Live streaming has become popular over the last few years with many turning to content creation to hopefully build up and be able to do something they enjoy to earn a living. Starting live streaming can be an exciting journey but there are several factors that you do need to consider before you jump into live streaming.
Below we give you a guide and tips on where to start and what to know before you start live streaming:
Define Your Content and Purpose:
One of the first steps you need to take when you start your live streaming journey is to identify the purpose of your live stream. Will you be providing commentary, playing video games, sharing educational content or maybe something else? Once you identify your purpose for live streaming, you need to define your target audience and tailor the content you make to the interests of your audience.
Choosing a Platform:
As a live streamer and content creator, you should look into all platforms for live streaming and choose a live streaming platform that aligns with your target audience and content. Some of the more popular options to choose from are:
Choosing a streaming software is important, this is what you will use to broadcast your content to your chosen streaming platform. With your streaming software of choice, you will also be able to use tools to help you manage overlays, scenes and any other elements you wish to use during your live stream.
Popular streaming software options are as follows:
Before starting your live-streaming journey, you should invest in the equipment that you will need. This may include things such as a PC powerful enough to stream through if you are using a capture card, a webcam, possible lighting equipment and a good-quality microphone.
Create a Compelling Overlay:
Designing an overlay for your stream is important and should include stream alerts for times when someone follows, donates or subscribes if you have those options, a webcam if you choose to use one and also your game capture if you are playing a video game.
Familiarize Yourself With The Basics of Your Chosen Streaming Platform:
Look into your chosen streaming platform to understand the settings and features your chosen platform offers. Familiarize yourself with how you will manage your chat, start your stream and customize your channel to suit your brand.
Establish a Schedule:
When it comes to live streaming, consistency is key. Establishing a regular streaming schedule helps you to build an audience. It also enables your viewers to know when to expect you to go live.
Promote Your Stream:
Make announcements regarding your upcoming streams on social media and other platforms you may be active on. You could also consider collaborating with other streamers you know to cross-promote.
Engage with your Audience:
When live streaming, you should ensure that you interact with your viewers. Make them feel welcome, answer questions they may have, ask them questions and make them feel part of the community you are building.
Analyze and Monitor Your Performance:
You will find that the streaming platform you choose will give you access to your analytics. You should pay attention to your analytics such as chat activity, viewer count and other metrics that are important to help you with growth.
Use the data you find to improve your viewer experience and refine your content.
Have Fun and Stay Positive:
Live streaming is not just about creating content, it is about how you are as a person, your personality and how you engage with your audience. You should stay positive and enjoy your time when live streaming, even if things do not go as smoothly as you expected.
Something to always remember is that building an audience and a community takes time and you should be patient and stay dedicated to your schedule and the quality content you provide. Seek feedback as often as you can, adapt if you need to and enjoy your live-streaming journey.
Below we give you a guide and tips on where to start and what to know before you start live streaming:
Define Your Content and Purpose:
One of the first steps you need to take when you start your live streaming journey is to identify the purpose of your live stream. Will you be providing commentary, playing video games, sharing educational content or maybe something else? Once you identify your purpose for live streaming, you need to define your target audience and tailor the content you make to the interests of your audience.
Choosing a Platform:
As a live streamer and content creator, you should look into all platforms for live streaming and choose a live streaming platform that aligns with your target audience and content. Some of the more popular options to choose from are:
- YouTube
- Twitch
- Facebook Gaming
- Instagram Live
- Kick
- TikTok Live
Choosing a streaming software is important, this is what you will use to broadcast your content to your chosen streaming platform. With your streaming software of choice, you will also be able to use tools to help you manage overlays, scenes and any other elements you wish to use during your live stream.
Popular streaming software options are as follows:
- XSplit
- OBS Studio
- Streamlabs OBS
Before starting your live-streaming journey, you should invest in the equipment that you will need. This may include things such as a PC powerful enough to stream through if you are using a capture card, a webcam, possible lighting equipment and a good-quality microphone.
Create a Compelling Overlay:
Designing an overlay for your stream is important and should include stream alerts for times when someone follows, donates or subscribes if you have those options, a webcam if you choose to use one and also your game capture if you are playing a video game.
Familiarize Yourself With The Basics of Your Chosen Streaming Platform:
Look into your chosen streaming platform to understand the settings and features your chosen platform offers. Familiarize yourself with how you will manage your chat, start your stream and customize your channel to suit your brand.
Establish a Schedule:
When it comes to live streaming, consistency is key. Establishing a regular streaming schedule helps you to build an audience. It also enables your viewers to know when to expect you to go live.
Promote Your Stream:
Make announcements regarding your upcoming streams on social media and other platforms you may be active on. You could also consider collaborating with other streamers you know to cross-promote.
Engage with your Audience:
When live streaming, you should ensure that you interact with your viewers. Make them feel welcome, answer questions they may have, ask them questions and make them feel part of the community you are building.
Analyze and Monitor Your Performance:
You will find that the streaming platform you choose will give you access to your analytics. You should pay attention to your analytics such as chat activity, viewer count and other metrics that are important to help you with growth.
Use the data you find to improve your viewer experience and refine your content.
Have Fun and Stay Positive:
Live streaming is not just about creating content, it is about how you are as a person, your personality and how you engage with your audience. You should stay positive and enjoy your time when live streaming, even if things do not go as smoothly as you expected.
Something to always remember is that building an audience and a community takes time and you should be patient and stay dedicated to your schedule and the quality content you provide. Seek feedback as often as you can, adapt if you need to and enjoy your live-streaming journey.
