If you're planning to start streaming in 2024 or are already a streamer using the same tools you set up a few years ago, you must know about these 10 essential tools for streamers. While some of these tools might be obvious, others could be hidden gems that can make your life easier, save time, or even help you earn more.
1. Broadcasting Software
Let's start with the very important basics - the programs designed to stream content to different platforms such as Twitch, YouTube, and Kick. Two popular programs, OBS Studio and XSplit, have been established as leaders in this field. However, alternatives like Twitch Studio or StreamLabs OBS can also be considered. If you want maximum customization options, OBS Studio is an excellent choice. Most streaming guides are geared towards this program. However, if you prefer a more streamlined experience and use StreamLabs for all your alerts, streaming with StreamLabs OBS is also feasible.
2. Chatbots
An efficient chatbot is crucial for automating viewer interactions, managing the chat, and creating custom commands. For example, you can set up a chatbot to automatically post specific information at regular intervals and/or during high chat activity. Chatbots can also assist in moderating the chat; some can even play music or engage in games with your audience. Nightbot is a popular option, but you may consider alternatives like Moobot or chatbots from various services such as Streamlabs or StreamElements.
3. Interactive Streaming Tools
There are many options available in the market for streamers to choose from. You can find niche offerings that cater to your specific needs, support developers in your local region, or opt for platforms with pricing policies that align with your preferences. However, regarding major competitors, StreamElements vs Streamlabs dominates the market. Both platforms offer subscription alerts, donations, raids, and more customization options. If you prefer a user-friendly approach and just want solid advice, then StreamElements is a great choice. With StreamElements, you can configure excellent commands for your chatbot, access a wide library of overlays, or easily create your own, among many other features.
4. Multistreaming
If you need to stream to multiple platforms at once, Restream is the perfect solution. This platform allows you to broadcast your stream to up to 20 platforms simultaneously.
5. Tools for Earning Money Through Streaming
Generating income through paid subscriptions and donations can be challenging. However, an alternative way to make money is to promote products or services for other companies. The problem is finding offers that pay well. Thankfully, Drope.me is here to help. This platform allows you to join campaigns and promote new games. You can earn money by streaming, creating videos, reposting, and performing various other actions. What's great about Drope.me is that you don't need to be a streamer with a massive audience. Even with just 250 followers, you can join and start earning.
Not only do you receive payment, but your viewers also get pleasant gifts, such as gift cards or keys to new games. Drope.me offers an array of excellent OBS Tools to enhance your promotional activities, including features like QR codes explicitly generated for you.
6. Design
If you need to create graphic elements regularly, even if you have already taken the help of an artist or used pre-made designs available on the internet, then Canva is an excellent choice. Announcements, schedules, and video covers require the production of numerous graphics. While it's great if you are an expert in using Photoshop or its equivalents, Canva provides a user-friendly interface and many templates to simplify the graphic design process, making it newbie-friendly.
7. Collaboration Tools
Collaborating with other streamers is a great way to enhance your streaming experience. If you want to play a game with another streamer or host a quiz involving multiple participants, you will need to figure out how to display the webcams of all streamers on the screen. While there are many makeshift methods, VDO.Ninja has come up with a solution. Using their service, you can easily share your webcam and microphone audio as a browser source with other streamers or create a lobby for group streaming. This is a very convenient and effective way to solve a multitude of issues for collaborative streams. Collaborating with other streamers is a great way to improve your content, and we've discussed why it's important in more detail HERE.
8. Analytics Services
Comprehensive analytics from Twitch are undoubtedly useful, but TwitchTracker takes it to another level. With TwitchTracker, you can access more detailed information and monitor other streamers. It also lets you analyze your strengths and weaknesses, discard ineffective strategies, and increase your popularity. In short, TwitchTracker is an essential tool for any severe streamer looking to improve their game.
9. More Fun
BetterTTV is a browser extension designed for Twitch and YouTube platforms. It offers various new features, emotes, and more to enhance the user's experience. Although the service's popularity declined slightly after Twitch expanded the number of free emotes, its value remains high. Even if you don't require an extensive collection of emotes, BetterTTV can help you engage with a significant portion of your audience, and it's essential to be on the same wavelength as them. The tool also has a more practical application; for instance, it allows for a more convenient review of deleted messages from the chat.
10. Game Extensions
Suppose you are a fan of a specific game and spend significant time streaming it, such as League of Legends, VALORANT, or Hearthstone. In that case, you may consider using specialized plugins to enhance viewers' interactions with your stream. While these plugins may not make your life easier, they can greatly improve your viewers' experience. For instance, Hearthstone Deck Tracker allows viewers to see their favorite streamer's decks and engage with the cards during the stream, which can help them understand the game better. Therefore, caring for your loyal viewers is essential to providing them with the best possible streaming experience.
If you enjoyed the content, join our community on Discord, and we also recommend checking out these materials:
How to promote campaigns on Drope.me
How to choose games to promote
How to make money as a small streamer
