Hey #Earlygang! What do you think, Twitch Alerts, are they distracting or engaging? Do they make editing easier or harder? Will people understand this video is trying to start a constructive conversation round gimmicks and effects? or will people just get upset without understanding the video?
I just started streaming beginning of Aug and reached affiliate a week ago. Thanks to a very supportive community (3d modelling), I had all the followers I needed before I did my first stream. All I had left was people chatting, number of hours and number of days to reach the requirements. The purpose of my stream is so people helping me learn Blender can see what I'm doing and offer help, as well as for others to learn along with me. Overlays would block part of the screen and people won't see what I'm doing. Alerts, tho some can be handy, mostly are very distracting and block people's view. The only thing that interests me is starting, brb and ending images or animations, alerts for follow, sub and bits, and that is so I can thank them for supporting me. After that I don't really need anything else, except maybe something for Halloween and Christmas.
Been feeling this big time lately. A while back, I made this custom TTS command that has a ton of fun voices. I was really proud of it, and viewers love messing around with it! The big issue is that I'm constantly getting interrupted, and it completely kills my train of thought. This video made me realize I need to dial it back a little, even if I am proud of the work I did to get that command working.
Definitely related to this comment. One thing I've started doing is educating my audience on stream segments. Using my voice and chat commands, I help my audience understand what is available to them and when those things go away. For example, if I'm hosting an interview I will let my audience know that alerts will be muted and I will most likely focus my energy on the interview instead of answering chat. Automated chat commands and on stream banners could be used to reinforce these ideas as well. Good luck on your streams!
Very good point. I use Stream Elements TTS, which gives a Subs only option. I also turn it off during times like D&D where I want the VoD to be on UA-cam later. I don't want the DM's voice to get drowned out by ppl just dropping in who aren't paying attention anyway. 😅😂
I set up a TTS with a site called Monster because it had AI voices that my viewers could choose and it works off channel points as well as bits. i've had it enabled for almost 6 months now....not a single person has used it. I have a chat bot alert to it and its down in my descriptions and no one at all tried it. Even the bit functions that use TTS my viewers don't seem to like, but oh man you let them sound redeem anything Michael Jackson and they spam that sh*t
I love this reminder to consider the core value prop that you offer to viewers when adding features, and keeping that at the forefront, rather than adding features just because you can. Thanks for another great video!
For me, this was the major takeaway as well. It is really easy to hide behind the surface level 'features' of your stream instead of focusing on the core value prop. Just like in most aspects of life, balance is very important.
Streamlabs OBS actually has a fix for most of these things. "Selective recording" is what it's called. It's available right on the main screen above the list of "sources" where you can have it only on stream, only on recording, or both. It's insanely awesome since I can have my twitch alerts on stream, but never on the video I'm recording. It works with all sources to my knowledge, so it's extremely helpful. I myself focus on funny jokes and sometimes loud noises to gain an audience, and it's gotten my 7 followers in about 2 weeks. I'm slowly going up, but honestly your content here is really helpful in seeing how much I need to work on to make this happen properly. Thank you.
On streamlabs desktop you can record and stream and have certain scences only visable on one or the other or both. So you can still have all your alerts go off on stream and then recording will have nothing.
REALLY hoping to try getting back into streaming/content creation again in the future. Real life has been so insane this past year, it was impossible to keep a proper schedule. Alerts were neither bad nor good for me when I did as they either never worked properly or no one did anything to trigger them.
Now that you've had some time to reflect on your past streaming experiences, what do you think your number 1 priority will be when you return? Any advice for other streamers? Best of luck on your return!
Hah jokes on you. You cant hurt something that is dead anyway! No seriously. Great video. Makes me think about my Streams (and somehow a bit depressed). And how i always think about "what could i change" and always add new stuff or look for new stuff, but never actually change my content, so that people might actually see it and enjoy it. And even through you said we shouldnt throw away everything... maybe this is exactly what i will do. Throw away all the disrupting on screen stuff that adds no value. Get more basic alerts that are less intrusiv and just try to use less gimmicks (well and finding the motivation to stream and get out of my "nobody cares anyways hole) Thanks AJ. Always watching your videos and always finding them to be something to think about.
This is top advice. I didn't realise how I'd kind of...internalised the interruptions from a lot of the louder alerts/sfx, I've dialled them back significantly and I'm a happier streamer for it. Still have some subtle ones for Subs/Bits/Follows. Your example of being interrupted by the Bits TTS was spot on.
I love the comedy haha. I still love my alerts but really think there's a middle ground between being engaging and having too much. Thanks for the vid!
i just watched this and i understand the community portion of this.. its so important to have your show and have the flow of your show be important for the audience.. then core content be the most important
I have slowly but surely been changing, reducing the time of, or outright removing aspects of alerts or channel point redeems for the same reason. If they break the flow of a recording or require/ruin context it affects my downstream (pun intended?) plans for editing or making other content. I used to have a redeem to “send me to the shadow realm” but it was 45seconds long and as time went on and my stream grew that outstayed it’s welcome. It doesn’t mean things need to be removed but maybe reflect like what eljay is saying and see if things need adjustment or fit your content still
Owen Owned is such a great guy. He really looks like he's been through the dark ages, black plague, the invention of capitalism, two world wars and he's still upbeat and chipper enough to tell us about these great features offered by Owned!
You helped me go from 1 follower to just passing 1k. And since you asked I'll tell ya! I put over 24 hours into two live wrestling shows I edit and make like you're watching a real tv show from start to finish. At first I automatically disagreed with your title but that's til I watched it and realize what you're saying. I agree that if you aren't making good content sound alerts and flash do nothing. I cannot tell you how many people have tried to rip off a few things I'm doing and try it on their streams only to get upset at me when it doesn't work for them the same way. Your personality goes hand in hand with the overlays, alerts, the whole feel of your stream. And just bc someone likes to contribute a certain way on someone else's stream doesn't mean they are going to enjoy doing the same thing with you. Ya gotta find the will to keep going when you are just starting out and you suck. I still have to motivate myself every day to keep going and believing. But that's what separates the one's who really take this seriously and the one's who just want to take shortcuts.
