How to become a full-time streamer in Australia

Have you ever watched your favourite streamers while they’re playing video games and chatting with fans and thought, “I could probably do that too!” In recent years, thousands of avid gamers have started streaming on platforms such as Twitch, Instagram, Facebook and more - in the hope of becoming professional streamers.

While streaming might look easy, turning pro takes a considerable amount of effort. If you’ve always wanted to become a full-time streamer in Australia, here’s some information on livestreaming and tips to help you get started.

What’s so great about becoming a full-time streamer?

If you’re someone that loves gaming and enjoys the idea of building a community and talking to fans, becoming a full-time streamer may be your dream job.

Not only can you wake up whenever you want, you can also create your own schedule, eat whenever you want and have maximum flexibility.

When you’re ready to livestream, all you’ve got to do is turn your computer on, kick back and hang with fans that tune in because they love watching you livestream. Which frankly, is probably the best part of becoming a full-time streamer.

So if full-time streaming has all these perks, why not just jump right in?

Well you definitely could, jumping into the world of full time content creation isn’t as easy as it sounds as there’s numerous factors to take into consideration.

Can you make a living with live streaming?

Yes, you can definitely make a living with live streaming, but it’s not easy to get to that point. If you’re starting completely from scratch, it’ll take quite a few years before you’ll be able to call yourself a professional streamer.

Also, not only will your salary vary greatly - as it’s highly dependent on your followers, donations, how often you stream, but it’s likely you’ll also need to engage in other activities to supplement your revenue.

If you’re using Twitch or YouTube to live stream, you’ll be able to monetise your streams. Keep in mind that you’ll need to have some sort of following in order to have access to monetization options.

Tips to becoming a full time streamer

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1. Set some streaming goals

Before you even start streaming, you’ll need to set yourself some goals. Ask yourself how long you plan on livestreaming for and what needs to happen for you to consider it a success.

2. Niche

This is really important as you’ll need to figure out what sets you apart from the other streamers out there. Why should viewers watch you and what’s your livestreaming niche? Remember to focus on what you like and make sure it’s something you wouldn’t get sick of.

3. Personality

This is absolutely key when it comes to becoming a full-time streamer. After all, your personality is a large part of why your viewers show up in the first place.
Make sure you’re being both engaging and open with viewers and stick to the personality that you’re showcasing.

4. Content

The bar is high when it comes to live streaming content and viewers won’t stay if you’ve got poor audio or patchy images. If the connection keeps dropping out and your stream is constantly interrupted, your viewers won’t be happy either.

Make sure that you’ve got high internet upload speeds, and invest in a proper webcam and microphone to ensure that you’re producing a stream that’s worth watching.

5. Comply with ethics

After all the effort you’ve gone to set up a successful live stream, the last thing you’d want is to end your streaming career by breaking the rules of the platform.

Read the terms and service of the platform you're live streaming on before you start to avoid any nasty surprises. Make sure that you’re also taking into account how you’re presenting yourself live as hateful or foul speech can affect your streaming reputation.

6. Consistency

Just like any other job, you’ll need to be consistent if you want to be successful. Look at streaming at regular times and at the same days each week so your audience knows when to look out for you.

7. Balance your schedule

If you’re pursuing livestreaming full-time, there’s a chance of burnout. Make sure that you’re maintaining a proper work-life balance - especially since you’ll be now self-employed. Keep your stream schedule consistent but take breaks and pre-record when you’re going on vacation.

8. Look at other monetisation options

Either than being a full-time stream, take a look at some other monetisation options such as affiliate marketing, brand sponsorships, selling your own custom merchandise and more.

Getting your stream on

Being a full-time streamer may not be all that it’s hyped up to be. You’ve really got to love what you do and remain motivated to keep going.

If you have that and are willing to put in the work and the necessary research, you may just be the next professional streamer in Australia!