If you have a strong interest in video games, becoming an online broadcaster (streamer) can be a way to become actively involved in the global community of gaming enthusiasts. Over time, you'll seize the opportunity to showcase your unique skills and personality, make new friends, or even get paid job offers that can turn your hobby into a full-time job. You just need a reliable computer, a microphone, a webcam, and a select few video games. You'll also need to create a free user account on Twitch.tv, then connect it to the equipment you have to start broadcasting online.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Getting Ready
Step 1. Create a Twitch account
Visit the Twitch.tv website and select the “Sign Up” option in the upper right corner of the screen. Type in your username and password, then enter your date of birth and a valid email address to complete the registration process and receive a 6-digit broadcast key. Once registered, you can log in to your personal account and start exploring the site to see ongoing broadcasts or try out features on it.
- Alternatively, you can connect your Facebook account to automatically enter personal data.
- The creation of a user account on the Twitch website is completely free. So you don't need to enter payment information unless you decide to make a purchase on the website.
Tip:
If you're serious about online broadcasting, consider subscribing to Twitch Prime, a premium service from Twitch. With the service, you can take advantage of a variety of additional features, including ad-free broadcasts, exclusive emoticons and color schemes for your chat pages, as well as exclusive in-game content.
Step 2. Download the required software to start broadcasting
There are many programs that Twitch broadcasters can use to broadcast their gaming sessions to the online video game fan community, such as Open Broadcasting Software (OBS), XSplit, Gameshow Live, Wirecast, and Bebo. The program allows you to broadcast the game you are playing, as well as your abilities, to everyone in the world.
- Each software for broadcasting has a unique interface, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. It's a good idea to try several programs (most of them are free to use) to see which one you like best.
- When you use the broadcast software for the first time, you will be asked to select the input audio device and camera to use. After that, you just need to log into your Twitch account and select the option to do a new broadcast to start broadcasting!
Step 3. Make sure your computer is capable of live broadcasting
To run games and broadcasts at the same time, you need a computer capable of running the program. Twitch tech experts recommend a computer with a minimum specification of an Intel Core i5-4670 processor, 8GB RAM, and Windows 7 or later (or an equivalent macOS operating system-you can broadcast on Apple devices too!).
- If you don't have a personal computer, you have the option of going live from your preferred game console. If you have an Xbox One or PS4, all you need to do is install the Twitch app. To broadcast from the Nintendo Switch, you need to buy and install a capture card which is sold in the Rp. 1,500,000 price range.
- To provide the best broadcast experience, two computers are better than one. This is important if you plan to play high-speed games or games with super-realistic graphics.
Step 4. Connect the computer to the internet
When each component of the computer broadcasts a live gaming session, the broadcaster requires a lot of data connections. The faster your internet speed, the better the broadcast quality that is presented. For most users, a download speed of at least 3MB per second should suffice. This speed is roughly the same as the standard internet speed in most homes.
- You can speed up your internet connection by moving your modem to an area with a better signal, limiting the number of connected devices, and eliminating interference from wireless and other devices.
- A bad connection can cause annoying problems, such as a frozen screen, broken broadcasts, and audiovisual interference.
Step 5. Purchase a quality microphone and webcam
The microphone allows you to comment and have a live conversation with the audience. If you want to be visible while playing games, you will also need to connect a webcam to your computer. Using quality audio/video equipment will make viewers feel like they're hanging out with close friends instead of just watching anonymous players play games without saying a word.
- Don't worry if you can't afford the latest microphone. You can use the regular game-specific speakerphone, although the audio quality isn't as good as the dedicated microphone.
- Even if the use of a webcam is not mandatory, this tool will help you connect with your audience. This is especially important if you intend to build a fan base or attract sponsorship.
Method 2 of 2: Increasing Viewers
Step 1. Make a regular broadcast schedule
Broadcast at the same time every day or whenever you have time to turn on the computer. It will be easier for you to gain followers when people know your regular broadcast schedule, the same principle as television viewers. Once you've decided on a broadcast schedule and the number of broadcasts you want to do, stick to that schedule.
