Beginner’s Guide to Streaming: How to Start and What You Need

Streaming has become one of the most exciting ways to share your gameplay, creativity, and personality with the world. Whether you’re aiming to play Fortnite live or educate people in your niche, streaming can be a rewarding and fun experience. If you’re new to this, here’s a simple guide to help you get started, along with tips on essential equipment and a great place in Brisbane—Endgame Esports—where you can try out professional streaming setups before making a big investment, or buy some gear for your PC setup from their shop!

1. What is Streaming?

Streaming involves broadcasting your content, such as video games, music, art, or even just chatting with viewers, to a platform like Twitch, YouTube, or Facebook Live. As a streamer, you’ll interact with your audience in real time, building a community around your content.

2. Choose Your Streaming Platform

First, decide where you want to stream. Some popular platforms include:

• Twitch: The most well-known platform for gamers.
• YouTube: Great for both streaming and uploading videos.
• Facebook Live: Popular among casual streamers.

Choose a platform that fits your style and what you want to stream. Each platform has its own requirements, but most offer easy-to-use tools for setting up your stream.

3. Essential Streaming Gear for Beginners

Streaming requires more than just a computer. Here’s a list of key items you’ll need to get started: (PS – you can find some of these PC parts from our store here!

1. A Good Computer

Your computer is the heart of your streaming setup. You’ll need something powerful enough to run your games and stream at the same time. Look for a PC or laptop with:

• At least an Intel i5 or Ryzen 5 processor
• 16GB of RAM
• A dedicated graphics card (e.g., Nvidia GTX or RTX series)

If you’re just starting out and don’t want to invest in a full setup yet, you can always check out Endgame Esports in Brisbane, where you can hire a top-tier gaming PC with all the specs you’ll need to stream.

2. A Webcam

A webcam helps you connect with your audience by showing your face. Popular choices for streamers are:

• Logitech C920: A solid choice for clear, high-quality video.
• Razer Kiyo: Offers good lighting and adjustable brightness.

A webcam can make your stream feel more personal, which helps grow your community.

3. A Microphone

Clear audio is just as important as good video. Poor sound quality can make viewers leave quickly. You’ll need a good microphone like:

• Blue Yeti: Popular for its excellent sound quality and versatility.
• Audio-Technica AT2020: A budget-friendly but professional-sounding option.

For the best audio quality, invest in a microphone with a pop filter to reduce unwanted sounds like popping or breathing.

4. Headset or Headphones

A good headset allows you to hear your game sound clearly while interacting with your audience. Consider:

• SteelSeries Arctis 7 (for wireless, great sound)
• HyperX Cloud II (comfortable with excellent sound quality)

5. Lighting

Good lighting is crucial to look your best on camera. You don’t need to spend a lot, but these are good options:

• Ring Light: Provides soft and even lighting for your face.
• Elgato Key Light: A bit pricier but perfect for streamers who want more control over their lighting.

6. Streaming Software

You’ll need software to manage your stream, overlays, alerts, and more. A few beginner-friendly options include:

• OBS Studio (Open Broadcaster Software) – Free, open-source, and highly customizable.
• Streamlabs OBS – A more beginner-friendly version of OBS, with built-in templates and tools.

7. A Good Internet Connection

Make sure you have a stable and fast internet connection. At least 5Mbps upload speed is recommended for smooth streaming.

4. Optional Gear for a Professional Touch

Once you’re comfortable with the basics, you can think about adding some advanced gear:

• Green Screen: To remove your background and create a more professional look.
• Stream Deck: A device to help you manage your stream with customizable buttons.

5. Streaming Setup at Endgame Esports

Getting all of the above gear can be expensive, especially when you’re just starting. That’s where Endgame Esports in Brisbane comes in! They offer a streaming setup for hire, allowing you to access high-quality equipment without making a huge upfront investment.

At Endgame Esports, you can hire a fully equipped station for streaming. This includes a high-performance PC, microphone, webcam, lighting, and more—all set up for you. It’s the perfect option for beginners who want to get a feel for streaming without worrying about setting up and purchasing everything themselves.

6. Start Streaming

Once you’ve got your setup ready, it’s time to start streaming! Here are a few tips for beginners:

• Consistency is Key: Try to stream on a regular schedule so your audience knows when to tune in.
• Engage with Your Viewers: Chat with your audience, ask questions, and make them feel involved.
• Have Fun: Don’t worry about being perfect. Enjoy yourself, and your viewers will enjoy your stream too!

7. Building Your Audience

Building a loyal audience takes time. Here’s how to grow:

• Promote on Social Media: Share your streams on Twitter, Instagram, or TikTok.
• Collaborate with Other Streamers: Team up with others to expand your audience.
• Be Patient: Building an audience takes time, so don’t get discouraged.

8. Conclusion

Streaming is a great way to connect with people, share your passions, and even make some money! By investing in the right equipment and setting up your stream, you’re on your way to becoming a successful content creator. If you’re in Brisbane, check out Endgame Esports, where you can rent a professional setup and get started with streaming today!

Good luck, and happy streaming!

-the friendly team at Endgame Esports 🙂