PC gaming remains a popular choice for gamers, providing a diverse range of game genres to explore, including online games, FPS, and strategy titles. Sharing your gameplay on platforms like YouTube can generate excitement among your audience and even inspire them to try the game. To capture and record your gameplay, we recommend the following 5 best game recording software.

1. Open Broadcaster Software (OBS)

OBS, or Open Broadcaster Software, is a highly versatile and open-source tool that stands out among the competition. It is widely favored by gamers due to its flexibility and the fact that it is free to use. Whether you want to record your gameplay or stream it live, OBS is the go-to solution. With OBS, you can start recording by simply selecting the source you wish to capture without the need for complex settings.

While there is a learning curve to using OBS, you can become proficient with practice. The software supports recording in MP4 and FLV formats, utilizing your PC’s GPU for high-quality streaming. It records at a 1:1 ratio, matching your display’s resolution. In addition to its core recording and saving features, OBS offers various other tools ideal for creating video tutorials, such as Picture-in-Picture mode, Custom Watermarks, and Push-to-Talk mode.

Pros:

• Free and open-source
• Cross-platform support
• Wide range of plugins to enhance the user experience
• Compatible with most live streaming platforms
• Strong community support

Cons:

• Steep learning curve
• User interface may not be the most beginner-friendly

Compatibility: Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8, and 7; macOS (10.15 and newer); Linux (Ubuntu 20.04 and newer)

Pricing: Free

2. Streamlabs OBS

If you’re new to game recording and find OBS’s interface overwhelming, Streamlabs OBS is a fantastic alternative to consider. Streamlabs OBS is a video recording and streaming platform designed to simplify the user interface of OBS, particularly for beginners. The software is user-friendly and comes packed with integrated features that facilitate game recording and streaming.

As Streamlabs OBS integrates with your Streamlabs account, you can easily import tools from the company’s website, eliminating the need for manual URL copying and pasting. While boasting many of the same features as the original OBS, Streamlabs OBS offers a streamlined interface, resembling a customized version of OBS.

Pros:

• Free to use
• Offers a variety of plugins to enhance the user experience
• Easy setup process
• Cloud-based storage for resources and settings

Cons:

• More prone to crashing when using multiple add-ons
• Fewer encoding options compared to OBS
• Multistream functionality only available in premium version

Compatibility: Windows 10, 8.1, 8, and 7

Pricing: Free, $19/month

3. Nvidia Shadowplay

If you possess an Nvidia GPU, you may have encountered prompts to install GeForce Experience. Besides updating Nvidia drivers, GeForce Experience also includes Nvidia’s Shadowplay tool, which simplifies game recording. One notable advantage of ShadowPlay is its utilization of the GPU (Nvenc) for video encoding, significantly reducing CPU load.

ShadowPlay allows you to record games at the same resolution as your display. Therefore, if you have a 4K panel, your recordings will also be captured in 4K. If you own an Nvidia GPU, trying out the GeForce Experience software is highly recommended. It is free of charge and generally performs well for basic gameplay recording.

Pros:

• Free to use
• Simple and straightforward operation
• GPU-based encoding

Cons:

• Limited to Nvidia GPUs
• Fewer features compared to other software on the list

Compatibility: Windows 10, 8.1, 8, and 7

Pricing: Free

4. Bandicam

Bandicam is a well-known screen recording software that has gained popularity for its versatility. While primarily positioned as a screen recorder for Windows, Bandicam excels as a game recording software as well. It offers exceptional recording capabilities, allowing you to capture videos at high bitrates and frames. With customizable frame rates and support for recording in 4K Ultra HD resolution, Bandicam ensures high-quality recordings.

One notable feature of Bandicam is its built-in compression technology, which maintains video quality while producing smaller file sizes. This makes it convenient to store and share your recordings. Additionally, Bandicam offers two capture modes, allowing you to adjust the recording settings for gaming or other PC activities. You can also resize the capture area to focus on specific regions of the screen.

