Do Your Research
When you’re ready to take the plunge into streaming PC gaming, the first and most important step is to do your research. You don’t want to dive in without doing your homework, because you may be wasting your time and effort if you don’t know the basics and have an understanding of the hardware and software used to get the job done. Otherwise, you could be sunk before you even start.
Start by familiarizing yourself with the basics of streaming and identify the applications used. There are several streaming software applications available, but the two most popular are OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) and XSplit Broadcaster. Choose the one that best suits your needs and make sure to get familiar with the interface and any plugins/features you may need.
You should also become familiar with the different types of streaming services available and the benefits of each one. There are major players like Twitch, YouTube Live, and Facebook Live, but you can also stream on smaller services like Mixer and Smashcast. Each of these services have their own strengths and drawbacks so it’s important to know what your objectives and goals for streaming are so you can choose the service that works best for you.
Finally, you should research streaming hardware and peripherals. While you can stream with just an internet connection and a computer, you can get better quality and more reliable streams with good, dedicated hardware. This could include external streams, lights, and microphones as well as consoles and streaming devices.
Develop an Audience
Getting people to watch your streams can be difficult, but it is possible with a little bit of work. First of all, start by building an audience on your preferred streaming service. This is done simply by broadcasting regularly, often, and consistently. Choose one or two days a week and then try and stick to it. That way your followers know when you’re streaming and can plan accordingly.
Be sure to use social media to your advantage. Announce and advertise when you’re streaming and let people know where to find you. Twitter, YouTube, and Reddit are some of the more popular places to coordinate streaming events and engage with an audience.
Finally, engage with your viewers and build relationships with them. Chats are an essential part of what you do, so don’t overlook them. Make an effort to say something more than just a greeting. Listen to feedback and respond accordingly. Make it a priority to make sure that everyone who follows you feels like they are part of the show.
Choose the Right Settings
Getting the right settings for streaming can be a challenge, as there are countless tweaks and options you can make to get the best quality. Start by understanding bitrates, resolution, and framerates. Bitrate is the amount of data you’re sending out in each second and determines the quality of your stream. A higher bitrate will give you a higher quality stream, but it will require a stronger internet connection to maintain.
Resolution and framerate determine the size and speed of your video. Both of these are closely linked. A higher resolution and framerate require more data and could potentially slow your stream down. You should start with something simple and tweak as needed.
Finally, experiment with your streaming software settings. Each streaming application has its own set of settings, so look for and try out the ones that make the most sense for you. OBS, for instance, has a high-quality setting with a low-latency option that gives you a smoother stream and more seamless connection to the server.
Stay Organized
At the end of the day, streaming is about getting organized and staying organized. Make sure to stream with a plan in mind and have an idea of what you’re going to talk about and when you’re going to stream. Have a spreadsheet of topics, themes, and games ready so that you’re not fumbling around in the dark.
Being well-prepared will also help you cut down on mistakes while streaming and give you the confidence to make a good impression. This is especially important if you’re doing a multi-stream with multiple people. Everyone should be organized and on the same page.
You’re Ready – Let’s Stream!
Now that you know the basics, you’re ready to start streaming. Don’t forget to have fun and interact with your audience. Most importantly, don’t give up! Streaming can be difficult and it takes time to gain an audience, but persevere and in the end, you’ll have the stream you’ve always wanted. Have fun and enjoy the ride.
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