How to Become a Streamer: A Beginner's Guide

Imagine connecting with people worldwide, sharing your passion, and building a community around what you love. Welcome to the world of streaming, where dreams can become a reality, and a hobby can become a fulfilling career.

Whether you're a gamer, musician, or just someone with stories to tell, this guide is tailored just for you. We'll cover all the bases - from the essential hardware and software to ways of creating engaging content that resonates with your audience while you are live.

By the end of this guide, you'll have a basic understanding of what it takes to become a streamer, what to expect, and how to grow. Let's embark on this exciting journey together. Your streaming career is waiting!

What do Streamers Actually do 

Streamers broadcast live videos over the internet to entertain their audience – that defines them indiscriminately. The lion's share of them play video games, and others bring hobbies into play or simply chat with viewers. Responsibilities and commitment go up for those who want to build a career out of their online personality because they need to invest most of the daylight hours in questions of content creation, promotion, monetization, collaborations, growing presence, maintaining equipment, and much more. 

Is It Possible To Become a Successful Streamer In 2023? 

Becoming a streamer is definitely an achievable goal, even if it doesn't seem so from the start. It's a long and complex route that takes hard work and dedication, and the count of overnight success stories is tiny because they're the exception. Still, streaming can be a remarkably fulfilling career if you have genuine passion and love for your community. 

 

Essentially, you should weigh all pros and cons to decide if you're ready:

 

Pros:

• Flexibility: set your schedule, work from anywhere with an internet connection, and be your boss.

• Creativity: showcase your talents and skills, share your passion, and connect with others who appreciate your work.

• Community: build a strong bond with your audience to feel supported and accepted.

• Monetization opportunities: use the potential to earn income through subscriptions, donations, sponsorship deals, ad revenue, and merchandise sales.

• Constant learning: improve your research and problem-solving skills and get to know content creation and marketing aspects. 

Cons:

• Competitive environment: standing out can be challenging, especially in popular categories.

• Unstable income: relying solely on streaming in the early stages of building an audience is risky because it may take time to establish consistency.

• Technical issues: streaming requires technical proficiency and the right equipment, and problems during live broadcasts may frustrate both the streamer and the audience.

• Demanding Workload: streaming may involve long hours, especially if you aim to maintain a consistent streaming schedule, which can be mentally and physically exhausting. 

• Dealing with criticism: being in the public eye exposes you to the risk of toxic behavior from viewers.

 

If the pros in the list above outweigh the cons, you have what it takes to become a streamer, so it's time to dive into the preparation process. 

Set Objectives for Your Streaming Journey 

Setting clear, active, and achievable goals is essential for success in your streaming path.

Define specific plan points that align with your aspirations regarding:

 

• reaching a certain number of followers or viewers

• improving your content quality

• increasing income

• frequency of streams

 

Break these goals down into smaller, manageable tasks and create a timeline to track your progress. Regularly reassess and adjust your goals as you gain experience and insights. Remember, planning provides direction and motivation, helps you stay focused, and pushes you to streaming success.

Build your Personal Brand 

A personal brand is a group of factors representing your unique personality and helping viewers recognize you. Based on how you present yourself and your content regularly, others perceive your online persona and decide whether they like it and want to continue watching, so your success directly depends on it. 

 

Identify your core personality, and consider how you want to be seen by others in a long-term perspective. Determine the type of content you would like to stream and think about who'd be interested in it – that's how you find your target audience. Ask yourself what you love and can do regularly, why your audience would choose your streams, and what they gain from you as a content creator. 

 

Rather than attempting to create a new persona, embrace and showcase your true self. Authenticity is a quality that viewers seek in streamers, so don't be afraid to display your genuine emotions and make mistakes. While flawless gameplay can be entertaining, people often root for those who face challenges to see how they overcome them eventually. Rather than striving for perfection, aim for improvement and focus on being sincere. 

Choose your Streaming Platform 

It can be something of a challenge to decide which platform is right for you because there are so many options out there, but on the other hand, it's an advantage that makes it possible to find a perfect feature mixture for your needs.

 

Here are a few general things to pay attention to when choosing a live-streaming platform:

 

• Pricing

• Streaming limit per month

• Multistreaming

• Features and functionality 

• User interface

• Platform's reputation and community

• Support team

• Privacy and security politics

• Monetization options

 

Let's check out some of the most popular competitors on the market at the moment!

