I want to start streaming but i'm overwhelmed by all the equipment options. do i really need a $200 microphone and a capture card and a webcam and lighting and all that?
I have a decent gaming pc and that's about it. what's the bare minimum to start streaming without looking/sounding terrible?
What equipment do I actually need to start streaming?
Re: What equipment do I actually need to start streaming?
While you don't need top tier gear, audio quality is non-negotiable. people will tolerate bad video quality but not bad audio
minimum setup i'd recommend:
- any decent webcam (even a used one is fine)
- AT LEAST a blue snowball or equivalent ($50-70). those $20 mics sound really bad
- basic lighting - even a $15 ring light makes a huge difference
- dual monitor if possible (one for game, one for chat/obs)
you can get started for under $150 if you shop smart. check facebook marketplace or ebay for used streaming gear
also don't cheap out on your internet. you need at least 10mbps upload speed for stable 1080p streaming. if your internet sucks, no amount of good equipment will help
start with budget gear but prioritize audio first, then lighting, then camera quality in that order. people remember bad audio way more than bad video
minimum setup i'd recommend:
- any decent webcam (even a used one is fine)
- AT LEAST a blue snowball or equivalent ($50-70). those $20 mics sound really bad
- basic lighting - even a $15 ring light makes a huge difference
- dual monitor if possible (one for game, one for chat/obs)
you can get started for under $150 if you shop smart. check facebook marketplace or ebay for used streaming gear
also don't cheap out on your internet. you need at least 10mbps upload speed for stable 1080p streaming. if your internet sucks, no amount of good equipment will help
start with budget gear but prioritize audio first, then lighting, then camera quality in that order. people remember bad audio way more than bad video
Re: What equipment do I actually need to start streaming?
You don't need expensive gear to start. i streamed for 6 months with budget equipment and grew to affiliate just fine
my starter setup:
- logitech c920 webcam ($50 used)
- fifine usb microphone ($30 on amazon)
- desk lamp pointed at wall for lighting (already had it)
- obs studio (free)
- total cost: $80
That's literally all you need. your gaming pc can handle streaming if it's decent (need at least a gtx 1060 or equivalent and 16gb ram)
Don't wait until you have perfect equipment to start. start with what you have and upgrade as you grow. your personality matters way more than your equipment quality when you're small
The only thing i'd say is mandatory is a half-decent microphone. built-in laptop mics or headset mics sound terrible and people will leave. but you can get a usable usb mic for $25-40
Save the expensive upgrades for when you're actually making money from streaming
my starter setup:
- logitech c920 webcam ($50 used)
- fifine usb microphone ($30 on amazon)
- desk lamp pointed at wall for lighting (already had it)
- obs studio (free)
- total cost: $80
That's literally all you need. your gaming pc can handle streaming if it's decent (need at least a gtx 1060 or equivalent and 16gb ram)
Don't wait until you have perfect equipment to start. start with what you have and upgrade as you grow. your personality matters way more than your equipment quality when you're small
The only thing i'd say is mandatory is a half-decent microphone. built-in laptop mics or headset mics sound terrible and people will leave. but you can get a usable usb mic for $25-40
Save the expensive upgrades for when you're actually making money from streaming