Pros:

• Two capture modes for different recording scenarios
• Ability to resize the capture area
• Supports numerous codecs and formats
• Built-in compression feature for smaller file sizes

Cons:

• Relatively high cost
• Videos may experience occasional lag issues

Compatibility: Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7, and Vista

Pricing: Free Trial, $33.26/year for 1 license

5. Gamecaster

Gamecaster is a user-friendly yet powerful recording tool that offers an array of features. Beyond live streaming, this software is ideal for high-quality gameplay recording. With a single button press, you can initiate recording, and Gamecaster will automatically configure the settings based on your PC.

One of its standout features is the ability to utilize picture-in-picture mode, watermarks, video annotations, and social media integration. Gamecaster also includes a built-in video editor, allowing you to edit your recordings effortlessly. Additionally, you can manage all your recorded videos and easily share them with others. The Gamecast Remote functionality enables you to control your gaming session livestream using your smartphone. It is undoubtedly one of the best game recording software options for Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Pros:

• Free software with comprehensive features
• Intuitive and clean user interface
• Option to record locally or stream to popular platforms with one click
• Partner integrations

Cons:

• Highlight feature not available
• Not suitable for advanced users

Compatibility: Windows 10

Pricing: Free

Bonus: Eklipse

After playing games for hours, you probably won’t immediately share the recording results on a video platform. You would most likely select the best parts only, so that viewers won’t get too bored watching a video for hours.

Trimming the video into several parts definitely takes time, especially if you have a busy streaming schedule. Well, that problem can be solved by using Eklipse as video clipper software.

Eklipse is a smart tool that can help you make the best parts of your Twitch, YouTube, or Facebook gaming streams into exciting highlights. It uses artificial intelligence (AI) to automatically identify the most interesting moments, like funny or thrilling experiences in the game. These highlights can then be easily transformed into engaging content for platforms such as TikTok, Reels, and YouTube shorts. With Eklipse, you can create more captivating content for your preferred social media platforms, while still being able to focus on your streaming activities.

Visit Eklipse.gg to learn more and sign up now to start growing your channel.

Conclusion

Various game recording software options provide different levels of control, quality, features, and ease of use. Some are simple and excellent for beginners, while others are more suitable for professionals who aim to stream and create video game tutorials. You can choose the one that suits your needs, and you’re ready to go!

When creating content, it’s crucial to be unique and authentic. This helps your content and you as a creator stand out from others. How can you make sure your content is unique and different? One way is by choosing a niche. How to find niche for streamers, then?

Before starting as a streamer, it’s important to decide on your niche. A niche is not just the topic of your content but also how you present it on the screen.

Now, why is a niche important, and how can you choose a niche as a beginner game streamer? Let’s explore that further!

Why is a Niche Important?

A niche is a specific target for your content that appeals to a certain audience. It should match your skills and expertise. Finding a niche takes time and is not an instant process. It involves trial and error. This is part of your streaming journey to find your audience.

Here are some guiding questions to help you find and choose the right niche:

• How do you build a community? (Consider the games you’ll be playing.)
• What is your passion or content goal? (For example, game walkthroughs, tips, or entertainment content)
• How do you stay updated on game trends? (You can find information on gaming forums or social media)

When it comes to finding a niche, new streamers often make common mistakes. One of them is frequently changing niches by trying out many different games, making it difficult to determine their focus.

It is recommended to focus on one or two games and establish yourself as an expert. This way, your channel will stand out and be easily remembered. Enjoy the content you share and avoid switching niches too often.

More on Eklipse Blog>>> How to Promote Your Kick Stream With Channel Name Sticker

Determine the Type of Content

There are several types of content presentation that you can focus on when choosing your niche. Here are some examples:

1. All Star: This type is usually filled by pro players or professional gamers. The content revolves around gameplay or tips to become the best player.
2. Informer: This is a popular niche on YouTube, where content creators develop expertise in a specific game and provide useful tips to the audience, like GG (good game) tips.
3. Entertainer: This niche doesn’t focus on gameplay or GG tips but rather on entertainment content. For example, game reactions.

