To Stream or not to Stream?

usmc2doc

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Is someone knowledgeable on the subject willing to explain the pros and cons to streaming? Is it a legit source of income? If so, how much income are we talking? Also, is there other benefits besides $$? I want to make sure if i go through the process of setting up a stream it will make sense financially in the longterm. Not worth putting money into new desktop, microphones, and etc if i wont see a ROI.

What are your thoughts?
 
eetenor

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Is someone knowledgeable on the subject willing to explain the pros and cons to streaming? Is it a legit source of income? If so, how much income are we talking? Also, is there other benefits besides $$? I want to make sure if i go through the process of setting up a stream it will make sense financially in the longterm. Not worth putting money into new desktop, microphones, and etc if i wont see a ROI.

What are your thoughts?


Thank U 4 Posting.

Streaming is like any media you get paid well when you have many viewers. So streaming is no longer a handful of poker players doing it which means the audience is divided reducing everyone's ability to gather viewer $.

I suggest you do some research by looking at streams and seeing how many viewers they are capturing. The most profitable streamers seem to be streaming all the time and without some reputation like Lex or Jeff has, had to stream everyday for months to build a following. You will want to be streaming at times that have the most twitch poker viewers and that may not be when you may want to.

Entertainment on twitch seems to be the key, not poker craft. So you have to play music, have giveaways and be very outgoing, if you are not a known personality. Even then there is no telling if the viewers will like you. Which is always the issue in media.

You have to combine your streaming efforts with other social media so you must be active on numerous sites at the same time. The time consumption will be significant.

There are many benefits to becoming known and opportunities do arise from just putting yourself out there.

Hope this helps

:):)
 
BoyNamedSude

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Hi, I have been recently checking on this trend, via twitch, that people are streaming their online games, and I actually registered to do the same, and was watching a stream via ACR .
Personally, I find the whole thing to be ridiculous...and is just an edge that guys are occupying whilst all the Newbie online poker people dream dreams of playing on TV to a live audience.
Technically, we can sit in and observe any poker table on any site, and see everyone playing... without having to see another guy in a chair talking and clicking...
EVERY online poker player sits in a chair and plays the same way every other player plays... mostly...
I find the idea lame, and takes away from a person experiencing and learning the game themselves.
I am a very experienced online card player, and I see no value, in watching other folks play online, aside from our own final tables, and certain players who I will be competing against, right here on Cardschat...so I can get a feel for their play...
I do not see value in Twitch, and I will not be using it...
If I want to see a high stakes table playing, I can eavesdrop on any one I want, and will UNDOUBTEDLY be seeing the best players play, and not have to engage with some schmuck who is unable to make a living on Poker by itself...and needs a video platform to make money.
ACR STORMERS is a waste of effort. I'd rather watch porn, and eavesdrop on a final table on my own chosen time, and my own chosen people...
Once you are here on cardschat, you should be having enough opportunity to sit and play with the best that you don't have to watch secondraters mix themselves a drink and see their screen...
 
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canfoldaces

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I think being funny gains more followers, more followers can help you build a good community, good community can make you earn money :) Just be yourself if you know you are a funny or interesting streamer
 
Sean Pilgrim

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Is someone knowledgeable on the subject willing to explain the pros and cons to streaming? Is it a legit source of income? If so, how much income are we talking? Also, is there other benefits besides $$? I want to make sure if i go through the process of setting up a stream it will make sense financially in the longterm. Not worth putting money into new desktop, microphones, and etc if i wont see a ROI.

What are your thoughts?


Hey there! I've been streaming for a little while. I exclusively stream Poker and only on Americas Cardroom at the moment (Part of their ACR Stormers Twitch Team). The Poker community on Twitch is a great way to connect with new people and it's pretty easy to build an audience there as long as you are consistent and at least a break even poker player. The audience grows faster when you're crushing. Money isn't great I was getting about $400/mo from subs, cheers and donations as an affiliate.

I have seen many people come and go because they are impatient and expect to become a twitch star overnight. I can't tell you how many nights I streamed to 0 people, but I kept up with it. I was then invited to join two different groups that really helped me grow my channel before being invited to be a part of the ACR Stormers Twitch Team.

I'd never depend on that for my income, nor do I depend on poker for my income. If you want to make that your living you're going to have to grind like hell and be profitable at poker as well.

I normally stream with a 3 minute delay (5 mins for buyins over $200 usually) so I can talk through hands and provide some value to viewers. If it's something you decide you want to do, reach out to me here or on twitch and I can get you connected with the groups I wish I had found earlier to grow the stream.
 
usmc2doc

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Hey there! I've been streaming for a little while. I exclusively stream Poker and only on Americas Cardroom at the moment (Part of their ACR Stormers Twitch Team). The Poker community on Twitch is a great way to connect with new people and it's pretty easy to build an audience there as long as you are consistent and at least a break even poker player. The audience grows faster when you're crushing. Money isn't great I was getting about $400/mo from subs, cheers and donations as an affiliate.

