OBS Studio and Twitch Changes
Generally speaking leading the pack, is more important than falling into the middle, especially when it comes to online streaming. Streaming is ever changing and the bar is only getting higher. OBS (Open Broadcast Software) has come up with OBS Studio, an in progress streaming software program that has high hopes. OBS has been innovative but recognizes the need to continue pushing the boundary. This is good news and the choice to move between two programs is more versatile. I'll explain a few details.
As a Mac user, I’ve always believed that there are key components that have made mac sold over windows products and vise versa, and I believe that the difference between the current and OBS studio options aren’t much different. OBS Studio allows you to create a source (such as a text box that says “Recent follower; ___” and be able to add it to every scene you create without re-doing anything. It will be one of the options you can select without filling in your preferences over and over again. Sure you can duplicate a scene to save time, but if you’re like me you want specific sources only on each scene. Much of what I’ve found Studio to be better at is just how any given task is done. I will link you to the specific one I believe is valuable, but OBS Studio can be installed with the plugin that allows you to displays streamer oriented twitch alerts such as ones that track your followers, donations (things that constantly are changing). This version will have most of what you’ll need to start with. There is a transition between slides setup which is studio mode which allows you to edit a scene before displaying it. You are able to view both at once, and you can keep flipping back at forth by just hitting the transition button over and over again, for those who transition back and forth between two slides for in and out of game. At first, I do believe there is a period of getting used to it, but I find my usual streaming setup is easy. Many of these things are why OBS is a great product to use in general in comparison with other programs.
One thing that puts OBS ahead of the curve is the ease of changing between streams AKA profiles (such as if I wanted to stream my personal one, or use Rangers Gaming), but one mission that OBS’ creators have with Studio is to allow streamers to stream to 2 or more twitch (or other) streams at once. For instance, I could be live on twitch.tv/j3xrg AND twitch.tv/rangersgaming, or I could even be live on twitch, and MLG (youtube as well I think?). Those who have used XSPLIT know of this advantage currently over OBS and in the past has been a reason I’ve used XSPLIT. The green screen setup XSPLIT has currently long term however requires an extra window (full screened), and can be more of a process. There are also other things that can make streaming better/easier such as Twitch Alerts
What else is new? Stream delay changes. Now, many people have noticed that huge streamers seemingly have less of a delay over the years compared to new streamers. Now that may not change entirely, but that brings up some Twitch specific changes. Twitch used to only allow their streamer delay option to be changed if you fit a specific category (I think subs, but it may have just been a follower amount/sponsorship). Now, all streamers can remove the delay, but be warned: Stream delay (which they say on the option) being removed does pose some problems. This may make streaming a bit more intensive on your CPU, but also some viewers may experience more lag with the higher level of uploading. This could slowly over time be less of an issue, but streamers who are strapped for cash and just starting will likely be unable to do this. Also, keep in mind that it isn’t necessarily a positive thing for viewers to turn on until your stream fits the category that allows users with poor internet to turn down the quality. New streamers and old streamers all deal with similar issues, but there are still those key components. All streamers need to communicate when they are streaming and consistently alert people, so they need a set structure and expectations.
A large expectation with communication has gained an improvement through twitch itself (though it is not perfect). You can now tweet out and create status’s via twitch itself. This will appear on your twitch for your viewers to see on twitch, but you can also choose to post it to twitter. I will say this, that you will want to post a few times to see how it appears on twitter, and even consider using twitter first to ensure you know what will fit. It will use eclipses (…) and not post all of your status from twitch to twitter if it is too long. The advantage? You can post a longer twitter status, and just make sure a key point is in the part that goes to twitter, then your viewers can dig deeper. Disadvantage, I find that I may be using twitter to see what will fit first, or sometimes only post on the status on twitch itself, so there may not be as much time saving as I first thought about.
Bottom line, there are new things going on, and only you can decide how your stream looks, works, and how you communicate and interact with your viewers. Remember, unless you are the best at the game, an amazingly comedic genius, super attractive, you’re going to need to put in a real effort, but it’s open to you what makes your stream truly attractive to viewers.
Good luck in the Wonderful World of Twitch, and stay in the know. -J3 out.