In reality, the niche chosen by beginner streamers is a mix of these three types. However, it should lean towards one niche to differentiate from other competitors.

Many start as All Stars or Informers. However, if you are confident and have comedic talent, you can choose to be an entertainer.

Considering that streaming is live content, it becomes more engaging when it’s entertaining. Use audience interaction to create an honest connection, which often provides greater entertainment value compared to serious content.

Choose the Platform to Start Your Live Stream

After selecting your niche, you need to decide on the appropriate platform. The choice of platform should align with the type of content you’ve chosen, as each platform has a different audience.

This is an important step because to build a community, you need to select the best platform that matches the interests, characteristics, and target audience.

Here are some platforms you can try for live streaming:

• Facebook Gaming: Easy scheduling of live streams for your followers.
• Kick: Perfect for beginners.
• Twitch: The largest and most popular streaming platform for gamers.
• Mixer: Microsoft’s platform, compatible with Windows and Xbox One.
• YouTube: A popular platform accessible to all audiences.
• Dlive: Recommended for streaming mobile games.
• Caffeine: An entertainment platform that facilitates collaboration between gamers and celebrities.

Observe Other Streamers for Reference

When researching the appropriate niche for your channel, it’s worthwhile to observe other streamers for reference. Familiarize yourself with how they present their content, attracting millions of viewers.

This also helps you discover various interesting topics and tricks. Watch their videos repeatedly, then modify them with your own style.

Learn how they play games and turn it into an engaging live streaming performance. Take note of important points that you can implement later. Also, study how they speak and react to the games being played to create your own unique persona.

What if You Can’t Find a Niche?

Finding a niche takes time. It requires planning and experimenting with content to attract the right audience.

Additionally, you need to learn how to edit and present your content in an engaging manner. Consider this as an investment and passion, where the benefits will be reaped in the future, proportional to your efforts.

If you encounter a roadblock, start live streaming as an experiment while searching for an angle that can be developed.

Conclusion

Choosing a niche is crucial for streamers to stand out and attract the right audience. It takes time and involves trial and error. Focus on one or two games and establish expertise. Select the right platform based on the audience and content. Learn from other streamers for inspiration. If you can’t find a niche, start streaming as an experiment. Patience, passion, and dedication are key.

One misconception about game streaming is that you need to have a high-end streaming PC. However, even famous streamers started with standard devices and gradually upgraded their equipment as their content careers progressed. They upgraded their devices slowly along the journey of their content careers.

So, what kind of streaming PC should beginner game streamers prepare? Let’s dive into the tips for building a gaming streaming PC below.

1. Requirements and Preparations for Game Streaming

Before deciding to become a game streamer, there are two main requirements to consider: internet connectivity and the availability of hardware. These aspects are crucial for a smooth streaming experience.

Once you have both, let’s check if they meet the requirements. Here’s an explanation:

Internet Connectivity

It can be said that the internet is the top priority and investment when starting this career. Make sure you have sufficient bandwidth for gaming and live streaming simultaneously.

You can check your connectivity through the URL Speedtest to determine your internet speed, such as upload and download speeds on your Wi-Fi router. After that, check the recommended FPS and video quality settings for your chosen streaming platform, ranging from 480p, 720p, 720p 60FPS, 1080p, 1080p 60FPS, and so on.

Hardware

Next, check the hardware you have, specifically your PC. Can your computer handle live broadcasts while playing games?

The most important thing to remember about a streaming PC is to assemble it correctly to provide stable visuals to your audience, such as at 720p 30FPS.

