Streaming Guides

For 1080p streaming at 60fps, we recommend at minimum:

• CPU: Intel Core i7-9700K or AMD Ryzen 7 3700X or better
• GPU: NVIDIA GTX 1660 Super or better (RTX series recommended for NVENC encoding)
• RAM: 16GB DDR4 (32GB recommended)
• Storage: SSD with at least 500GB
• Internet: 10+ Mbps upload speed

For more detailed recommendations, check our Streaming PC Specifications Guide.

For most beginners, Twitch remains the go-to platform due to its dedicated gaming audience and established streamer ecosystem. However, YouTube Gaming offers better discoverability through its connection to YouTube's search engine and video archive system.

TikTok Live is rapidly growing and offers excellent opportunities for quick growth due to its algorithm, but has more limited monetization options. The best choice depends on your content type, goals, and where your existing audience is.

Audio sync issues are common but fixable:

1. In OBS, right-click on your audio source in the mixer
2. Select "Properties" and then "Advanced Audio Properties"
3. Adjust the "Sync Offset" value (in milliseconds):
   • Positive values delay the audio (if audio is ahead of video)
   • Negative values speed up the audio (if audio is behind video)
4. Test with a short recording before going live

For more detailed troubleshooting, see our Audio Sync Troubleshooting Guide.

Growing as a new streamer requires patience and strategy:

• Consistency: Stick to a regular schedule so viewers know when to find you
• Quality: Ensure decent audio and video quality, even with basic equipment
• Networking: Connect with other streamers of similar size for mutual support
• Social Media: Build presence on platforms like Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram
• Content Strategy: Find your niche or unique angle that sets you apart
• Community Building: Focus on creating genuine connections with viewers

For a comprehensive growth strategy, check our New Streamer Growth Guide.

For budget-conscious streamers, we recommend:

• Under $50: Fifine K669B USB Microphone
• Under $100: Razer Seiren Mini or HyperX SoloCast
• Under $150: Blue Yeti or Elgato Wave:1

Any of these options will provide significantly better audio quality than a gaming headset microphone. For more detailed recommendations, see our Budget Streaming Microphones Guide.