Twitch

There's no doubt that Twitch comes to mind first, as it is truly a live-streaming phenomenon. Starting out as a platform for gamers, it has grown into much more – now you can find the content of any interest or become a part of Just Chatting, IRL, Art, or Music categories yourself! Twitch lets you schedule your lives, enable live comments, use custom emotes for better engagement, and much more to make your experience pleasant and comfortable. To add more, it has a bunch of monetization options, such as Twitch/Amazon affiliation, ADs, donations, subs, emotes, and it's relatively easy to get partnered with Twitch and get all these benefits! 

 

However, you've probably heard that many Twitch streamers have been recently taking a break from the platform because of some innovations. The boiling point was the revenue split announcement, which decreased streamers' interest portion from 70% to 50% and suggested yet far from perfect Ad Incentive Program as an alternative. As a result, some creators learn to deal with innovations, while others believe in Twitch and stay, and there's no right or wrong decision because we just happen to be in the progress process, which implies both highs and lows. We hope for continued success for Twitch, but let's look at its competitors to have backup options!

Youtube

YouTube is a video-sharing giant which adapts to the new reality and tries new approaches like live streaming and Shorts in the search for further growth. It's a gem for its analytics and ultra-fast chat, intuitive interface, and many tools to make your broadcasting process sleek. Besides, the YouTube Partner program works for YouTube Gaming so that you can enjoy the benefits of Ad revenue, memberships, Super Chat, Super Thanks, Super Stickers, and Shorts Fund. Streaming on YouTube is definitely one of the best options out there!

Facebook Gaming

Facebook gaming is another example of a giant social network in an attempt to gain more recognition. It's pretty good, but the annual number of hours people spend there drops more and more, meaning that its creators should find new ways to attract fans. Although Facebook announced it would be shutting down its gaming app in response to the decline in views, its mission to connect creators, players, and their fans has stayed the same! So, Facebook Gaming is no longer available on iOS and Android, while gaming features will continue to be accessible via the main Facebook app.

Tiktok Live

TikTok Live is a feature of the TikTok platform that empowers users to share live video content and connect with their audience in real time. It provides a dynamic and interactive experience where users can start a live stream, invite their followers and a broad TikTok community. One of the highlights is the wide range of creative features available. Users can enhance their live streams with filters, engaging effects, and music integration, while their viewers can support them through likes, comments, and virtual gifts. Streaming on TikTok Live brings people together in a shared experience, adding an extra layer of excitement to the already captivating world of TikTok.

Trovo

Trovo, known initially as Madcat, is a Chinese streaming network owned by Tencent Games. Its creators believe monetization should be available from the very beginning, and this is the primary distinctive feature of Trovo. In terms of style and functionality, it shares plenty of similarities with Twitch. Its subscription feature provides custom badges to stand out, and it also has "mana" and "elixir" to purchase spells, similar to Twitch's bit system. Trovo currently dominates the Chinese market and attempts to attract people worldwide but has controversial interim results. It's still at an early stage, so time will tell if Trovo will succeed!

Rumble

Rumble is a pretty controversial streaming platform created in response to cancel culture, and it has experienced a remarkable boost in popularity among far-right users in recent months after signing exclusive deals with Andrew Tate and Russel Brand. 

As a stereotype, association with Rumble comes after numerous content violations and bans from major streaming platforms such as Twitch and YouTube. So, if you search for drama, you'll probably find it among Rumble's recommended channels.

Kick

Kick presents itself as a creator-friendly platform that allows providing creators with a generous 95/5% revenue split and 100% of donations, and same-day payouts. It's currently in the early stages of development, so its creators are trying to attract some streamers with a vast viewer base for promotion, and it's working! Notably, Adin Ross and Destiny have already signed full-time streaming deals with Kick, and xQc recently hinted that he received an offer of over $100 million to join the platform. However, Kick has a catch concerning gambling which lies in loose regulations. While users are not allowed to gamble, creators can stream this type of content and thus promote it, so it's some kind of a grey morality area.

 

Choosing the right platform for live streaming is complicated, so you can read our article with 10 best streaming platforms to learn more, or don't mind choosing just one and try multistreaming!

