EN1. Software and account
- Install OBS Studio (free) or Streamlabs. Use the auto-configuration wizard as a starting point.
- Connect your Twitch, Kick or YouTube account in the settings, or paste your stream key. Never show the stream key on screen.
- Turn on two-factor authentication for your streaming account before you go live.
2. Video settings that fit your connection
Run a speed test and note your upload speed. Use at most about 75 percent of it for the stream.
- 1080p at 60 fps: about 6,000 kbps, needs a strong upload and a modern GPU.
- 720p at 60 fps: about 4,500 kbps, the safe choice for most new streamers.
- Use your graphics card's encoder (NVENC, AMF or Quick Sync) so the game keeps running smoothly.
- Set the keyframe interval to 2 seconds.
3. Audio is more important than video
- Speak at normal volume and keep the microphone meter in the yellow, never in the red.
- Add a noise suppression filter and a noise gate to your microphone in OBS.
- Keep game and music clearly quieter than your voice. Do a 30-second test recording and listen back with headphones.
- Only play music you are allowed to stream, otherwise your recordings and clips can be muted or removed.
4. Scenes you will actually use
- Starting soon: a simple screen with music while viewers arrive.
- Main scene: game or content, your camera if you use one, and chat if you want it visible.
- Be right back: so you never leave viewers on a frozen screen.
- Set hotkeys to switch scenes and to mute your microphone.
5. Title, category and tags
Write a title that says what is happening ("First time trying the hardest boss") instead of only the game name. Pick the exact category and two or three tags for language and style, so the right viewers can find you.
6. Before you press Go Live
- Close programs you do not need, especially other uploads and downloads.
- Open your stream on your phone with the sound on to check delay, quality and volume.
- Keep a glass of water nearby and plan what you will do in the first ten minutes.
7. After the stream
Watch a few minutes of the recording, write down one thing to improve, and post your schedule for the next stream. Consistency beats perfection: the streamers who grow are the ones who show up again on the next scheduled day.