How To Be The Best Gaming Streamer In 2020
Did you know that your gaming hobby can have many opportunities waiting? All you need to do is to grab these opportunities. What a dream come true to every gamer out there — you are going to be paid up to eight digit salary, receive donations and all you have to do is sit and play games? Do not let your dream remain as your dream only. Make it happen. Are you curious on how to start streaming online?
Many people are into gaming. They do it for fun, to relieve stress, or just to escape from reality for a little while. But some people make gaming as their source of income. At first, they just wanted to share their gameplays but as time goes by, many people are engaged and that results for more followers and a chance to earn money through gaming. That is how to start streaming online.
To name some of the best gaming streamers nowadays, they are Ninja and Pewdiepie. Have you heard of these people? They are two of the best gaming streamers online. If you really want to pursue a streaming career, go for it. You really can’t tell what will happen. You can be the next big gaming streamer superstar online. Isn’t that amazing?
We have a guide for you to help you reach your dream. We listed nine tips to help you get you started on how to start streaming online. We made it nine because it’s lucky nine! We wish you good luck but make sure to follow this amazing guide until the end.
Nine Tips To Be The Best Gaming Streamer
1. Branding
The first thing to ask yourself is who do you want to be known for? And by the time that you figure out the answer to that question, you are on your way to start your gaming streamer career.
Every gamer has their own personality. You cannot be the person that you are not. Of course, you can go out of your comfort zone and venture many different genres of games. But we advise to stick up first on what you have practiced and what you are skilled at. That is how to start streaming online. Take note of the criticisms too!
Branding is very important because it allows you to position yourself into the mind of gaming watchers or the audience. When people are asked about the best streamers of The Sims 4, they will most likely answer Lilsimsie, James Turner and Deligracy. That is how you form branding. When people ask about a certain topic, you are the first person that comes into their mind. That is the time that you will know that you have mastered the art of branding.
One way to be more effective, make sure to think and create a quirky remarkable username that your audience will search to find you online. As much as possible, don’t make it similar to other gamers so that you will be the only one having that name. Make it unique, too. If you have trouble thinking about your username, there are lots of username generators online where you can type a certain word and lots of username choices are being generated.
There are also some strategies that can be used to earn more audience and get viral. It is up to you what image to portray in front of your audience. Some streamers cover their faces by using masks that they like or some streamers have cosplay outfits while they are playing games. Some make it mysterious at first and when they reach a certain number of followers or views, they will show up their faces. Streaming also requires strategies to make you stand out from the rest. Make the most of it.
2. Have the right equipment
Another thing to consider on how to start streaming online is your equipment. You need to have at least the minimum recommended specs. You can use your personal computer, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One as your core device in streaming but we mostly recommend using a personal computer among the three.
If you are planning to stream on Twitch, the minimum requirements that your PC should have are at least an Intel Core i5–4670, 8GB of RAM, graphics card that are DirectX 10, 11, or 12. Visually, your streams should be of good quality so you will need to deliver at least about 1080p at 60 frames per second, and 1080p at 30 frames per second. But these requirements are only the minimum specifications. You can go beyond if you can. High quality streams with high quality gameplay performance can make you stand out from other streamers.
Aside from these PC requirements, you also need to have a webcam, microphone, headset, and high speed internet. With the right equipment, you are ready to go. You can start by minimum specs and when you save enough money, you can upgrade anytime. These are definitely good investments when you plan to pursue a gaming stream career.
If you want to level up your streaming career, some of the bonus add ups that we advise you to have are ring lights, and a green screen. With proper lighting, people can see you clearly and with the green screen, this will take a whole new editing level that will certainly help you be on trend. You can always improvise and do your own thing when streaming as long as you are following the rules and policy. Now that is how to start streaming online.
3. Use streaming software
How to start streaming online if you don’t have streaming software? What is streaming software? Streaming software is used to broadcast your streams live or record your gameplays.