I like how this was about alerts but also mentioned how people act on stream. Which come to think of it I think I subconsciously have fallen into that be it intentional or not
Great video! I hope I limit my gimmicks to things that fit with my stream and drive engagement ... things that are "fun." It is a tough streaming world out there... trying to keep people's attention with a decent stream and some side engagement things while not doing "too much" is a pretty tough balance.
I agree, the balancing act is really tough. But I think acknowledging that and focusing on your core content are great steps forward. What are your favorite things that you add to the stream?
@@DimTheLightsTTV I have these things: I give my viewers the ability to change my lights behind me - channel points to change my voice or mess with my game a little bit, and using the points to activate a second camera that focuses on things in my space - also the Pokemon Community Game (PCG runs on a bunch of streams and its all synced) running in the background has given people something to play along with me. I'm hoping it's not too much or too gimmicky, but seems to help engagement. And I try my best to not be boring.
Just so its out there if anyone wants to try it. There is a Source Record plugin for OBS that lets you record individual sources and scenes, you can record as many as you want separately from the rest of your stream so long as your PC can handle it. Which would let you have as many alerts and effects on your stream as you want while still having a clean recording to edit in to a video later. All that said I haven't used it myself just yet and only know about this thanks to Nutty talking about it during one of his OBS plugins videos. I hope this helps someone.
To answer one of your questions, I play trackmania. Thanks for making these. I feel incredibly successful, having grown over 500 follows and averaging 5 to 20 every stream without actually knowing any of these things. I implemented just a couple of minor tips and my retention rate was all climb last night. Thanks again
This is something I have realized since switching from Twitch to UA-cam (mostly anyways). If you can't put out content and carry things and be entertaining without bells and whistles, then these bells and whistles are literally all you have. Also, minus all of the bells and whistles I can focus on things a lot easier and keep things flowing without having a bunch of stuff interfering.
1:26 The funny ad is such a great idea! Making the sponsor the most entertaining and curated clip in the whole video is a winning point in my opinion, It really helps to follow it until the end. And you don't seems like a moneygrabber who put it there just to earn something. Furthermore, Here in Italy, a UA-camr called BarbascuraX has the sponsor as its characteristic element. People almost wait for it in every new video 😂
My core content, is changing after I finally thought about it. My core content is telling stories. Yes it will involve voices a bit as I am a voice actor/actor, but at the end of the day if I can keep someone's attention long enough to enjoy a good story. Then I will feel like I did my job. It's a lot of work, but I also focus on story rich things too such as games, novels, Movie ideas. Something that grabs the viewers attention and make them believe that the world they are seeing, reading or hearing about. Feels like a real breathing world.
this is really good advice. I started with nothing, just gameplay, and voice. I spent a lot of time and still do work on myself as the why people watch. not that it's doing me amazing numbers but its secured loyal viewers who are there for me and not all the bells and whistles. It's only now I've really started to dive into the fun interactive stuff and make-believe persona, but not at the harm of all the continuing hard work on myself.
Really appreciate this video. ❤ One thing I'd love to see in the future, if the option for the VIEWER to turn off overlays and pick specific scenes, specifically for them. So, Tom could watch the gameplay video from one angle, without alerts, while Bob watches the stream from another angle, with alerts and other potentially annoying bits.
Honestly Eljay made all good points here! HOWEVER I still want to know when someone followed, subbed, donated bits, etc. So what is a different way to be alerted by this?
well, there are obs plugins for example, where you can record any source of the stream you want, separately. for example, you can record the facecam + the gameplay. they will be 2 videos with each their own sound - no distractions, like alerts or sound effects. maybe this would be a help for some. but I get the message of your video and I am totally here for it. I know a lot of streamers who just overdo it with all their extras, filters and whatnot. the core value should matter the most.
heh, my core content is just drawing my webcomic, and talking about art. Which can be very boring if you're not into art related stuff already. I could spice it up with other stuff, but that would be the glitter on the turd xD
I find myself deactivating more and more of my alerts and channel point redeems because I have one or two regular users who will do literally everything in their power to use them to be disruptive and annoying. I agree 100% with the point that alerts can destroy a stream's flow, and have considered doing away with redeems altogether because of these two people.
I keep things simple and just be myself. I remind myself why I do this and that's mainly to share an experience with others. So far I'm starting to build a community of people who watch me just to hang out and I'm more than fine with that.
Been going thru this with my stream on Twitch lately. I have a lot of channel points for costumes and such. And I find myself sometimes getting irritated, when in the middle of a game, like Phasmophobia, which is one of my main games I stream, and having to put on a hat, or costume, or do voices and such, and it takes me out of the flow. Yeah, its channel points, but I sometimes wonder how much people really enjoy it, and if its taking away from my stream or adding. Specially now that I have been splitting time and also been playing WoW Classic Hardcore. But keep up with the great vids. They have helped me out a lot the past couple of years.
Don't let it discourage you. Some communities enjoy the trollish interactive chaos. It all depends on what kind of atmosphere and community you are cultivating
I think my core content is enjoying funny moments in a small selection of games I play with my friends If my friends aren’t there, it’s me enjoying struggling thru a game, laughing at my failures & hyping up accomplishments - no matter how small
I’ve watched both creators, and I wouldn’t say they’re as flat as Dobrick and Beast. Both Pewdiepie and Jack are energetic but they also both have down time, time where they’re serious, time where they’re sad, etc I thought that was obvious from looking at their videos to be honest.
@@StreamScheme I agree they differ from Dobrick and Beast. While I totally agree with the points in the video (great job btw!), I think one main aspect they don't acknowledge in the clip is where they are in their journey versus where the majority of this audience exists. Pewdiepie and Jack both have experienced wild amounts of success and have been creators for years now. It is very easy for them to trivialize how creators may portray themselves in the public eye. But if you look at the library of their core content, especially their earlier stuff (which in this scenario is more relevant), they do prioritize a specific style of delivering information (energetic, heightened, etc.) and aim for it to be consistent. Sure, there are exceptions but I think it is a case of them being a little disingenuous about that fact.
some solutions to these issues is using selective recording and recording all stream sounds into its own channel that can easily be muted in post, but good food for thought
Very interesting video. I'm a small streamer and recently got Affiliate. My mentality while streaming is that I'm playing videogames. I'm not an entertainer nor am I a clown for other people's entertainment. You can watch a videogame stream and have a relaxing and funny time without the streamer having to be histrionic about it.
