You’ve probably heard all the buzz recently about live streaming, and how this new form of entertainment is the big wave of the future. Well, I am here to tell you the reports are wrong. In fact, this new wave of online content is so much bigger than anyone yet realizes. Some of the top earners in any profession last year were live streamers, and that trend is only going to go up. Pick any topic you can imagine, and you will find a popular live stream show to watch and be entertained. Kids these days do nothing but watch live streams, that is, if they are not busy making a stream of their own. In fact, there’s so much revenue out there waiting to be had from live streaming that it really is a new gold rush. Today, we will discuss the important subject of live streaming: can you make money?
Streaming about something you love is a fun way to gain followers and get views and likes. But, you can do a lot more than just chat with people about your favorite hobby, you can earn a living. In fact, there is no field more ripe for growth than live streaming for fans. Think of live streaming as a podcast with a camera, and you are the host. Just talking with your friends about your hobbies can be a good way to start live streaming, and if you have a knack for it, it can provide enough revenue for you to live off of. The most important thing to remember is to have fun, your fans will feed off of your enthusiasm, and their word of mouth endorsement will lead to tons of more followers. Getting followers and likes is what it takes to cash in on this emerging business.
One of the first moves a live streamer will do to begin to make money is to ask for tips and donations from fans and viewers. How successful you are right off the bat will give you a good indication if you have what it takes to be a top live streamer. If someone out there appreciates what they are doing enough to send in a donation, then you know you are really onto something. Start small in the asking, only a few dollars at first. What you are really trying to do is gauge if there is enough interest in what you are streaming about to go on with your venture. You can always switch subjects if not enough people are interested in your particular hobby. For instance, if you are streaming about just one video game, and your donations are not coming in, then consider switching to all games in general, to see if you can get more interest in the wider scope of that subject.
Another way to generate money from live streaming is to have your fans buy a subscription to your content. This way you will have regular money rolling in in a scheduled fashion, and this will allow you the kind of freedom to take your streams to the next level. Don’t try this tactic until you have an audience already built up, with lots of interactions in the comments section. Once your people are hooked into your particular insights, they will be more apt to pay for a subscription to your channel, but if you ask for this too soon, you could drive potential payers away.
Once again, the most important thing you need to have to make money live streaming is passion. Passion for the subject and genre you are covering. For some people this comes completely naturally, and these are the best kinds of streamers. The audience can tell authenticity a mile away, and not having to fake it can be the biggest asset for live streamers. So, if you have a deep commitment to a particular subject, consider monetizing your love by streaming content related to what it is you are passionate about. You might surprise yourself how much money can make. Good luck out there!
