Don’t overthink the quality of streaming. As the most important part is to be consistent so with that in mind we made a LOW BUDGET however if you're a content creator that's been doing this for a while and is ready to step it up there will be a high budget version for each essential as well . Whether you are a seasoned streamer or just starting out, these are the seven essentials you will need:
HIGH BUDGET: https://www.elgato.com/us/en/p/facecam?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAivGuBhBEEiwAWiFmYUo0t-VYuHMMpSdGsGqpVgHswkKmLf7ddIuLrpEFp9hfGsAFa5tvAhoCdrgQAvD_BwE
LOW BUDGET: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B085TFF7M1/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1
Microphone: A good microphone is essential as we all know. It ensures your audience hears you clearly, enhancing their viewing experience. As a streamer, also being a content creator, a good microphone can make a significant difference in whether people watch your content or just scroll past. Here are our microphone recommendations:
HIGH BUDGET: https://www.amazon.com/Shure-Microphone-Podcasting-Voice-Isolating-Technology/dp/B08G7RG9ML/ref=sr_1_2?crid=D8EFP3IZIS6A&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.rkP2RAqzU_YzYhkuUg1J6PlX4LCzcbj_pb0cWULNnRBFOZRqyZxfO1szUnBVhT_hJ__TRW5y7q9TAIm8jz9D_eEfhurAiE9ZFsPorlebkeb4joc13ULna07TNPuWdU6Q4h3zCa2fGJacy2YV4NAvbDj-4KtHOIkCtQG7JnPtJtZIgJywbwlaS4Dr98cB4U-oTzUcSyVFwKi0U3traMINJ_5YYxtxvhqo0qD9tIznAZveLaZ6Vv5xLlneKBBTd8R0JGtExHSI_8WRvEja6xz4FGOYiyN0uUUvRgKi8UBuL-U.osbQOjFovXzs7gV8Y94r-YLPKR8w48QbtXPQZjeI7Nw&dib_tag=se&keywords=SHURE%2BM7B&qid=1708987627&s=electronics&sprefix=shure%2Bm7b%2Celectronics%2C115&sr=1-2&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.f5122f16-c3e8-4386-bf32-63e904010ad0&th=1
LOW BUDGET: https://www.elgato.com/us/en/p/wave-dx-dynamic-microphone
HIGH BUDGET: https://www.elgato.com/us/en/p/key-light
LOW BUDGET: https://www.amazon.com/Extendable-Sensyne-YouTube-Compatible-Phones/dp/B08B3X7NXC/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=2BSDXEM80REJC&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.YOU-UBESQPxmEm92pqtcyGeKqd-rHm5vwwn1hG95x182hN10WkBUWcrrVbuwI8YY1L_VuHt3kmZFJOmr5idL5qN4py8rCD99tYr6YKcT7WV-kQ9UqauXS2perQDrO98K5wf3m7E7aVxOQ2s9uvbYO7Ajr87-VPylA-uL95iASWbrb4uaHEv5axEjyw4P_06hGCBDpuj67JJBS1pVi-YWzh4XGLVvb657-nghKmdNC98.KZEeVhwkL-GXvmxg0OS83UFY7ZZVuDKD87sZyCO0LtM&dib_tag=se&keywords=ring+light&qid=1710268955&sprefix=ring+light%2Caps%2C132&sr=8-2-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1
HIGH BUDGET: https://www.amazon.com/HyperX-Cloud-III-Ultra-Clear-USB/dp/B0C3BV19Q3/ref=sr_1_1?crid=ZLZZIU3MPOTN&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.zi2X44asp5NuJSZxHDlDF4w8D5yuYZCa1zTnP3TkLngO9WeFX46OF6G6glrG93LjMXnoFNQlBB3uZurLgoz42dt28JobHtGOUAnK1_C2i_qgy2SjmuWhQ1Urj_8smdQh_0477EXjNvsLuFc60OD8p8Ik4J9JeLLbtxJTJrNqL01M0KPEBl2-C4MPNjhCAqXtHSW6l7QgNZ235KxSjr2yZJUOwwCZ2TMIB7jSCfisbMs.sxr06yL0ilJqfdZjgQfn0h_-ENG__KDcPHnC1MzTFxA&dib_tag=se&keywords=hyperx%2Bcloud%2B3%2Bwired&qid=1708990322&sprefix=hyperx%2Bcloud%2B3%2B%2Caps%2C101&sr=8-1&th=1
LOW BUDGET: https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MNHF2AM/A/earpods-35mm-headphone-plug?afid=p238%7CsiWhsPMt9-dc_mtid_1870765e38482_pcrid_652838197338_pgrid_147153194826_pntwk_g_pchan_local_pexid__&cid=aos-us-kwgo-pla-btb_lia--slid---product-MNHF2AM/A
HIGH BUDGET: https://www.mavix.com/products/m4?variant=44567725801792&_gl=1*132rxbz*_up*MQ..&gclid=Cj0KCQjw-r-vBhC-ARIsAGgUO2A7wVDG9UfxiCU-3cxay9a86DYXVXgheRTxj8FZhfPPHzuIkExLNW0aAq_REALw_wcB
LOW BUDGET: TBD
6. StreamDeck: I would be crazy if I didn’t include streamdeck as an essential. It's a piece of equipment. That everyone has or wishes they had. Being a streamer isn't just reading chat and playing games; it's also being a content creator, a producer, an entertainer, and a community manager all at once. You’ll need something like the StreamDeck that makes streaming smooth and fun all at once. There are a number of versions, but here are the ones we recommend:
High Budget: https://www.elgato.com/us/en/p/stream-deck-plus-black
Low Budget: https://www.elgato.com/us/en/p/stream-deck-mk2-black
7. Content: We saved the best for last as many of you may be streaming 4 to 8 hrs a day but have nothing to show for it. The most crucial aspect of streaming is making sure you are making content from it. Plan what you’re going to stream, whether it’s gaming, tutorials, GRWMs, Q&A sessions, etc. Make sure it's something you’re passionate about and interested in. As this will help you when it comes to long term longevity and not getting burnt out.
Remember, the most important part of streaming is being consistent. Don’t let your budget or the fear of not being “perfect” constrain you from getting started. Having the best of the best doesn't guarantee success, but showing up does. Now that you know the essentials, will we see you on Twitch, Youtube or TikTok?