The art of streaming has gained recognition as a unique form of entertainment.
With just the help of a few pieces of equipment, an internet connection, and someone interested in entertaining others, it is possible to do from anywhere in the world. Additionally, live streaming can be a profitable career, which is why an increasing number of people consider a sound streaming setup to be essential.
YouTube and Twitch have emerged as significant centers for online entertainment, enabling users worldwide to connect with numerous streamers engaging in a variety of activities such as playing video games, music, and more.
Basic Streaming Setup for Beginners
Webcam
It is crucial to find the appropriate webcam when purchasing equipment for your streaming setup. There is a wide range of cameras available in various sizes and price ranges. While some laptops have built-in webcams, it is probable that they are not as advanced as standalone ones. Thus, it is recommended to consider purchasing a separate webcam.
- Logitech StreamCam
Under the $100 price range, Logitech StreamCam Plus is a highly recommended webcam due to its exceptional quality. It is user-friendly and provides the option to stream in either 1080p or 720p at 60 fps. In terms of streaming requirements, it fulfills all the necessary criteria, offering impressive visual results without breaking the bank.
Streaming Software
Streaming software is essential for going live. For newcomers, streaming software refers to a program or web tool that enables users to go live from their PC or gaming console. It is a crucial tool for streaming gameplay or other content on platforms like Twitch, YouTube, etc. Every streamer needs it.
- OBS (Open Broadcast Software)
One of the oldest streaming tools available is Open Broadcast Software, also known as OBS. It was made public in 2012, and many users favor OBS due to its simplicity and its low CPU power consumption requirements.
On the other hand, OBS’s age definitely shows. It has outdated UI, requires a lot of tinkering to change settings to your preferences, and doesn’t have a lot of the staple features found on newer streaming software, such as chat boxes. But then it’s free to use, which is a huge plus for new streamers on a tight budget.
Microphone
With numerous excellent microphone options available, it can be challenging to determine the best one. Despite being affordable, several provide exceptional audio quality for live streaming.
Good Internet Connection
Without a proper internet connection, it will be difficult to make much progress. Generally, most individuals have internet connections, but if one doesn’t, the initial step is determining the internet providers accessible in their region and selecting a satisfactory option among them.
Once you have chosen a provider, the next step is to determine the internet plan that suits your needs. For individuals living alone, the cheapest option is typically sufficient. However, if you share a residence with multiple individuals, it is advisable to consider opting for a mid-range or higher-priced package.
In order to make the most of your internet service, it may be advisable to invest in a high-quality router. Moreover, if your gaming setup is located near the coax cable, using an ethernet connection rather than wi-fi could be a wise choice. This will lead to improved upload speeds for streaming, which is particularly important if you frequently spend long periods of time online.
Monitor
A game only looks as good as the screen it’s played on, and there’s certainly a wide range in quality for PC monitors. If you’re only looking for a budget option, then you’ll probably be fine with something of 1080p resolution.
When considering gaming monitors, it is crucial to prioritize refresh rate and frames per second over resolution, as there are many exceptional options available that enable excellent gaming speed.
- ASUS VG248QG 24” G-Sync Gaming Monitor
The ASUS VG248QG has a refresh rate of 165Hz, ensuring smooth gameplay during live streaming. It has a 1080p display and an adjustable height ergonomic design. Additionally, it incorporates NVIDIA’s g-sync technology to reduce video stuttering whilst playing games. Most notably, this monitor is very affordable, priced at under $200.
- ViewSonic OMNI XG2431 24” 1080p 1ms 240Hz Gaming Monitor
ViewSonic’s OMNI XG2431 is comparable in quality to ASUS’s unit but offers several enhancements. The most notable improvement is its exceptionally high refresh rate of 240Hz. Furthermore, it boasts various impressive features including adjustable height and AMD’s free sync technology. Despite these advantages, it does come at a steeper price of approximately $340 at MSRP.
Streaming Rig
It can be challenging to find an excellent streaming setup, particularly during supply chain problems. However, there are exceptional prebuilt gaming desktops available, and we believe purchasing any decent machines from Best Buy or Micro Center is a reliable choice.
Speaking of capture cards, let’s discuss Lightstream, a program designed specifically for console gamers who either prefer gaming on console over PC or do not want to use a capture card for streaming their gaming sessions.
Capture Card
There has been an ongoing discussion regarding the value of gaming capture cards. If you exclusively play games on your computer, there is no necessity for a capture card. Streaming software can directly stream gameplay from your PC to Twitch, eliminating the need to buy a capture card in such circumstances.
Lightstream enables gamers to conveniently stream their PlayStation and Xbox gameplay directly to Twitch or YouTube without the need for a gaming capture card. Moreover, Lightstream offers a customizable interface and a wide range of options for stream alerts and themes.
