If you like video games, chances are you stumbled upon one or two streams on Twitch. This is the largest live video game venue in the world. It attracts about 140 million unique viewers per month, who watch over 2 million streamers for hours, broadcasting everything from Fortnite and World of Warcraft to art and culinary shows and even live sports. And perhaps you were wondering: how to arrange a “Twitch” channel?
1. Make sure your microphone is not terrible
The reason people watch live events is in the comments, not in the gameplay. Make sure you don’t speak as if you are in a wind tunnel near a construction site. Your microphone does not have to be professional, just make sure that it doesn’t have a ton of static electricity and your voice is clear. Also, use headphones or a headset so that there is no feedback from the speakers.
2. Have a good internet connection
It is important to consider your Internet: it should not be lightning fast, but it must be decent. Make sure your internet is fast enough to stream 720p or more.
3. Get a webcam
How to make a "Twitch" channel without a webcam? No way! The whole point of live broadcasts is that the streamer interacts with its viewers, and the latter love to know how it looks. It is believed that streamers with webcams, as a rule, work better than without it. As with a microphone and an Internet connection, your headset should be decent. Make sure it can record at least 720p.
4. HUD
How to make a "Twitch" channel in terms of software. Usually, OBS is used, but there are other alternatives such as xSplit. Make sure your stream looks good and stands out from the crowd. Put a border around your webcam and make sure you have a pop-up notification when someone signs up or donates. This will encourage other viewers to do the same.
5. Broadcast what people are watching
If you want to broadcast Starcraft, Minecraft, League of Legends or Hearthstone, just give up these games. You have to broadcast what many watch, but not so much. Go to the list of games on Twitch, just skip the first 10-20 games on the list. Start watching the games you like, click on them and check how many people are streaming.
If at least 30 people are already broadcasting this game, try something else. The whole point is that you are on the first page of the game. You want people to see your flow. If you are on the first page, you’re much more likely to get viewers who will be buried under thousands of other people broadcasting the same game.
6. Make a chat bot
It doesn't talk about spectator bots. Do not start them, you will be banned. If you watched a few streams, you probably noticed someone named Nightbot or Moobot in the chats. These are chat bots, they check the chat to make sure that no one is posting links or anything else that could be dangerous. You really do not want the bot to enter your chat, to post a malicious link, for one of your viewers to click on it, and then get a virus. Better to be safe than sorry.
7. Interact with your viewers
Refresh the list of viewers and every time someone new joins the stream, say: "Hello (nickname), welcome to the stream." Be careful, answer the questions of the audience and ask them questions. Talk to them just as you would talk to someone in person. Do not argue with people if someone does something that annoys you, just turn it off and quickly end it.
8. Talk to someone when you broadcast
Before you start streaming, start a Skype call with one of your friends, because for a while no one will be watching your stream. If someone joins your flow and nobody talks, they leave immediately. And how to make a “Twitch” channel without viewers? If you are talking to someone, people are more likely to remain in your flows.
9. Be consistent
Since you're new to this, try setting up a streaming schedule. People are more likely to watch your stream if it is installed at a specific time, and not just at any time.
10. Customize the panels
So, how to beautifully design a "Twitch" channel? Most of the individual design is in the information panel - this is a place where you can show your personality and provide viewers with the necessary information. Many of them check the panels when they decide if they want to subscribe to the streamer. This is a chance to show your personality. Use the templates for the design of the "Twitch" channel, which you will find on successful channels:
It’s important to include a review or description of your channel so that viewers know what they can expect from you. Try listing a few of your favorite things to stream to get started.
It is recommended that you list the days and times when you usually stream so your viewers know when to connect. It doesn’t matter if the schedule changes, just keep your panel up to date.
Your viewers want to know where to find you on channels outside Twitch. Many streamers believe that social networks help keep in touch with the community and provide updates. Try adding a link to your favorite social media channels to attract the community.
Has someone done something to support you? Panels are a great way to show the love of some members of your community or other streamers.