Create and Customize Your Channel 

After you have chosen the platform, once more, ensure that you clearly understand its community guidelines and terms of service to be on the safe side. Ready? Set up your account using a catchy username that aligns with your content, and customize your channel page at your sole discretion.

 

However, try to make thoughtful decisions based on your branding principles and ask yourself a few questions beforehand:

 

• How would you describe yourself as a creator?

• Why do you stand out from the crowd in the streaming community?

• In what ways can the design of your channel effectively communicate your values and unique qualities as a content creator?

• Is your branding consistent? 

 

Most likely, you'll need the following: 

Userpic and Banner

Your Banner and Profile Picture are responsible for the first impression of your channel, so they should be visually appealing and easily recognizable.

Stream Overlay

Stream Overlays are graphic elements placed on top of live videos that creators can use to boost the functionality and looks of their streams. They also improve the streaming session experience for the audience because all the elements create a professional picture that's hard not to look at. 

 

The average overlay should include the following:

 

• Stinger transition – a transition between scenes.

• Stream Alerts – interactive clips that appear during your stream every time viewers engage with your channel. 

• Stream Background – in case you use a green screen.

• Offline Banner – shows your offline status. 

• Stream Screens – inform the status of your stream.

• Camera Overlay – a webcam border

• Header Overlay – a versatile static panel positioned on top of the screen

• Stream Labels – static or animated panels that display essential info.

Emotes

Similarly to emojis, Twitch emotes are used to express the whole emotional spectrum. They encourage people to chat and support your channel because they help to create a stable association and connection with you as a creator. Explore our emotes gallery to find something to your liking!

Choose The Type Of Your Stream

The next step is to choose a comfortable streaming solution: 

Streaming Software

The most complex method that provides advanced customization features and mostly supports multistreaming. OBS Studio is a pioneer of the whole market, while other popular options you may have heard about include Lightstream, Streamlabs Desktop, Xsplit, Twitch Studio, Wirecast, and Shadowplay. If you want to dig deeper into their advantages and disadvantages to choose the best one, you can find lots of helpful info in the article about the best streaming software nowadays.

Console Streaming

Both PlayStation and Xbox offer streaming capabilities. With a few clicks, you can automatically start broadcasting from your console, so it's brilliant for those who like straightforward ways to go live and are ready for compromises concerning stream customizability and management. Still have questions? Here's a complete guide on how to stream on Xbox One or Xbox Series S/X and a setup plan for Streaming on PlayStation 4/5. 

Smartphone

Mobile streaming has recently experienced an enormous boost in popularity, so don't count it out! It's an excellent choice for on-the-spot updates, hot news, vlogs, and a relaxed atmosphere.

Set up Your Streaming Space

When setting up your streaming space, remember that the room you're in plays a crucial role in showcasing your personality to your audience. You don't need a full-to-bursting professional studio to get started. Still, you indeed need to think about consistent background ideas to create a recognizable presence and build some basic setup. 

 

Let's go through the most important steps:

 

• Choose the best value-for-money Streaming PC Build and ensure it has the right capabilities for your demands.

• Decide on a Graphic Card. Its main function is processing and providing visual content onto the screen, which can substantially boost your CPU in games. If you want to know more, find all the details here.

• CPU stands for Central Processing Unit, also known as a processor and referred to as the brain of all digital systems because it's responsible for every single action a computer does. The better the CPU, the better the performance while using multiple programs simultaneously, and it's crucial for streaming. 

• Choose a good Microphone and learn about technical mics characteristics such as polar pattern and frequency response to acquire high-quality audio. 

• Find a Webcam for your priorities, keeping in mind that high-quality image increases your chances of building a better connection with the audience.

• Select Lighting equipment not to allow the weather and time to control your streaming schedule and create the right atmosphere.

• Capture Card transfers video feed to a PC for processing, which is handy if you have a dual-computer setup to decrease the strain and lags during your streaming journey or if you stream from a console. 

• Green Screen can bring your stream to a new level, allowing you to create virtual backgrounds and add extra effects, making your potentially messy bedroom disappear.

Go Live and Learn from It 

Going live for the first time turns out to be an exciting but nerve-wracking experience for every beginner streamer. The top tip to prevent making unnecessary mistakes is to test everything before hitting that "Go Live" button. Check your internet connection, video/audio quality, and go through the leading points of your stream.

