For a long time, YouTube was the only known streaming platform. But with the big launch of Twitch in 2011, the world has changed for the better – especially for gamers!
With approximately 140 million active users, Twitch is a source of new opportunities for many gamers wanting to share their gaming adventures. Some are incredibly successful, using streaming to earn a decent income. No wonder many new users consider launching their channel to gather an audience and become part of a cool community with similar interests.
So how do you start streaming on Twitch? First, don’t rush it, as total dive into untested waters can do more harm than good. Instead, follow this ultimate guide to Twitch streaming and develop your grand strategy on how to do it best.
Comprehending why so many people enjoy watching streamers on Twitch
Although the most viewed categories on this platform are related to gaming, many users are also involved in other pleasant activities like sports, cooking, ASMR, or art. So you don’t necessarily need to play video games to start streaming on Twitch. The relatively new IRL (In Real Life) category has introduced many fresh and familiar faces like Andy Milonakis, JakenBakeLIVE, AustinShow, and Pokimane. And by delivering fresh creative content, they can work as a great source of creative inspiration for the next generations of streamers desiring to learn from the successes and mistakes of others. Overall, this is a platform for everyone willing to share.
But to become a highly watched streamer, you must grasp what makes Twitch so cool. So before starting any necessary preparations, take a little trip to the other side – the audience. Watch the best and beginners in the category that interests you the most to see what gets the viewers going. You will soon discover nothing attracts people like sincere passion, extraordinary skills, and fun. Because that’s what it’s all about – enjoying every moment of interaction with viewers. Some of the best Twitch content creators like to chat about the hottest social topics, while others engage in another League of Legends session.
In gaming, the reasons for following streamers divide into watching it for the person or the gameplay. Some viewers don’t have the required hardware to enjoy the game or want to know the plot without playing themselves. Others like the streamer’s natural commentary, charismatic personality, skills, or community that feels welcoming. The best thing about this job is focusing on one specific activity, and watching someone do that brings a sense of comfort in a world dominated by stimuli attacking from all sides. No violence, no arguments – just chill and people doing their precious thing.
How to start streaming on Twitch? – Choose your first hardware!
Assuming you already know what to do on Twitch and have a registered account, we can move our streaming on Twitch guide to choosing the proper equipment. The basic and most popular is a gaming laptop or desktop streaming setup that meets the recommended Twitch requirements. Aim for a gear with at least an Intel Core i5-4670 processor and 8GB RAM. Alienware is the most common choice, but Asus, HP, or Acer should do the job just fine. You can also use your smartphone or favorite console. It’s not hard to guess the console may be the best equipment for streaming video games. But the phone will meet your expectations if you want to start a career in the IRL category. Many players opt for a dual-computer setup that allows streaming on one machine and playing on the other – which is also a nice solution but recommended after recognizing your needs on Twitch.
When it comes to computers, the principle is simple. PC should always be slightly more powerful than the recommended requirements of the video game you plan to play. But there is one more crucial factor – internet connection. 10Mb/s is the absolute minimum to achieve a sufficient upload speed. Your connection should be stable, fast, and able to transmit at least 60 FPS. You will also need streaming software, so the free OBS Studio or Streamlabs OBS is your best bet. The latter features a friendlier interface, better for novice users.
Other useful tools are headphones, a microphone, and a webcam. To boost your gaming experience, choose a proven headset like Razer Blackshark V2, Logitech G Pro X, or SteelSeries Arctis 7. You will also need a microphone to make the sound clearer and better understood. Of the top recommendations in this category, streamers often use the Shure SM7B, Blue Yeti, and HyperX QuadCast. But if you want to buy cheaper, go for Samson Go Mic or Simorr Wave U1. Last but not least – webcam. As you probably already know, streams with visible reactions always seem friendlier and more engaging. So if you want to develop an authentic relationship with your audience, invest in a webcam.
Elgato Facecam is the best choice right now. But others like Logitech StreamCam, Razer Kiyo Pro, or Dell Ultrasharp will be fine as well. Also, buy the right lighting, but you can put this quest off for later. First, find out if streaming is your thing and try different conceptions. Many Twitch celebrities started small, discovering step by step what works, so even borrowed equipment from a friend can help more than you think on your first day.
