

Gaming online with friends, or playing solo to unwind is completely different from streaming while you game. As you’re trying to attract an audience, you’ll want to be more engaged and conversational as you’re playing to spark interest from viewers clicking through your stream. Try explaining what you’re doing, or explaining why you’re doing something as you do it.

Before you kick off your first stream, record yourself as if you were speaking to an audience and watch it back. Did it feel awkward to describe your thought process while gaming? Streaming can be considered a form of public speaking, which means even the most seasoned gamers might not make the best streamers. If you’re not happy with your initial recording, practice until you’re comfortable speaking while gaming.

Get your equipment together

High-end recording equipment can be pricey, but a good microphone and streaming set-up can make your streams more engaging and easy to understand. Keep an eye out for secondhand equipment on reseller sites like eBay or Amazon. Retailers will also offer some kind of guarantee when selling used products, which means you can get a good quality piece of tech for a better price if you buy it refurbished instead of brand new.

If you decide you’d like to invest more in streaming later on, you can always upgrade your kit and sell anyunused equipment on. In the interim, don’t feel like you need to splash out on a shiny new soundboard for your first stream. If your used pieces haven’t come with user manuals, you can usually find the guides uploaded online if you search for the piece of equipment and any identifying serial numbers, followed by ‘user manual.’ A special extra tip for you, make sure you test your equipment before each scheduled stream to be sure it’s all in working order!

While streaming may not provide the biggest boost to your revenue, check out our other tips for supplementing your income stream here. We post a new blog each week, so be sure to check back for the best news and tips to do with site ownership. Want to join the Collective? You can apply to become a partner here.