I would argue that having your effects burned into the edit is a fault of the streamer because there are definitely ways to have that not happen, as someone who is a streamer themselves, but all your other points are totally valid! I may cut back on some things or refocues them myself because of this video
omg these tips are IT, just as much for videos as for streams. I'm just a casual viewer who isn't streaming regularly but the idea of trusting yourself as entertaining enough is why I love so many older Lets Plays of games vs what they've become nowadays. The dramatic zooms, silly filters, the zany editing-- sometimes it's funny, but often I find it interrupting the game or story or even just the pure entertainment value of the video! So yeah, people like PointCrow are doing it best, where only the slightest things get added either in stream or as a video edit. I'm watching for the personality, gameplay, story, or any combination thereof-- not for silly filters and overbearing sound effects. (In moderation, of course-- I love being able to turn on 60 seconds of silly voice filters and such, but I mostly watch drawing streams so perhaps the vibes are a bit different there).
I do guitar repairs and builds oh yea, I play Golf in my Simulator while the CNC cuts out a project. Trying to get golf scenes appealing to the eye. Could use more guidance you share. Thanks
Interesting take on the subject. Personally I feel big streamers dont do this stuff because they dont need to because they have the following. They dont need to stand out, unlike smaller streamers. However I do feel people need to be authentic and let that shine in their content. Being a copy cat of other creators big or small isnt going to benefit anyone as the results are never the same. I also wouldnt allow my viewers to have that much control over my stream with voice changer, text to speech, etc. Now I do agree if I am streaming for 6hrs and got that message I would be PISSED! so a solution to that could be turn off text-to-speech, turn off the sound alert, but have the alert still pop up in a small section of the screen. This way its not so disruptive and destructive of a potential stream highlight moment.
Thanks , I’m actually starting to stream for Diablo 4, we have a small FB group and I have my 1st bby on the way , so anything extra will be great, thanks for the advice
As an editor with 10 years experience on youtube nd just starting on twittch, I can't stress enough how right you are with that bit about overediting. Let people hear your story, you don't need to make it ultrashort for YT shorts or tkt
My core content at least on UA-cam was clips from the steams and playing games Stardew Valley and My time at Portia. I recently upgraded my my setup going from a laptop to a PC and I had decided to try to do a soft rebrand by playing honkai star rail. My audience does like it because there free meaning they can play too.
Actually I recently decided that my core content is playing league of legends. I just have a few dozen followers, but every 4 hour stream, I get around 2 new followers and I am so gratefull for them! Now I am wondering if that is a good first start on average?
Is it weird that I feel like my core content is just being me, being goofy, and chatting while I play games I like, but at the same time streaming can take a lot out of me? I really enjoy streaming and my goal isn't really to be someone big, but there's something that I find really daunting about it regardless and I'm not sure what. Is it possible that I'm caring too much about making a good product?
Wish i knew my friend, my core content is supposed to be gaming however the years of the grind still yiel an impressive 0-3 viewers when streaming *not sweating at all*
I think I'm glad that when I started streaming, alerts and such weren't really a thing yet. I use some now, mostly because I like to thank people for follows and I won't notice without some kind of audio/visual cue, but not a whole lot. My core content has always been me playing games I'm passionate about and want to share with people, and connecting to the folks watching. For me that looks like a lot of the horror MMO The Secret World/Secret World Legends and usually also various games with animals (Tunic and Animal Shelter Simulator right now). I enjoy sharing things I love, and I've realized over time that really is the core of what and how I stream. I'll note that I'm lucky in that I stream as a hobby and to fundraise for charities, not as a primary source of income, so I have that freedom to pick and choose games that I'm able to be really passionate about.
Hey eljay! Have you made a video on tips to be a part of a community? I'd love to go on this streaming/content creation journey with new friends and I'm not even sure where to start.
I’m so shy and chill person and that shows on my stream. I have speech disability make it hard understand me on stream but I trying to make my streams more interactive and engaging for help me be entertaining
I do pistol-melee challenge runs of action shooter video games in an effort to determine if the game is balanced. I use the streams as a way to record the footage and keep the content engaging, so i'm not editing 4 hours of me staring at a shooter with no reactions lol
So i see the points your making and how it applies to some people, but i stream horror games and so i have a shit ton of different ways for chat to try and jumpscare me, and for me its not about the content, i enjoy horror and the interactions make it more enjoyable for me
@@StreamScheme there is one thing i want to add but im having a hard time getting it to work, in streamerbot you can set up an HTML overlay and display things over your game using channel points and bits. i want to set different jumpscare gifs up but I tried for months to get it to work
Love u dude… your vids are clutch… my core content is knowledge on cryptids/creatures of folklore then landing headshots in chivalry 2 as the John Rambo of archers
I am currently streaming with no alerts or overlays, just me and the game. This is mostly because I am a Ludite with no artistic talent. While I have not found what others would call success I have found a small group of people who enjoy watching. If you enjoy strategy games and watching elves die trying to play football I highly recommend Blood Bowl.
I am restarting my streaming career. I do horror games. I am trying to figure out if I should do alerts or not or I should add anything. I am a Xboxer with no camera. So, I know I need something but I'm so confused on what I need to do!
Isn't there a filter within OBS that allows for you to mirror video sources into another OBS instance to keep the camera feed be separate from the stream feed w/ alerts overlays etc? Or am I wrong.
The last 6 months have been abysmal for growth on Twitch. It's the worst I have ever seen for myself and a lot of newer channels I follow. I don't know if all the ads are killing the platform, or it's something else.