Streaming tips for beginners
Good equipment does nothing without understanding the basics of captivating an audience. Sure, you can play without viewers, but you’ll soon discover it doesn’t make sense. Fortunately, Twitch has been around for quite some time, so many experienced streamers share their knowledge and tricks based on difficult beginnings. Some of these factors, like the overall channel vibe or the streamer’s awkwardness, are easy to sense. And understand one fact – viewers are brutally honest. If they don’t appreciate your content, they leave. But that doesn’t mean you won’t find ‘your people’ soon!
The most important thing is to recognize your profitable niche. But you don’t have to jump right into some weird content with contrasting themes. Think about what you’re best at and what might make other people interested. Play your favorite game and deliver charming bits of your personal life without crossing boundaries that might be uncomfortable. Introducing your pet or chatting about funny events will help create a cozy vibe. This rule works great with another – never be silent. Many viewers watch streams for the joyous company, not actual gameplay. And even the most experienced player won’t attract an audience just by playing and not saying a single word.
Another essential rule is to stream at scheduled times. Design a specific timetable so your potential viewers know what to expect. Streaming at random times introduces terrible mayhem and can result in a drastic drop in views. Try doing this regularly and engage with the audience as much as possible. Answering questions, creating an appealing profile, and thanking for donations are important steps to ultimate success – especially at the modest beginning. After all, Twitch is a social platform, and fun interactions in safe environments are its fundamental advantage.
You’re probably wondering what game you should play to gather many fans faster than others. Right now, the most popular are GTA V, Valorant, LoL, CS: GO, and Dota 2. But stop for a moment and think – do you want to play something just because it’s popular? What if you prefer other, more niche titles? The answer is fabulously simple – play what you like. If you start playing something you don’t find fun just for the sake of popularity, viewers will sense it, and your streams may feel driven by frustration. Better enjoy your favorite game and build a dedicated audience slower but steadily.
How to make money on Twitch?
First, fulfill certain requirements to become a Twitch Affiliate and start earning on your new favorite platform. This program provides many other benefits, so it is worth trying to achieve these goals to enter a new level of streaming satisfaction. All you have to do is:
- Have 50 followers
- Stream for 8 hours in the recent 30 days
- Broadcast on 7 different days in the last month
- Have an average of 3 viewers in the last 30 days
After gathering an enthusiastic audience and learning to have fun with streaming, many users wonder how to monetize their new favorite activity. The main sources of income on Twitch are cheers, subscriptions, donations, and advertisements. Viewers can choose from three types of subscriptions, and a streamer receives 50% of the total amount. Their prices range from $4.99 to $24.99, so that’s pretty fair cash per person. Another form of income is cheers that viewers can give to their favorite streamers. In this case, one cheer equals 1 cent. Ads that pay for views can therefore be a better source of revenue. And once you become a more recognizable streamer, chances are various companies will choose you to sponsor their products on the channel. The last form of earning on Twitch is the popular donations that allow viewers to send a chosen amount directly to the streamer. However, this form may look too pretentious if you only have five viewers. Wait a while until the numbers grow, and let the masses decide how much they want to support you.
Why is social media promotion important?
Sometimes just streaming on Twitch may not be enough. Consider sharing videos on YouTube to increase the chances of reaching your potential audience. Many people still don’t know how to operate Twitch and prefer the familiar platform they’ve grown used to over the years. This step can convince them to follow you on Twitch. Also, consider making an Instagram account to stay closer to the audience. For viewers, every piece of funny information about the streamer’s life proves commitment to a mutual relationship. It will help you stay honest and trustworthy, which is extremely important in an online world where everything often feels fake.
Conclusion
The key to success in any area of life is to enjoy what it has to offer. This rule also applies to Twitch, where genuinely engaged people gather the most views. Even our good old PewDiePie started small but quickly achieved success with regular streams and audience interaction. Today, the competition is much greater than back then, but overall the rules haven’t changed a lot. People are still into the fun, interesting gameplay, personal life bits, and exciting commentary. Decent equipment only boosts priceless skills and personality traits like charisma, gentle self-mocking, or just being a nice guy. So don’t rush it – act natural, do what you like, and soon similar people will join.