What is a Streamer?

Streamer Definition

Technology advancement has dramatically changed how people consume information and entertainment. With the advent of smart TVs and phones, people are shifting from cable TV subscriptions to video streaming services such as Netflix, which are more affordable.

Not only has streaming impacted communication and entertainment but also the mode of marketing. Businesses are now more aware that merely written communications with a target audience are not enough for today’s modern consumers.

It’s not just businesses that have noted the need to stream. Individuals have also ventured into streaming on Twitch, YouTube, and social media platforms.

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What Is a Streamer?

A streamer is a digital media user who creates and shares content on the internet, typically through a live video. Streamers are often considered to be a part of the gaming community, as live streaming of playing video games is a popular activity. However, streamers can create and share any type of content, from cooking to crafting. Streamers typically use platforms such as Twitch or YouTube to reach their audience. Many of the most popular streamers draw a large number of young people who are unable to afford the latest games,

People often think that all you need to be a successful streamer is a webcam and a great personality. While those things are essential, much more goes into becoming a successful streamer. In this post, we’ll outline what it takes to be a successful video streamer and provide tips on how you can improve your stream.

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History of Streaming

In the early days of the internet, people could only stream audio. This was mostly used for music, but some radio stations started streaming their content online. People would listen to these streams through media players like Winamp. 

As broadband speeds became more common, video streaming became possible. This opened up a whole new world of content that could be streamed live online. Everything from cooking shows to gaming competitions can now be enjoyed by people worldwide in real-time.

Live streaming has become even more popular in recent years with the rise of social media streaming platforms like Twitch and YouTube Live. Content creators can now interact with their live audience on any device while streaming, making for a more immersive experience.  

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How Do You Become a Streamer?

If you are interested in becoming a streamer, here are the steps you need to do to achieve your goal:

1.  Find Your Niche and Choose Your Content

As streaming grows, so do the opportunities for niches you can get into. A few popular niches are gaming, cooking, live art, sports, and more. It is wise to specialize in one niche so that you provide your viewers with good quality content that adds value. It also helps the viewers to familiarize themselves and become loyal followers of the stream. You can start by choosing a niche topic you know well and then look for a creative angle to present that information. This is what will make you stand out from other streamers.

Set your goals what do you hope to get by launching a streaming channel? Is it to educate? Sell a product? To entertain? Make sure to note down all these reasons. This is a critical step regardless of whether you are streaming it to earn income or as a hobby because it will give direction to your content creation process.

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2. Get Streaming Equipment

The essential items you need to go live as a beginner are a camera, a microphone, streaming software, and a reliable internet connection. You may have to buy good quality equipment to start up your live stream. However, if you have a small budget, acquire the basic items at the beginning of your journey. As your channel becomes successful, invest in better equipment to boost the quality of your streaming content.

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3. Choose Your Platform

After you have your streaming gear in place, choose a platform for your streaming channel. You can consider three popular platforms, which are Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook. This step is important because it’s not easy to switch to another once you’ve settled on a particular platform. Carefully select your platform wisely to save yourself from frustrations in the future.

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Types Of Streamers

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1. Professional Game Streamers

These streamers are the most popular because of how engaging they are. People love to watch the best players try to win their respective games. Game streaming is unique because streamers don’t need to engage their viewers to maintain their fan base. Viewers spectate these streamers for their unique personalities and practical value, so they don’t mind much about interactions. However, streamers can choose to have viewer engagements if they wish.

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2. Entertainers

These streamers maintain their viewers and subscribers by entertaining their audience. Entertainers don’t need to be good at the game of their choice. People will watch their streams as long as they are impressive. This kind of stream is fun to watch, and the streamer just has to maintain their fan base through entertainment.

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3. The Just Chatting Streamer

There are streamers with an interest in other things apart from games. They can stream about anything ranging from cooking to co-working to community building to funny videos to Karaoke sessions, and so on. These streamers are popular because their personalities and entertainment attract a large audience.

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4. Art Streamers

Art streamers display artistic talent and skills to their audience. These streamers need to be passionate about what they do and engage others about it. They can specialize in one art or stream various creative projects. They usually attract an audience because of their personality and skill.