I think this video has a lot of really solid advice. I guess the one thing I do which a lot of people new to streaming might not know about or have the knowledge to set up is a plugin like obs source record, so they can record their gameplay, webcam etc. without embedding the overlays and alerts into the video file itself. It's also a good way to not have to download your vods directly from the streaming platform of a person's choice be it twitch or UA-cam. Admittedly it's a little temperamental at times and would probably work better if it was an integrated system within obs itself rather than a plug-in, I think stream labs has something like source record built into the software. Just food for thought, could make a good video? (I'm not a big streamer so i could be talking out my arse here)
@@StreamScheme that’s fair enough. I’ve managed to get it to work no problems after fiddling with it over a few days but a buddy of mine hasn’t been able to get it to work at all
Apparently some encoders just don’t work with it, it’s a shame because I don’t want to recommend Streamlabs…. But their source record that’s built it works perfectly… So instead, we try encourage people to consider if they’re going over the top hahaha
I'm really enjoying your content my friend! I need help! So I'm super new to all this so sorry If I'm not explaining it well... I want a custum alert but one NOT linked to new followers, new subs etc etc. I want an alert that I can press a button and it pops up on my steam telling my watchers to type !play, stay up for 20 secs or so and then go away until I press the button again. Is this possible? I'm using Twitch Studio v0.116.4 & StreamElements I'm having a blast learning all this but this issues has got me.
Hey guys lets talk about how all these unnecessary overlays and alerts could be ruining your streams and distracting from your core content! But first please go buy one of these overlay and alert packs from our sponsor :)
Kinda missing the point of the whole video there, and making it seem like I said delete everything and don’t use a thing, despite multiple times saying “you don’t have to remove everything, people going to misconstrue this”
I feel like trying to appeal to people who aren't there yet doesn't matter as much as appealing to someone who is there, or wants to be now. There's a chance whoever subscribed over your gamer moment wanted to do so intentionally. I definitely feel it, but honestly for me there's a huge rift between where you stand, who you are, and how much work you're willing to do to get it all in balance. If you're a non affiliate andy with erratic viewership, nuking your chat widget for someone who would clearly have a better time watching a no commentary playthrough on youtube and having a vod that will not display or remember past chats when highlighted after the week your video is live is absolutely crushing. Because the same way I feel about all the borders and screen overlays that force people to make the actual game window small, is probably similar to how people feel it is cringe to stream without a webcam or png model or better. Most people I've seen lately are already cutting out more than a bunch of meme videos or bouncing emoji can cover at a single time. And I'm sure whoever is being annoying with their channel points bits or cash is getting their money's worth. Maybe you're talking to people that have a stable audience and want to do more, or people who plan the field and have absolutely nothing to do on that field, or maybe it's just bait-y to make a bunch of small streamers looking for tips engage you. I haven't actually seen streamers with cute and over edited content suffer from people disliking their streams, rather, people with great formats having their videos look bad because their hardware can't handle what they're trying to do. And some get away with it because as long as they're not gaming it's amazing.
I started My UA-cam Channel in the beginning of the year and I am still a small time streamer. My Main core is playing the games I like and upload it to UA-cam.
While I agree, and try to focus on what is entertaining for videos and shorts - I also keep my audio in separate channels as well as have a clean feed video to edit later. So I end up with my VOD with all the alerts and gimmicks baked in but also have a clean feed with the game audio, my mic, discord chat (when playing with friends), and music / alerts separated - which also means when I stutter or cough - I don't necessarily lose the footage - I just cut me out at that point. I even have my replay buffer capture a clean vertical as well as horizontal clip to quickly make shorts immediately after. Now, I just need to be more entertaining 🙂
This is mildly validating for me. I hate gimmicks when they distract from the streamer and the content. I do have alerts and some fun channel point sound redeems, but they're not too distracting. I just try to be myself and hope that's enough... which it kind of isn't, but still!
Hey #Earlygang! What do you think, Twitch Alerts, are they distracting or engaging? Do they make editing easier or harder? Will people understand this video is trying to start a constructive conversation round gimmicks and effects? or will people just get upset without understanding the video?
I just started streaming beginning of Aug and reached affiliate a week ago. Thanks to a very supportive community (3d modelling), I had all the followers I needed before I did my first stream. All I had left was people chatting, number of hours and number of days to reach the requirements.
The purpose of my stream is so people helping me learn Blender can see what I'm doing and offer help, as well as for others to learn along with me. Overlays would block part of the screen and people won't see what I'm doing. Alerts, tho some can be handy, mostly are very distracting and block people's view. The only thing that interests me is starting, brb and ending images or animations, alerts for follow, sub and bits, and that is so I can thank them for supporting me. After that I don't really need anything else, except maybe something for Halloween and Christmas.
Been feeling this big time lately. A while back, I made this custom TTS command that has a ton of fun voices. I was really proud of it, and viewers love messing around with it! The big issue is that I'm constantly getting interrupted, and it completely kills my train of thought.
This video made me realize I need to dial it back a little, even if I am proud of the work I did to get that command working.
Definitely related to this comment. One thing I've started doing is educating my audience on stream segments. Using my voice and chat commands, I help my audience understand what is available to them and when those things go away. For example, if I'm hosting an interview I will let my audience know that alerts will be muted and I will most likely focus my energy on the interview instead of answering chat. Automated chat commands and on stream banners could be used to reinforce these ideas as well. Good luck on your streams!
Very good point. I use Stream Elements TTS, which gives a Subs only option. I also turn it off during times like D&D where I want the VoD to be on UA-cam later.
I don't want the DM's voice to get drowned out by ppl just dropping in who aren't paying attention anyway. 😅😂
You can always tweak it and turn them off at certain points
I set up a TTS with a site called Monster because it had AI voices that my viewers could choose and it works off channel points as well as bits. i've had it enabled for almost 6 months now....not a single person has used it. I have a chat bot alert to it and its down in my descriptions and no one at all tried it. Even the bit functions that use TTS my viewers don't seem to like, but oh man you let them sound redeem anything Michael Jackson and they spam that sh*t
I love this reminder to consider the core value prop that you offer to viewers when adding features, and keeping that at the forefront, rather than adding features just because you can. Thanks for another great video!