Therefore, here are several components that your streaming PC should have to ensure smooth content creation without overburdening the computer for an extended period:

• Central processing unit (CPU)
• Motherboard
• Memory (RAM)
• Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)
• Storage
• Power supply unit (PSU)
• Cooling system
• Gaming peripherals
• Operating system (OS)

2. What is Encoding and How to Do It?

Encoding is the process of converting a video format into a digital format and sending it to platforms like Twitch or Kick for live streaming. The encoding process requires a webcam and audio hardware on your streaming PC.

Here are a few things you can do during the encoding or game streaming process on your chosen platform:

• Share your screen or display to broadcast the game you’re playing.
• Use external audio or video hardware.
• Use input devices from various cameras and audio sources simultaneously.

As an alternative, if you have difficulty using an encoder, you can use a webcam directly connected to your computer.

Note that if your streaming PC has a Radeon GPU, use the CPU for encoding. However, if your PC has an NVIDIA GeForce 10 series or above, use the GPU for encoding.

IfAs a beginner streamer, you want maximum video and audio quality, you can choose from several software or applications that facilitate the encoding process.

3. Game Streaming Applications

After you’re done building a game streaming PC, the next step is to choose your game streaming application or the broadcast software.

Here are some recommended software encoders that can maximize the quality of both internal and external webcams and audio. To ensure the best fit for your needs, it’s advisable to research each one beforehand.

The following list features popular software encoders used by famous streamers:

a. XSplit Gamecaster

• Works on Windows platforms.
• Aside from the free version, XSplit is user-friendly for streaming and recording gaming moments.
• It is suitable for novice streamers to stream games online.

b. Wirecast

• This software is commonly used for live streaming due to its user-friendly nature.
• Wirecast can be used on both Windows and Mac.
• Its operation is simple, with buttons like screenshots or adding titles available at a single click. You can even schedule live streaming or stream on live channels without leaving the application.

c. Streamlabs OBS

• Streamlabs OBS is arguably the most popular application among professional streamers.
• It is available on Windows OS and can also be operated via Android and iOS.
• This free software comes with advanced features that help novice streamers with live streaming, channel management, and monetization.

4. Tips for Setting Up Encoding to Start Live Streaming

The last part after building a game streaming PC and choosing the apps, is to optimized your settings.

If you’re starting your first live stream, here are the steps you need to follow:

1. Enable the “Live Streaming” feature on your chosen platform, such as Facebook Gaming or YouTube.
2. Install the software encoder on your streaming PC.
3. Connect the software encoder to additional hardware, such as a webcam, microphone, external camera, or headset.
4. Enter the server URL for the live streaming platform into your encoder.
5. Done! The live broadcast will begin.

The software you use is ready to go. However, if you want to optimize your content according to your streaming PC, consider the recommended encoding settings below.

Tips for CPU Encoding Settings

Here are the settings you can adjust in your chosen software encoder:

• Set the output encoder to “x264”.
• Start with the CPU Usage Preset set to “faster”.
• If you experience bad performance, adjust one step faster.
• If you experience good performance, adjust one step slower.

Tips for GPU Encoding Settings on RTX or GeForce 16-Series

Here are the settings for RTX or GeForce 16-Series that you can adjust in your chosen software encoder:

• Set the output encoder to “NVIDIA NVENC H.264 NEW”.
• Set the preset to “Max Quality”.
• Set the profile to “High”.
• Enable “Look-ahead” if the content has “Low-Motion”.
• Enable “Psycho Visual Tuning”.
• Set “Max B-Frames” to 2. If your content has “low-motion,” set it to 4.

Tips for GPU Encoding Settings on GeForce 10-Series or Lower

Here are the settings for RTX or GeForce 10-Series or lower that you can adjust in your chosen software encoder:

• Set the output encoder to “NVIDIA NVENC H.264 NEW”.
• Set the preset to “Max Quality”.
• Set the profile to “High”.
• Disable “Look-ahead”.
• Enable “Psycho Visual Tuning”.
• Set “Max B-Frames” to 2.

Finally, you need to set the resolution and frames per second (FPS). For PC games, ideally, you should aim for 60 FPS.