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5. Host Streamers

These streamers hold live shows and podcasts. Host streamers share their opinions and engage guests from their audience on a favorite topic of their choice. The starting point of host streaming is knowing what you like and why. If you can discuss your favorite subject for hours, you are good to go.

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6. Flexible/Variety Streamers

Usually, these beginners are yet to settle on what to focus their streams on, so their stream consists of everything. Such streamers can decide to be broad or brief on the topics they present to their audience.

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Why Do People Become Streamers?

There are millions of streamers worldwide, with different reasons for why they stream. Here are good reasons why people launch a streaming channel:

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1.  To generate an income revenue

Of course, most streamers have ventured into the endeavor to earn some cash. When your channel becomes successful, you’ll be able to make money from live streams. Enthusiastic viewers can also support you by subscribing, cheering you, and donating to your channel.

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2. To Build Their Confidence.

Some people start a streaming channel to build their self-esteem. Having your audience’s attention as you present your ideas boosts your confidence. The channel’s growth also increases your confidence as you get feedback from people enjoying your content.

‍3. Build A Community of People with Similar Interests

As your channel grows, it attracts people with similar interests as you. It’s fantastic to fire up the stream and have like-minded people on board. You can further these interactions and engage with your community offline when you are not on a Live stream.

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4. To Find Playmates

People start game streaming channels so they can find people to join their games. Viewers can ask to join in when you stream an online multiplayer game. Also, you can reach out to viewers and request them to play with you. You’ll be surprised to find that other gamers are also looking for people to play with.

‍5. To Display Their Creativity.

Streaming provides an opportunity for people to show off their creativity. When you start up a streaming channel, not only will you create a name for yourself, but you’ll also advance your skills to another level. Your creativity is enhanced in the process of brainstorming ideas to come up with captivating content.

‍6. To Have Fun

Streaming is fun. Some people start a streaming channel as a hobby.

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7. To Practice Public Speaking Skills.

Some people carry out live streams to practice their communication skills in an understandable way for people. Live streams can help you speak clearer and boost your eloquence. If you are afraid to speak before a crowd, practice it on live streams. You’ll be happy with the significant improvement you have made when you’re called to address a group next time.

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8. To Develop Broadcasting Skills.

Some people start a stream channel to develop broadcasting skills and gain experience for their careers. Streaming can boost your broadcasting career by adding your channel link to your resume.

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9. It’s A Nice Way to Spend Their Evening.

Others may stream simply because they want to pass the time, and streaming is an excellent way to spend your time with the company of your online audience.

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10. To Interact with Other People.

Streaming gives people an opportunity to interact with their fellows. This happens when you chat with other viewers in games, music streams, etc.

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Best Places to Stream In 2022

The following platforms are the best streaming services:

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1.  Twitch

Twitch is a great platform to start with if you’re new to live streaming because many tools and features are perfect for streaming games, including chat, video overlays, and more. Twitch also has a large and active community of gamers who are always looking for new content.

Pros

· The platform gives viewers a real interactive experience with the streamer.

· It is the most recognized video game streaming channel with 1.8 million viewers daily.

· You can earn money with subscriptions, donations, and brand deals.

Cons

· It is prone to having trolls, who are people that make rude comments as you stream.

· Viewers don’t always understand that you need a day off too and can complain.

2. Facebook Live

This has a large user base and is easy to use. Facebook Live also allows you to share your live stream with your friends and family and is great for sharing content.

Pros

· It is free to use Facebook Live.

· When you go Live, a notification is sent to your family and friends.

· You can interact with the audience in real-time.

Cons

· It has a time limit of streaming at 8 hours for computers and API.

3. YouTube Live

This platform can be integrated with your YouTube channel to easily share your streams with your followers. Other features include:

Pros

· There is a ready audience on YouTube

· You can monetize the stream in different ways

· It is 100% free to use with no login

Cons

· To reach a broad audience you will need to promote yourself

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Final Take Away

From this post, it’s not hard to see why streaming has become a popular way to share content. If you have something interesting to share, streaming can be a great way to do it. Though it may be a little intimidating to get started, refer to our guide for everything you need to know. Now go forth and start streaming!