Live streaming has never been easier than it is now. All you really need to go live is a smartphone or tablet. If you look at some of today’s top streamers, with their impressive streaming setups, you can bet that not all of them started out that way.
This beginner’s guide to live streaming covers the absolute basic equipment and tools you need to start, along with how to choose the right streaming platform for you.
As a beginner, you can go live with your smartphone. Most major social media platforms support mobile live streaming, including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Twitch and more. If you’re just getting into streaming as a hobby, you don’t need a streaming setup more complex than that.
If you’re interested in streaming professionally, you might consider a more robust setup. The five basic things you’ll need are: a camera, streaming software, a microphone, a computer and a good internet connection. You can also add accessories that will drastically improve the quality of your live stream without too much effort.
Start with the webcam on your laptop, or upgrade to a more powerful webcam without breaking the bank. The Logitech C922 Pro is a standard for live streamers, and the GoPro helps streamers stay mobile.
Check out our list of the best webcams for streaming
Streaming software, also called an encoder, takes the video and audio input from your computer and transmits it to the streaming platform of your choice. Hardware encoders are also an option, but software is free and much more user-friendly. There are lots of streaming software options out there, but one of the easiest to use is Restream Studio.
If you’re going live with a software like Restream, you don’t need a complex setup — you don’t even have to download Restream Studio because it runs directly from your web browser. All you need is a webcam, microphone and an internet connection. Restream has all the features you need in a powerful streaming software, such as:
While your camera doesn’t have to be super high-quality, you’ll definitely want a decent microphone. Depending on your setup, you could get a standing/shotgun mic if you’re sitting at your desk, or a lav mic if you’re getting up and moving around a lot. The Shure SM7B delivers high-quality audio and the Blue Yeti USB mic is a popular choice among streamers.
Read our overview of the best microphones for streaming to learn more about what to look for in a microphone and how to find the best one for your needs.
You will need a device to stream from and a laptop or desktop computer are usually your best options. You can also stream from a smartphone, but the wireless internet connection might not be as stable. It’s also easier to connect an external webcam and mic to a computer.
Your computer should be powerful enough for streaming — if you’re streaming a video game, you’ll need even more power. Also, use an ethernet cable to connect to the internet when streaming, rather than Wi-Fi.
If you’re uploading video and audio to transmit in real time, you’ll need a solid internet connection. If you’re gaming while streaming, you’ll need a great internet connection.
Check which upload speeds are required for streaming to see if your internet is fast enough.
Accessories are extra. They’re not necessary to go live, but they boost the quality of your stream. When you’re ready to upgrade from the basic setup, check out these accessories:
When you’re first starting out, you don’t need to invest too much in equipment. Dale L. Roberts, co-creator of the Live Streaming Tech YouTube channel, has advice for your first streaming setup: “Do not plunk down hundreds to thousands of dollars. In fact, do not break over a hundred dollars investing in any equipment when you go live for the first time.”
If you’re planning to stream a resource-intensive PC game, or you have an older machine that you don’t think can handle both gaming and live streaming at the same time, you might consider a dual-PC streaming setup. Having two PCs is more of a gaming streaming setup, so if you aren’t planning to live stream video games, you probably don’t need two computers. For a high-quality, non-gaming broadcast, you’d be better off investing in other equipment like a hardware encoder, video switcher or audio mixer.
For your streaming PC, you’ll need to make sure that encoding doesn’t take up more than 80% of your processor (CPU), and no more than 90% of your graphics card (GPU). Software-based encoding uses your CPU more, whereas hardware-based encoding relies more on your GPU.
For your gaming PC, make sure it can handle the resolution and frame rate you want to stream at. Twitch considers 1080p at 60fps the standard, but you can have a lower resolution and frame rate. You have to have a solid internet connection as well. If you’re going to use two computers, you’ll also need a capture card to live stream.
You’ve planned your stream and set up your gear. Now can you go live? Sure! You just need to choose a live streaming platform. Luckily, you have many to choose from. Here’s a quick rundown of the most popular platforms.
Need more help deciding which platform to stream to? Read our guide to the best live streaming platforms
When it comes to choosing the right platform, Dale L. Roberts advises picking one based on your audience. “If you're going to live stream on the platform, discoverability is going to be key — and it all starts with identifying your ideal viewer,” says Dale. You have to figure out who they are and what kind of content they want to see.
With all these platforms to choose from, do you have to pick just one? No! With Restream, you can choose multiple channels to broadcast to simultaneously.
