Technical Considerations

The first thing to consider is whether your internet connection is adequate to stream. Generally, your internet connection will need to be fast enough to support a continuous 6000 kbps upload. It also needs to be consistent - interruptions to your internet connection will cut out your stream. Disconnections will reduce the number of viewers on your stream, as lots of people don’t wait for you to return.

The next step to consider is the broadcasting software you will use - this sends your video feed to the platform of your choice. The most commonly used is OBS, a free and open source option which is has native Windows, macOS and Linux support. It can stream to most major platforms including Twitch, YouTube, and TikTok. For the latter, your output can be changed to vertical. There are also options for streaming on mobile devices, such as Streamlabs Mobile.

You will also need moderation tools for preventing spam and inappropriate comments in your livestream’s chat. On Twitch, Sery_Bot and Nightbot are good options.

If you don’t want to be on camera, you can simply rely on voice-over, or use an image which animates when you talk using Fugi.Tech OBS overlays or PNGTuber Plus.

There is also the option to use a virtual avatar, known as VTubing. You can create a free 3D avatar using VRoid Studio. Programmes such as Warudo or VSeeFace can then be used to track your face movements. However, please be aware that these will increase your hardware requirements.

Speaking of hardware, it’s important to know whether your device is capable of streaming! Most modern laptops and mobile phones are able to stream, although you are likely to need an external power source as streaming drains the battery quickly. Streams with higher computational requirements are likely to need a desktop PC. We recommend looking up whether your device specifications are adequate, though if you’re just sharing your screen for coding and the like, it’s very likely any vaugely modern device will work!

If streaming from a PC or laptop, you are likely to need peripherals. Sound quality is very important for viewer retention, so it may be beneficial to get an external USB microphone - many streamers use Blue Yeti or Elgato Wave microphones. If you are appearing on camera, you will need a webcam of at least HD quality. Other peripherals such as a Stream Deck are not necessary, but can be helpful if you decide to keep streaming. You may also need other peripherals, such as additional cameras, depending on the type of content you are making.