5+ rules for beginner stream accounts to follow

You have just set up your stream and go live for the first time. Your mum, dad, sister and best friend are the only consistent viewers for your stream. What do you do next to get to that prized Twitch Affiliate? You have come to the right place to learn things like:

• How cant I attract viewers on Twitch?
• How can I stand out?
• How can I grow my channel?

Here I will discuss all aspects of becoming a successful streamer. Note that this post isn't specific to Twitch and also applies for Mixer, Youtube and the rest.

1. Be persistent

Streaming can be very rewarding. In most cases, it can be very lonely for beginners. But with a persistent schedule, attitude and content, you will find an audience will start returning. The importance of a consistent schedule is larger than you may think. Would you go to the shops if you weren't sure if it was going to be open? Some would say yes, some would say no, that's the same for your stream.

The same applies for your content and attitude. Try and be consistent with your interaction with your audience, and the quality of your gameplay. Just something to keep in mind… Would you keep watching Ninja every day if 50% of the time he was bad to watch?

2. Engage with your viewers

Three words... READ YOUR CHAT. There is nothing worse than when a viewer feels like they are being ignored in a chat. This is even more inexcusable when the chat is pretty quiet. Keep your chat open on your 2nd monitor. If you don't have a second monitor, open it on your phone. Reply to your chat and call them by their names. By doing this alone you will gain loyal followers.

3. Have the right hardware to do the above

To create a connection with your viewers, you need to be able to engage clearly. Invest in a proper microphone to clearly project your voice to your audience. If I was to pick a microphone across a few budgets I would choose the following:

• $0-50:
  Whether you're recording notes to an audio recorder, Skyping with friend or saving a dedicated audio stream for videos, this powerful little microphone makes things so much easier
  
  
• $50-100:
  Crystal clear audio for Skype, Youtube, Podcasts, Twitch and FaceTime. This microphone is as simple as plugging in and playing. You can also record instruments with this little gem.
  
  
• $100+:
  features a side-address design and can be used in critical home, project, or professional studio applications as well as live performances. The microphone offers a cardioid polar pattern for minimal feedback and off-axis noise. The element and output stage combine to produce a smooth yet natural audio quality with low noise.
  
  

5. Make your stream cosmetically attractive and consistent

Have you noticed how the big streamers use animated transitions, camera borders and panels that all match a certain look and feel. This look and feel is what makes your stream distinguishable and can be the foundation of your BRAND. Try to stick to a specific colour scheme. Remember to not cram your stream with overlays, keep it nice and simple. A great example of this is Ninja's stream.

StreamShift offers a wide range of free and custom overlays, banners and panels for your stream.

6. Verbalise your thoughts and provide commentary

If a visitor enters your stream, you have a very short period of time to catch their attention to keep them on for longer. How do I do so? Have you ever seen a popular streamer who sits there in silence? Probably not. Be charismatic, have fun, and say aloud things you are thinking. At the end of your stream, review it and take notes of what to do better/not to do next time.