PC Gaming Streaming Tips: The Ultimate Guide To Help You Start Streaming
Streaming your PC gaming adventures can be an incredibly rewarding pursuit. By taking your gaming to the next level, you can not only entertain your viewers but also give them useful tips, promote yourself or your favorite games, and make some money while doing it. Streaming is becoming increasingly popular, and with the right tools and knowledge, you can join the ranks of successful streamers that are taking off in the gaming community.
This guide will provide you with all you need to know about PC gaming streaming, from the basics of streaming to more advanced tips and tricks to help you get your channel up and running. With the help of this guide, you will have a foundational knowledge to build from and be confident in your streaming ability. Let’s get started.
What is PC Gaming Streaming?
At its core, PC gaming streaming is broadcasting your gameplay, commentary, and interesting visuals on the Internet for viewers to watch. It’s essentially game streaming but focused on PC games compared to the other popular game streaming platforms like the Xbox, PlayStation, or Nintendo Switch.
Streamers usually stream on streaming sites like Twitch, YouTube, or Mixer but can also use their own website page or other dedicated streaming platforms. It’s best to use a popular platform when starting as they have a larger audience, better features and support, and a lot of features to make streaming easier.
Streamers typically spend anywhere from a few minutes to several hours streaming each day. The goal is not only to amuse viewers but to also entertain them and explain tips or techniques they can use while playing.
Benefits of PC Gaming Streaming
There are plenty of great benefits of streaming, especially if you’re a gaming enthusiast. Aside from the ability to show off your gaming skills to a larger audience, streaming PC games can also be a way for you to make a bit of money.
Being successful as a streamer also means building a community and making connections. Even if this isn’t your main intent when starting, you can end up meeting many amazing people and making great friends. It’s also a great way to connect with developers and publishers of the games you’re playing, and potentially get invited to exclusive events or be part of product redevelopments.
Meanwhile, if you’re looking to make money, you can become a partnered streamer by streaming on mainstream platforms like Twitch or YouTube. You can then receive donations or subscriptions as a revenue stream, and if you gain enough followers, you may even be able to get sponsorships or opportunities to appear in commercials.
Getting Started with PC Gaming Streaming
The most important part of starting to stream is setting up your equipment and finding the right streaming platform. Let’s go over what you need in the following section.
Equipment
The most important part of streaming is having the right equipment. Here is a list of the essential items to get started:
• PC: You’ll need a PC that can handle running the game you’re streaming and running any streaming programs. Ideally, it should have an Intel i5 processor, at least 8GB of RAM and have a dedicated GPU and graphics card.
• Microphone: A good quality microphone is essential for streaming, as it’ll be your voice and the commentary you give during your streams. Make sure to get a good sounding USB mic that works for both recording and streaming.
• Webcam: A webcam will help you interact with your viewers and give them something to look at while they’re watching you.
• Monitor: A monitor is essential as it’ll display your gameplay and show off any visuals or graphics you want.
• Keyboard and Mouse: You’ll need these to support your gameplay.
• Internet: To stream, you’ll need an internet connection with at least 5 megabits per second (Mbps) download speed.
• Capture Card: This is an optional item but can be helpful if you want to stream console games like a PS4 or Xbox.
Choosing a Platform
Once you have the necessary equipment for streaming, you’ll need to choose the right platform. The most popular streaming platforms are Twitch, YouTube, and Mixer. All of these sites have unique advantages and disadvantages that you should consider.
Many streamers prefer Twitch due to its interface, plus its collection of features and customizability. Youtube also offers a great platform but it also has its own limitations due to the platforms purpose. Meanwhile, Mixer is the platform of choice for Microsoft’s Xbox gaming ecosystem and is growing in popularity.
Once you choose a platform, you’ll have to either register for the platform or connect your existing channel with it. After that, you’ll have the option to customize your channel and create a unique look. It’s recommended that you make this as unique as possible so you can stand out from the crowd and hopefully attract more viewers.
Streaming Setup
Once you have your hardware, platform, and channel set up, you’ll need to get your streaming setup in order. To do this, you’ll need to download and configure streaming software like OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) and XSplit.
Using OBS is a great way to get started, as it’s free, relatively easy to use, and has some advanced features that are great for experienced users. On the other hand, if you want something more robust and comprehensive, XSplit is a great option.
Once you’ve downloaded either of these programs, you’ll be able to set up scenes, adjust video and audio settings, and start testing your stream to make sure it’s working properly. You should also configure your server settings to make sure your stream has the lowest possible latency, allowing you to game without any noticeable delays.
Attracting an Audience
Now that your streaming setup is ready, it’s time to attract an audience to watch your streams. Building an audience for your channel and streaming isn’t easy, but with enough hard work and dedication, you can gain a steady following. Here are some tips to help:
• Promote your streams on social media: Make sure to promote your stream on social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Post your streaming times and any game play footage you have.
• Interact with viewers: Engaging with your viewers is essential. When someone watches your stream, make sure to greet them, thank them, answer their questions or let them know if you’re busy and can’t answer right away.
• Consistently stream: Try to stream consistently and at predetermined times. This way, your viewers and potential viewers will know when you’re live and when they should tune in to your stream.
• Share clips and highlights: Post clips and highlights of your streams on social media and your streaming platform to draw attention to your channel.
Wrapping Up
Now that you have a better understanding of PC gaming streaming, you’re ready to start broadcasting your gaming sessions to a wider audience. With the right knowledge, tools, and dedication, you can make your streaming sessions more entertaining, enjoyable, and hopefully, more profitable.
If you’re looking for more information or tips, check out our profile and feel free to ask us any questions you might have. Good luck and have fun streaming!
Image Credit: Pexels