Live streaming is bigger than ever. In 2021, popular platform Twitch had an average of 2.77 million viewers at any one time, with 8.46 million people broadcasting every month. These are by far the largest numbers the streaming platform has seen since it launched in 2011 – and they’re only increasing. A new survey from Logitech NZ also revealed that 75% of Kiwi kids aged between 10 and 18 indicated they’d like to become a YouTuber or streamer as a job. It’s not hard to see why: what could be better than sharing something you love doing and maybe even making some cash at the same time?

Ready to start your streaming journey or help your kids begin theirs? We talked to tech commentator and host of the Technology Uncorked podcast, Geoff Quattromani, about how to start streaming.

First, What is Streaming?

Streaming refers to someone broadcasting themselves to other people via the internet while they do something such as gaming. It’s usually done via a streaming platform, such as YouTube, Facebook Live, Twitch or Facebook Gaming. 

What You Need to Start Live Streaming 

When you’re becoming a streamer, you’ll need a laptop or PC and a good internet connection.

"A good, strong internet connection is a must," says Geoff. "A poor connection will mean low-quality streaming, resulting in your content being blurry, pixelated and poorly represented." To determine your internet speed, you can perform a speed test over at speedtest.net. An internet speed above 20 megabits per second (Mbps) is adequate for most games, although if you’re playing graphic intense games you’ll want to aim for 50 Mbps. 

Next to consider is the machine from which you’ll be streaming. Aim for a PC or laptop, such as the ASUS ROG Strix G15 Laptop or the Lenovo Yoga 7i 14 2-in-1 Notebook, that can quickly process video and audio. You’ll also need to run the recorded video and audio through broadcasting software, such as OBS Studio or Streamlabs. 

What To Try 

SEE ALSO: Easy Ways to Boost Your WiFi Signal at Home

Get Great Live Streaming Visuals

Before you go live to your chosen streaming platform, you’ll need a good camera.

“For a beginner streamer, your presentation is one of the most important elements,” says Geoff. Why? Well, you want viewers to be able to see the joy on your face after a hard-fought win or the frustration of battling through a particularly hard level. When your audience shares these moments with you, they connect with you and will come back for more. 

What you’re looking for is good lighting, audio and visuals, so start with the best camera for live streaming you can afford. Your computer’s in-built camera might work, but usually the resolution won’t be as high as that of a dedicated webcam. Nor will you be able to adjust angles or move its position away from the computer. 

Then you need to get the camera in the right spot. “A good placement when gaming would be on top of the computer, as close as possible to your eye line,” says Geoff. “People want to feel engaged and eye contact is important for that. Additionally, having the webcam [positioned] above you also means you look better on camera.” 

A camera below the monitor can give viewers an unflattering ‘up your nose’ point of view; one to the side will make it appear as though you’re not looking in the viewer’s direction. 

It’s also important to consider the background. “Is it distracting to the viewer?” says Geoff. “Is it neat and tidy? A good background is usually dark and not the focal point.” 

Many streamers use a screen to eliminate the background entirely, but as a starting point it’s not always necessary.

What To Try 

Get the Lighting Right for Live Streaming

Choose the correct ring light and positioning, and you’ll be on your way to becoming a streamer.

“Another key aspect to having good visuals on your stream is good lighting,” says Geoff. “Inadequate lighting will mean there will be shadows and unbalanced focal areas. Since a large part of streaming is about the streamer themselves, looking good is really important.”

Because room lighting is generally overhead, it can cause unflattering shadows, so Geoff suggests purchasing an inexpensive ring light. They shine light evenly onto the streamer, illuminating the eyes and reducing shadows in the face.

What To Try 

Sound Options for Live Streaming 

Now that you have the camera and lights ready for action, it’s time to consider sound. This is one of the most important aspects of setting up your streaming, since you’ll spend most – if not all – of your time talking.

Just as big streaming stars like Pokimane and Sykkuno rose to fame thanks to their charming and fun personalities, it is what you say and how you say it that will determine whether people will come back to your channel. 

To get a quality audio experience and avoid auditory problems such as muffling and distortion, Geoff recommends using a headset or dedicated microphone, almost as though you are recording a podcast. 

What To Try 

SEE ALSO: 10 Hacks to Make Your Gaming Setup Even Better

Tips for Your First Streams

Do some rehearsals, then tell your friends when you’re going live on a streaming platform.

Once you’ve got the equipment together and decided what you’re going to stream about, you’re good to go. For your first stream, make sure you put your best self forward, suggests Geoff. “Dress as though you are in public,” he says. “No pyjamas, unless that’s what makes you special. Before your first stream, do a few test runs by yourself and pretend you are streaming.”

You can also watch other successful streamers like Rubius, Ninja, Auronplay and Tfue and learn from their behaviour. Additionally, invite people you trust to join the first stream, ask for feedback and learn from it. 

“Don’t fret over the amount of viewers, though,” says Geoff. “No-one starts with thousands of live viewers. It’s a game of patience.”

What To Try