There’s so much value in content creation these days, it’s no wonder millions of people want to become streamers. It’s a lucrative and attractive career choice, and at first glance, it seems relatively easy to become a content creator. However, there’s actually a lengthy and complex path to follow if you’re trying to learn how to become a streamer. There are no overnight success stories, and it’ll take hard work, dedication, and a whole lot of time.
If you think you’ve got what it takes to become a content creator and make money from doing so, then there’s a lot of preparation you’ll need to take care of. From building the best streaming setup to understanding exactly what it is that you want to stream, there’s a lot to consider before you can even get started. There’s no quick fix to learning how to become a successful streamer, but you can kick off your journey by reading a guide like this one.
We’ve broken down everything you need to know about learning how to start streaming.
Is It Hard to Become A Streamer?
So, you want to learn how to become a streamer, but you’re not sure if it’s right for you? For years, you’ve watched top-tier content creators perform their hearts out on platforms like Twitch and YouTube, and now you want to give it a go yourself. Perhaps you’re eager to sit in front of a camera playing games, or you want to become the next best IRL streamer. It doesn’t matter what your goal is, it all starts with a single step – and a guide like this.
It’s not hard to become a streamer, which is good news for anyone finding the prospect a little daunting. There are countless guides out there dedicated to showing you how to grow on Twitch, how to build the best streaming room, and how to get better at the games you play. In theory, you can become a streamer in moments using nothing more than a mobile phone or a console – but there’s a difference between simply doing it and doing it well.
There’s something of a pitfall for new streamers, and it involves them believing all too easily that they’re destined to make it as a content creator. It can be a slippery slope, and it’s one of the most oversaturated industries in the world. There are millions of streamers out there, and they’re all jostling to sit at the top of the table. It’s a harsh truth, but if you’re learning how to become a streamer, you’ll need to boast a few characteristics:
- Confidence
- Charisma
- Humour
- Communication Skills
- Tech Know-How
© Ninja
How to Become a Successful Streamer
It’s a considerable distance between your first stream and figuring out how to make money from streaming. In the earliest days, you’ll spend a lot of time streaming to nobody or to just a few people at a time. If you’re ticking the right boxes, then you’ll grow in no time at all, but not every content creator is guaranteed to grow. Here are a few of those magical, ‘easy-win’ boxes that you need to tick:
- Engage with your chat and build a community over time.
- Ensure that you’re networking with like-minded individuals and building supportive connections.
- Only put out high-quality gameplay and content, and focus on consistency.
- Build up the best streaming setup possible, even if it takes a while.
- At the minimum, have a microphone and a camera – other gadgets can come later.
- Follow the rules and try to not be controversial.
It all begins with building your streaming setup, and the equipment that you use determines the quality of your stream. From making sure you have a crisp camera to checking that you’re making use of the best live-streaming software, what you put out is going to be consumed by your audience. It has to be good if you want to become a successful streamer – and it must be exceptional if you want to make enough money to make a living from it.
Let’s be honest, though. It’s extremely difficult to be a successful streamer, and it can be so much tougher and more intense than working a ‘traditional’ career. For instance, as a content creator, you need to be switched on all the time, looking for the next big idea or the latest trend and have a constant presence on social media and in your Discord server.
If that sounds like something you can easily accomplish, then by all means, read on!
© Pokimane
Top Tips for Becoming a Streamer
There are a few key pieces of information that you can take away with you when you’re trying desperately to become a top streamer. While many websites will offer a list of streaming tips, we’ll tell you what you need to get started – information that’ll help you begin, not help you further down the line, necessarily. It was once said that the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step – and this is that single step.
1. Think about what you want to do before you do it
Without a doubt, there are more options for streaming than you can shake a stick at. From the thousands of games to the non-gaming streamers like Just Chatting-based content, there are important choices to be made before you’ve even signed up to Twitch or YouTube. For instance, if you wanted to be a Call of Duty Warzone streamer, you’ll find it tougher because there is so much competition.
2. Make sure that you’re in the right mental state
Unfortunately, streaming can be very confusing, complex, and stressful, and from the start of your journey, you’ll be second-guessing yourself. It’s a tough journey for someone that has low self-esteem or issues with self-confidence, and it can lead to a streamer judging themself far too aggressively. It’s a tough situation – you’ll be putting out curated content, spending hours making videos and editing them, to land just a few views.
It’ll almost certainly get better, but be prepared to deal with the loneliness when you’re starting out.
3. Try to be as original as possible
Typically, the creators blowing up on social media are the ones that are doing something unique. There are millions of run-of-the-mill creators that rely on the same tactics as the bulk of the pool, and in some cases, there are streamers that word-for-word copy the content of others. If you’re original, inventive, and innovative, then it’ll shine through, particularly if what you do is challenging, interesting, or straight-up entertaining.
So, it doesn’t matter if we’re talking about your stream layout, your setup, your appearance, or how you play your game – be unique. It’s such an easy tip.
That’s our guide on how to become a streamer. We hope we’ve equipped you at least somewhat with what’s needed to go forward and become a successful streamer. At the very least, you’ll know how to get started, and that’s the most important step on the path.
