I get a lot of remarks from streams, both big and small, on how they consistently hit a lot of dead spots in their streams where there isn’t much to talk about. A conversation starter can only go so far, and keeping the chat moving and active can be very challenging no matter your size. One way to fill the gap of silence is to do the occasional stream with a friend! Streaming tends to be a solo activity, but a great way to generate good content and growth is by doing a dual stream with another caster. Today, I’ll break down the benefits of the occasional duo cast, as well as some no-nos.
The Basics
So what exactly does a dual stream or duo cast entail? A duo cast usually involves you and another broadcaster streaming the same or similar content while talking with each other over a VOIP such as Discord, Skype, or Mumble.
The streaming content is really important to consider. MMOs, FPSs, and MOBAs probably come to mind when you think of a game that you can stream with a friend, but they are not the ONLY choice. Single player games actually offer a lot of value as a dual stream game as well. Single player games offer the chance at fun first play through races and challenge runs with friends. Viewers love seeing how streamers tackle and explore games differently, which is a perfect set up for a race. Races also create a slight competitive atmosphere without getting too serious. Friendly banter between two streamers, especially with regards to a friendly competition, is a great way to fill the void that is too much quiet time on stream.
When you’re choosing someone to dual cast with, I’d recommend casting with someone you’re comfortable with. Building chemistry on a livestream definitely takes some time, so being able to jump in with someone you already know really well is always a great start. Don’t get frustrated when the stream doesn’t click right away. When I started doing streams with good friends, even though we had known each other for a while, it wasn’t an instant success. On-stream chemistry is going to be very different than off-stream chemistry and usually will not happen overnight.
Good For Small Streams
The goal of a duo cast is to help both broadcasters grow by showcasing both communities. Keeping a chat entertained with conversation and commentary is one of the biggest challenges smaller streams face. There is nothing more awkward for a new viewer than to come into a streamer that has a webcam + mic set up, but isn’t talking. Let’s face it, staying motivated to always be providing commentary for long streams can be very exhausting. When you add a friend into the mix, that issue of dead air fixes itself. Having someone you can banter with while playing games allows you to have constant conversation and commentary. It also takes away a lot of the stress of feeling like you need to entertain viewers.
Pairing up with another small streamer is also a great networking opportunity. When you’re barely getting a few viewers, having that extra person that works with you to help grow your stream can be a huge difference maker.
Good For Big Streams
Big streams can greatly benefit from duo casts as well! Big streams tend to have really strong communities of viewers. Partnering with another caster that shares similar interests opens up the opportunity to bridge the gap between the two communities.
I recently did a stream event called the Month of Mushrooms and Masterswords with a fellow speedrunner named Spikevegeta. During the month we raced through different Zelda and Mario games to see who could win the most races. Playing through these games by myself definitely would have been fun for my stream, but adding in a second consistent person to the stream made the streams far more entertaining for viewers and allowed our communities to mesh together! Throughout the month, we both saw huge growth in followers, subs, donations and concurrent viewers. Months later, both of our streams are still benefiting from the experience, and viewers are already looking forward to next year’s MOMAM.
Balance is Key
One of the easiest mistakes streamers can make with a duo cast is focusing so much on the interaction with their duo cast partner that they forget about their actual chat. One of my biggest recommendations when starting out these types of streams is get into the habit of checking chat and getting them involved in the conversation. It’s a tricky line to walk, as the other streamer is trying to do the same thing, but the sooner you get a comfort level down with the other caster, the more enjoyable these streams will become. If you neglect the chat for most of the stream, conversations will die out, and the goal of creating an environment of a healthy chat will not be met. Be very mindful of this!
I also want to briefly discuss the rule of three. There will be times when you might have more than one other person on stream with you. While there are always exceptions to the rule, generally speaking, more than 3 people in a voice call is a little too crowded. The more people you have in the voice call, the more distractions you’ll have, especially if there are people that are in the call who aren’t even playing the game you are playing. Remember: your stream should primarily be about your personality and brand. All it takes for one friend who can be a bit agitating or have really bad microphone settings to push new viewers away!
Overall, the important thing is to have fun! Don’t try to overthink a dual cast with a friend: your main concern should be having an enjoyable time with your friend. The more casts you do together, the more comfortable you’ll get! Have fun out there and don’t forget to streamBIG!
Follow us on Twitter so you get all the latest updates! @StreamBigNET
When you’re choosing someone to dual cast with, I’d recommend casting with someone you’re comfortable with. Building chemistry on a livestream definitely takes some time, so being able to jump in with someone you already know really well is always a great start. Don’t get frustrated when the stream doesn’t click right away. When I started doing streams with good friends, even though we had known each other for a while, it wasn’t an instant success. On-stream chemistry is going to be very different than off-stream chemistry and usually will not happen overnight.
Good For Small Streams
The goal of a duo cast is to help both broadcasters grow by showcasing both communities. Keeping a chat entertained with conversation and commentary is one of the biggest challenges smaller streams face. There is nothing more awkward for a new viewer than to come into a streamer that has a webcam + mic set up, but isn’t talking. Let’s face it, staying motivated to always be providing commentary for long streams can be very exhausting. When you add a friend into the mix, that issue of dead air fixes itself. Having someone you can banter with while playing games allows you to have constant conversation and commentary. It also takes away a lot of the stress of feeling like you need to entertain viewers.
Pairing up with another small streamer is also a great networking opportunity. When you’re barely getting a few viewers, having that extra person that works with you to help grow your stream can be a huge difference maker.
Good For Big Streams
Big streams can greatly benefit from duo casts as well! Big streams tend to have really strong communities of viewers. Partnering with another caster that shares similar interests opens up the opportunity to bridge the gap between the two communities.
I recently did a stream event called the Month of Mushrooms and Masterswords with a fellow speedrunner named Spikevegeta. During the month we raced through different Zelda and Mario games to see who could win the most races. Playing through these games by myself definitely would have been fun for my stream, but adding in a second consistent person to the stream made the streams far more entertaining for viewers and allowed our communities to mesh together! Throughout the month, we both saw huge growth in followers, subs, donations and concurrent viewers. Months later, both of our streams are still benefiting from the experience, and viewers are already looking forward to next year’s MOMAM.
Balance is Key
One of the easiest mistakes streamers can make with a duo cast is focusing so much on the interaction with their duo cast partner that they forget about their actual chat. One of my biggest recommendations when starting out these types of streams is get into the habit of checking chat and getting them involved in the conversation. It’s a tricky line to walk, as the other streamer is trying to do the same thing, but the sooner you get a comfort level down with the other caster, the more enjoyable these streams will become. If you neglect the chat for most of the stream, conversations will die out, and the goal of creating an environment of a healthy chat will not be met. Be very mindful of this!
I also want to briefly discuss the rule of three. There will be times when you might have more than one other person on stream with you. While there are always exceptions to the rule, generally speaking, more than 3 people in a voice call is a little too crowded. The more people you have in the voice call, the more distractions you’ll have, especially if there are people that are in the call who aren’t even playing the game you are playing. Remember: your stream should primarily be about your personality and brand. All it takes for one friend who can be a bit agitating or have really bad microphone settings to push new viewers away!
Overall, the important thing is to have fun! Don’t try to overthink a dual cast with a friend: your main concern should be having an enjoyable time with your friend. The more casts you do together, the more comfortable you’ll get! Have fun out there and don’t forget to streamBIG!
Follow us on Twitter so you get all the latest updates! @StreamBigNET
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