So You Want to be a Streamer: Starting Your Stream – DIY in 5 Ep 229

Опубликовано 12 августа 2024, 17:00

Streaming involves a lot of moving pieces and getting them in order can take some work. This video features tips on making that process easier.

What is it that you want to stream? A game, an art project, or several things you want to talk about? If your stream content is more complex, make sure you can refer to it somewhere if your mind goes blank. A computer screen, a sticky note, or even a teleprompter (you might be surprised how cheap they are) are all useful for reminding streamers of their talking points.

The advantage of a stream as opposed to a podcast or prerecorded video is the interactivity. You should make sure you can see your chat. Depending on the platform you’re streaming to, you have options. Mobile chat overlays or desktop chat interfaces are common. Another option is having chat on a separate device, such as a tablet, out of frame but within eyeline. Interaction with viewers is good – why else would you do this live? Don’t get thrown off by chat though. It will be easier to focus given time and practice. Talking points can be useful if you do lose your train of thought.
A moderator in chat can help a streamer of any size. Mods are the MVPs of streaming! They enforce stream rules in chat and help you avoid uncomfortable situations. A friend or family member may be able to act as moderator initially. Decide what your line is for verbal warnings, timeouts, and bans, and make sure your mod is on the same page. As your community grows, you may be able to recruit a volunteer mod from among it. It can be a prestigious position!
Alternative ways of community interaction besides chat are on-screen alerts or interactive polls. Some platforms and streaming software options have built-in tools to do these and more. Other streaming platforms will require ingenuity. Either way, breathe, remember your focus and why you’re doing it, and try to relax and have fun.

Lastly, thank your viewers for sharing their time with you. Let them know when you’ll next be streaming, and try to be consistent with your schedule. Streaming is a learning process, and it will get easier with time. Give yourself some grace, understand that much is out of your control, embrace the chaos of live performance, and above all, enjoy yourself as much as possible.
Thanks for watching!

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Timecodes:
0:00 Intro
0:52 Topic (and staying on it)
1:25 Interact with your viewers
2:03 Moderators
3:08 Outro