Starting to Stream
The hardest part of streaming is the nerves. If and when you are ready to stream, set up can be very simple. A Basic stream can be accomplished with and X Box One or Playstation 4 with the built in Twitch.TV app. Simple use your controller mic for audio and you are ready to go. You may even add in a Kinect or PS Camera for an optional streamer view. You can read chat with a nearby device such as a phone, tablet, or laptop to interact with your viewers. The Playstation 4 Twitch app includes on screen chat. On both consoles, the settings will be optimized to stream at the best quality as possible.
For a more advance stream, you can connect your console to your computer with a Capture Card such as the Elgato HD 60 S. Download OBS (Open Broadcast Software( and set up your scenes to your liking. I recommend at least a starting scene, game scene, be right back scene, and an ending scene. You will need an external mic such as a Blue Snowball or a headset such as a Turtle Beach Ear Force. You can then add in overlay alerts for followers, hosts, and donations though Streamlabs or Muxy. If you do not own a console or prefer PC gaming, and have a powerful computer, you may stream games directly off your computer through OBS.
Regardless of which method you choose, you will need a wired internet connection.
My tips for starting out are:
1. Keep calm and have fun
2. Keep talking even with 0 viewers, no one wants to join silent stream
3. Do not call out lurkers (non-chatters), wait for them to speak first, again keep calm
4. Play games you enjoy, not games that you think will get views. You need to be enjoying yourself for others to enjoy watching you.
5. Keep going, you will have a few streams before you get your first follow, don't get discouraged. It can be a while before you start to recognize regulars.
6. Do not react to trolls, silently ban or time them out and they will leave.
7. If you want your channel to grow, make sure you have a consistent schedule. Set aside a specific time each week you can stream make sure you stream at those times. However, things will come up from time to time, and that's okay. Bonus streams are always good too.
8. Create a Twitter and other social media accounts to interact with the community.
9. Watch other streamers to get an idea of what others are doing, join a community and make friends.
10. Use a bot such as Nightbot to help with basic moderation and commands.
Before you start streaming, I highly recommend completing your profile and page panels. Make it looks like you are trying and care about your channel. I recommend including an about you, what kind of games you will play, and a schedule. I also recommend a channel rules panel. Think about what you do and do not want to see in your chat and let your viewers know.
To see an example, check out my channel. I am live every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
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