How Do I Build a Following for My Game-streaming Channel?

Live streaming has seen enormous growth in popularity in recent years. Especially since people have been stuck in their homes during the pandemic, many internet users found new ways to build a community and connect with other people.

Some have found a niche in streaming games, with the most popular streamers even amassing millions of viewers for their broadcasts. Whether you are looking to try out a new hobby or earn a side income from it, you need to take the proper steps to ensure you gain an audience.

These are some of the most important things to have for building a gaming stream that keeps audiences’ eyes glued to the screen.

Have the Right Equipment

You need to have a good foundation first before strategizing how to reel viewers in. Of course, having the video games you want to stream is a given, but those are not all you need. You need to determine how you want to stream so that you can prepare the right tools. Do you want to be on camera during the stream? Will you be talking often?

Laptops have the advantage of built-in microphones and cameras, although they do not always have the best quality. Whether you are on a laptop or using a customized gaming PC, invest in mics and cameras that will enhance rather than distract from the viewer’s experience. You can even make your stream more immersive by using a green screen.

Many streamers also swear by Open Broadcasting Software, or OBS, a free tool that gives you more sophisticated control of the many elements of your stream. It can have quite the learning curve, especially for first-timers with no prior experience with similar software, but once you get the hang of it, it makes magic with your broadcasts.

Creating a Channel That Gets People Interested

Now that you have your equipment down, here are the best ways to build your channel’s following.

1. Play a video game that has a market

New, popular games are more likely to attract viewers. When you are starting out, play trending titles to have people discover your account more quickly. Gaming news websites and other streamers’ material usually tell you which games are gaining traction lately.

Be careful, however, with the games you choose. Some titles already suffer from oversaturation, as so many streamers play it, and viewers usually have go-to channels already. Go for new games that have not been covered extensively by popular channels.

2. Don’t stream in silence

Don’t get so immersed in what you’re playing that you end up being silent throughout your stream. Provide viewers with commentary about your in-game strategies or your current thoughts about the gameplay. Things like these keep things interesting for them.

You should also take a peek at your live chat to answer inquiries from viewers. They don’t’’ always have to be related to the game. You can even answer with fun facts about yourself to let them get to know you better.

3. Be consistent with your streams

Followers will have an easier time keeping track of your streams when they know when to tune in. Stream at consistent times and announce your schedule ahead so that viewers are aware. If you can’t commit to a specific day and time, make sure you regularly put out content to sustain interest.

4. Engage with viewers and followers

Do you promote your channel on social media platforms? It is vital to interact with your followers there, too, aside from your livestreams. There you can learn more about the content they prefer to see and even what games you should stream next.

You can even make your streams more interactive by giving shout-outs to specific followers, such as new subscribers and those who have been actively supporting you. Express your gratitude to them for keeping up with your channel.

5. Collaborate with other streamers

One other effective way to put your name on the map is to do streams with other streamers. Tap a friend or message a channel whose content and game choices you like and invite them to do a joint stream with you. Just make sure to stream with a gamer whose tone and personality you jibe with so that conversations are natural and engaging for viewers.

Get Inspired and Take Notes

When you are still learning the ropes, it pays to visit the streams of experienced players to see how they do things. There is so much you can learn from the content of other people. Use these lessons to make your stream better for yourself and your audience.