How to become a streamer Our complete guide

A streamer is a gaming enthusiast who broadcasts and offers his or her own content on the web, live or recorded, to a community of viewers.

A little-known profession, its name comes from streaming, a digital audio or video stream that can be viewed online without downloading. In the world of gaming, the streamer broadcasts his or her own video game played in front of spectators.

In other words, they're experts in the most popular games, such as League of Legends, Starcraft, World of Warcraft and so on. The live game is then broadcast on an online platform such as TwitchTV, Youtube Gaming, or via Web TV.

The gamer not only plays, but also comments on his actions to his viewers. He also answers questions asked via chat to develop his expertise in live gaming. Interested in this profession?

Let's find out everything you need to know before taking the plunge!

How do you acquire all the equipment you need?

Becoming a streamer requires some initial investment in the equipment needed for gaming. First of all, you'll need between €1,500 and €2,000 for a computer suitable for this type of activity. The more games you want to stream, the more important it is to choose a high-capacity graphics card.

The latest games (especially AAA) require a highly sophisticated graphics card. You'll also need a sufficiently powerful processor, two screens, a webcam and a quality microphone.

Secondly, the quality of your connection is of the utmost importance. An upload speed of 0.8 is required for an average-quality stream (480p and 30FPS). Ideally, you should be connected to a fiber optic cable for a flawless connection.

Finally, you'll need topurchase your own stream software. The most popular are XSplit and OBS Studio.

Which platform should you choose to distribute your content online?

The first step is to choose the console (or computer medium) on which you want to stream: PC, Playstation or Xbox?

To broadcast your games, several platforms now offer a complete range of services tailored to all your needs: Twitch (Amazon), Youtube Gaming (Google) or Mixer (Microsoft).

Your choice should be based on your needs and the habits of your target audience. Use the platform your viewers prefer. Globally, Twitch remains the most popular platform to date.

How do you build a community of viewers?

This is undoubtedly what streamers want most: to build the largest possible community of viewers around them. Start by personalizing your online page, presenting your profile and creating a bond with your community.

Offer regular broadcasting times with a readable program so that your community will want to follow you.

It's also a good idea to set up a Facebook, Instagram or Twitter page, so you can continue to interact with your viewers even when you're not playing video games. Many streamers decide to build community loyalty by organizing contests in which the winners can win video games, for example.

How can I make money as a streamer?

Few streamers today manage to make a living from their passion. You need to be very careful before embarking on this full-time activity. To become a Twitch partner, you need to have around 500 simultaneous views on your channel and organize more than 3sessions per week.

Once you've built your reputation, you can quickly attract the support of sponsors and brand partners. This often means considerable financial support to help pay for your subscription to the platform. Advertising on Twitch can earn you between €1 and €2 per thousand views.

Viewer subscriptions and donations also help cover your costs.

Streamers work on their own account asself-employed entrepreneurs. It is also possible to stream on behalf of a specialized website or web TV (Millenium, Eclypsia, Gamers Origin, etc.).

Despite the popularity of this profession, many seasoned professionals advise novices to remain cautious, as Zerator, one of France's most popular streamers, explains: "The best advice I can give is: don't give up everything to get started" (Gaming Campus).

Do Domingo, Zerator, Gotaga or MasterSnakou make you dream? It's possible to become a streamer in France, and make a living from your passion. A number of interesting training courses are available to familiarize you with the world of streaming, including the eSport Academy. Passion, organization, rigor and a sense of fun are the keys to becoming a streamer. So, what are you waiting for?