Streams are very common nowadays. They’re a great way to express yourself, entertain, and educate people at the same time. All major social media networks allow you to live stream. You can create from your home, office, or street using a smartphone or computer. Use this opportunity to interact with your audience and develop a deeper connection with them.
If you’re interested in producing high-quality content and having fun at the same time – we have you covered. We’ve compiled a list of 7 pointers to make your streams look more professional.
- Make sure your audio is flawless
Always keep in mind that audio is more important than video. A professional video must have high-quality and well-balanced audio. You want people to hear you over the noise or music in the background. You can utilize your built-in microphone, however, the sound quality will be poor. Microphones with a 3.5 mm or USB connector provide better results, are simple to use, and are relatively inexpensive. XLR microphones provide the highest sound quality but require an audio mixer.
- Fill the silence
When live streaming video games, avoid having long periods of silence. Some people prefer listening to streams, instead of focusing on the visuals. This is why it is better to fill the silence by speaking or playing music. For example, you can answer questions from your audience or set up background music. Stock music and sound effects can help you budget and save time without compromising quality. Make sure the music isn’t too loud or overpowering. . If you don’t know where to start, you can find guidelines on how to choose the right tracks for your needs. Your viewers will remain engaged and return for additional streams if you follow this advice.
- Don’t compromise on lighting
It’s hard to believe, but lighting is more important than your camera. You need to light yourself properly for a good picture. Even if you have the most expensive professional camera, it won’t matter if the lighting is bad. It does not have to be expensive to be effective. You can find a Youtube video on how to create an Elgato Key Light for just $13. Also, sunlight is the best kind of lighting, and it is free. When possible, make use of your windows.
- Invest in gear
A good video camera allows you to broadcast in higher quality. Webcams, DSLR cameras, mirrorless cameras, and camcorders are all options. For live streaming, webcams are the most cost-effective solution. Webcams have built-in microphones and connect directly to your computer. It’s a simple and inexpensive way to get started with streaming. Although both DSLR and mirrorless cameras generate better video, you’ll need a video encoder to transmit your live video to streaming platforms. Camcorders are more expensive, but they provide 4K quality and the smoothest picture. A video encoder is required for camcorders too.
- Decorate your background
Adding some flair to your background will help create a more professional image. It makes it look more welcoming. You can kill two birds with one stone by installing neon lighting or LED strip lights. You’ll have both an aesthetically pleasing background and better lighting, which will help to improve the overall image. Also, you can create more associations with your brand by developing a distinct background style.
- Test everything before going live
We recommend doing some testing before going live. Nobody wants to see how you deal with technical issues. People are waiting for an impeccable stream. A valuable lifehack is to set up a fake twitch (or any other streaming platform) account, practice, and watch the result from your phone. Make sure the video has balanced audio, good lighting, a nice-looking background, and a quality image.
- Create an eye-catching visual brand
To boost your image, use overlays – designs containing a range of graphics that are shown over your gaming footage. Overlays will help you establish a visual identity and build an audience. Channel your creativity to develop your visual brand. Look for a design that emphasizes your content. Webcam frames, stream alerts and screens, event lists, profile panels, stinger transitions, and ticker overlays are among the most common designs. They should complement your content, not be your content. Keep it simple. Get inspired by the people you admire or look at professionals with a big audience.
Conclusion
A professional-looking image can attract more viewers to your streams and keep them around for longer. Experiment with graphics, music, lighting, equipment, and backgrounds to find out what suits your channel best. Remember that finding your ideal image and style takes time; it’s all about trial and error. Most importantly, have fun with these tips in mind and the rest will come.