I have seen many people come and go because they are impatient and expect to become a twitch star overnight. I can't tell you how many nights I streamed to 0 people, but I kept up with it. I was then invited to join two different groups that really helped me grow my channel before being invited to be a part of the ACR Stormers Twitch Team.

I'd never depend on that for my income, nor do I depend on poker for my income. If you want to make that your living you're going to have to grind like hell and be profitable at poker as well.


I normally stream with a 3 minute delay (5 mins for buyins over $200 usually) so I can talk through hands and provide some value to viewers. If it's something you decide you want to do, reach out to me here or on twitch and I can get you connected with the groups I wish I had found earlier to grow the stream.

Personally, I think it's awesome that you reached out and I follow a lot of your colleagues like dayjahvue, quickquestionnow, uncle slacker, and many others... I may even follow you without realizing it lol. I have been speaking a lot to dayjahvue about it, but I wanted to grab multiple perspectives. I would love to speak to you further, whether during your stream or on here. I am more interested in the technical aspect of streaming such as equipment I may need, or terms I would be unfamiliar with as someone new to the twitch world. Also, obviously learning how income is generated is also important as well. I don't expect to become rich streaming, but I have had so much fun playing while listening to the stream compared to playing in the solitary atmosphere. I have even seen my profits increase since I began having fun with this again. So, I thought, why not?


Thanks for reaching out again. Hope to hear from you soon.:D

***just found out from kymmers that your N2MBacon lol played with you last night.
 
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James_Harrison

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I would. People give you money just for showing off and being arrogant. Im too shy though and get death threats every day.
 
diego farfan

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As in previous posts, it all depends on the content of your broadcasts and the number of people who watch your broadcast, which means that the more people you have as observers, the more profitable it will be for you and as my colleagues say it depends on the gifts you offer or rather of the amount as it happens in the broadcasts of the school of pokerstar that the people more go by the draws of tickets of a dollar, has a minimum of 80 people in the transmission of two hours and only give 5 to 10 tickets now there are also others broadcasts that have a minimum of 200 people where the content is not very good to improve the game but see those broadcasts only for the prizes given up to 20 tickets of a dollar for sping-go
 
BoyNamedSude

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Hi, I would suspect that all you really need to stream is a good webcam and and reliable connection. The rest is up to you, as far as entertainment.
The main reason why streaming does not appeal to me, is because I very much like to do weird shit on the table and get guys to do other stuff than they intended, via outta-timing raises, or radical all ins.
My play is kinda radical, I know the guys you speak of, My screen name on ACR is GuruSurya... and BoyNamedSude on Pstars.
Good luck on your streaming... I'd like to check your stuff out, just let me know when you're streaming...
Good luck again...enjoy!
 
BoyNamedSude

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400 is great, considering you are doing what you love, building something, and challenging yourself... there are so many folks whose hobby costs them thousands, as opposed to turning a profit... well done!
 
James_Harrison

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I am watching :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k5Ks6QwTswc

you tell me... ;P

Yes, Me And Felix have an issue that has gone back to long ago... (not for you to engage trust me) ... and ... We have "sorta" worked it all out ... basically he promotes certain things ... and... OH (JANGO)



Sorry i cant understand this post. All the best bud. Not trying to be mean i just cant :D
 
BoyNamedSude

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Sir, If you continue to submit one liner comments, I am going to send my boys around to pay you a visit. Please realize that you are in dangerous territory and should take immediate steps to ensure your safety.
** This posting is intended for entertainment purposes and is in no way affiliated with ISIS, the Taliban, Antifa, PLO, FLQ, KKK, or the Girl Guides of America and Venezuela.**
 
James_Harrison

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To succeed you must be a pretty girl, and if you're not a girl, you must be a winning player, to attract followers.


So true. I see this model or presenter ive never seen before. Staked. Promoting the desire that we all feel in this material universe.

Meanwhile im bumming it up for 20 years playing for pennies. Studying daily.

Nothing wrong with this picture, poker will be fine, move along.
 
James_Harrison

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Sorry ill move to the general chat section. You guys play poker.
 
kraemer

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I think streaming is... well crazy!

Which poker player in his right mind will reveal his play to the public?
Everyone can study your game, hand for hand.

Worst idea ever!

OK, announcing your whole cards in the table chat would be even worse...
 
