Things You DON’T NEED If You’re New To Streaming
Shortly after I started my streaming journey, I was quickly reminded by loads of my streamer friends of all the things I needed to have in order to make my stream more enjoyable for viewers who stopped by to watch. And while I do appreciate all the support and feedback from everyone who has been trying to help me as I start out I do have a few opinions of my own to share. Obviously this article is a list of things I think you don’t need to have a great stream.
When starting out it’s so easy to rush in and try to set up the perfect stream with all the latest expensive gizmos and gadgets. It’s so easy to get caught up in a whirlwind of ‘buy this, buy that’ that you end up emptying your bank account for no good reason, and although I do think it would be really cool to have all these things I am going to say that you don’t really need them! Yes, not everyone will agree with me but that’s for the person who is streaming to decide!
So if you’re a new streamer struggling and worrying about what to do to make a success of your steam then keep on reading as I give you some of my thoughts on what you don’t actually need for your stream.
1. You Do NOT Need A Webcam
A lot of viewers would disagree with me on this one and say they would rather like to see who is playing the games. But why? No streamer wants to be remembered for their looks, but rather their personality and the game that they’re playing and showing off.
I get that having a webcam has its benefits and that your viewers like to see how you react and feel about a game but it’s not really essential. I’ve been fortunate to just be streaming the games I enjoy without a webcam and having others stop by and watch me play. And even if they don’t enjoy the game they still come and sit with me to help and support me because I’ve spent the time getting to know them on and off stream. A webcam won’t encourage people to stick around and watch you play, your personality will.
2. You Do NOT Need 50 Additional Screens
Okay, 50 might be a bit much… but I often watch all these steamers with maybe 3 or 4 screens and I really don’t understand why. I have a 10 year old laptop that I use to game and stream from, I link it to my TV screen via HDMI to use as a screen to keep an eye on OBS, and my friend recently gave me the idea to check the stream chat from my phone! I’m making use of the tools I already have available.
I mean realistically what new streamer can afford an additional 2 dedicated screens just to show you the chat and SteamLabs or OBS stuff? I can see the benefit of having this but as before it’s not making your stream actually any better than before.
If you’ve been lucky enough to have all that from the start then well done! However, it’s really not needed from a providing entertainment standpoint. It might help and make things look really fancy when you show it off but that’s about it.
3. You Do NOT Have To Stream Every Day
Yes, getting to affiliate as soon as humanly possible means everything as you are trying to grow your stream at a rapid pace. But honestly, it’s something that can be done later down the line, especially if you are not planning on going full time yet. Streaming every day is incredibly tiring, and I’ll be honest, it’s not easy. You’d think that playing games for hours would be easy as you probably already enjoy it anyway but it is very draining if you are still trying to find your feet in all this. So please do not overdo it if you are not prepared! I don’t want streaming’s newest star burning out too fast!
Nobody tells you about the additional stress reaching affiliate places on you as you grow, get more followers and subs. The feeling that you’re letting down all those viewers is incredibly stressful as you feel you owe them everything because they decided to SUB and follow you. I for one take it incredibly personally because I feel like it’s something I have not worked that hard for, and having viewers trust their time and money into supporting my stream means more to me than anyone can actually describe.
However, I can 100% guarantee you that the viewers that care for and support you WILL understand that you need a break and a good night’s rest.
4. You DON’T Need Millions Of Views To Make Yourself And Others Happy
Financial independence is the end goal for most streamers and I’m not going to lie and tell you that I don’t plan to grow my own brand and try and make an income from streaming. After saying that though, focusing purely on the number of viewers that show up is not the best way to go about growing your stream.
I’ve spoken to a few streamers and they constantly remind me that I should not be focusing on the numbers but more focused on entertaining the people who do join. If you are enjoying yourself and having a good time then so will your viewers! That’s the key to making sure that everyone comes back to your stream so you can entertain them more. It doesn’t sound like the most exciting way to grow your stream but being able to relax and share your love for the game with people will give you a slow, steady growth that will be better than a million people coming and going every few seconds.
5. You Do NOT Need The Latest Most Expensive Video Game
Every few weeks we see new games being released and then almost immediately afterwards you see hundreds of people streaming them. So many people in fact, that you kinda feel like you also have to do the same so that you can jump on that hype train that seems to be doing the rounds.
Well, I’m here to tell you that you don’t. There are millions of viewers with different kinds of tastes and they might not feel like having the latest video game spoiled for them at that time.
I know streamers that enjoy streaming retro video games and I can tell you that it’s very enjoyable because not only do they bring back fond memories of our childhoods but they are classic games that started most of our journeys with video games.
Basically what I’m trying to say is play the games you have and want to actually play. Don’t fall victim to the trap of needing to play the newest and most popular game all the time. Trust me, you’ll find your audience and they’ll thank you for it later.
I sometimes wish I never played Final Fantasy or Mass Effect before because I could tell you 100% that I would have liked to experience it for the first time with you all instead. However, now I get to take you all on classic adventures with the games that started my love of video games. It’s sometimes very difficult not to spoil anything for anyone but I promise that I will do my best not to give too much away with a squeak or a giggle when something is about to happen.
I’m sure many people out there will call me bitter or say that I’m complaining about not having all the latest stuff, but I feel like I need to remind new streamers that you DO NOT need all this stuff from the start!
Streaming is meant to be fun not only for the viewers but for the person actually running the stream because if you are not having fun you are not going to convince someone to stay or come back to spend their time with you. So remember, the most important part of beginning streaming is playing the games you love and enjoying it alongside the people you’re streaming it too. All of the gadgets and flashy new games are just a distraction from the real goal, to have fun.
Lots of Love
Love what I do?
Consider donating to help keep the blog running. I appreciate every contribution to help me grow!!
This was such a great read! Would love to hear thoughts on craft streamers Vs game streamers.
Absolutely true. Grow with time, enjoy every moment.