To become a successful streamer, the quality of your Twitch stream needs to be good enough for people to stick around. Here are some simple tips to help take your production quality to the next level.
Check your internet connection
It’s a bit of an open door, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less important. For streaming, it is absolutely necessary to have a consistent and stable internet connection, as you’ll lose viewers fast if you keep cutting out. Do whatever you can to make it the best it can be: make sure your router is in the correct place, make sure all your software and drivers are up to date or even upgrade to a better provider. A wired internet connection is typically more stable and faster than a wireless one, which can help reduce buffering and improve the quality of your stream.
Use streaming software
With streaming software you can professionalize your stream and gain better control of your audio and video settings. A popular (and free) solution is OBS, short for Open Broadcaster Software. It’s an open source solution that can help you switch audio and video streams, insert images or pre-recorded videos and more. There are also other options available, such as StreamLabs or Restream. Take some time to figure out which one suits your needs best.
Use a webcam (and set it up correctly)
Of course, the video quality will improve by using a better camera. Even one of the cheapest webcams will probably be an improvement to your standard built-in camera. Besides the video quality, one of the benefits of using a webcam is that it allows you to place it in a different position and at a different angle, which will make a huge difference to how you come across.
Pay attention to your background
Take some time to think about your background. A neutral background might prevent viewers from getting distracted, but decorating your background with some carefully placed items may help you to stand out and give your stream a little more personality. You can also use a green screen and create a virtual background, if your surroundings are a bit messy, boring or otherwise unfit for broadcast.
Don’t forget about the lighting
It’s something that’s often overlooked, but proper lighting can really make all the difference. Good lighting is more flattering and will make the stream look more professional. There are a lot of different options, but a quick and easy solution is to use two different light sources on either side of your webcam – even simple spotlights will do. You can also invest in something specifically designed for streaming, like a ring light or key light.
Make it sound right
Last but not least, it’s not only important to look right, but also to sound right. This is where your microphone comes in. Even a cheap microphone can already be a huge improvement to the standard one you’ve got on your computer. Make sure to test and experiment with the settings to filter out the noise around you. If you’ve got a lot of echo or outside noises that you can’t seem to get rid of, consider hanging some curtains or blankets around the room you’re streaming from – it helps mute those noises and can make a big difference.
Test, test, test again
Before each stream, test your settings and equipment to ensure that everything is working properly. Monitor your stream quality and make any necessary adjustments before going live. Use speed testing tools to regularly monitor your internet speed and ensure that you have a consistent and stable connection. Streaming can be CPU-intensive, so make sure to manage your CPU usage as well to avoid performance issues. Close any unnecessary programs and consider upgrading your CPU or graphics card if you're experiencing performance issues.
By following these tips, you can improve the quality of your Twitch stream and provide a better experience for your viewers. High quality streams are also better suited to be converted into videos for social media and gaining an even bigger following. Use StreamLadder to crop your Twitch content, add captions, stickers and more for perfect videos for social media.