- To determine the best broadcast times, it's a good idea to consider when you usually play games. If you usually play a game for an hour or two before work, schedule a regular broadcast every morning. If you enjoy playing games after work, do broadcasts in the evenings to keep up with those who are staying up late.
- Make sure you mention your broadcast schedule to viewers at the beginning and end of the broadcast session. This way, new viewers will know when they can watch you the next day.
Warning:
If you broadcast frequently at random times, viewers won't know when you're performing, so it's hard to grow your audience.
Step 2. Focus on a single game or series until you get a regular audience base
There are many casual gamers who visit Twitch looking for content related to a particular game. For this reason, opt for a game title or two to build a strong fan base when starting out for the first time. Once you get a large enough audience, you can start trying other series or genres to give your audience a different experience.
- Broadcasting a popular new game, such as Fornite, Forza Horizon 4, or Call of Duty is guaranteed to attract a large audience, both young and old.
- If the reason you're broadcasting is to show off your gaming skills, choose a game you're good at. If not, choose a game where you can have fun. This will be more interesting, both to you and to the audience.
Step 3. Do something different from other internet broadcasters
Since Twitch is a free app for everyone, there are a lot of live broadcasts on it. To prevent your broadcast from "sinking" and to convince viewers to stay on your channel, think like an entertainer. You can talk in funny voices, use weird parables, or dress up in costumes for your favorite characters from the game you're playing. Make sure you do something that other broadcasters don't.
- You don't have to be a celebrity impersonator or win a cosplay competition to look unique. You can stand out with a quirky hairstyle or by putting something flashy behind you while broadcasting.
- Regardless of the uniqueness that you are trying to display, don't let it distract the audience from the game you are broadcasting.
Step 4. Interact with your audience
One of the best features of internet broadcasting is the live chat field included in the interface. These little boxes allow your viewers to comment via text and you can read them while playing the game. Pay attention to the occasional conversation window and make sure you respond to some of the comments there. Your audience will appreciate this and their number will increase.
- Interacting with the audience is also a way to make new friends. Apart from making new friends, this method also allows other users to discover your channel through word of mouth.
- Another way to engage viewers in your broadcast is by encouraging them to do something, like asking questions, exchanging theories, or even handing out gifts.
Step 5. Use social media to promote yourself
Like it or not, social media is a great way to reach a large number of people in a short amount of time. Use Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to advertise your channel and mention your broadcast schedule. In this way, you can increase the number of viewers.
- Apart from sharing it through your personal social media accounts, you can upload fun in-game moments, clip clips and other “best moments” to Youtube.
- Social media is also useful for reminding and announcing special things, like collaborations with other broadcasters or tricks to get through a difficult or weird game.
Step 6. Be yourself
Fans come to Twitch for the games they play, but they usually stay on one broadcast because of the personality of the broadcaster. It is no coincidence that most famous online broadcasters are usually charismatic people. Once you're famous enough, you can even play any game – people will still come to your channel just to see you being yourself.
If you have an extroverted personality, don't be afraid to goof off, tell jokes, and make craziness to entertain the audience. If you are the quiet type, start the broadcast by discussing a topic that drains your brain to spark discussion in the conversation column or let your gaming skills become the main attraction
Step 7. Have fun
No one wants to watch a broadcast that the broadcaster himself doesn't seem to like. Playing games can be nerve-wracking at times, especially if there are hundreds or even thousands of strangers watching your every move. However, there is no need to take this too seriously. In the end, you broadcast for the same reason you play games – for fun.
- Even the most popular online broadcaster takes time off every once in a while. If you're not feeling well, choose a game that's easier to play casually or stream other users' channels on your channel to take a break and give your friends some extra exposure.
- Remember, if you don't look happy, neither will the audience.
Tips
- Ignore the haters and anonymous who leave oblique comments. Their negative words shouldn't discourage you from connecting with your fans and sharing your favorite moments in public.
- Be patient. It may take you months or even years to develop broadcast momentum. Luckily, being a broadcaster is a fun free hobby that can be done in the long run.
- If you want to become a full-time broadcaster, remember that there is no easy way to attract paid sponsors and partners. If they are happy with your broadcast, they will definitely contact you.