If you are worried that you do not have enough money to purchase streaming software, we are happy to tell you that there is free streaming software that can be used with zero money involved. One of the best and most recommended streaming software is OBS Studio or also known as Open Broadcaster Software. Many gaming streamers are using this streaming software because it is free. If you are a little bit confused on how to use this, there are tons of tutorials online that will guide you.
Aside from OBS Studio, you can also try other free streaming software such as Nvidia Shadowplay, and Xsplit Gamecaster. Take note that some of these streaming software has watermarks on them. That is why we recommend OBS Studio because there is no watermark when you finish recording or streaming using it.
Where can you find these streaming software? You can download them online. Try downloading those three streaming software and figure out which one you like the most.
4. Watch other streamers
Know your competitors. If you are serious in your gaming stream career, then we recommend you to watch other streamers. Why? It is better to know their technique, how do they execute their streams, and how they connect with their audience. But always keep in mind to never ever copy them. Be you.
You are only going to watch them to have them as your reference. And by the time that you know their strengths and weaknesses, that is that time to form your own technique to stand out from them. Have you ever heard about the SWOT Analysis?
You can also use other streamers as your inspiration in starting a gaming stream career. If you plan to be the next Pewdiepie, you can learn from his uploads but make sure to only make them as your inspiration and create your brand. Most people make these streamers as their inspiration on how to start streaming online.
Think of what you can offer to your audience. Think of something different. Yes, you are a gaming stream but do not be mainstream.
5. Promote on Social Media
Imagine billions of people using social media every day? That is why, nowadays, social media has proven to be one of the most effective ways to promote your brand. A lot of businesses are using social media to reach more people and as a gaming streamer, you can also reach many people by promoting on social media.
Who could be your first audience? This could be friends or your families if they want to support you in your gaming stream career. Aside from your friends and families, you may have lots of social media friends who are maybe into gaming.
How to start streaming online? Share your streams on your social media accounts. Post a link, tweet a highlight of your stream, or share some snippets on your story or feed. People who are interested may share your posts. In that way, you will reach more people and there could be a higher chance for more followers and viewers on your streams.
We believe that social media is very beneficial to gaming streamers. Why? Social media increases brand awareness. People will know who you are and what you are offering.
There will be also times that your account will be visible to businesses that sponsor streamers. They will message you and ask if they can send products to you for free. What a great chance, right? This is possible since lots of streamers gain sponsors and donations. But of course, make sure that your profile is worthy of their products.
With proper use of social media, there is also a higher chance of engagement with your audience. You can reply to your followers’ comments and tweets. With that, you are able to maximize your platform and they are able to know you better.
6. Be friends with streamers and get a chance to collaborate with them
Just like what people say, keep your friends close and your enemies closer. We mean, every gamer out there are your direct competitors because you are all offering one common thing which is gaming entertainment. This is just a friendly war between gamers because gamers in real life are friends. We all know that people love to spice up things and this is just one technique by streamers to gain more viewers.
If you are watching Lilsimsie and Plumbella, two amazing Simmer Streamers, they call each other “enemy.” But of course, they are not. If you are not an avid follower of the two, you might just think that they are really fighting with each other but they are not.
Being friends with other streamers come naturally. You don’t have to force your friendly relationship with them just to collaborate with them. Be friends with them. Play with them. Collaboration will come sooner or later.
Work on your branding so that other streamers will also be interested in your contents. There could also be a chance that they are the ones that will come to you and be friends with you.
If you wanted to be friends with other streamers, you should show support to them. Follow them on their social media accounts. If you have free time, you can watch their streams and leave a comment to show that you are there supporting them. It is the little things, indeed. Talk to them and reach out to them. Be nice and be yourself.
Collaboration with other streamers is definitely beneficial for both parties. They can encourage their followers to follow the other streamer and vice versa. When two streamers upload their collaboration videos, each market will definitely collide and show love to their videos. This is what forms a healthy and good gaming community. Now you have the idea on how to start streaming online and collaborating online.
