Streaming is now easier than ever, with content creators able to broadcast gameplay through modern consoles, computers, and phones. And contrary to popular belief, those looking to dip their toes into more elaborate streaming options — or even pursue streaming as a career — don’t need to start with a wildly expensive setup, either. While there is a certain barrier of entry, there are numerous options for streaming on a budget.

One of the first things a potential streamer should keep in mind is what platform they intend to use. Twitch and YouTube are the most obvious answers, given their size and dominance in the market. Alternatives exist, like Facebook Gaming, but require more effort to access for low-budget streamers.

Modern consoles have a Twitch app, which allows content creators to stream their games directly to Twitch from the comfort of their gaming setup. I spent a good six months streaming exclusively from my PlayStation 4, testing the waters of what I wanted to achieve before buckling down and investing in equipment within my price range. Companies like HyperX and Razer provide affordable headsets, like the HyperX Cloud Stinger and Razer Kraken, that can be used for streaming directly from your console, or through the use of your PC with minimal adjustments needed for decent audio quality.

Start small, buy second hand

One thing that I cannot stress enough is do not be afraid to start small. One of the most important things to factor into being a streamer is your budget. If you cannot afford an expensive gaming rig, or a capture card which allows for you to stream gameplay directly from your console to your PC and streaming software, you can still be a streamer within those means.

And don’t be afraid to buy second hand. If you intend to pursue streaming on a serious level, make sure to create a budget and slowly invest in your setup overtime. You don’t need expensive equipment. The capture card I currently use to stream from my consoles to my PC I received second hand. It’s one of the first external Elgado HD capture cards that was made available, and it has proven to be incredibly reliable and easy to use. Alternatively you can look to the Elgado 60 S, a slightly older model compared to the newer, 4K capable capture devices.

Just keep in mind, buying old hardware means that you will potentially need to dig around online for the appropriate drivers if anything …….

Source: https://www.polygon.com/22764495/twitch-youtube-stream-games-budget