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Poker Orifice

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I find the idea lame, and takes away from a person experiencing and learning the game themselves.
How does one not learn by watching another person playing poker... while listening to their train of thought?? I mean I even learn from the really bad players as it helps me to put things into focus... ie. "WTF are they thinking there?!?! Are they even thinking???"
I am a very experienced online card player, and I see no value, in watching other folks play online, aside from our own final tables, and certain players who I will be competing against, right here on Cardschat...so I can get a feel for their play...

More value in watching some freerollers play, vs. some good players? I understand that watching your opponents to gain some info. to help you play better vs. them is a bonus... but better than watching & listening to a good player playing vs. other good players? (I don't get it)
...
Once you are here on cardschat, you should be having enough opportunity to sit and play with the best
Really? I'm still waiting I guess or I was getting placed on the wrong tables perhaps. I find there's a big difference in the skill level of play in a CC Freeroll vs. pretty much any buyin tourney above the lowest micro buyins. The $5 mtt's & 5nl cash games online seem like WSOP HiRollers compared to a CC freeroll. (I'm not against the freerolls at all... I just don't see 'the best' playing them. There's some pretty good players who play in them I'm sure... & there's entertainment value to be able to play vs. the same ones over a period of time... but 'the best'. Hmm... idk about that. (I think I'm pretty good vs. CC freerollers & I think I actually suck)

The main reason why streaming does not appeal to me, is because I very much like to do weird shit on the table and get guys to do other stuff than they intended, via outta-timing raises, or radical all ins.
My play is kinda radical,
Good luck on your streaming... I'd like to check your stuff out, just let me know when you're streaming...
Good luck again...enjoy!


You see no value in it but now you want to check it out? Perhaps there's some value in it?
How's the 'radical' play working out for ya? If it works.... I'm all for it!

My experience has been.... all players sitting at the tables are NOT doing the same thing. THere's a HUGE difference in the play!
 
BoyNamedSude

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Thank you for offering your reflections on my opinions...
I respect your position on the matter, and perhaps you are enjoying your social experiences, and/or making A LOT of money, in streaming!
Maybe you even figure you are a hot shot pro, who will reach stardom in the Poker World?
But Bro, You will not be getting any of my money, despite your apparent skills.
Either via streaming, or via freeroll... and certainly not on the cash tables.
 
Poker Orifice

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Thank you for offering your reflections on my opinions...
I respect your position on the matter, and perhaps you are enjoying your social experiences, and/or making A LOT of money, in streaming!
Maybe you even figure you are a hot shot pro, who will reach stardom in the Poker World?
But Bro, You will not be getting any of my money, despite your apparent skills.
Either via streaming, or via freeroll... and certainly not on the cash tables.


Is this response directed at me? If so, it seems a lot is lost in translation.
I didn't state that I am a hot shot pro (or think it... in fact I've stated the opposite quite often) and have no desire to reach stardom (in any world).
It'd be difficult for me to get any of your money via streaming.... I don't stream. Also pretty difficult to get any of your money in a freeroll (maybe your chips) as there's no money invested in a 'free'roll. On a cash table... if I happen to see you on one, I'd be happy to take whatever you give to me. :)
 
D

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Top poker streamers are few on twitch atm. Pros like Lex prob bring in 10K monthly on subs at 3k subs at around $2.5 each mthly plus other revenue generating affiliations etc..the best streamers out there IMHO are guys like Gross, Staples bros for info and strategies. For total package to attract a growing audience, check out Kevin Martins old streams.
 
Chechiing

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Thank U 4 Posting.

Streaming is like any media you get paid well when you have many viewers. So streaming is no longer a handful of poker players doing it which means the audience is divided reducing everyone's ability to gather viewer $.

I suggest you do some research by looking at streams and seeing how many viewers they are capturing. The most profitable streamers seem to be streaming all the time and without some reputation like Lex or Jeff has, had to stream everyday for months to build a following. You will want to be streaming at times that have the most twitch poker viewers and that may not be when you may want to.

Entertainment on twitch seems to be the key, not poker craft. So you have to play music, have giveaways and be very outgoing, if you are not a known personality. Even then there is no telling if the viewers will like you. Which is always the issue in media.

You have to combine your streaming efforts with other social media so you must be active on numerous sites at the same time. The time consumption will be significant.

There are many benefits to becoming known and opportunities do arise from just putting yourself out there.

Hope this helps

:):)
Great explanation. Very complete and to the point.

Streaming can also be a way to create bonds with others just for the sake of making friends as well.

I've been enjoying my experience so far as an independent Streamer on Twitch since May 2019. Using the same handle as here on CC.

It's an adventure and I'm curious to discover where it can bring me. If someone can afford to stream and is willing to try, I highly recommend it.
 
