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There’s a simple reason why livestreaming platforms like Twitch and Kumu have gained such a huge following in the past year – people are hungry for interaction! When you watch a stream, hosts can give their immediate, unfiltered reactions in almost real-time. It’s basically chatting with a friend while you watch them play video games.

That is what has been missing from online videos. While they are indeed entertaining, there’s nothing like getting your favorite streamer’s attention with a funny quip or cute emotes; not to mention sharing your admiration with an entire community that relates and converses with you via chat, of course in almost real-time as well.

There’s a sense of belongingness that we’ve been craving for since the world has been in lockdown, and somehow streamers and their communities were able to fill in some of that void for many people wanting to socialize. And when streamers began playing with each other, that opened up a whole new ‘meta’ for the industry where audiences were living vicariously through their streamers’ online interactions with other people – gameplay, inside jokes, and drama included.

It isn’t surprising that many people want to go beyond watching a streamer and have these experiences firsthand. But like many new ventures, there’s always the question of being “ready” to begin. And one of the most common hurdles that newcomers face is having the right kind of gear for a good show. If you want to be a casual streamer, or as the community says a “small streamer for fun”, then there’s no need to worry about that.

The best equipment is the equipment you have now. That being said, if you do want to raise the bar, then here are some readily available equipment that you can buy on a shoestring streamer budget (assuming you already have your PC or laptop setup).

HyperX SoloCast USB Microphone

[Buy the HyperX SoloCast USB Microphone for P3,099]

A good stream demands good audio. This is one of the non-negotiables of livestreaming. To get good audio, you need a microphone that matches your needs. A studio-quality microphone will set you back tens of thousands of pesos, but there are decent USB microphones available like the HyperX SoloCast. This unit uses a cardioid microphone which means it picks up sound that is directly in front of it and (mostly) blocks out the rest.

Fifine K669 USB Condenser Microphone

[Buy the Fifine K669 USB Condenser Microphone for P1,800]

If you want an even cheaper microphone alternative, the Fifine USB condenser microphone is surprisingly capable for its price. There’s nothing flashy about the design, and it looks very basic compared to HyperX devices, but it gets the job done. It also captures sound directly in front of it, but there will be times when it picks up ambient noises. Just use noise suppression filters with it and you’ll be delighted by how pro this can sound (at least for casual streaming and voice recording).

Logitech C922 Pro HD Stream Webcam

[Buy the Logitech C922 Pro HD Stream Webcam for P3,888]

There are a lot of big streamers who use pro cameras like DSLRs or mirrorless units, but a full HD webcam should be good enough! You won’t be filling the entire screen with your face after all! While most laptops come with their own webcam, the Logitech C922 is definitely a step up from most built-in cameras. It easily clips onto a monitor, but also comes with a little stand if you want your shot to be at a different angle. Still too expensive? You can use your own phone as a webcam using third-party software. Or better yet, use a virtual persona where you don’t have to reveal your face at all.

JBL Tune500 Wired On-Ear Headphones

[Buy the JBL Tune500 Wired On-Ear Headphones for P3,888]

If you like cat ear headphones, by all means, go for it! If you’re looking for something more low-key though, this is a good pair. These headphones are comfortable to wear and are good enough for gaming and casual sound trips. You might be tempted to go for a wireless pair, but it’s hard to guarantee latency (if the sound in a game will be delayed). For more accurate gameplay, always get wired headphones.

Samsung LF22T350FHEXXP 22″ 75Hz Monitor

[Buy the Samsung LF22T350FHEXXP 22″ 75Hz Monitor for P6,600]

Yes, in gaming, they say 144Hz will change your life. With that high refresh rate, games will be smooth like butter. But these will set you back tens of thousands of pesos! If you’re a casual streamer, the Samsung 22-inch 75Hz monitor is enough to improve your gameplay without having to break the bank. This monitor is a decent size for first-person shooters, and is both vibrant and bright enough to make your games look great. Plus, it has a very minimalist structure and design, and would fit most gaming and work-from-home setups well.

ACASIS Mini HDMI Video Capture Card

[Buy the ACASIS Mini HDMI Video Capture Card for P440]

Streaming Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, or mobile games? That’s doable! All you need is a way to connect your consoles to your PC. The ACASIS Mini HDMI is good for that. It’s a small but handy device that’s good enough for casual gaming streams. There are more expensive alternatives with better recording features, but this capture card is what you need to get started on a budget.

There are other accessories out there that you can add to your setup, like ring lights or RGB backgrounds, maybe a stream deck or a sound mixer. But all of those can come later. The only way to get your stream started is to, well, start the stream! Don’t stress out too much about equipment because, at the end of the day, audiences come for you and your quirks, not by how crystal clear your camera is. – Rappler.com