So, You Want to Be a Full-Time Streamer?

Like many modern gamers, you most likely spend your fair share of time watching your favorite videogame streamers. Watching videogame streamers is an excellent way to:

• Relax after a long day

• Learn about your favorite games

• Stay up to date with the latest metas and techniques

If you've been honing your gaming skills over the past few years, you may think you have what it takes to become a full-time streamer. Although this may sound risky, professional streaming can be a rewarding career.

If you're looking for some tips before taking the plunge into the streaming world, be sure to continue reading.

Build Your Fanbase

This is one of the most straightforward yet difficult tasks on the list. Building a loyal fanbase allows streamers to generate income and spread the word about their content.

There's no step-by-step guide to building a fanbase, as the journey is different for every streamer. However, there are a few things that you can do to get the ball rolling. Some examples include:

• Publish content consistently

• Host contests or giveaways

• Promote yourself on social media

• Collaborate with other popular streamers

• Post free-to-view content on platforms such as YouTube

Pick the Right Games

Understanding what games to stream is extremely important. You don't want to pick a game that is too popular, as there will most likely be a large number of other streamers competing for viewers. 

Additionally, you don't want to pick too niche of a title, as there may not be enough of an audience in the first place.

Use a VPN

Have you ever heard of a VPN before?

This fantastic tool allows users to encrypt their data and change credentials that third parties can use to identify them (geolocation, IP address, etc.).

Because of this, VPNs are commonly used by both amateur and professional streamers for a wide variety of reasons.

Firstly, streamers use VPNs to improve their ping and reduce lag. This is done by changing your geolocation to the location of the game server. This tricks your internet service provider (ISP) into thinking that you're closer to the server than you actually are, thus, improving your connection.

Additionally, a private VPN can help streamers deal with several issues, some of which include:

• DDoS attacks

• IP leaks

• Geo-blocks

Best of all, many cybersecurity companies offer a secure VPN service for Windows and Macs, which means that you can use the software regardless of your platform preferences.

Understand How Viewers Behave

Just like the games that you play, all viewers are different. Some viewers are outgoing and commonly participate during your streams, while others prefer to lurk in the background.

If you want more viewers to participate during your streams, you'll need to look for unique ways to break the ice. A simple way that you can do this is by asking them questions about their experiences in the game. Doing this will encourage your viewers to share their opinions and interact with your stream.

Create a Persona

Just like other entertainers, streamers will often create a persona or character for their streams.

Not only does this make the content more entertaining, but it can also help shy or nervous streamers feel confident in front of the camera.

Nobody said that becoming a full-time streamer would be easy. However, after using the tips mentioned above, you've taken the first step towards your new career.