This question is not so easy to answer, because it always depends on what you want to stream, how big your ambitions are and how you define the term “streamer”. Are you already a streamer if you go live once a month and present a new game to three of your friends?
Basically, you don’t need much to stream – if you break it down to the essential components, a PC with the appropriate software or a current game console is enough to get started.
Of course, you should also have a good Internet connection, because a lot of data is exchanged to transmit a live stream in full HD quality.
For a good, smooth 1080p stream, you should therefore have an Internet speed of at least 10 Mbit/s. If you can’t meet these requirements, you’ll have to lower the quality of your transmission accordingly.
In most cases, however, this is not enough to make things a bit more professional. To become a streamer, you should get to know the different platforms, the games and the content you want to show.
In order to be found off stream and provide content to your viewers, social media channels are extremely important. You should set up Instagram, Facebook and Twitter accounts and keep them active. These tools are not only important for marketing, but also to let your followers know when the next streams are happening and what you have planned in terms of content.
The appropriate streaming setup also plays a big role. Very few creators on Twitch & Co. broadcast their shows without a microphone and/or camera, so setting up the setup should be a high priority.