If you already have a fan base on Facebook but are looking to build your network on LinkedIn as well, you can live stream to Facebook Live and LinkedIn Live at the same time — double the exposure with the same amount of work.
Read our guide to multistreaming to learn how to make the most of it and how Restream can help.
If you don’t want to stream to a specific platform, you can embed your live video on your website as well. Broadcasting to a website is ideal for live events, live shopping experiences or placing content behind a paywall
The downside to using your own website is that it’s hard to build a following, especially for beginners. Platforms like Twitch and YouTube already have millions of users you can tap into. With Restream’s web player, you can both broadcast to your website and go live on social streaming platforms to expand your reach.
You’ve got the gear and chosen your streaming platform. You’re ready to go live! Take a look at these helpful tips to make your first stream go more smoothly.
Whether you’re a new live streamer or a pro, you can find more useful tips for live streaming in our guide.
What is a basic streaming setup?
The most basic streaming setup you can have is a smartphone to film and record, and an internet connection to upload your live video. If you want to get a little more sophisticated, you can add a webcam, external mic, computer and streaming software.
How do I stream with a webcam?
If you want to live stream with a webcam, you’ll need to stream to a platform that supports webcam streaming (such as YouTube). You can also use webcam software or streaming software, such as Restream Studio or OBS Studio, on your computer.
What is a basic Twitch streaming setup?
If you want to stream on Twitch, your basic setup should include a computer or mobile device, a stable internet connection, a microphone, a camera, headphones and streaming software.
Do I need a dual-PC streaming setup?
Having two PCs isn’t necessary to start live streaming. However, it helps distribute the workload between two machines: one for live streaming and one for gaming. If you’re not planning to live stream video games, you most likely don’t need two PCs.
There are several things to consider, prepare and test before you build your live streaming setup. With this ultimate guide and a can-do attitude — and with a little help from Restream — you’ll become a pro streamer in no time.
Ready to become a streamer? You’ll need some equipment. In this live streaming setup ultimate guide, we show you the key pieces of equipment you need to go live.
Streaming is more accessible than ever. You can get started with some basic equipment, some of which you probably have already. In fact, the best way to start producing live video is to jump right in with your existing tools and upgrade over time.
Let’s run through our list of recommended live streaming equipment (for beginners and pros) that will make you a professional streamer.
Before you start buying gear, there is one important thing you need regardless of your budget: A strong and reliable internet connection with plenty of bandwidth. Spend your budget here first because it is the most important component of your live streaming setup.
Don’t depend on a weak signal or the generosity of someone else’s connection to produce good video quality. Make sure you have your own connection. Skip the Wi-Fi and plug right into your router with an ethernet cable so there are no disruptions.
If you want to stream quickly over TikTok or Facebook Live, a mobile device (phone or tablet) is often, but if you’re serious about your stream, you’ll want to use a modern PC or laptop with a video capture card. This will help you avoid video lag and let you use other sophisticated equipment, like a DSLR camera and podcasting-quality microphone.
Here are some computer options to get you started:
Ideally, you should stream with two monitors. One to watch your stream and your chat and the other for whatever you’re showing off.
If you plan to stream for long periods of time with a laptop, take heat into consideration. Laptops can get hot over time, especially if you’re running a lot of high-intensity applications. You may want to pick up some extra fans to cool down the CPU and GPU.
Alternatively, you can manage cooling by using multiple laptops so neither is working very hard.
Your camera is the most important of your live streaming setup. Don’t skimp here. You want something compact and lightweight to fit into your live streaming setup.
The webcam on your laptop is sufficient for video production, but we recommend picking up something a little more quality. Your audience wants to see you clearly, so it’s worth spending a few dollars to pick up something a little better. If you aren’t familiar with cameras, choose something with automatic settings that don’t require a lot of manual adjustment. Here are some good options:
Start with something simple like the Logitech C922 Pro. It’s less than $70, streams in HD 1080P, comes with a free tripod, and offers HD autofocus and light correction.
If you want something a little higher end, here some options:
If you want really great video, go with a professional camera like the Panasonic AG-CX350 4K. At $3,200, it’s a bit expensive, but offers superb broadcasting features.
Your microphone is another key element of your live streaming setup. As a new streamer, you could use the built-in microphone that comes with your laptop or your webcam. These are serviceable, but the audio leaves a lot to be desired. We recommend picking up a dedicated microphone.
The Audio Technica ART2100x or Samson Q2U are affordable microphones that will get you streaming quickly. They are both USB, so you don’t need any additional components.
