Key Points
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Having a powerful GPU and CPU makes it easier to broadcast high-quality content.
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The right streaming software lets you broadcast your stream from either a single platform or multiple.
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Twitch is the most popular streaming platform, but also the most difficult to gain attention on.
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Your internet speed determines the quality of several aspects of a broadcast.
In today's interconnected world, the power of live streaming has emerged as a transformative force, enabling individuals to connect, communicate, and engage with a global audience like never before. While live streaming is enjoyed by people of all genders, there are compelling reasons why men, in particular, should consider setting up their computers for this dynamic medium. Whether you're an aspiring gamer, a passionate educator, an innovative fashion entrepreneur, or simply someone with a message to share, live streaming can be a game-changer, providing an opportunity to showcase your talents, expertise, and creativity in real-time.
In this article, explore the myriad benefits and opportunities that await men who embrace live streaming and learn how to harness its potential through proper computer setup and configuration.
Make no mistake; it is far from an easy job. Don't dismiss it like that because being a content creator is a full-time job. It involves editing videos, owning a proper content creating camera, creating banners, managing social media accounts, and so much more. If you think you have what it takes to become a live streamer and broadcast your gameplay for a live audience, follow these steps to start.
1. Make Sure You Have the Right Equipment
An ideal streaming PC is capable of running your favorite games on high graphical settings at your chosen resolution. While some gamers stream their gameplay at 4K, it's not a requirement. In fact, many gamers stream their games at 1080p. That's the standard to shoot for when choosing your computer components.
This article doesn't dive into every possible component that makes streaming possible. Instead, it gives some generalizations and baselines to look out for. It's more of a stepping stone if you're completely new to live-streaming. Whether you build your own PC or purchase a pre-built gaming rig, keep an eye out for these features.
Graphics Card
For streaming in 2023 or later, if you go with an NVIDIA GPU, look for nothing lower than an RTX 2060. NVIDIA's RTX series GPUs are the company's most powerful cards. RTX GPUs include specialized encoders that optimize streaming, especially through the popular Open Broadcaster Software (OBS).
Writer for PCMag, Matthew Buzzi, says, "As a starting point, I'd recommend an Nvidia graphics card. AMD has made strong gains in the desktop-processor race, but Nvidia's GPUs are still at the top of the heap, especially for demanding tasks like gaming at high refresh rates."
Processor
While your GPU does most of the heavy lifting for gaming, primarily managing graphics, the CPU splits its resources to run other stream-related software. This is why it's important to invest in a multi-threaded and multi-core processor.
For this reason, it's smart to look for an Intel Core i7, AMD Ryzen 7, or something better from either company. These CPUs promise to give you a smooth streaming experience with little trouble.
Microphone
For just getting started, the kind of microphone you use doesn't matter. The important thing is that you use a microphone. Don't rely on your webcam or laptop's microphone. Those both offer poor quality, and your audience wants to hear you over the sounds of your game.
A Blue Yeti microphone is the commonly recommended entry-level mic. However, any mic that connects via USB does nicely. If you have a headset with a mic, that also works well enough for starting out. Make sure your streaming software recognizes the mic and you're able to adjust its levels.
Camera
While many streamers opt not to use a camera, using one improves your chances of gaining an audience. It improves the ability of your audience to get to know you and form a bond. The bigger streamers use a DSLR camera that captures 4K footage, but that's not necessary. If you're on a budget, there are plenty of 1080p webcam options.
If you must, your laptop's built-in camera works perfectly fine to get started. Unfortunately, built-in cameras don't typically offer great quality. Getting a dedicated camera that connects to your computer with a USB cable improves the quality of your stream more than you realize.
2. Download Live Stream Software
While some services like TikTok and Facebook Live let you stream directly from your phone to the platform, it's a little different when you want to broadcast from your computer. Not to mention, you want to make your broadcast pretty with an overlay and scene transitions. That's only possible with some live-streaming software.
The following three are only a few possibilities. Hunt around and find the best one for your needs.
Open Broadcaster Software
Open Broadcaster Software (OBS) is a free, open-source tool for live streaming. This is the go-to software for many gamers, and it has several iterations, such as OBS Studio and Streamlabs OBS. Each one offers its own set of features. While OBS comes with a hefty list of beneficial features, it's also complicated for many first-time streamers to get used to.
XSplit
Xsplit Broadcaster is a good alternative to OBS that comes with some good customization options. Unlike OBS, however, XSplit comes with a premium service that offers a number of additional features like unlimited scenes, source transitions, and a preview editor. However, these are all features that OBS provides free of charge.
Livestream by Vimeo
One feature that a lot of streamers enjoy is the ability to live stream to multiple platforms, known as a simulcast. Vimeo's Livestream lets users broadcast to multiple platforms, such as YouTube, Twitch, Facebook, and even TikTok. Unfortunately, there's a hefty learning curve that comes with this service, along with a hefty premium price tag.