Chair
If you are considering buying a gaming chair for your new streaming setup due to their immense popularity among Twitch streamers, we urge you to reconsider that decision.
Most gaming chairs not only come at a high price point but also lack proper ergonomic design. We suggest opting for chairs that prioritize comfort and ergonomics rather than aesthetics. Instead of most gaming chairs, we recommend considering office chairs that meet these requirements as they are a better choice.
Keyboard
You can find reasonably priced keyboards that come in various shapes, sizes, and price ranges.
Streaming Platform
General
If you do not have a specific niche and are seeking a platform that offers good exposure and is easy to learn, consider opting for a general platform such as YouTube Live, Facebook Live, or Twitter Live.
- YouTube Live: You can find streaming of all kinds on YouTube Live, from brands to independent content creators. Read our guide to YouTube Live for platform-specific tips.
- Facebook Live: Going live on Facebook is perfect if you already have a decent following there. It’s also ideal for small and local businesses. Learn everything you need to know about Facebook Live streaming and some essential tips that will make your stream stand out.
- Twitter Live: Twitter is also a generalist platform with a wide variety of live video content. Also, if your live streams will be about breaking news and updates, then you might find a home on Twitter Live.
- Instagram Live: Instagram is a popular platform for all kinds of brands and creators and going live can help you build a stronger community. Keep in mind that for now, most users can only stream on Instagram via the mobile app.
Gaming
Given the present scenario, gaming and e-sports stand out as the largest categories in the field of live streaming, resulting in the existence of numerous platforms that are exclusively designed for gaming.
- Twitch: Twitch is by far the most popular gaming platform. Its hugeness can feel intimidating as a beginner, so read our uploadultimate guide to streaming on Twitch for tips, advice and best practices. Twitch can also be a good platform for talk shows and live podcasts.
- YouTube Gaming: While not as popular as Twitch, YouTube Gaming has a modest-sized gaming community where you can find loyal fans. Read our tips on streaming with YouTube Gaming to get started.
- Facebook Gaming: Your third major option as a gamer is Facebook Gaming, where you can tap into the network you’ve already built on Facebook. Learn more with our ultimate guide to Facebook Gaming.
Art and Music
Not all streamers are gamers, as artists, musicians, and other creators also make up a significant portion of the live streaming market. Certain platforms focus exclusively on catering to these creators.
- Mixcloud: If you want to live stream music and DJ mixes or start your own radio show/podcast, then you’ll fit right in at Mixcloud. Our Mixcloud guide takes you through live streaming on Mixcloud step by step.
- Picarto: Picarto is a platform where artists can live stream while creating their work for supporters to watch. If you’re an artist looking for an established network to broadcast to, then you may find it on Picarto.
- Behance: Stream digital artwork, design, and photography on Adobe’s social network, Behance. Show off your creation process, connect with other designers and artists, or even host classes and workshops on the platform.
Business
In recent years, there has been a surge in the popularity of professional live streaming. Numerous companies and entrepreneurs are embracing live streaming as a means to advertise their brands and expand their connections.
- LinkedIn Live: The best place to do professional live streams is on a professional networking site. LinkedIn Live videos see more views and engagement than non-live videos. Read our ultimate guide on streaming to LinkedIn Live to see what all the fuss is about.
- Restream’s web player: Another good streaming destination for your business is your website. You can help drive more traffic and reinforce your branding. With Restream’s live video player, you can easily embed live streams on your business website.
E-commerce
If you have an e-commerce business, what could be a more effective way to promote it than utilizing live shopping events?
- Amazon Live: If you’re a registered Amazon Seller or part of Amazon’s influencer program, you can broadcast live promotional content to help boost your sales. Learn how with our Amazon Live guide.
- Instagram Live Shopping: You can create a store on Instagram with links to your products, and users can complete purchases in the app. Create shoppable posts, videos and live streams.
- Restream live shopping: If you broadcast using Restream’s live studio, you can add links to your products as QR codes. Your viewers can shop your products on your website without having to leave the live stream.
Stream to your own website
If you prefer not to stream to a particular platform, you also have the option to embed your live video on your website. Broadcasting to a website is well-suited for live events, live shopping experiences, or for providing exclusive content that requires payment.
A disadvantage of using your own website is the difficulty of attracting a following, particularly for those who are new. In contrast, platforms such as Twitch and YouTube offer access to millions of existing users.
Side notes
Before you start building your live streaming setup, there are a few things you need to consider, prepare, and test. By following this comprehensive guide and maintaining a positive attitude, along with the assistance from Restream, you can quickly become a professional streamer.
