Choosing to Stream content whether it be on Twitch, Youtube, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, or the many other platforms that are out there is never an easy decision. There is always the question of “How do I create content that people will want to watch/listen to?”.
There are a few things that you want to consider when you first start streaming content :
- Why do you want to stream/make content?
- Do you enjoy streaming/content creation?
- What is your goal with streaming/content creation?
- How much time are you willing to commit?
- Are you wanting to build a community? Or are you just wanting to stream your favorite game and share it with fellow friends and are happy to get other people along the way?
- Do you have all the information and equipment to get started?
These are just a few of the questions that are presented but there is so much more to it if you want to actively have a presence and retain viewers.
Are you going to be nervous? Some will definately be YES! Others will not, it’s ok to be nervous and jittery, but this is where you get a chance to look back at your video and see what you can improve on.
Time and patience is going to be a big factor in any of the platforms that you use. You can’t expect a big following without some ground networking, so make sure to post anywhere and everywhere you can.
As they say “Rome wasn’t built in a day” and neither will your online presence be.
Unless you put the work into it, it will not grow.
Teaming up with the different platforms is never a bad idea. For example if your streaming on Twitch, you can split that up with making videos and posting them to YouTube.
Whatever you choose to do, is of course, completely up to your vision of what you want it to be, there are so many awesome content creators here that I’m sure they would be more than happy to share some of their experiences with you.
Personally, when I choose to look at someone’s stream it’s because I’m interested in the content they are providing, but I also look or listen to the creator as well. Attitude is EVERYTHING and I find if the creator has a generally positive and uplifting demeanor, I am more likely to want to stay a while and see what transpires. Engaging with chat when you can, and making sure that you acknowledge people when they chat is a very effective way of gaining an audience and keeping them.
Of course you won’t please everyone and that’s ok! One of the most important things with any content that you create is that you have FUN with it, and ENJOY doing it. Trying new things is always a good way to discover things you might not have thought about previously, so be sure to explore your options.
Viewers tend to bring a lot of insight into a stream as well, so being able to be open to ideas is never a bad thing.
If the viewer can see you on a cam, be sure to try and pay attention to things like facial expression, I know I’m way more likely to stay in a stream or on a channel if the creator is smiling and being overall pleasant and excited about their content. Laughter never goes a-stray and brings a positive vibe to not only the viewers, but to your overall well being.