Career as a streamer – the most important tips to get started
You know names like Montana Black, Knossi or Gronkh, right? You've probably already asked yourself why these well-known streamers earn so much money and whether you have the chance too. First of all, a warning: Don't expect to get spontaneous wealth from streaming.
Although the very successful gamblers “only” play NetBet slots legally in German , there is a lot of work, perseverance and patience behind it. We'll give you the most important tips if you're aiming for a career as a streamer.
Find the right game for you – don’t go with the mainstream
Everyone is playing the latest blockbuster and you force yourself to do it even though you don't feel like it? Your viewers will quickly notice this, and the market is already overcrowded. To be successful as a small streamer, you should look for a niche that attracts high numbers of viewers. In recent years, gambling streams have proven to be a crowd puller.
Caution is advised here, as some providers have been blacklisted by Twitch. If you decide to do this, make sure you choose a reputable service. For example, you can play at Netbet because the provider has a license here. However, you are not allowed to use the offer of a gambling operator with a license from Malta!
Your most important feature is that your chosen game does not necessarily have to be current and modern. The important thing is that you identify with it, have fun in the long term and can convey real pleasure to your audience.
Check your personal requirements – are you a born streamer?
Do you enjoy gaming in your free time , are communicative and have no problem showing yourself to the internet community? Congratulations, at this point you already meet the three main criteria for starting as a streamer. Although the use of a camera is not mandatory, you should rely on it.
Viewers want to see who they are dealing with and who is entertaining them. Maybe you've heard the story of "Ein-Quantum-Pro", the German streamer who has been hosting lets plays and faceless streams for many years. It became a running joke that he was depicted with a bag over his head.
However, such hype quickly dies down and this streamer is now also showing its face. Don't worry, shyness is completely normal at first. Hide your camera image so you're not constantly aware of your presence on the screen.
The right equipment – the basic requirements for the technical start
You've long since found your game, you're not camera shy either, but you don't have the equipment. In the beginning you will have to invest, especially in your internet connection. Broadband coverage is now very high in Germany, so you can easily achieve a transmission speed of 300 mb/s in most regions.
This means you not only get clear images on the screen, but you can also download new games at a much faster speed. Once your console or PC is ready for use, you will also need the following things:
- Streaming software (ideally use OBS)
- Headphones with good sound transmission
- Microphone (alternatively a headset is possible)
- High quality webcam
In order to generate a solid streaming experience on Twitch, your PC must meet a few minimum requirements. It's not enough if it can just about play your favorite game under full load, but then no longer has any capacity for streaming transmission. You are well equipped with an i7 or i9 processor, at least 16 GB of DDR4 or DDR5 RAM and a high-quality graphics card.
The right streaming software – OBS is the measure of all things
Although there are other providers, OBS has established itself as the number one streaming software. The advantage of this is that you can access it for free and get started straight away. There are many features available to you, especially when it comes to transmission options, such as capture card, browser window, camera and webcam. It's incredibly easy to use and you'll get the hang of it after an hour or two.
Don't want OBS? With Streamlabs OBS there is an alternative that is aimed primarily at gaming streamers. On Twitch and YouTube you are no longer forced to play games, but the most watched categories are games. Streamlabs works just as easily as OBS, so you as a gamer can't go wrong with it.
XSplit Broadcaster is a paid and simple software that you have to invest in. The full purchase will cost you around $230, but there are also subscription models. The software is suitable for you if you want to combine input from different sources. One advantage is that XSplit uses less computing capacity, which you benefit from on a weaker PC.
The last alternative we would like to introduce to you is Twitch Studio. As the name suggests, this software was developed by Twitch and is available for free. The disadvantage: You need a Windows PC to use it. A big advantage is how easy it is to use; even if you're a complete noob, you can't go wrong with this program.
The first stream – what to do if there are no viewers?
Are you excited, can't wait to see the first followers and nothing happens? This happens to most new streamers who don't yet have a community behind them. Maybe you're lucky and someone gets lost on your channel, but it usually takes a few days.
Don't let this discourage you and encourage viewership with a set schedule that you store in your profile. This means there is a chance that interested parties will check the channel while you are away and return to your online times.
To achieve more success, actively network with other streamers. If you're not on air at the moment, look at competitor streams that also focus on your game. Communicate in the chat, play in community games and slowly make a name for yourself.
On social networks you can also find groups for streamers who want to support each other. Without these activities, it can take a long time to consistently captivate your first viewers. The more actively you advertise, the more success your stream will have.
Conclusion: You won't get enough overnight, but streaming is still fun
Still a gamer today, a millionaire tomorrow? Unless you win big at gambling, this won't happen. Streaming is more than just broadcasting your free time online.
You have to actively advertise, interact with your viewers, and adapt your content to you and your community. A little encouragement at the end: Even the big celebrities of the streaming scene started out very small at some point and with a handful of viewers!
