So You Want to Livestream. Now What?
Livestreaming has exploded in popularity in recent years, allowing anyone from gamers to musicians to chefs to broadcast live video content to an audience over the internet. If you’ve decided you want to start your own livestream, where do you actually begin?
First, determine what kind of content you want to stream and who your target audience is. This will help guide decisions on which platform to use and what equipment you may need. Popular streaming platforms include Twitch, YouTube Live, Facebook Live, and platforms like Smash.gg for gaming tournaments.
Next, take a look at your hardware situation. At a minimum, you’ll need a computer with decent internet bandwidth to broadcast your stream without major lag or buffering issues. You’ll also need a webcam if you plan on being on camera. High-quality external webcams and microphones can provide much better video and audio compared to basic laptop/desktop peripherals.
Once you have your hardware ready, you’ll need livestreaming software to broadcast to your platform of choice. Very popular free options include OBS Studio and Streamlabs OBS. These allow you to set up custom scenes, add overlays like webcam borders or sponsors, and customize streaming settings.
Before you go live, it’s a good idea to do some test recordings to check your audio/video settings and get a feel for things. Make sure your lighting is adequate, your microphone is picking up sound clearly, and your webcam is positioned properly. Audiences expect a reasonable level of quality and production value these days.
When you’re ready to go live, promote your stream on social media, forums, or communities related to your niche. Having a consistent schedule can help build an audience over time. Be prepared to interact with your viewers through the livestream chat.
Most importantly, try to have fun and engage with your audience! Livestreaming is all about that real-time connection. With some perseverance, you could build a loyal following for your livestream content.