3. Choose Your Streaming Platform
So, you have all the hardware and the necessary software to stream, but you're not sure where you want to set up shop. There are many different websites that support live streaming. It's been a clash of titans as several platforms tried and failed to pick up steam. Microsoft made an attempt with Mixer, bringing over big-name streamers such as Tyler 'Ninja' Blevins and Michael 'Shroud' Grzesiek.
Unfortunately, Microsoft closed up shop and got out of the streaming service. Even Facebook faces challenges with its live-streaming platform. As of 2023, there are only a few live-streaming services available.
Twitch
The most popular live-streaming service that began its tenure as Justin.tv in 2007 is Twitch.tv. Still running strong as of 2023, few platforms have been able to stand toe-to-toe with the Amazon-owned service. While Twitch contains a lot of amazing features along with being easy to interact with your audience, it's increasingly difficult to set yourself apart from the competition due to the high number of streamers.
YouTube
It's no surprise that YouTube succeeds as a streaming platform, especially for gamers. It was the go-to place for gamers to share their video game footage, and it's owned by the search engine giant Google. Throw a rock, and you hit one of the millions of video game montages or playthroughs uploaded to the video-sharing giant.
Facebook Gaming
While Meta shut down its dedicated Facebook Gaming app, the live-streaming service still exists through the main Facebook app and website. It's an easy-to-use platform that comes with a huge audience base. Unfortunately, you need a Facebook account, but all of your friends from your profile receive invites when you go live.
Kick
Kick is the new kid on the block that's taking on Twitch directly, marketing itself as a creator-friendly alternative with incredibly lenient policies and a generous revenue split. Unlike YouTube's 70/30 split and Twitch's 50/50 split, Kick streamers receive a 95/5 split, making it the most generous deal on the internet for live streamers. That's a tough sales pitch to pass up. While many doubt Kick's survival against giants like Google, Amazon, and Facebook, its founders are more confident.
4. Set it all Up
Once you have everything you need, it's time to put it all together and set it all up. However, that's a lot easier said than done.
Test Internet Speed
Some might argue that you want to test your internet's speed before you do anything else since a slow internet speed prevents you from broadcasting a smooth and watchable stream. However, some also like to take a leap of faith and hope it all works out.
To do this, go on over to speedtest and confirm your internet is fast enough to support a live stream. If you ever show a speed test during a broadcast, don't show anyone your IP address. If anybody learns your IP address, bad actors are able to harm you. Keep it hidden.
Configure the Encoder
Most newcomers in the streaming world use the encoder in OBS or whichever recording software they choose to use. A lot of the configuration comes down to how fast your internet is, but it also relies on your hardware. This is where you set up the resolution of your video's frame size. This determines the quality at which your audience watches your videos. A good starting point is 1280 x 720. This is adjustable as you become more accustomed to your setup.
Next, you want to configure the bitrate of your stream. A higher number means the smoother and less pixelated the video appears for your audience. You don't want your bitrate to exceed your internet's upload speed. A rule of thumb is to keep your upload speed three times that of your bitrate. For example, if your upload speed is 16 Mbps, set your video bitrate at 5 Mbps. However, OBS measures bitrate in Kbps, meaning your bitrate needs to be 5,000 Mbps in that example.
Finally, set up the frame rate at which your audience views your video. This is either 30 or 60 frames per second (FPS). It's easily adjustable. Simply see which setting works best for you.
Connect to a Streaming Platform
Once you know the platform you want to stream from, you need to set it up. This includes creating a profile on the platform, making it all nice and pretty to attract an audience but, most importantly, getting the stream key and inputting it to the recording software (OBS, XSplit, or Livestream) you choose to use.
Don't show the stream key to anyone else; otherwise, you end up with a complete stranger streaming from your channel. You only need it one time when you initially link your channel to your streaming software.
Stream Your Favorite Games
Now that everything is set up, you're able to game on. Depending on the game you play, you may toy with different settings for your stream to make it the best quality for you and your audience. All that's left, if you plan on making a career out of streaming, is learning to market yourself and your channel.
Stream Like a Pro
The world of live streaming offers an unparalleled platform for men to express themselves, build communities, and pursue their passions in real-time. Through a well-optimized computer setup, the possibilities are virtually limitless. Live streaming provides a direct conduit to your audience. The ability to engage, entertain, and educate has never been more accessible, and by harnessing the potential of live streaming, men can create meaningful connections, foster creativity, and even turn their passions into profitable ventures. So, set up your computer, hit that "Go Live" button, and step into the exciting world of live streaming, where your voice and talents can shine on a global stage.
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