Are You Dreaming of Streaming?
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Here’s the scene: Your kid is regaling you (once again) with what their favorite streamer is up to. But this time, you realize streaming might be a fun adventure for you, too. But you have no idea what you should know before starting a streaming channel.
Well, whether you’re into gaming, cooking, crafting, or something entirely different, we’ve got some basics to get you started on this new adventure.
What’s It All About?
If you’re going to become a streamer, you’re going to need to stream about something. While you can just do a stream-of-consciousness channel, that could make it very hard to grow a dedicated audience. Viewers like to know what to expect when they join your stream (or watch it recorded later).
But how do you decide what to stream about? Here are some questions to get you started:
- Is there a message you want to share?
- What games do you love to play?
- Do you have a passion or hobby?
- Is there something unique about you or your family?
- Do you record your pet, your travels, or something else already?
Some parents tap into family-friendly niches like parenting tips, crafting with kids, or family-friendly recipe ideas. But you don’t need to be limited to family topics. You might enjoy talking about current events, politics, or finances. If you’ve found yourself longing for adult conversation while at home with small kids, your stream might be your path to fill that need.
There are over 30,000 live streaming channels on several platforms. If you’re not sure what to stream about, do some exploration on a platform or two to scout out ideas.
What Are Your Goals?
Before you dive in and start buying equipment, take a deep breath. Then ask yourself, “What’s my goal?” Do you just want to have fun (maybe with your kids)? Are you hoping to build an online presence that supports your business? If you want to earn income, how much?
Defining your “why” is an important step before creating your streaming channel. After all, you don’t have a lot of free time. Having a clear direction to move in will make the most of your time and energy.
If you need help in setting goals, try this short video on SMART goals to get started.
Ready to Learn the Basics?
Okay, you know what you want to stream, and you’ve set your goals. But do you know how to stream?
You’ll need some basic equipment, which we’ll talk about in the next section. This is also the time to decide which platform or platforms to stream on.
Here are a few options:
- YouTube is great if you want a wide reach or if you’re looking to build a business.
- Twitch is a great platform for gaming streams.
- Facebook and Instagram are good choices to reach people who already follow you or your business.
- If you have a website, you may be able to stream through that.
Once you’ve decided which platforms you want to use, get familiar with their processes. They’ll let you know what you need to do to be ready.
If you’d like a more detailed beginner’s guide to streaming, this article from Wix can help.
It can be a good idea to practice a few times, maybe invite only a friend or small group to give you feedback before you formally launch your channel.
Are You Set Up For Success?
Okay – you’ve decided on your niche, you know what you want to accomplish, and you know the basics of where and how to stream. But what else should you know before starting a streaming channel?
Next, you’ll need to get some streaming gear. While you can get started with simple tools, it’s good to remember that quality tools will let you make better streams.
You don’t need to go all out at the beginning, but a few essentials can make a big difference.
A Good Microphone
Clear sound keeps viewers engaged, but you don’t need to break the bank. There are budget-friendly options.
HD Webcam
A clear picture makes your stream look more professional. A streaming webcam can keep focus even when you move. These don’t have to be expensive to work well. You can get one that attaches to your computer, or uses a tripod.
Lighting
Simple ring lights work wonders in brightening up your face. One quick note – make sure the light doesn’t reflect off your eyes, especially if you wear glasses.
Teleprompter
While not essential, using a teleprompter for a live stream can help you stay organized and maintain a natural flow, especially if you’re streaming to a script. This can be a great idea for tutorials or educational content.
Can You Balance Streaming and Life?
As you’ve probably noticed, streaming is more than just sitting in front of your camera. Even after you’ve done all the prep we’ve mentioned, you’ll need to create content, engage with your audience, edit for posting, and be consistent.
As a parent working from home, it will help if you can maintain a healthy work-life balance. Good boundaries around family and streaming time will help your side gig should complement your life, not control it.
You might want to include your kids in your videos, like in this short family music video.
Conclusion: Is Streaming Still Your Dream?
Now that you’re familiar with what you should know before starting a streaming channel, you’re in a better place to decide if it’s for you. If so, you’ve got a guide for the basics. From here, you can keep on learning, experimenting, and enjoying yourself. Who knows? This side hustle might just turn into a streaming dream come true!