But if you want high quality audio, we recommend picking up the Shure SM7B. It’s a well-constructed microphone based on decades of audio experience and offers a rich, smooth sound. Check out our full Shure SM7B review for more information.
If you find yourself moving around a lot, consider using a lavalier mic that clips to your shirt. Something like the PoP voice Professional Lavalier Lapel Microphone is sufficient, but recommend splurging a bit on something like the DJI Mic Wireless Lavalier Microphone for quality.
Tip
For more microphone picks, check out our guide on the best live streaming microphones.
Tip
Getting the best value from your mic requires good technique. Check out our guide on microphone techniques.
Depending on your streaming needs, you may opt to buy an audio mixer. A mixer combines and records multiple audio sources into a digital format. It also gives you some control over the sound of those sources. It’s a necessary piece of gear if you use multiple input sources (multiple people, instruments, etc.). All in all, they offer tons of functionality.
If you’re a live-in streamer (just streaming from your desk) with one camera and one microphone, you probably don’t need a mixer. But we strongly recommend one if you’re streaming music productions, church services, sporting events, business conferences, or similar.
Our favorite mixer is the RODECaster Pro Podcast Production Studio. It offers everything you need. But here are a few more options:
Tip
Not sure which audio mixer is right for you? Check out our guide on the best audio mixers.
Video encoding is the process of compressing video files so they don’t exist as separate images, but as one fluid video. Encoding also makes your files easy to transmit to the streaming platform without sacrificing quality, reducing buffering, and makes your video compatible with different devices, software, and services.
There are two types of encoders: hardware and software. You’ll need at least one for your live streaming setup. Hardware encoders come in all sizes, but plenty are small enough to sit on your desk. They support a wide range of sources, such as HDMI and SDI. Here are some popular options for hardware encoders:
In most cases, however, streamers should use a software encoder. Software encoders are simple apps that run on your computer. They work with the mics and cameras (including multi-camera setups) attached to your computer. Here are some popular options for live streaming software:
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Start A 14-Day Free TrialOnce your gear is in place, you’ll need somewhere to publish your content. While it’s possible to stream on your own website, you’ll draw more traffic by using a popular video streaming platform where your audience already hangs out and enjoys video content. These platforms also offer lots of streaming tools that you wouldn’t have access to on your own.
Keep in mind that you don’t have to pick just one platform. You can steam on multiple platforms at the same time. This is called multi-streaming and it’s how the pros get the most value out of their stream and grow their audiences the fastest.
Once you have the main pieces of gear to create your content, you’ll probably want to pick up a few accessories to make your life easier and improve the quality of your content. These aren’t necessary for live production, but they will make you create professional video.
Consistent lighting that highlights what you want your audience to see and hides what you don’t want them to see is important. Good lighting on your face helps your audience see you so they can build a connection with you as a streamer.
AceTaken’s Webcam Light Stand with Ring Light and Webcam Mount is a good starter option. Pros will want more control by picking up a few Elgato Key Lights.
If you aren’t comfortable with your audience seeing the background of your streaming space, it’s a good idea to cover it up with some kind of background material. It could be as simple as a movable wall with some basic decor or you could create something totally unique with a green screen. The GFCC Green Screen 7 x 10’ Backdrop Background is a good buy.
It’s a good idea to have a few spares of whatever cables your equipment uses. Cables don’t wear out quickly, but they don’t last forever. You do not want something breaking during a stream or just before.
Whether you’re planning to stream in one place or on-the-go, it helps to have a few tripods around to keep your gear steady. Too much movement can be distracting to your audience.
Tripods also help you achieve different camera angles. You’ll want one tripod for each camera and light that you use on stream. The Magnus VT-4000 is robust, long-lasting, stable, and easy to use.
A stream deck is a device that sits on your desk with a bank of keys. You program the keys to perform actions based on your stream needs. For instance, you might program a button to switch from one camera to another. The Elgato Stream Deck Studio Controller is your best option.
If any of your devices use batteries, keep plenty of spares on hand.
If you plan to stream from your mobile device, you’ll need a few pieces of specialty gear, otherwise you’ll look like ordinary phone footage. These is a great option for the entry-level streamer who’s only working with one video source and a single audio input.
Viewers will tolerate an amateur video, but not for very long. If you expect them to stick around for more than 15 minutes, it’s important to take your production quality seriously. You don’t need to spend a lot of money on your live streaming setup, but it’s smart to spend a bit of cash on some of video and audio equipment, lighting, accessories, and other items we recommended in this article.
What pieces of gear are part of your live streaming setup? Let us know in the comments.