For PC Windows, you also need to disable Windows Game Mode, as it reduces the performance of all non-game applications, including your live streaming content.

Conclusion

In conclusion, building a game-streaming PC doesn’t necessarily require a high-end setup, especially for beginner streamers.

All that famous streamers themselves started with standard devices and gradually upgraded their equipment as their content careers progressed. By optimizing the streaming PC you already have, you can provide a smooth streaming experience to your audience.

Streamers stand out as the stars of online entertainment. They have a special talent for entertaining and connecting with people through live streaming.

But, being a successful streamer isn’t just about being good at playing games. It’s about creating a personal brand that makes you unique and attracts viewers to your channel. Learn more how to grow your personal branding in this article.

The Importance of Personal Branding for Streamers

Building a personal brand is really important for streamers. It helps you stand out, grab people’s attention, and create a bond with your audience. It’s not just about the games you play; it’s about showing your personality, values, and style.

A strong personal brand allows you to show who you are in the gaming industry. It helps you find people who share your interests and want to be a part of your community.

Building a personal brand also gives you credibility and trust. It shows that you’re an expert in your field and opens up opportunities to work with game developers, brands, and other content creators.

But, building a personal brand takes time and effort. You need to know yourself, plan your strategy, and be consistent. You also need to be authentic, because viewers want real connections and relatable content.

To help you, here are four tips for producing the kind of content that is vital for building a strong personal brand:

1. Write About Expertise Topics

When producing content, executives should be self-aware and consider how they can add value to the conversation. Instead of trying to write about everything, you should focus on specific subject matter expertise.

You can create content about what they know, honing in on familiar topics where they have the most knowledge and passion. Professionals who have accumulated a wealth of information on a particular topic may consider writing an e-book. Publishing an e-book may sound daunting, but they can easily be uploaded to the company’s website or published through platforms like Amazon.

2. Write a Blog

Blogging is one of the best ways for entrepreneurs to showcase their expertise in a field. It’s also an easy way to build a loyal following. You can write about anything you know, such as tips, stories, and more, even if it’s not directly related to the streaming industry itself.

Consistently blogging keeps readers engaged and looking forward to more content. The posting frequency depends on the company and industry. Not everyone has the time to blog frequently, but it’s better if you aim to post content at least once or twice a week.

3. Publish Brand Stories or Bylines

Contributing articles or guest posts to industry-related publications can help you showcase your expertise and gain credibility with readers. By contributing articles or guest posts to publications that are relevant to your industry, you have the opportunity to demonstrate your expertise and establish credibility with readers.

When you share your knowledge and insights through these publications, it helps to build your reputation as a knowledgeable professional in your field. Readers will perceive you as someone who has valuable insights and expertise, which can enhance your personal brand and open up new opportunities for networking and career growth.

4. Consistently Create Original Content

Producing original content consistently is crucial for building a personal brand. Entrepreneurs can fill the gap by curating existing content that reflects their brand. Adding insights to third-party content and then sharing it is a quick way for professionals to add value to their audience.

It may be challenging to sift through numerous articles to find relevant and high-quality content. However, automation tools can research and curate great content that aligns with one’s brand. In addition to publishing original content, you can automate content curation to find and share articles automatically with their network, thus building their brand.

5. Use Content to Build a Strong Personal Brand

Producing content has become more of a requirement than an option to help grow personal branding. Content serves as a powerful tool to demonstrate their unique style, expertise, and personality, helping them to stand out in the competitive streaming industry. It allows streamers to build a loyal following, gain credibility, and attract new opportunities.

Conclusion

It is very important for streamers to build their personal brand. This helps them to stand out, attract loyal viewers, and make valuable connections in the streaming world. By showing their unique personality, knowledge, and content, streamers can become trusted and influential figures among other streamers. Having a strong personal brand not only helps them to be different from others, but also brings opportunities for partnerships, sponsorships, and career growth.

