Ludwig’s Ultimate Guide to Streaming

So, Ludwig hosted an awesome livestream recently on how to become a successful streamer and there are some gems of information in there from his and other streamers own experience and insights.

You can watch it here:

But, the stream is over 2 hours long, so if you prefer to get the advice in bitesized chunks with some actionable steps so you actually implement Ludwig’s golden nuggets of advice, then we have created this post for you!

Let’s begin!

1. Just Start Streaming

The first and most crucial step to becoming a streamer is to just go live. Ludwig emphasizes this point by stating, “If you have never even attempted to stream before and you are watching this video on how to be a streamer, you're not serious about it.” He encourages aspiring streamers to stop making excuses and take the plunge.

Actionable Steps

• Go Live: Set a date and time for your first stream. Don’t worry about perfection; just start.

• Reflect: After your first stream, take a moment to reflect on what you enjoyed and what you could improve.

2. Understand Your Motivation

Before diving deeper, take a moment to reflect on why you want to stream. Ludwig suggests writing down your goals, inspirations, and the reasons behind your desire to become a streamer. He states, “If you are writing this down and you have not yet gone live, go live you're lazy.” This self-reflection will help you stay focused and motivated as you progress in your streaming journey.

Actionable Steps:

• Write Down Your Goals: Define what you want to achieve with your streaming. Is it to entertain, educate, or build a community?

• List Your Inspirations: Identify three streamers you admire and what aspects of their streaming style you would like to emulate.

• Clarify Your Why: Be honest with yourself about your motivations. Whether it's fame, money, or simply the joy of gaming, understanding your "why" will guide your content creation.

3. Choose the Right Platform

While Ludwig is currently streaming on YouTube, he emphasizes that Twitch remains the best platform for streaming. He notes, “Twitch is simply the best platform to stream on.” It offers a more streamlined experience for both streamers and viewers. However, consider your audience and content type when choosing your platform.

Actionable Steps:

• Research Platforms: Explore Twitch, YouTube, and other platforms like Kick to determine which one aligns best with your content and audience.

• Create Accounts: Set up accounts on your chosen platforms and familiarize yourself with their features.

4. Consistency is Key

To grow as a streamer, you need to be consistent. Ludwig states, “You should be as entertaining for 10 viewers as you would for 10,000.” Your attitude and energy should remain the same regardless of your audience size.

Actionable Steps:

• Set a Streaming Schedule: Decide on specific days and times to stream each week and stick to it.

• Engage with Your Audience: Make it a point to interact with your viewers, regardless of their number. This builds community and encourages loyalty.

5. Focus on Content Creation

Streaming is not just about going live; it's about creating content. Ludwig suggests that the goal of your stream should be to generate clips. He mentions, “A single great moment can attract new viewers and help grow your channel.”

Actionable Steps:

• Plan Your Streams: Before going live, outline what you want to achieve during your session. This could be a specific game, a challenge, or a Q&A.

• Create Clips: After your stream, review the footage for standout moments that can be edited into clips for social media.

6. Engage with Your Audience

Building a community is essential for a successful streaming career. Ludwig emphasizes the importance of engaging with your viewers. He states, “Engage with your viewers, respond to their messages, and make them feel valued.” This interaction fosters loyalty and encourages viewers to return to your streams.

Actionable Steps:

• Use Chat Features: Utilize chat features to interact with your audience during streams. Ask questions and encourage participation.

• Create a Discord Server: Consider setting up a Discord server for your community to interact outside of streams.

7. Learn from Others

Ludwig emphasizes the importance of watching other streamers. He advises, “By observing what works for them, you can gather ideas and inspiration for your own content.” Don’t be afraid to borrow concepts and put your unique spin on them.

Actionable Steps:

• Follow Other Streamers: Identify a few streamers in your niche and watch their streams regularly to learn from their techniques.

• Take Notes: Jot down ideas or strategies that resonate with you and think about how you can adapt them to your style.

8. Be Delusional

To succeed in streaming, you need a certain level of delusion. Ludwig states, “Only someone that delusional will ever end up being a huge streamer.” This mindset will help you push through challenges and keep striving for success.

Actionable Steps:

• Visualize Your Success: Spend a few minutes each day visualizing your success as a streamer. Picture yourself achieving your goals.

  
  

• Affirmations: Write down positive affirmations about your streaming journey and read them daily to reinforce your belief in your potential.

9. Track Your Metrics

Understanding your performance is crucial. Ludwig points out that average view count is the most important metric for streamers. He advises, “While it's essential not to become obsessed with numbers, being aware of your viewership can help you gauge what content resonates with your audience.”

Actionable Steps:

• Monitor Your Stats: Use tools available on your streaming platform to track your average view count and other metrics. Tools such as Yakkr's Growth's actionable analytics will help.

• Analyze Your Streams: After each stream, review your metrics to identify what worked and what didn’t.

10. Create Content You Care About

Ultimately, the most important aspect of streaming is to create content that you are passionate about. Ludwig emphasizes, “If you focus solely on metrics and trends, you may find yourself unhappy in the long run.” Make sure to enjoy the process and produce content that reflects your interests and values.

Actionable Steps:

• Identify Your Passions: Write down 3-5 things you are passionate about and brainstorm content ideas around those topics.

• Experiment: Don’t be afraid to try different types of content until you find what you enjoy creating the most.

11. Show Off Your Work

Don’t be afraid to share your content with friends and family. Ludwig states, “If you're not proud enough to show your work to those close to you, it may be time to reevaluate your content.” Sharing your work can provide valuable feedback and help you grow.

Actionable Steps:

• Share Your Streams: Send links to your streams or clips to friends and family for their feedback.

  
  

• Seek Constructive Criticism: Ask for honest opinions on your content and be open to making improvements based on their feedback.

12. Join a Community

Consider joining a membership tier, like Ludwig's Parasocial Club, where you can engage with other aspiring streamers. This community can provide support, resources, and opportunities for collaboration.

Yakkr Growth also has a great discord community with over 1,300 streamers looking to collab, share insights and grow to together.

Actionable Steps:

• Join Online Communities: Look for Discord servers, Reddit threads, or Facebook groups dedicated to streaming.

• Participate in Discussions: Engage with other members, share your experiences, and learn from their journeys.

So what did we learn from Ludwig?

Becoming a successful streamer is a journey that requires dedication, creativity, and a willingness to learn. By following these actionable steps and embracing Ludwig's insights, you can carve your path in the streaming world. 

Remember, the most important thing is to enjoy the process and create content that you love, otherwise you won't stick to it or love what you do.