For me, this was the major takeaway as well. It is really easy to hide behind the surface level 'features' of your stream instead of focusing on the core value prop. Just like in most aspects of life, balance is very important.
Streamlabs OBS actually has a fix for most of these things. "Selective recording" is what it's called. It's available right on the main screen above the list of "sources" where you can have it only on stream, only on recording, or both. It's insanely awesome since I can have my twitch alerts on stream, but never on the video I'm recording. It works with all sources to my knowledge, so it's extremely helpful. I myself focus on funny jokes and sometimes loud noises to gain an audience, and it's gotten my 7 followers in about 2 weeks. I'm slowly going up, but honestly your content here is really helpful in seeing how much I need to work on to make this happen properly. Thank you.
This video has the best sponsored ad segment I've ever seen on UA-cam. I've actually rewatched it a few times, laughing! Especially being from the UK.
Thanks :)
On streamlabs desktop you can record and stream and have certain scences only visable on one or the other or both. So you can still have all your alerts go off on stream and then recording will have nothing.
REALLY hoping to try getting back into streaming/content creation again in the future. Real life has been so insane this past year, it was impossible to keep a proper schedule. Alerts were neither bad nor good for me when I did as they either never worked properly or no one did anything to trigger them.
Now that you've had some time to reflect on your past streaming experiences, what do you think your number 1 priority will be when you return? Any advice for other streamers? Best of luck on your return!
Hah jokes on you. You cant hurt something that is dead anyway!
No seriously. Great video. Makes me think about my Streams (and somehow a bit depressed). And how i always think about "what could i change" and always add new stuff or look for new stuff, but never actually change my content, so that people might actually see it and enjoy it.
And even through you said we shouldnt throw away everything... maybe this is exactly what i will do. Throw away all the disrupting on screen stuff that adds no value. Get more basic alerts that are less intrusiv and just try to use less gimmicks (well and finding the motivation to stream and get out of my "nobody cares anyways hole)
Thanks AJ. Always watching your videos and always finding them to be something to think about.
I like Owen, I wish I could hear more about what he has to say
The most interesting man in the world bit would be great for Owen in my opinion haha.
Finding out Bajo streams was probably the best thing I’ve heard all year. Him on Good Game Spawn Point was a massive part of my childhood
The streams are amazing as well, honestly, I was hesitant to cover him in this in case people got the wrong idea.
This is top advice. I didn't realise how I'd kind of...internalised the interruptions from a lot of the louder alerts/sfx, I've dialled them back significantly and I'm a happier streamer for it. Still have some subtle ones for Subs/Bits/Follows. Your example of being interrupted by the Bits TTS was spot on.
I love the comedy haha. I still love my alerts but really think there's a middle ground between being engaging and having too much. Thanks for the vid!
Wow I actually watched the entire ad segment. That was incredible, Eljay 🔥
i just watched this and i understand the community portion of this.. its so important to have your show and have the flow of your show be important for the audience.. then core content be the most important
I have slowly but surely been changing, reducing the time of, or outright removing aspects of alerts or channel point redeems for the same reason. If they break the flow of a recording or require/ruin context it affects my downstream (pun intended?) plans for editing or making other content. I used to have a redeem to “send me to the shadow realm” but it was 45seconds long and as time went on and my stream grew that outstayed it’s welcome. It doesn’t mean things need to be removed but maybe reflect like what eljay is saying and see if things need adjustment or fit your content still
I remember that viewer with all the dogs... Felt bad for em, but DAMN G! Take better care of your animals!
Great vid as always.
Owen Owned is such a great guy. He really looks like he's been through the dark ages, black plague, the invention of capitalism, two world wars and he's still upbeat and chipper enough to tell us about these great features offered by Owned!
You helped me go from 1 follower to just passing 1k. And since you asked I'll tell ya! I put over 24 hours into two live wrestling shows I edit and make like you're watching a real tv show from start to finish. At first I automatically disagreed with your title but that's til I watched it and realize what you're saying. I agree that if you aren't making good content sound alerts and flash do nothing. I cannot tell you how many people have tried to rip off a few things I'm doing and try it on their streams only to get upset at me when it doesn't work for them the same way. Your personality goes hand in hand with the overlays, alerts, the whole feel of your stream. And just bc someone likes to contribute a certain way on someone else's stream doesn't mean they are going to enjoy doing the same thing with you. Ya gotta find the will to keep going when you are just starting out and you suck. I still have to motivate myself every day to keep going and believing. But that's what separates the one's who really take this seriously and the one's who just want to take shortcuts.
I like how this was about alerts but also mentioned how people act on stream. Which come to think of it I think I subconsciously have fallen into that be it intentional or not
Great video! I hope I limit my gimmicks to things that fit with my stream and drive engagement ... things that are "fun." It is a tough streaming world out there... trying to keep people's attention with a decent stream and some side engagement things while not doing "too much" is a pretty tough balance.
I agree, the balancing act is really tough. But I think acknowledging that and focusing on your core content are great steps forward. What are your favorite things that you add to the stream?
@@DimTheLightsTTV I have these things: I give my viewers the ability to change my lights behind me - channel points to change my voice or mess with my game a little bit, and using the points to activate a second camera that focuses on things in my space - also the Pokemon Community Game (PCG runs on a bunch of streams and its all synced) running in the background has given people something to play along with me.
I'm hoping it's not too much or too gimmicky, but seems to help engagement. And I try my best to not be boring.
Just so its out there if anyone wants to try it. There is a Source Record plugin for OBS that lets you record individual sources and scenes, you can record as many as you want separately from the rest of your stream so long as your PC can handle it. Which would let you have as many alerts and effects on your stream as you want while still having a clean recording to edit in to a video later.
All that said I haven't used it myself just yet and only know about this thanks to Nutty talking about it during one of his OBS plugins videos.
I hope this helps someone.
