The Best PC Gaming Streaming Tips.
Are you an avid PC gamer looking to get into streaming you gaming adventures? Streaming your game can be a great way to share your gaming experience with the world and potentially even make some money doing it.
The good news is, getting into streaming PC games is easier and cheaper than ever before. However, it does involve more than just hopping on Twitch or Mixer and turning on your webcam. To be a successful streamer, you need to know the basics about what it takes to get setup, get viewers and make sure you’re playing your best.
If you’re interested in streaming PC games and are looking for a place to get started, this article will give you the tools you need to make your dreams a reality. Here, we’ll break down exactly what you need to jump into PC gaming streaming, from the necessary equipment to the essential tips for getting viewers.
First Things First: Equipment
Before you start streaming, you need to make sure you have the right equipment. This includes the right computer, microphone, webcam, streaming software, and other items that can help improve your stream.
Computer
Perhaps the most important piece of equipment you’ll need is a computer. Most people assume that when it comes to gaming and streaming, you need the latest and most expensive gaming computer on the market. While a great computer can improve your gaming and streaming experience, it isn’t absolutely necessary.
You can stream on most computers as long as it meets the minimum specifications for the streaming platform you’ll be using. These can include things like a dual-core processor, 8GB of RAM, and a dedicated graphics card.
Microphone
Once you have the right computer, it’s important that you invest in a good microphone. As a streamer, you want the audio quality of your stream to be top-notch. The type of microphone you should get depends on your budget and the environment you’ll be streaming in.
A microphone with noise-cancelling features is a great choice if you plan on streaming in a noisy environment. But, if you plan on streaming in a quiet environment, you can also get an inexpensive microphone that runs on USB.
Webcam
Most streamers like to include video in their streams, so having a webcam is essential. But, not all webcams are created equal. You’ll want to get one that’s designed for full HD streaming, with 1080p resolution.
This will help ensure your viewers get the best possible experience. You’ll also want to make sure your webcam is compatible with the streaming software you’re using.
Streaming Software
Now that you have the necessary equipment, you need to choose the right streaming software. Streaming software is what helps you capture footage from your gaming sessions and broadcast it to the world.
Two popular options are OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) and XSplit. Both of these platforms can capture and broadcast your gaming sessions to platforms like Twitch, YouTube, and Mixer.
Optional Items
Although it isn’t necessary to have the following items, there are a few things you can purchase that will give your stream a professional look. These items can also help you with production quality and can help you build your audience.
Green Screen
A green screen is an optional piece of equipment that can help you separate your image from the background. This is especially helpful if you’re playing games with dark or busy backgrounds. With a green screen, you can replace the background with an image or video of your own. Just make sure you have plenty of green-colored fabric!
Lighting
Lighting can make or break a stream, so consider investing in some professional lighting equipment. This equipment can help you set the mood and create a more professional look for your stream.
Stream Deck
The Stream Deck is a device that allows you to easily control your streaming software. It comes with a number of pre-programmed buttons that you can use to quickly and easily switch between scenes, start and stop streaming, and add images, text, and other visuals to your stream.
Tips For Getting Started
Now that you have the right equipment, it’s time to start streaming! But, before you hit the “go live” button there are a few tips you should keep in mind to make sure your stream is as successful as possible.
Set a Schedule: Start by figuring out how often you will be streaming. This will let your viewers know when they can expect to see you and when they should tune in. It’s best to stick to your schedule as much as possible, so try to pick a few days each week that you can stream consistently.
Have a Conversation: Engaging with your viewers is key to building a following. Don’t hesitate to start conversations with your viewers and answer any questions they may have.
Be Authentic: Viewers like to watch streams that make them feel like they’re part of a community, so don’t try to be someone you’re not. Let your personality shine through in your streams and be as authentic as possible.
Be Patient: It’s not easy to build an audience, especially when you’re first starting out. Be consistent with your streams and don’t get discouraged if you don’t get many viewers right away. Your viewership will grow over time as more people hear about your streams.
Don’t Give Up: Streams may come and go, but don’t lose sight of your original goals. Viewers are drawn to streams that are passionate, consistent, and driven. Don’t give up when things get tough and stick to your original streaming mission.
Conclusion
PC gaming streaming can be a great way to share your gaming experiences with the world and potentially make some money. However, setting up a successful streaming setup requires a bit of work and an understanding of the necessary equipment.
Once you have the right computer, microphone, webcam, and streaming software, you need to know the tips for getting and keeping viewers. You should set a schedule, engage with your viewers, be authentic and consistent, and never give up.
If you keep these tips in mind and strive to improve your streams, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a successful PC game streamer. Good luck and have fun out there!
Image Credit: Pexels