6 Must-Have Streaming Tools

A guide to livestreaming essentials

Professional content streamers may make it look easy, but livestreaming takes a lot of preparation and needs the right equipment. While some content creation tools are common for many live broadcasts, the set of must-have streaming equipment you need depends on the type of content you’re sharing and the target audience. Fortunately, you don’t need the most expensive tools while starting out. As you gain experience and establish a following, you should have the tools required to produce live broadcasts at a quality comparable to established streamers in your niche. Along with a fast and stable network connection and an account with a popular streaming or social media platform, you’ll need the following must-have pieces of streaming equipment.

1. Computer and other video streaming sources

Most streamers broadcast with their computers. The biggest category of online streamers are gamers broadcasting live gameplay. For this type of content creation, a gaming PC is a must-have. While a powerful gaming laptop will do, a gaming desktop is usually a better choice because it contains greater memory capabilities (at least 8GB RAM), and a more powerful graphics card.

Streaming PC games with detailed graphics that require a great deal of memory to display, unless you have a fast GPU and a well-cooled desktop gaming PC. You might consider getting two computers: one for gaming and the other to handle the live broadcasts. There’s also the option to stream live from your gaming console. However, if you go this route you'll need a capture card, which is a special-purpose streaming gadget that can send gameplay videos from a console to your computer.

If you don't want to stream gameplay and instead plan to stream your daily life and interests on social media platforms, you don’t necessarily need a computer to do so. You can conveniently broadcast live from your smartphone using social media apps.

2. Camera

While a computer or a gaming console only shows what you're doing on a screen while seated at your gaming desk, a camera lets your followers see you performing the tasks you're broadcasting. There are four types of cameras that will work for streaming: webcams, action cameras, digital cameras and camcorders.

A webcam is an affordable and easy-to-use option. It connects directly to a computer and is ideal for livestreams involving voice chats and interviews. If you’re looking for multifunctional streaming equipment, choose a webcam with at least 1080p resolution and built-in stereo microphones. An action camera is a small wearable camera capable of capturing fast-moving shots. Get one if you’re livestreaming extreme sports or want to broadcast from your own point of view.

A DSLR camera delivers excellent video quality but may require additional hardware to use for livestreaming. You’ll need a tripod and a video encoder to stream live from a DSLR. These cameras can be quite bulky and difficult to maneuver. If you prefer a more compact professional camera, choose a mirrorless camera. Camcorders also offer impressive video quality with 4K resolution and advanced video recording features. Get a camcorder if you’re looking for dedicated live streaming equipment for weekly church services or business meetings that depend on consistent live broadcasts.

3. Microphone

Audio quality is just as important as video quality in a livestream. While you can use your computer’s integrated mic, dedicated external microphones offer much better audio quality and are at the top of the list for must-have streaming equipment. Streamers can choose between USB and XLR mics. USB microphones are more affordable and excellent starter mics. They connect directly to PCs and are easy to use.

Switch to XLR microphones when you’re ready to replace your beginner streaming equipment and create a professional studio. Unlike USB mics, XLR microphones require external power sources and connect to audio interfaces and mixers. They deliver the best sound for live broadcasts and are more durable than USB mics. The high-fidelity sound of XLR microphones also makes them must-have live streaming equipment for musicians. The ability to plug these mics into the same audio interfaces, preamps and mixers used for musical instruments is another reason to choose XLR microphones.

4. Headphones and headsets

If you’re streaming from your gaming computer or console, consider a gaming headset with a mic for voice chat. However, the integrated mic won’t rival the quality offered by a dedicated microphone. A pair of noise-canceling headphones can come in handy if you’re using a standalone mic because they allow you to monitor sound levels during live broadcasts. If you enable voice chats during your broadcasts, a pair of headphones will let you hear your audience, guests and co-hosts more clearly.

5. Livestreaming software

For mobile streamers, social media apps double as livestreaming software. Gamers streaming for their gaming consoles can also rely on livestreaming apps developed for these devices. For streamers broadcasting from desktop and laptop computers, there are free and paid subscription broadcasting software that provides all-in-one streaming solutions.

When choosing livestreaming software, look for programs that are compatible with your computer’s operating system. Another key feature to consider is an intuitive user interface. Pick a software that labels key tools clearly, doesn’t have a cluttered interface and is intuitive. Support for multiple video and audio sources is another handy feature to look for in such software.

6. Accessories for streaming equipment

To make the most of your streaming equipment, consider adding helpful enhancements. These items include microphone accessories like boom arms and mic stands, a variety of lighting accessories, such as light stands and LED rings for illuminating the broadcasting space, and green screens for dynamically changing digital backgrounds.

Depending on what you're streaming, you may also require specific accessories. An optional, but very useful, tool for online streamers is a stream deck. Certain models provide shortcut keys for streaming tasks, such as switching video and audio sources and adding visual and sound effects to live broadcasts.

Whether you’re just starting out or ready to take your livestreaming to the next level, these 11 must-have tools can vastly improve the quality of your broadcasts. From essential streaming equipment for beginners to trusted gear for professional streamers, you’ll be ready for success with the right computers, cameras, microphones and livestreaming software.