Source record doesn’t work for the make of OBS users :)
Yeah that's fair. It seemed like a good solution to the problem, but your right that it probably doesn't work for most users
To answer one of your questions, I play trackmania. Thanks for making these. I feel incredibly successful, having grown over 500 follows and averaging 5 to 20 every stream without actually knowing any of these things. I implemented just a couple of minor tips and my retention rate was all climb last night. Thanks again
This is something I have realized since switching from Twitch to UA-cam (mostly anyways). If you can't put out content and carry things and be entertaining without bells and whistles, then these bells and whistles are literally all you have. Also, minus all of the bells and whistles I can focus on things a lot easier and keep things flowing without having a bunch of stuff interfering.
1:26 The funny ad is such a great idea!
Making the sponsor the most entertaining and curated clip in the whole video is a winning point in my opinion, It really helps to follow it until the end.
And you don't seems like a moneygrabber who put it there just to earn something.
Furthermore,
Here in Italy, a UA-camr called BarbascuraX has the sponsor as its characteristic element.
People almost wait for it in every new video 😂
"...like you did during that ad read."
Caught. Red handed.
2:59 - YO! don't call me out like that! 😆
My core content, is changing after I finally thought about it. My core content is telling stories. Yes it will involve voices a bit as I am a voice actor/actor, but at the end of the day if I can keep someone's attention long enough to enjoy a good story. Then I will feel like I did my job. It's a lot of work, but I also focus on story rich things too such as games, novels, Movie ideas. Something that grabs the viewers attention and make them believe that the world they are seeing, reading or hearing about. Feels like a real breathing world.
This changed my perspective so much. Thank you friend!
this is really good advice. I started with nothing, just gameplay, and voice. I spent a lot of time and still do work on myself as the why people watch. not that it's doing me amazing numbers but its secured loyal viewers who are there for me and not all the bells and whistles. It's only now I've really started to dive into the fun interactive stuff and make-believe persona, but not at the harm of all the continuing hard work on myself.
Really appreciate this video. ❤ One thing I'd love to see in the future, if the option for the VIEWER to turn off overlays and pick specific scenes, specifically for them.
So, Tom could watch the gameplay video from one angle, without alerts, while Bob watches the stream from another angle, with alerts and other potentially annoying bits.
2:57 I feel personally attacked lmaooooo
You're funny ElJaye! "Glitter on a turd" is priceless! Love your content!
Thank you for making these videos, man... I really owe a lot of my success to your advice!
Honestly Eljay made all good points here! HOWEVER I still want to know when someone followed, subbed, donated bits, etc. So what is a different way to be alerted by this?
Great advice in reference to alerts. Make it simple. I find myself adding too many overlays and alerts. I forget the content is the main piece.
Oh that Bootyyman69, what a joker!
Thanks for the video, I had some laughs and thought some thoughts.
well, there are obs plugins for example, where you can record any source of the stream you want, separately.
for example, you can record the facecam + the gameplay. they will be 2 videos with each their own sound - no distractions, like alerts or sound effects. maybe this would be a help for some.
but I get the message of your video and I am totally here for it. I know a lot of streamers who just overdo it with all their extras, filters and whatnot. the core value should matter the most.
where is the notification file from at 3:32? looking for a simple "blob" animation like this to edit in after effects.
heh, my core content is just drawing my webcomic, and talking about art. Which can be very boring if you're not into art related stuff already. I could spice it up with other stuff, but that would be the glitter on the turd xD
Great explination of ''Less = More''
I find myself deactivating more and more of my alerts and channel point redeems because I have one or two regular users who will do literally everything in their power to use them to be disruptive and annoying. I agree 100% with the point that alerts can destroy a stream's flow, and have considered doing away with redeems altogether because of these two people.
My core content? Dad building lego sets while flying a plane around the world.
Im trying to start streaming ghosts of tabor and i have been watching your content to try and learn where to start
I keep things simple and just be myself. I remind myself why I do this and that's mainly to share an experience with others. So far I'm starting to build a community of people who watch me just to hang out and I'm more than fine with that.
Been going thru this with my stream on Twitch lately. I have a lot of channel points for costumes and such. And I find myself sometimes getting irritated, when in the middle of a game, like Phasmophobia, which is one of my main games I stream, and having to put on a hat, or costume, or do voices and such, and it takes me out of the flow.
Yeah, its channel points, but I sometimes wonder how much people really enjoy it, and if its taking away from my stream or adding.
Specially now that I have been splitting time and also been playing WoW Classic Hardcore.
But keep up with the great vids. They have helped me out a lot the past couple of years.
You be right. I'm with you on this. Just be myself, chill and relaxing.
Thank you!
You bring up a great point but you can also record another scene that is not getting any of the alert clutter.
I spent lots of time adding chat commands and fun alerts. After watching this video, I realize it may be a little too much 😭
Don't let it discourage you.
Some communities enjoy the trollish interactive chaos. It all depends on what kind of atmosphere and community you are cultivating
I think my core content is enjoying funny moments in a small selection of games I play with my friends
If my friends aren’t there, it’s me enjoying struggling thru a game, laughing at my failures & hyping up accomplishments - no matter how small
Jack and Pewds saying to not be energetic asses is insanely hilariously ironic AF
They’re saying not to be ONLY energetic.
Omg, I thought the same thing. They might need to take a peek at their library of content 😅
I’ve watched both creators, and I wouldn’t say they’re as flat as Dobrick and Beast.
Both Pewdiepie and Jack are energetic but they also both have down time, time where they’re serious, time where they’re sad, etc
I thought that was obvious from looking at their videos to be honest.
@@StreamScheme I agree they differ from Dobrick and Beast.
While I totally agree with the points in the video (great job btw!), I think one main aspect they don't acknowledge in the clip is where they are in their journey versus where the majority of this audience exists.
Pewdiepie and Jack both have experienced wild amounts of success and have been creators for years now. It is very easy for them to trivialize how creators may portray themselves in the public eye. But if you look at the library of their core content, especially their earlier stuff (which in this scenario is more relevant), they do prioritize a specific style of delivering information (energetic, heightened, etc.) and aim for it to be consistent. Sure, there are exceptions but I think it is a case of them being a little disingenuous about that fact.
some solutions to these issues is using selective recording and recording all stream sounds into its own channel that can easily be muted in post, but good food for thought
I think I agree with this, and as someone who is gonna start streaming as a vtuber soon I wanna change those old bad alerts as soon as possible
thank you for the insight, makes me mad all the generic advice we see online.