 

When you're undoubtedly ready, start streaming and learn some lessons from this experience, paying attention to the following:

 

• Potential issues with technical adjustments

• Audience interaction

• Content pacing 

• The impression you make on viewers and some weak points, such as purity of speech, energy level, etc.

Remember, your first stream is just the beginning of your streaming journey. Embrace the learning experience, be open to feedback, and keep refining your skills and content with each subsequent stream. 

Build Your Audience

Your audience is your biggest asset! These people get inspired by you and the things you talk about, so you should take this power into account and work in two ways:

Quantity: Grow Your Audience

When starting on a live-streaming platform, amassing as many followers as possible is crucial. Why is this important? Simply because that's how you capture attention and increase the chances of great business opportunities. The higher the number, the more influence you wield.

 

Here are some practical techniques to attract new followers on any live-streaming platform:

 

• Use captivating stream titles.

• Choose relevant hashtags and keywords.

• Promote yourself on social media. 

• Upload stream highlights to your Tiktok, Instagram, Twitter, etc.

• Join the Reddit community and make people interested, for example, by providing tips or sharing some BTS content.

• Consider creating your own Discord server so your followers will have a shared place to hang out.

• Pay attention to Analytics to up your streaming and marketing game. 

• Collaborate with other streamers.

Quality: Engage 

Once you have garnered a sufficient number of followers, it is essential to engage with them effectively to be sure they will remain with you for a long time! 

 

• Create a welcoming environment with a positive and inclusive atmosphere.

• Get to know your audience and cater to its interests.

• Use viewer usernames when responding to comments to create a sense of connection.

• Conduct Q&A sessions to let people know you better.

• Organize special events or giveaways to encourage viewers to participate actively.

• Interact with your audience on social media platforms. Respond to comments, messages, and mentions whenever possible. 

• Read our blog for more helpful tips.

Monetize Your Channel 

Once you've put substantial effort into launching your streaming career, it's natural to explore ways for monetization and search for more recognition and support in monetary terms. If you're determined to turn your passion into a reliable source of income, you'll need to preliminary research the monetization methods of the chosen platform and develop a personal strategy. 

 

Here are some common methods:

 

• Subscriptions: Streaming platforms usually offer a subscription model where viewers can pay a monthly fee to access exclusive benefits, such as ad-free viewing, custom emotes, badges, and chat privileges. As a streamer, you earn a portion of the subscription fee.

• Donations and Tips: Some platforms have a built-in donation feature that allows viewers to give one-time or recurring tips to support your channel and show their appreciation directly.

• Ad Revenue: If you're streaming on platforms that display ads, such as Twitch or YouTube, you can earn revenue based on the number of ads your audience views. Ad revenue is typically shared between the platform and the streamer, but the ratio varies dramatically depending on each platform's rules. 

• Sponsorships: Such deals can involve sponsored content, product placements, brand endorsements, and much more. In turn, brands may provide monetary rewards, free products, or other perks in exchange for promoting them during your streams.

• Affiliate Marketing: You can earn a commission for each sale generated through your unique referral link by becoming an affiliate partner. It may be one of the easiest ways of monetization, especially if you do product reviews. The concept is a piece of cake: you look for sellers who offer affiliate programs, apply for the partnership, and then wait for confirmation and extra money from custom links. 

• Merchandise: If you have a dedicated fan base, selling unique merch can be a lucrative monetization strategy. It can be everything – apparel, accessories, artwork, or digital products like emotes or badges.

• Crowdfunding: Platforms like Patreon or Ko-fi allow your viewers to support you by pledging a monthly donation. In return, you can offer exclusive perks, early access to content, or personalized rewards to your patrons.

 

Remember, it's essential to find the right balance between monetization and maintaining a positive viewer experience. Always prioritize creating valuable content for your audience to turning your channel into a cash cow, and learn how to make money on Twitch and YouTube efficiently by using our guides.

Summing Up 

Streaming is a dynamic and competitive field, but with persistence, creativity, and a genuine connection with your audience, you can turn your passion for gaming into a fulfilling and prosperous streaming career. Stay committed, adapt to changing trends and technologies, improve your skills, and follow our tips. Good luck on your streaming journey!