Live streaming mobile games is absolutely possible and can be a great way to build an engaged audience. While mobile games may not be as powerful as PC or console games, there are still plenty of popular mobile games with thriving communities that translate well to live streaming.
What equipment do I need to live stream mobile games?
The basic equipment needed is:
- A relatively modern smartphone or tablet capable of running the games you want to stream.
- A phone mount or stand to hold your mobile device in place.
- A webcam and microphone setup so your audience can see and hear you while you play.
- A good mobile internet connection or WiFi.
- Live streaming software like OBS Studio or Streamlabs to broadcast your stream.
- Optional: A capture card if you want to display your mobile gameplay on a PC.
The key is finding a comfortable hands-free setup so you can focus on engaging with your audience while playing on your mobile device. A phone clamp attached to a desk or mic stand works well to keep your phone or tablet steady during streams.
What games work best for mobile live streaming?
Some popular mobile games that work great for live streaming include:
- PUBG Mobile
- Fortnite
- Call of Duty: Mobile
- Garena Free Fire
- Clash of Clans
- Brawl Stars
- Mobile Legends
- Arena of Valor
- 8 Ball Pool
- Hearthstone
In general, multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) games, battle royale games, and other competitive games with dedicated fanbases make for great mobile streaming content. Slower paced strategy games can also work well.
The key is choosing a mobile game with an active community. Check for games that consistently have thousands of viewers on platforms like Facebook Gaming or Twitch to identify ones with streaming potential.
What are the steps for streaming mobile games?
Here is a basic outline of the steps to set up a mobile gaming stream:
- Select a mobile game to stream and install it on your device.
- Get your webcam, mic, phone mount, and other equipment set up.
- Download and install streaming software like OBS Studio or Streamlabs.
- Configure your streaming software and add your webcam, mic, and mobile gameplay as sources.
- Connect your streaming software to your platform of choice like Twitch or YouTube.
- Promote and schedule your stream.
- Start your stream, interact with viewers, be energetic, and have fun!
- Consider clipping highlights from your stream to share as short videos.
Setting all this up can take some trial and error at first. Be patient and keep fine tuning your setup until the quality is polished.
What platforms can I stream mobile games on?
You can live stream mobile games on all the major platforms that allow live streaming including:
- Twitch – The leading live streaming platform with a gamer-focused community.
- YouTube – The largest video site also supports live streaming.
- Facebook Live – Stream directly to your Facebook followers.
- Caffeine – Smaller gaming focused streaming site.
- TikTok – Popular short form video app now with streaming.
- Trovo – Up and coming streaming platform built for gaming.
It’s a good idea to focus on one or two platforms at first. Twitch and Facebook are good starting places with built-in gaming audiences. Go where your target audience is already active.
How can I grow my mobile game stream audience?
It takes effort to build an audience as a new streamer. Here are some effective tips:
- Stream consistently – Pick a schedule and stick to it so fans know when to watch.
- Interact with viewers – Engage with your audience in chat between games.
- Promote on social media – Share when you go live on your other social profiles.
- Collaborate with other streamers – Host streams together to cross-promote.
- Create YouTube highlights – Upload stream highlights to YouTube to drive interest.
- Use a webcam – Showing your reactions helps viewers connect.
- Join Discord servers – Get involved in communities for the games you stream.
It takes time and dedication to build an audience. Focus on slowly improving the quality and consistency of your streams.
What challenges do mobile streamers face?
Streaming mobile games comes with some unique challenges including:
- Less powerful hardware leading to lower quality streams.
- Touch screen controls blocking parts of the screen.
- Smaller screens not being as engaging to watch.
- Limiting hand movements to avoid shakiness.
- Draining your device’s battery life during long streams.
- Relying on a strong and stable internet connection.
- Setting up a hands-free phone mount camera setup.
However, you can overcome most of these challenges with the right equipment and clever setup. For example, using a phone tripod, keeping your device plugged in, and using a webcam focused on your reactions helps mitigate many of the issues.
Can mobile game streaming be monetized?
There are a few options for monetizing mobile game streams including:
- Platform monetization – Features like Twitch Subscriptions and YouTube Super Chats allow viewers to donate to support you.
- Advertising revenue – Long form content on YouTube and Facebook can generate ad income.
- Sponsorships – Popular streamers can get sponsor deals from game studios or brands.
- Merchandise – Sell custom branded apparel, accessories, and merchandise to fans.
- Affiliate marketing – Earn commissions promoting relevant gaming products.
However, it takes time and a sizable audience to earn significant money from streaming mobile games. Focus on building an audience first before worrying about monetization.
Are mobile game streams copyrighted?
Streaming gameplay from copyrighted games can sometimes cause issues. Here are some tips to avoid copyright problems:
- Avoid using licensed music in your streams as that often triggers takedowns.
- Don’t rebroadcast cutscenes or story sequences as publishers may issue DMCA notices.
- Commentate over your gameplay to make your stream transformative.
- If you get a claim, consider disputing it under fair use if applicable.
- Get permission first if streaming games from Nintendo which are notorious for takedowns.
Gaming publishers are often fine with streams as it promotes their games. But be cautious of playing unreleased games or pirated ROMs which can prompt harsher action.
What tips help create better mobile streams?
Some tips for improving the quality and production value of mobile streams include:
- Get a phone stand to keep your device steady and free up your hands.
- Use additional lighting to properly illuminate yourself.
- Invest in a good webcam and microphone for clearer video and audio.
- Add overlays and graphics to your stream layout to brand it.
- Engage viewers by narrating your actions and reacting to chat.
- Promote and use channel points, polls, alerts and other interactive features.
- Collaborate with other streamers to do crossover streams.
- Analyze your metrics and recordings to constantly refine and improve.
Take the time to polish not just your gameplay skills, but also your production quality, overlays, and overall presentation.
Conclusion
Mobile game streaming is absolutely viable and opens up live streaming to more casual gamers. With the right equipment and engaging personality, it’s possible to build an audience streaming mobile games. Focus on popular competitive multiplayer titles, interact consistently with your viewers, and constantly refine your setup and quality.