Reapz is easily my favorite streamer on twitch. I always drop dad jokes using his TTS function with 100 bits.
As a Pokemon challenge runner, it's tough to gain a following in such a saturated market. Your videos have interesting advice and thoughts for sure.
Very interesting video. I'm a small streamer and recently got Affiliate. My mentality while streaming is that I'm playing videogames. I'm not an entertainer nor am I a clown for other people's entertainment. You can watch a videogame stream and have a relaxing and funny time without the streamer having to be histrionic about it.
I would argue that having your effects burned into the edit is a fault of the streamer because there are definitely ways to have that not happen, as someone who is a streamer themselves, but all your other points are totally valid! I may cut back on some things or refocues them myself because of this video
Oh it’s absolutely the streamers fault :) that’s the entire point of the video
omg these tips are IT, just as much for videos as for streams. I'm just a casual viewer who isn't streaming regularly but the idea of trusting yourself as entertaining enough is why I love so many older Lets Plays of games vs what they've become nowadays. The dramatic zooms, silly filters, the zany editing-- sometimes it's funny, but often I find it interrupting the game or story or even just the pure entertainment value of the video! So yeah, people like PointCrow are doing it best, where only the slightest things get added either in stream or as a video edit. I'm watching for the personality, gameplay, story, or any combination thereof-- not for silly filters and overbearing sound effects. (In moderation, of course-- I love being able to turn on 60 seconds of silly voice filters and such, but I mostly watch drawing streams so perhaps the vibes are a bit different there).
With my cousin, brother and I, we went with a minimalist approach and just have fun haha
So how do you get more soundalerts then the standaard 50 sounds on twich
Any videos on how to make ur chat vibrant how u have it in these video clips(not the exact same) but with more life
I do guitar repairs and builds oh yea, I play Golf in my Simulator while the CNC cuts out a project. Trying to get golf scenes appealing to the eye. Could use more guidance you share. Thanks
Interesting take on the subject. Personally I feel big streamers dont do this stuff because they dont need to because they have the following. They dont need to stand out, unlike smaller streamers. However I do feel people need to be authentic and let that shine in their content. Being a copy cat of other creators big or small isnt going to benefit anyone as the results are never the same. I also wouldnt allow my viewers to have that much control over my stream with voice changer, text to speech, etc. Now I do agree if I am streaming for 6hrs and got that message I would be PISSED! so a solution to that could be turn off text-to-speech, turn off the sound alert, but have the alert still pop up in a small section of the screen. This way its not so disruptive and destructive of a potential stream highlight moment.
Thanks , I’m actually starting to stream for Diablo 4, we have a small FB group and I have my 1st bby on the way , so anything extra will be great, thanks for the advice
I've had UA-cam Shorts ruined by alerts... so, I moved the alerts outside the center.
As an editor with 10 years experience on youtube nd just starting on twittch, I can't stress enough how right you are with that bit about overediting. Let people hear your story, you don't need to make it ultrashort for YT shorts or tkt
My core content at least on UA-cam was clips from the steams and playing games Stardew Valley and My time at Portia. I recently upgraded my my setup going from a laptop to a PC and I had decided to try to do a soft rebrand by playing honkai star rail. My audience does like it because there free meaning they can play too.
Actually I recently decided that my core content is playing league of legends.
I just have a few dozen followers, but every 4 hour stream, I get around 2 new followers and I am so gratefull for them!
Now I am wondering if that is a good first start on average?
"imagine being an artist and every painting you make explodes after 60 days."
Every tattoo artist: 👁️👄👁️
Is it weird that I feel like my core content is just being me, being goofy, and chatting while I play games I like, but at the same time streaming can take a lot out of me? I really enjoy streaming and my goal isn't really to be someone big, but there's something that I find really daunting about it regardless and I'm not sure what. Is it possible that I'm caring too much about making a good product?
"The gallery is UA-cam and Tiktok" is definitely something that nobody has ever said
Wish i knew my friend, my core content is supposed to be gaming however the years of the grind still yiel an impressive 0-3 viewers when streaming *not sweating at all*
Sounds like you’re not trying to make discoverable content :)
I think I'm glad that when I started streaming, alerts and such weren't really a thing yet. I use some now, mostly because I like to thank people for follows and I won't notice without some kind of audio/visual cue, but not a whole lot. My core content has always been me playing games I'm passionate about and want to share with people, and connecting to the folks watching. For me that looks like a lot of the horror MMO The Secret World/Secret World Legends and usually also various games with animals (Tunic and Animal Shelter Simulator right now). I enjoy sharing things I love, and I've realized over time that really is the core of what and how I stream. I'll note that I'm lucky in that I stream as a hobby and to fundraise for charities, not as a primary source of income, so I have that freedom to pick and choose games that I'm able to be really passionate about.
Hey eljay! Have you made a video on tips to be a part of a community? I'd love to go on this streaming/content creation journey with new friends and I'm not even sure where to start.
I’m so shy and chill person and that shows on my stream. I have speech disability make it hard understand me on stream but I trying to make my streams more interactive and engaging for help me be entertaining
I do pistol-melee challenge runs of action shooter video games in an effort to determine if the game is balanced. I use the streams as a way to record the footage and keep the content engaging, so i'm not editing 4 hours of me staring at a shooter with no reactions lol
Finally hit affiliate a couple weeks ago. The timing on this vid could not have been better.
Hi, Im just starting streaming tomorow with my first stream. How do I find my core content? Just keep trying things until I find it or burn out ?
So i see the points your making and how it applies to some people, but i stream horror games and so i have a shit ton of different ways for chat to try and jumpscare me, and for me its not about the content, i enjoy horror and the interactions make it more enjoyable for me
So it supports your content :) that’s what I’m saying works and is good
@@StreamScheme there is one thing i want to add but im having a hard time getting it to work, in streamerbot you can set up an HTML overlay and display things over your game using channel points and bits. i want to set different jumpscare gifs up but I tried for months to get it to work
Thank you for this.