Chechiing

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Hi, I have been recently checking on this trend, via twitch, that people are streaming their online games, and I actually registered to do the same, and was watching a stream via ACR .
Personally, I find the whole thing to be ridiculous...and is just an edge that guys are occupying whilst all the Newbie online poker people dream dreams of playing on TV to a live audience.
Technically, we can sit in and observe any poker table on any site, and see everyone playing... without having to see another guy in a chair talking and clicking...
EVERY online poker player sits in a chair and plays the same way every other player plays... mostly...
I find the idea lame, and takes away from a person experiencing and learning the game themselves.
I am a very experienced online card player, and I see no value, in watching other folks play online, aside from our own final tables, and certain players who I will be competing against, right here on Cardschat...so I can get a feel for their play...
I do not see value in Twitch, and I will not be using it...
If I want to see a high stakes table playing, I can eavesdrop on any one I want, and will UNDOUBTEDLY be seeing the best players play, and not have to engage with some schmuck who is unable to make a living on Poker by itself...and needs a video platform to make money.
ACR STORMERS is a waste of effort. I'd rather watch porn, and eavesdrop on a final table on my own chosen time, and my own chosen people...
Once you are here on cardschat, you should be having enough opportunity to sit and play with the best that you don't have to watch secondraters mix themselves a drink and see their screen...
I believe not everyone can enjoy watching streamers, however to consider it without value seems unreasonable. I just can't see how you came to this conclusion.

Value in stream resides in many aspects between social to monetary. I discovered meaningful aspects for both the streamer and the viewer when in comes to their reasons for accomplising their actions accordingly.

This is not an attempt to have you enjoy streamers, simply an attempt to have you reconsider your statement about the value related to streaming.
 
Evan Jarvis

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Is someone knowledgeable on the subject willing to explain the pros and cons to streaming? Is it a legit source of income? If so, how much income are we talking? Also, is there other benefits besides $$? I want to make sure if i go through the process of setting up a stream it will make sense financially in the longterm. Not worth putting money into new desktop, microphones, and etc if i wont see a ROI.

What are your thoughts?


Great question, as someone who has played full time as a non streamer, full time as a streamer, and full time while recording my sessions and uploading them to Youtube I can offer a few insights on this topic.

The first thing is that if you're going to stream you should really love socializing, and be doing it for the social element moreso than anything else. While there is some extra money to be made by streaming, it's by no means a huge amount.

The additional money you can make from sponsorship will usually range from $5-100/hr based on how many viewers you are getting and the cap will be $3-5k a month. Also the money that you are paid by sites is typically in the form of tournament dollars, so it's not exactly the same as having a salary that you can bank on 100%.

To reach the higher range of the requires viewers, and to have viewers requires (you guessed it) having a genuine connection with the people watching your stream. And this comes from being an enjoyable person to be around, to hang out with, and who actually cares about who is on the other side of the stream. Think of it as every stream is a house party, the streamer is the host, and the ones with the most viewers are usually the ones who are having the most fun.

So if you like all that stuff (which personally I do) streaming is a fantastic way to connect with people, make friends, and open doors that come thru having connections. You will also make some sponsorship money in the process, and partnership money thru twitch (but again these numbers are fairly small at $2.50 per month per sub going to the streamer) and ad revenue as well (but like youtube the figures are quite small).

Twitch is a great way to make poker more engaging and more fun if you're doing it casually, playing for enjoyment etc. If however you are playing purely to make a profit streaming doesn't make much sense.

First you have to speak while playing which takes away from your ability to simply focus and make decisions, there is constant distraction from chat messages popping up, shoutouts, notifications etc. (Not to mention the technical difficulties which can arise) and you are giving away information about your own play which will decrease your edge. It's hard to explain to anyone who hasn't done it before, but streaming and multitabling is easily one of the most exhausting things in the world, it's just too much multitasking.

If you're just one tabling though, streaming is great.

If you're doing a study session and you want other's feedback streaming is great.

If you just want people to hang out with and connect with, streaming is great.

And that's really what it comes down to, your primary motivation. If you're looking for socializing, connection, and fun, streaming is so awesome and nothing really compares to it.

But if if you're thinking about it for the money, I would save your time and energy because you will likely quit before you reach the point of making any significant money doing it.

Streaming caters to a certain personality, extroverted, likes being the center of attention kind of person. If that sounds like you, give it a go. If you're more of a quiet, reflective, introverted type I would skip on it.

That's my 2 cents on it having been in and out of it for a while. I can say the thrill of having people watch you really amplified everything (the good and the bad) and that can be very addictive. I've found that when I stream I absolutely love it because it's so engaging and invigorating. But, I've also found that when I'm streaming consistently it is very exhausting and overall not so good for my health. So like anything it has it's pros and cons.

Hope you'll find some value in this response and it will help you make the decision either way :)
 
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