Streaming - it’s the in thing. From movies and music to podcasts and live broadcasts, there are loads of different ways to stream - and if you’re a gamer, it’s one of the coolest ways to create awesome shareable content. Ever scored an incredible win that you wished others could see? Streaming your gaming is a great way to share your adventures, get involved with the gaming community and relive your favourite gaming moments.
What is game streaming?
Well, unlike streaming movies and music, you’re the star of the show when it comes to streaming your gaming. Essentially, streaming means live broadcasting your gameplay over the internet to an audience. Connect a HD webcam so your audience can see you as you play, or go audio-only with a quality streaming microphone. Some streamers even prefer to share content without webcams or voiceovers - the choice is all yours!
It might sound a little complicated, but you can stream your gaming from your PC or console – and it’s pretty easy once you find out how…
Which streaming platform to choose
Before you grab your headset and mic, you’ll need to choose the right streaming platform. The most popular streaming platforms are Twitch, YouTube and Facebook, but there are loads of different streaming options out there – some basic, some high-tech. Which one you choose depends on a couple of things:
Your streaming goal – are you streaming for fun, or do you have a long-term goal for your channel?
Your gaming platform – are you playing on PC, or do you have a PS4, Xbox, Nintendo Switch or other gaming console?
Your tech savviness – some platforms are easier to use than others.
How to stream on Twitch
Want to dive into the gaming community? Twitch is the place to do it! It’s a game streaming platform that lets you easily interact with followers, and it’s integrated into pretty much every popular game console - so it’s simple to get a broadcast up and running. Scroll down a little for our device-specific Twitch instructions.
How to live stream on YouTube
Honestly, what can’t YouTube do? If you don’t fancy getting to grips with a whole new streaming platform like Twitch, give YouTube Gaming a try. You’ll be joining a h-u-g-e gaming community, and it’s as easy to use as other streaming platforms.
Select a good game to start streaming
Looking for the best games to stream on Twitch? Well, no surprises here – the best games to stream are the ones you enjoy playing. Your viewers want you to play something you genuinely enjoy – it’ll be way more entertaining to watch.
If you’re really after the stats, some of the most popular streamed games include Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II, Fortnite, Overwatch 2 and Minecraft. So if you’ve spotted one of your favourites, it’s a win-win.
Console or PC gamer?
Whether you’re a dedicated PC gamer or a diehard console fan, you can stream from whatever platform you’re on. The process is a little different depending on the device you’re using, so make sure you’re following the right instructions for you.
Essential streaming gear
Ready to start streaming? Here’s everything you’ll need for a complete streaming setup…
Improve your audio streaming quality with a microphone
You’ll want your viewers to hear you loud and clear – loads of people enjoy listening to streams whilst playing their own games. A top-quality mic with the correct microphone placement will capture all the action.
We’d recommend this HyperX Quadcast Gaming Microphone. It’s got an anti-vibration shock mount and keeps unwanted background noises at bay with its internal pop filter. Even better, it features a conveniently located gain control and a handy sensor for quick audio muting.
Why a good webcam is key for a good gaming stream
Ready for the game streaming spotlight? You’ll need a webcam for live streaming. It’s 2023, so let’s face it - nobody wants to be watching anything in less than 720p. Pick up a good video camera for live streaming - the more HD the better! And if you also work from home, a good streaming webcam can give you the best of both worlds. Check out the best webcams for working from home.
For crisp streaming, we’d recommend the Razer Kiyo Full HD Streaming Camera. Pop it on top of your monitor and enjoy 720p HD streaming at 60FPS, or 1080p Full HD streaming at 30FPS. Plus, unlike a traditional webcam, the Razer Kiyo features a built-in LED light ring, so you won't need to fill your desk with lamps.
Why lights are more important than you think
Along with a HD webcam, a good streaming lighting setup is a key component of a great stream. As well as making sure you’re seen perfectly, colourful LEDs can set your whole stream ambience. You don’t want your viewers squinting to see you as you play, or switching off because the vibes aren’t right!
The Elgado Key Light Air is perfect for live streamers and YouTubers. It has lighting settings that can be adjusted to suit your needs, from dim and subtle to fully illuminating your gaming space. Even better, it keeps itself cool thanks to the indirect illumination feature, so you can stream comfortably for as long as you want.
Looking for funky LEDs? It doesn’t get much cooler than the Nanoleaf Shapes Hexagon Smart Lights Starter Kit. This modular lighting setup features five lighting panels, allowing you to create your own unique wall art. You can even add other shapes from the series to create awesome abstract light displays.
Found what you need?
If you have – great. If not – don’t worry. You can always chat an expert in-store or via video call on ShopLive. They’ll be able to give you the lowdown on loads of great gaming tech and accessories.