The digital content industry continues to grow even before the pandemic, and the global market size is projected to reach $38 billion by 2030.

In this post, Tachat Igityan, the founder of the destream platform for streamers, discusses various ways on how to make money as a live streamer or content creators.

Content Monetization Formats for Gamers and Streamers

The amount of money content creators can make depends on their followers, industry, niche, location, and level of engagement.

Major technology platforms, including YouTube and Twitch, struggle to keep content creators with them to drive engagement. However, these social media giants leave content creators with little to no direct monetization options.

Therefore, bloggers and content creators need to factor in hidden costs to understand the actual amount of money they can earn from donations, subscriptions, or any monetization program.

1. Affiliate and Partner Programs

The first step on how to make money as a live streamer is by joining the partnership program of your respective platform.

The most popular Twitch streamers effectively become full-time gamers, playing online for at least 40 hours per week and earning an average of $3000-$6500 per month, depending on their number of followers and sponsors.

To qualify for the Affiliate Program in Twitch, content creators must meet certain criteria, such as:

• Streaming for at least eight hours per day for seven days within the last 30 days
• Averaging at least three viewers per stream
• Increasing viewership to 50 followers

Once these criteria are met, Twitch automatically invites them to become Affiliates. These members can earn money from subscriptions, receive Bits, and generate revenue by selling games and in-game items.

When it comes to YouTube, they have its own Partner Program. Thankfully, YouTube has just renewed its YouTube Partner Program tailored for streamers. As of June 2023, a streamer must meet the following requirements to be eligible for the Partner Program:

• 500 Subscribers
• 3 Valid Public Uploads
• 3,000 Valid Public Watch Hours or 3M Valid Public Shorts Views

The YouTube Partner Program includes Super Chats, Super Stickers, Super Thanks, Channel Memberships, and YouTube Shopping as different ways to monetize content. Unfortunately, the latest Partner Program doesn’t include ads monetization.

2. Subscriptions

The second things on how to make money as a live streamer is by monetizing your fans through the subscriptions of membership feature.

Subscriptions provide recurring income for content creators. On certain platforms, bloggers can earn more money through subscriptions. For instance:

• On Twitch, streamers can add monthly subscriptions ranging from $4.99 to $24.99 to their channels and earn 50% of the revenue. Subscriptions are allowed for both Affiliates and Partners.
• The most popular Twitch Partners earn over 50% of the subscriptions to encourage them to stay on the platform.
• Subscription options are available only on the Twitch website and not on mobile apps or consoles, which is why streamers need to occasionally remind viewers to visit the website to subscribe.

3. Advertisements

Twitch and other platforms pay a flat-rate CPM (cost per thousand views) that varies depending on the time of year.

On YouTube, average channels can receive an average CPM of $18, which is equivalent to $3 – $5 per 1000 video views. Twitch pays an average of around $2 per 1000 views for an ad, and this monetization option is available only for Twitch Partners.

4. Affiliate Links

Many content creators earn income by joining various affiliate programs and adding links to their products or services in the channel description page on Twitch and in the chat. Twitch is a product of Amazon, which has one of the most well-known affiliate programs in the world.

5. Selling In-Game Items and Sponsorships

Lastly, Twitch Partners can sell games and in-game items and receive a 5% share of the revenue. When streamers play games with sellable items, an automatic sales box appears on the page below the video screen.

Viewers can click on the box and make purchases. Additionally, direct advertisers often target popular content creators, and brands like Wendy’s and KFC partner with major streamers to create successful marketing campaigns on Twitch.

Conclusion

By leveraging these monetization methods, live streamers can diversify their income streams and increase their earnings in the dynamic world of content creation.

It’s crucial for creators to remain vigilant and maintain a competitive mindset while setting goals. These strategies will help you navigate the landscape and strive for success as a streamer.

I hope these tips can assist you in soaring to new heights and becoming a successful streamer in the future.