Many people who are trying to build a business online, whether it is gaming or something else, and turn a profit, consider live-streaming as one of the best tools to help them achieve their dreams. Years ago, we could say that it was enough to make sure you are communicating regularly with your target audience, right? Well, as you probably know, that is no longer the case! Nowadays, you need to communicate with a way larger audience to make sure that some of those people eventually decide to become your clients/ customers. People like to connect with brands and various companies in real-time through technologies that don’t have limitations when it comes to personal connection. And live-streaming is one of the best to satisfy that need.
The problem you will encounter once you decide to live stream is related to the fact that you will not be the only one who came up with this idea. Everybody is live-streaming these days and that means you’ll have to come up with your own live streaming solution. Hence, you have to make sure that you have everything you need to stand out. Now, you may think, “Okay, that is not the problem! There are so many guides on setting-up live-streaming out there that I don’t think it will be challenging to find out exactly what I need!” That is true, indeed, you can find all sorts of necessary instructions online, but they mainly refer to live-streaming platforms, etc. What you will rarely find, however, is information on live-streaming equipment you will need to succeed. But that’s why we are here for. Regardless of whether you are just starting your journey or looking for ways to improve your stream, stay with us as we explain everything you need to know about the live-streaming equipment for your success!
Necessary Equipment for Live-streaming
Web Camera
One of the first things that you need is a quality live-streaming video camera, of course. If you are an individual who wants to get into streaming, or you run a small company, such as a no deposit bonus gaming website, a standard web camera will do the job perfectly for you. They are usually pretty affordable and accessible. Simply Google “web camera”, and you will find information about the latest models, the cheapest options, etc. It might be useful to know that many USB cameras don’t come with long cords. Hence, if you want to change its place, you should look for a USB extension cable. Alternatively, you can use a tripod, which will be useful if you are recording with a digital camera, too.
Laptop
You also need a laptop. Generally, every relatively new model will do the job. However, you need to be aware that requirements vary depending on the live-streaming software. Given that many people like to stream from different places, our focus is on the laptop. However, if you are sure that you will always sit in one place, a desktop computer will be a good choice for you. Some people also prefer desktops because they come with more USB ports and expansion options.
Microphone
When talking about streaming, many people focus on the quality of the video, forgetting that audio is as important, if not more. Hence, you need to look for a good microphone according to your budget and needs. If you sit during your stream and there aren’t any other people moving around, a standard condenser microphone with a tabletop stand will be enough. But in any other situation, it is recommended that you set a budget for a lapel mic. These are the microphones that you can see on TV broadcasters usually. These clip-on mics are very practical and can be wired and wireless. However, it is essential to remember that they pick up a lot of surrounding noise.
Software
Everyone knows that there is no stream without software, as it is where all the magic happens. The software enables you to polish all the camera inputs, fix live-streaming video stutters issues, complete scenes, etc. There are plenty of software options out there. Some of them are free and others are paid. You need to get as informed as possible to find the one that will cover all of your needs. The good thing is that paid options offer free trials, so you can test them and see whether they are worth investing your money in.
Internet Access
It is kind of logical, but we will mention it anyway. To stream successfully, you need a quality internet connection with enough bandwidth. The best thing you can do is use a wired connection and avoid Wi-Fi whenever possible.
Streaming Channels
A big question when you want to start live-streaming is where to put your content. Where do you think people will watch you the most? The good thing is that there are plenty of excellent channels such as YouTube, Twitch, Periscope, Facebook Live, etc. You can even use Switchboard Cloud to stream to multiple places at once, even if you don’t have the bandwidth for it.
Bottom Line
These days, many people want to stream their content regardless of whether it is for business, politics, entertainment, or something else. While the quality of content plays a critical role, it is important to remember that there is no quality streaming without quality equipment. What kind of equipment aare you using? Do you know some other things that we to mention? What are your experiences with streaming?
Author’s bio:
Thomas Glare is a dedicated video gamer, reviewer, and content writer, always willing to analyze and provide feedback on new games in the industry. His passion is not limited to a specific genre, but he definitely appreciated a thought-through product, regardless of its main idea.
