Now is as good a time as any to get into streaming. Whether you want to share music with the world, color while your viewers watch or have epic fails in your favorite video game, there’s an audience out there to watch and possibly even some money to be made. But to broadcast to that audience, you need a streaming platform.
Live streaming is more accessible now than ever before. You can do it from your phone, a PC, or a mac. All you need is an account and a camera. But what platform should you use to publish your content. We took a look at the top 3 platforms for streaming beginners so you didn’t have to. You’re welcome 😊.
1.) Making it easy for the new comer: Facebook Gaming
Facebook Gaming became more popular after Mixer closed their servers. This is where a lot of Mixer streamers reside. Facebook makes it easier to integrate with communities and Facebook groups you’re in. Facebook has a Star system that helps streamers make money. Viewers can donate any amount of Stars they want. Each star is worth 1 cent. Facebook charges $1.40 per 100 Stars. And your payout is at the end of every 30 days.
Setup: Facebook’s interface for live streaming games is similar to going live on a personal profile. Access to Facebook Gaming is as easy as creating a Like Page and setting it to Gamer Content Creator
Pros:
+ Easy to use; works like Facebook
+ Level Up program easy to join
+ Creators Studio is readily available
+ Games are organized, including by upcoming titles and games getting the most views
Cons:
– Heavy competition
– Trimming live streams is intricate and messy
– Low-quality videos without Level Up Program
2.) The OG video based platform: Youtube
Youtube is great for all sorts of content, How Tos, Reviews, and Gaming. If you have a Google account you have a YouTube account. Youtube is great for gaming content because it allows you to tag the game, create tags with the games name, post pre recorded content and livestream straight to the platform.
Setup: It’s easy to stream live on YouTube, as well as upload pre-recorded videos. The interface isn’t flashy, but it’s simple to understand and use. The cool and efficient thing about streaming on YouTube is that your video is already uploaded when you’re done.
Pros:
+ Videos are automatically uploaded
+ Monetization available immediately
+ Anyone can stream at 1080p
Cons:
– Low discoverability
– Livestreams are mixed in with pre-recorded videos
3.) The top platform of choice: Twitch
Twitch transformed from a music platform to a gaming platform to a gaming adjacent platform and much more. Mot commonly used now as a a live streaming service for music, art, gaming, STEM and more. This platform is a little more complicated to use than some competitors,though
Just like youtube you can tag the game you’re playing and now add tags like Playing with Viewers, Anime, Cooking, Closed Caption, or Speed Runner. Unlike YouTube, it’s a bit easier to make money on Twitch with recurring subs. Anyone can sub to your channel for one money at $4.99, $9.99, $24.99. Remember, for every sub, Twitch takes 50%. Meaning you have to get double the subs to make a comparable amount to get a payout every 30 days.
Setup: Streaming on Twitch requires a program like OBS, XSplit or Elgato Game Capture. If you’re streaming from a console, you’ll need a capture card on your PC to take the input.
Pros:
+ Industry-leading platform; almost everyone is there
+ Amazon integration
+ Detailed analytics
+ Easy to create and export clips
Cons:
– Affiliates rarely make it to Partner status
– Streaming in 1080p isn’t possible until you hit Partner
– Half of each subscription fee goes to Twitch
– Content belongs to Twitch and can’t be posted elsewhere for 24 hours
Bottom Line
All of these streaming platforms work well for streamers with a plan. If you love graphics, alerts and want a fancy stream, go with Twitch.
Facebook Gaming is the best option if Facebook is already where you spend most of your time crafting a community. It’ll be easy to monetize and grow with.
YouTube-savvy users will find a lot to like in that platform, particularly if you already have a channel with subscribers. It’s easy to set up a stream schedule and have your subscribers in attendance.
If you’re not sure which you prefer, try a few different ones. Once you get familiar with one service, you can navigate through the others and discover which feels most natural for you.
Get Inspired!