Love u dude… your vids are clutch… my core content is knowledge on cryptids/creatures of folklore then landing headshots in chivalry 2 as the John Rambo of archers
I am currently streaming with no alerts or overlays, just me and the game. This is mostly because I am a Ludite with no artistic talent. While I have not found what others would call success I have found a small group of people who enjoy watching. If you enjoy strategy games and watching elves die trying to play football I highly recommend Blood Bowl.
I am restarting my streaming career. I do horror games. I am trying to figure out if I should do alerts or not or I should add anything. I am a Xboxer with no camera. So, I know I need something but I'm so confused on what I need to do!
I'm keeping my Twitch alerts but ditched my TTS.
Oooooo Owned made overlays for Charlie Chaplin???? I’m so glad I’m using them as well! 😂💜💜💜
Isn't there a filter within OBS that allows for you to mirror video sources into another OBS instance to keep the camera feed be separate from the stream feed w/ alerts overlays etc? Or am I wrong.
My core content is always to introduce people to new things in the game I play!
My stream alerts happen twice , anybody knows how to fix it ?, i only have one overlay with alerts (i m using streamlabs)
The last 6 months have been abysmal for growth on Twitch. It's the worst I have ever seen for myself and a lot of newer channels I follow. I don't know if all the ads are killing the platform, or it's something else.
I think this video has a lot of really solid advice. I guess the one thing I do which a lot of people new to streaming might not know about or have the knowledge to set up is a plugin like obs source record, so they can record their gameplay, webcam etc. without embedding the overlays and alerts into the video file itself. It's also a good way to not have to download your vods directly from the streaming platform of a person's choice be it twitch or UA-cam. Admittedly it's a little temperamental at times and would probably work better if it was an integrated system within obs itself rather than a plug-in, I think stream labs has something like source record built into the software. Just food for thought, could make a good video? (I'm not a big streamer so i could be talking out my arse here)
The problem is OBS source record, from mine and all the partners I work with, doesn’t work.
@@StreamScheme that’s fair enough. I’ve managed to get it to work no problems after fiddling with it over a few days but a buddy of mine hasn’t been able to get it to work at all
Apparently some encoders just don’t work with it, it’s a shame because I don’t want to recommend Streamlabs…. But their source record that’s built it works perfectly…
So instead, we try encourage people to consider if they’re going over the top hahaha
@@StreamScheme that’s alright my guy I didn’t mean any harm by it. If only obs had it built in haha
I'm really enjoying your content my friend!
I need help!
So I'm super new to all this so sorry If I'm not explaining it well...
I want a custum alert but one NOT linked to new followers, new subs etc etc.
I want an alert that I can press a button and it pops up on my steam telling my watchers to type !play, stay up for 20 secs or so and then go away until I press the button again.
Is this possible?
I'm using Twitch Studio v0.116.4 & StreamElements
I'm having a blast learning all this but this issues has got me.
Hey guys lets talk about how all these unnecessary overlays and alerts could be ruining your streams and distracting from your core content! But first please go buy one of these overlay and alert packs from our sponsor :)
Kinda missing the point of the whole video there, and making it seem like I said delete everything and don’t use a thing, despite multiple times saying “you don’t have to remove everything, people going to misconstrue this”
I think I might be Heavily inspired to Help out Other Small streamers by making UA-cam Videos
Thanks Eljay I will Be doing my best
I feel like trying to appeal to people who aren't there yet doesn't matter as much as appealing to someone who is there, or wants to be now. There's a chance whoever subscribed over your gamer moment wanted to do so intentionally.
I definitely feel it, but honestly for me there's a huge rift between where you stand, who you are, and how much work you're willing to do to get it all in balance. If you're a non affiliate andy with erratic viewership, nuking your chat widget for someone who would clearly have a better time watching a no commentary playthrough on youtube and having a vod that will not display or remember past chats when highlighted after the week your video is live is absolutely crushing.
Because the same way I feel about all the borders and screen overlays that force people to make the actual game window small, is probably similar to how people feel it is cringe to stream without a webcam or png model or better. Most people I've seen lately are already cutting out more than a bunch of meme videos or bouncing emoji can cover at a single time. And I'm sure whoever is being annoying with their channel points bits or cash is getting their money's worth.
Maybe you're talking to people that have a stable audience and want to do more, or people who plan the field and have absolutely nothing to do on that field, or maybe it's just bait-y to make a bunch of small streamers looking for tips engage you. I haven't actually seen streamers with cute and over edited content suffer from people disliking their streams, rather, people with great formats having their videos look bad because their hardware can't handle what they're trying to do. And some get away with it because as long as they're not gaming it's amazing.
I started My UA-cam Channel in the beginning of the year and I am still a small time streamer. My Main core is playing the games I like and upload it to UA-cam.
While I agree, and try to focus on what is entertaining for videos and shorts - I also keep my audio in separate channels as well as have a clean feed video to edit later. So I end up with my VOD with all the alerts and gimmicks baked in but also have a clean feed with the game audio, my mic, discord chat (when playing with friends), and music / alerts separated - which also means when I stutter or cough - I don't necessarily lose the footage - I just cut me out at that point. I even have my replay buffer capture a clean vertical as well as horizontal clip to quickly make shorts immediately after.
Now, I just need to be more entertaining 🙂
Whoa, that sounds like a lot of work. I wish I knew how to do a small portion of the things you wrote in your comment.
Good points! Maybe he‘s not a good example but XQC had nothing of this stuff back in the day and look how he turned out (speaking of growth).
This is mildly validating for me. I hate gimmicks when they distract from the streamer and the content. I do have alerts and some fun channel point sound redeems, but they're not too distracting. I just try to be myself and hope that's enough... which it kind of isn't, but still!
13:49 it happens to me daily pretty much 🤣🤣
I am still setting up my stuff after taking a huge break after doing variety but I plan on doing F1 content on UA-cam and Twitch soon