7. Consistency is the key
Create your own schedule. It is nice for people to know what time you will be streaming so that they can allot their time for you. A gaming streamer should be consistent with his or her streams. If you are planning to stream every single day, make sure to be consistent because for sure, your followers will also wait for you every single day.
If you are planning to take a break, it is nice to upload every other day so that you have the time to edit your videos or you have enough energy when you stream.
While streaming and uploading consistently, make sure to give quality content to your audience. That is how to start streaming online. It takes commitment and passion to do these things. If you are not happy and you are just doing this for the sake of having money, then there will be a lesser chance that you will commit to these things. You may just throw streams anytime of the day which is not good because you cannot have the same viewers at random times.
Set a schedule and be consistent.
8. Be interactive with your streaming audience
It is always nice to get in touch with your audience. When you are streaming on Twitch, there is a chat room for you and your audience that is why some gamers invest with two personal computers — one is for gaming and one is for engaging.
How to start streaming online? Before you start playing, you can turn on your stream and make it live. People will suddenly go into your stream and comment on the chat box. Best way to engage with them is to say hello, mention their usernames, and thank them for coming today on your stream. Giving a shoutout means a lot to them.
If you have lots of followers and viewers, you may create a cute family name referring to your audience. Since they are your family in this community, giving them a nickname will also enhance your relationship with them. For example, Pewdiepie’s fanbase is called “Bro Army.” This is one way to bring you closer with the audience.
Being friends with other streamers is as important as being friends with your audience because without them, you won’t be successful in your gaming stream career. They are the ones that make views for you by watching your streams and videos. Give them importance and do not take them for granted. Always be down-to-earth.
9. Just have fun
This is the last tip on how to be the best gaming streamer in 2020 and how to start streaming online — just have fun. Your audience are happy to see you enjoying what you are doing instead of mashing buttons and spreading negativity while playing.
Be inspired, play, and share streams because it is what your heart is screaming for. Your audience can easily see right through you whether you enjoy streaming or not.
If you are having fun, you may think of other creative things to interact with your audience. You can have a Question and Answer portion on your live streams, or you can do a short Quiz Bee for your audience to answer.
Even if you are just starting and you have a small audience, have fun. Your viewers are watching you so make sure to make it worth their while.
Where to start your streaming sessions?
If you are a beginner and you don’t know where to share your streaming sessions and you are not familiar on how to start streaming online, you can go live and you can upload your streams on Twitch, Youtube and Facebook. You can gain many viewers if you stream with these platforms. Don’t forget to promote them on your other social media accounts!
A Short List Of Games To Help You Start With Streaming
We also compiled the most watched games online to help you get started with your gaming streamer career. Take a look!
1. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive
2. Dota 2
3. League of Legends
4. Playerunknown’s Battlegrounds
5. Fortnite
6. Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six: Siege
7. Rocket League
8. Valorant
9. NBA 2K20
10. StarCraft II
Perks Of Being A Gaming Streamer
To get you inspired and boost your energy to start your gaming stream career, here are some of the perks that you can have by being a gaming streamer after you learn on how to start streaming online:
1. You can earn money.
While streaming, you can earn money. You can earn from regular uploads and hitting requirements. You can run ads with your uploads on your Youtube account when you are eligible for monetization. You can also earn money by donations of your viewers and tips from your fans. If you also have enough capital by earning from your streams and you have a big audience, you can start selling your own merchandise and for sure, your fans will purchase them.
2. You can be popular.
If you plan to be the next online sensation or gaming streamer superstar, then you can be! By uploading quality contents and streams, you can go viral and be on the trending section. By being popular in the gaming industry, you will be given opportunities where you can be invited to attend some exclusive events.
3. You can have the chance to playtest a game before it is released to the public.
Gaming companies will send you an exclusive copy of their new game which will be released to the public sooner or later. If you are a credible gaming streamer, then there could be a chance that they will reach out to you to play the game and ask for your feedback, so make sure to build your brand and make quality content for gaming industries to trust you with their games.
Become The Best Gaming Streamer