How to Create a Successful Streaming Setup

The popularity of online streaming is only going in one direction, and that’s skyward. Countless millions of people now tune in to their favorite streamers every day. At the same time, the number of those actually streaming content continues to rise as newcomers to the field look to meet the demand for new channels.

This rise has spawned a growing and increasingly lucrative market for streaming devices and equipment. With it now possible to spend thousands of dollars on a single piece of equipment, getting up and running as a streamer can be a costly process.

Thankfully, that doesn’t need to be the case. Furthermore, it doesn’t matter if you’re streaming to Twitch, YouTube, Facebook Live, Mixcloud, or somewhere else entirely — the core equipment required is much the same. To demonstrate, here’s a five-minute guide to a successful streaming setup, all for under $400.

Any successful streamer’s career starts with a high-quality microphone. Even a camera isn’t necessary for every streaming setup, but there’s no way to get started without a mic. While it’s possible to utilize an existing piece of equipment with one built-in, such as a laptop, smartphone, or gaming headset, a separate microphone will always perform better.

Expect to pay around $100 for an entry-level mic for streaming. A popular choice with both new and existing streamers is Blue’s Yeti professional multi-pattern USB mic at $99.99.

A great way to rapidly establish yourself as potentially the next Ninja, Rubius, or Pokimane is by going face-to-face with your audience. As such, a good camera is a must-have. Additionally, choosing one tailored toward streaming should help make things as polished as possible, rather than relying on a more mainstream digital camera.

A perfect example is Logitech’s C922 Pro Stream 1080p Webcam at just $79.99.

Although not essential, streaming accessories can make your streaming setup stand out. Prices for all manner of accessories vary wildly from under $10 to $1,000 or more, including green screens and audio interfaces. An ideal streaming accessory to start with, though, is a suitable light.

Reviews for Elgato’s Key Light Air LED panel at $129.99 are overwhelmingly favorable, with many streamers rating it more highly than even significantly costlier alternatives from other brands.

Finally, any streamer needs to have a solid internet connection and the necessary software on hand. If you don’t have a fast internet plan already, be prepared to budget a further $50 or so each month for a suitable plan.

According to many streamers, Google Fiber is a great choice and costs around $60-$70 per month on average, while high-speed internet from Verizon and other providers typically starts at $40 or so.

In terms of software, look to spend anywhere from around $5 to $50 per month when starting out for one or more streaming-focused tools that could help your channel to take off. Either purchased outright or on a subscription basis, prime examples include the likes of XSplit and vMix.

As you can see, it’s entirely possible to get up and running for not much more than $300. However, where necessary, don’t forget to also budget a further $45-$75 or more per month.

Successful streamers produce regular content that their audience relies on. Likewise, being out of action for any length of time can cause a streamer’s popularity to nosedive.

Since audio and video equipment is often prone to various malfunctions, disaster could happen at any time. Elsewhere, a liquid spill or another accidental mishap could prove catastrophic to a streamer’s PC or laptop. Thankfully, Upsie is ready to help safeguard against the worst eventualities.

Upsie offers comprehensive protection against manufacturer defects, mechanical failures, and accidental damage for qualifying devices. In addition, Upsie costs up to 70 percent less than the competition and provides low-cost policies for PCs and laptops. Upsie also covers gear, including cameras and lenses, headphones and headsets, microphones, lighting, and more.

Coverage includes fast, expert repairs, keeping any downtime to a minimum. When it doesn’t make sense to repair a faulty, broken, or damaged piece of equipment, Upsie will replace it, ensuring that you’re back to streaming as quickly as possible.