High-speed internet is more accessible than ever. With high-speed internet, millions of consumers have transitioned from cable to streaming services, changing the nature of TV programming. Video game enthusiasts have also flocked to game streaming sites where they can stream their gameplay.
The global gaming industry will generate over $138 billion U.S. in 2023. Gamers spend money on games, computers, and gaming accessories. Gamers also invest in subscriptions, supporting pro and amateur gamers on streaming platforms such as Twitch. Reviewing the information here about this streaming platform, lighting, and accessories ensures you’re ready to launch your streaming channel successfully.
What is Twitch?
Twitch is a streaming platform. The platform launched in 2011. As of 2023, there were more than 41 million Twitch users in the United States. Gamers can stream their gameplay. Followers watch ads during streams. Subscribers pay a monthly fee to view the streams without ads. Followers and subscribers can use channel points to buy rewards or purchase Bits that they give to their favorite streamers. Bits are virtual currency. When you give approved streamers Bits, they receive 80 percent of the money spent purchasing the Bits.
What kind of content can you stream?
Although this streaming platform started as a gaming platform, users stream various types of content on Twitch. Some streamers focus on dance routines, while others stream live talk shows. Gamers also have open chat sessions where they interact with their audience and answer questions or discuss issues.
What kind of lighting do you need?
You must invest in lighting for streaming. Your lighting helps create your visual aesthetic for your streaming channel. It also ensures quality video. Shadows can distort the visual images, but the right lighting can eliminate shadows, enabling viewers to enjoy a clear visual display. Your lighting can also enable you to take professional photographs, which could be a great business option if you’re an affiliate streamer and want to sell photographs to generate revenue. Superior lighting systems include backlights that add depth and key lights, which are the brightest light source in your setup.
The proper lights balance your lighting. Intense, bright light can make you look older or highlight imperfections on your skin. Softer light improves the balance of your lighting and keeps you from looking washed out. Some of the best lighting packages for streamers include the Mountdog Softbox Lighting Kit, Neewer 700W Professional Softbox Kit, Fovitec Softbox Continuous Lighting Kit, NEEWER Ring Light, AceTaken’s Webcam Ring Light, MACTREM LED Ring Light, and Lume Cube.
The best lighting setup for you may depend on available space. You may opt for the Lume Cube or invest in the Mountdog Softbox Lighting Kit because it only has one softbox light and tripod so that it won’t take up a lot of space in your gaming area.
Streamers on a tight budget may opt for the MACTREM LED Ring Light, while the Mountdog Softbox Lighting Kit is the most affordable softbox lighting system for budget-conscious streamers.
Are there other crucial streaming accessories?
Live streamers need video cameras or webcams to capture their streams. Invest in a high-quality camera to ensure you have a crisp visual display.
You’ll need exceptional audio for streaming. Your audio feed ensures your audience can hear you. Exceptional streaming mics filter out background noise so your audience won’t be affected by noises. Some gamers opt to use headsets with mics to improve their ability to hear the game, mainly if there’s a lot of background noise affecting their gaming setup.
Your background is a critical feature that can help establish your streaming aesthetic. You could invest in a green screen and replace your background with custom images. You may also invest in shelves and display items suitable for your gaming channel, such as action figures.
You may opt to invest in gamer tech, such as a keyboard, mouse pad, and gaming mouse. These accessories can be equipped with RGB lighting to support your visual aesthetic.
The best lighting setups for streamers include softbox lights, backlights, and key lights. You can support your streaming aesthetic when you launch your Twitch channel by customizing your background and investing in streaming and gaming accessories, such as microphones, cameras, and keyboards.
Article by Born Realist