Streaming Chess IRL is Trending!
Ever wanted to stream IRL content but didn't know how to do it or what to use? Sharing your OTB chess adventures or even a night out with your friends may look challenging, but streaming your life outside the house is actually simple. Here's my advice in both text and video form!
From getting the right gear that fits your budget to setting everything up, this guide will teach you everything you need to know to start streaming IRL content:
Disclaimer: Some links in this post are affiliate links where I may earn a small commission from purchases, at no additional cost to you.
IRL Streaming Kits For Every Budget
To stream IRL content, you need the right equipment. Between tripods, chargers, and everything else, there are hundreds of options out there that you can buy. While your choices can vary according to your personal preference and budget, here are some IRL streaming items that I recommend.
Budget IRL Streaming Kit
- Approximate cost: $75
- What's in the kit: Backpack ($29), tripod ($20), solar panel charger ($26), and your smartphone.
- Browse this kit
This Budget Kit is the perfect option if you just want to test out the IRL streaming waters before committing to more expensive gear. With $75, you'll have a charger, a tripod, and a backpack that, together with your phone, will give you everything you need to start sharing your life on stream.
Step Up IRL Streaming Kit
- Approximate cost: $142
- What's in the kit: Better charger ($35), six-port USB hub ($11), dimmable USB-powered LED light ($20), tripod ($20), and a larger backpack ($56).
- Browse this kit
If you're streaming IRL content, the ambient light may not always be great. Good lighting can really make your video pop and give it some depth, so a portable light can do wonders to improve the quality of your stream. And for the extra light, you'll need more power and something to carry everything around—and this Step Up kit covers both of these needs.
Semi-Pro IRL Streaming Kit
- Approximate cost: $434
- What's in this kit: Higher capacity charger ($129), phone stabilizer ($179), stabilizer case ($19), larger bag ($56), six-port USB hub ($11), dimmable USB-powered LED light ($20), and a tripod ($20).
- Browse this kit
But what if you want even better quality for your content? Unless you're trying to reproduce the classic The Blair Witch Project on your stream, you could use a phone stabilizer. This kit features a stabilizer that will keep your video from shaking as you walk around during your stream. It also includes a more robust battery to power everything else, including the stabilizer. And in the video, you'll see a side by side comparison of the benefit of using these.
Go Big IRL Streaming Kit
- Approximate cost: $945
- What's in this kit: Best backpack ($100), two dimmable LED lights with color filters ($40), two-person wireless microphone system ($300), adapters for the microphones ($24), microphone system carrying case ($24), sturdier tripod ($120), higher capacity charger ($129), phone stabilizer ($179), and stabilizer case ($19).
- Browse this kit
Now, if you're one of those streamers who believe you should go big or go home, this kit is for you. The Go Big kit includes a microphone system to give your stream a crisp and clear sound—even if you're in a crowded place. Along with an extra LED light with color filters, your stream will look and feel professional.
Bonus IRL Streaming Kit
- Approximate cost: $695
- What's in the kit: GoPro Max ($495), GoPro case ($14), GoPro 3-Way tripod ($65), battery pack ($34), USB power strip ($11), one LED light ($36), and a large backpack ($40).
- Buy this kit
If you're not ready to invest almost 1,000 dollars on a streaming kit but still want excellent quality and ease of use, consider this bonus kit. With the new GoPro Max camera with front-facing display, getting high-quality live footage of yourself shouldn't be a problem. Add to that the ability to add your stream key directly into the camera so you can stream from it, and there's not much more you could ask for.
How To Set Up Your IRL Streaming Gear
Once you have the right equipment, setting everything up to start streaming IRL content is straightforward. When you're walking around, you'll have your phone on a tripod or a stabilizer. You can have everything running on battery or connected to the charger by running cables through the backpack.
The setup is also very simple when sitting down, playing chess or something else. You can have a high-quality stream with something as simple as using a tripod to hold your phone and a charger to keep everything running.
Check out the last part of the video for a more detailed explanation of how to set everything up:
Do you plan to start streaming IRL content? Let me know in the comment section below!
