Livestreaming is one of the biggest gaming trends of the 2020s. Platforms like Twitch and YouTube Gaming are huge, with some of the most popular streamers gaining millions of followers. Some platforms lead to big money, allowing a select few to launch lucrative careers. Streaming can seem daunting if you’ve never done it before. Our guide helps you find the best game streaming platforms, so you can begin to share live gameplay and build your audience.
How to start streaming as a gamer
Before you jump into livestreaming, take these steps:
Set up your equipment. The basic hardware you need includes a gaming system, camera and microphone. A good gaming headset is also useful, especially if you’re playing multiplayer games. Stick with trusted brands. You don’t need to get too carried away buying high-end gear this early in your streaming career.
Install and configure your streaming software. Once your hardware is squared away, you’ll need a good streaming program. OBS Studio and Streamlabs are two popular and reliable apps for livestreaming. This is also where you’ll configure your streaming settings.
Make sure your internet is up to speed. Gig speed is useful for gaming online, and it’s essential for livestreaming. Streaming involves a lot of data, and you must ensure you have the bandwidth for it. That’s doubly true with multiplayer games, as you’ll be livestreaming while playing online.
Create a unique brand. Make your online streaming persona unique. Online streaming is a crowded space with many people competing for views. Be yourself, but think of ways to stand out as a streamer. Choose a memorable name and create some eye-catching graphics for your channels.
Find the best streaming platforms. Now it’s time to pick the best streaming platforms and set up your accounts.
The best streaming platforms for gaming
There are several online gaming platforms to know about. Each has pros and cons, so don’t limit yourself to just one! Here are three livestreaming services, their major advantages and disadvantages:
Twitch – Despite increasing competition, Twitch is still the top streaming platform and should be the first stop on your journey. It’s where streamers like Ninja built their followings. Twitch has a user-friendly site and app with great social features, allowing streamers and viewers to interact. However, the sheer volume of streamers means it can be very difficult for new channels to attract eyes.
- Twitch pros: Huge user base, name recognition, great social interaction features
- Twitch cons: Lots of competition
YouTube Gaming – Almost everyone uses YouTube, so the platform has expanded its services recently to include live broadcasting, making it very popular for game streaming. Posting recorded videos and sharing clips on your YouTube channel is easy. You have a ton of flexibility with content creation. Competition here is high, and social interaction is less robust than on platforms like Twitch.
- YouTube Gaming pros: User-friendly interface, diverse content creation tools, huge user base
- YouTube Gaming cons: High competition, fewer social features than other streaming platforms
Kick – Kick is a relative newcomer to the livestreaming scene. It offers generous monetization and fewer content restrictions than well-established platforms like Twitch. This makes Kick an attractive option for new streamers trying to build an audience.
- Kick pros: Easier for newcomers to gain traction, fewer restrictions, generous revenue sharing
- Kick cons: Smaller user base, less-established brand
Social media – Popular streamers have a big presence on sites like Instagram, TikTok and X/Twitter. These platforms aren’t ideal for live broadcasts and have limited monetization options. While they won’t replace Twitch or YouTube, they’re great for sharing short-form content to help you attract an audience.
- Social media pros: Useful for audience interaction, great for sharing short-form clips
- Social media cons: Not ideal for live broadcasts, limited monetization
Combining streaming outlets and social media will help maximize your reach and exposure. Restream.io is another popular online service that makes multistreaming easy. Some platforms are also better for certain types of content, whether live or on-demand.
Features to look for in a streaming platform
Each streaming platform has its pros and cons, but the best ones all share:
Social features – The heart of livestreaming is the community element. Good streaming platforms have robust social features like live chat and custom emojis. These allow streamers to connect with their audience.
Monetization – A good streaming platform should offer several ways to earn. Revenue-generating tools include subscriptions, donations and advertisements. Custom merchandise, affiliate marketing and brand partnerships are other ways to make money streaming, but these are usually limited to well-established channels with a significant following.
User-friendly interface – A good platform must be easy for streamers and viewers to use. It should also offer a reliable app, as many people watch streams on their mobile devices. Twitch and YouTube lead the way as the most well-established streaming platforms.
Tips for new game streamers
When it’s time to start livestreaming, here are some tips for establishing your online presence:
Be consistent. You don’t have to stream every day, but it helps to create and stick to a consistent streaming schedule. Long stretches of inactivity will keep your channel dead in the water.
Engage with your audience. As you build an audience, don’t forget to interact with your viewers. Respond to the chat, ask questions and cultivate a welcoming environment for newcomers.
Keep up with trends. Pay attention to what’s trending on platforms like Twitch and YouTube Gaming. Trending content gives you an idea of which games viewers want to see. Of course, not everyone wants to watch endless “Fortnite” streams. You may find your audience in a niche you enjoy, such as retro gaming or lesser-known and underrated games.
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