The streaming trend has reached unprecedented levels. It doesn't take much to start yourself as a streamer.
Hamburg – Streamers today have more opportunities than ever to earn money with their content. Whether it's gaming, cooking, fitness or music – the topics are diverse and appeal to different target groups. Platforms like Twitch, TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram now make it very easy to get started as a streamer. Basically, only three steps are necessary to follow in the footsteps of the great streamer.
Three steps to get a streaming career rolling
Finding the niche: The first step to becoming a successful live streamer is to find your niche. Think about what kind of content you want to stream. Are you an avid gamer who wants to show off your skills in popular games like Fortnite or League of Legends? Or are you more interested in creative areas like music, art or cooking? Your niche should be something you enjoy and can see yourself sticking with for a long time.
The right equipment: Solid technical equipment is a must for any live streamer. This includes a powerful PC or console that allows you to stream the games in high quality. You also need a good webcam and microphone to present yourself clearly. An additional setup with a capture card can also be beneficial, especially if you want to stream to consoles. And don't forget a stable and fast internet connection.
The right platform: Streaming platforms all have their own strengths. The classics, and probably known to everyone, are Twitch and YouTube. TikTok and Instagram are more suitable for spontaneous and shorter live streams. It is important to consider which platform you would feel most comfortable on. Then the question arises as to where your desired target group is.
You’ve found a niche, set up a setup and chosen a platform – but how do you make money through streaming?
Affiliate and partner programs: Once you reach affiliate status on Twitch, you can earn money through subscriptions, Bits (a virtual currency that viewers can buy to show their support), and advertising.
- To become an affiliate, you must have at least 50 followers, 500 minutes of streaming and an average viewership of 3 people within 30 days.
- On YouTube, you can earn money through advertising revenue, Super Chats (viewers can pay to have their messages highlighted), and channel memberships. The requirements for the partner program include 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 hours of watch time within the last 12 months.
Donate: Viewers can donate small or large amounts to show their support, and often these donations are shown live on stream, providing additional motivation.
- A popular way to increase donations is through fundraising goals. Here you set a specific goal, such as raising money for new equipment or charity, which encourages your community to contribute.
Subscriptions/Subs: On Twitch, viewers can subscribe to your channel for a monthly fee, which gives them benefits like exclusive emotes, badges, and ad-free streams.
- Subscriptions come in different tiers, with the monthly amount varying. As a streamer, you receive a portion of this revenue, with the rest going to the platform.
- Twitch also offers Prime Subs, where Amazon Prime members can subscribe to a channel for free every month – the streamer still receives the full share.
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Advertising revenue: As part of the partner program, you can have ads placed before, during or after your videos. On Twitch, you can place targeted ad breaks during the stream, which also brings you income. The amount of income depends on the number of viewers, the length of the ad and the type of ad. However, it is important not to overdo the use of advertising so as not to scare away your viewers.
Sponsorship and brand partnerships: As your reputation grows, sponsors and brands may become aware of you. These can be game developers, hardware manufacturers or even companies from completely outside your industry. They pay you to show, test or talk about their products on stream.
Become a streamer in just a few steps – sounds easy, right?
We note: The path to becoming a successful streamer is challenging, but with the right strategy and the right equipment it is definitely doable. Find your niche, build a community and consistently deliver high-quality content. Choosing the right platform and knowing how to make money with your content are crucial. The earning potential is of course very different and depends on the size and engagement of the audience. Stick with it, keep developing and you might soon be the next big name in the world of streaming.
