How to Stream Poker on Twitch

Live poker streaming on Twitch is a relatively new fad started when poker players wanted to share their online action following the success that took place with other forms of gaming.
 
Poker players can use software in coordination with Twitch to get up and running and stream to their heart's content.  The popularity of poker streaming is at an unprecedented high, with much of the thanks going to PokerStars Team Pro member Jason "JCarver" Somerville.
 
Somerville by far is the most popular streamer and earlier this month surpassed 10 million views.  This is by far a new record for poker streamers and we wouldn't be surprised if he doubled that total before the year is over, as his popularity seems to be growing and growing.
 
Somerville's stream has gotten to where it is thanks to his energetic personality combined with his hard work and dedication.
 
It doesn't hurt that Somerville is also successful on the felts.  Including winning a World Series of Poker gold bracelet in a $1,000 buy-in event for almost $500,000 in 2011, the poker pro has amassed an impressive $3.5 million in live tournament cashes in his poker career according to the Hendon Mob.
 
If you are interested in becoming the next Jason Somerville, you are in luck, as we are about to give you a step-by-step guide on what you need to do to get started and be successful.
 
1. Hardware and Internet Speed – It is imported to have a relatively new computer with a webcam.  Older computers may work, but may also cause a lag or disconnection in your stream, something you will want to avoid.  Additionally, you should have an internet upload speed of at least 4 MBPS, which is something most ISPs provide.  However, this also means you shouldn't use a mobile internet connection when you plan to stream live play.

2. Software – In order to stream, you will need to download a live streaming program.  Open Broadcaster Software, or OBS for short, is by far the most popular to use because it's free and relatively easy to use after a little practice.  We recommend that you check out on YouTube some of the best ways to use this software including using eye-catching themes.

3. Twitch Account – In order to stream on Twitch, you will need a Twitch account.  The good news is that they are free and easy to set up.  The one thing you must do if you want to gain poker viewership is designate your channel as a poker-related Twitch stream.  This will allow you to be covered by the numerous sites that highlight the most popular streams.

Just setting up a channel, however, doesn't mean you will automatically be successful.  First of all, you need to be ready to stream content very often, if not most days of the week.  Viewers are more likely to become fans the more you stream.
 
From there, you need to steadily engage with your community.  This may mean playing fewer tables so you can interact with those commenting about the stream.  The more interaction, the more likely they are to return and recommend you to their friends.
 
Also, you should be entertaining and provide a little insight into your plays.  While some people may tune in if you are just playing with music in the background, the most popular channels are those with hosts who are constantly discussing their plays, showing emotion when things go right or wrong, and chatting about whatever else might be on their minds that day.
 
After you have all of this down, you may want to consider other things such as chat moderation.  Often, you can find one of your fans who will handle the moderation for you, but too much moderation will turn viewers off.  Likewise, not enough moderation will upset some of the community.  Finding the right person with a good balance to handle your moderation so you can focus on more important things in your stream is important if your channel starts to gain momentum and gain viewers.
 
The last thing to consider is revenue.  Some people ask for donations and post them on the wall when it happens.  This is one way to recognize those who support you.  You may also want to consider becoming a Twitch partner where you offer an add-on subscription service to your stream, which may include things that others who don't subscribe do not have access to such as being able to watch prior Twitch broadcasts.

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