Content Creation 101 With Cadaea | Cyberpower UK

What is Content Creation?

Content creation has become essential to our digital entertainment culture, but what is it? Well, Content creation is creating digital content, such as streaming videos, gaming guides and tutorials, and more.

This can be done using PCs and editing programs to create content or game consoles like PlayStation or Xbox to create game-specific content. Content creators need diverse skills to make content engaging and entertaining. Content creation focuses on producing quality material, so understanding topics such as aesthetics, user experience, video editing, audio production, and video gaming are critical for aspiring content creators. Content creators don’t only limit themselves to streaming; they focus on designing and creating their own original works to share with their audience. content creation sometimes requires highly specialised skills and knowledge to be successful; however, it can still be an enjoyable process filled with great opportunities for those who decide to pursue it!

What is Streaming?

Streaming is revolutionising the way we consume content. It’s not just for people who watch many movies and TV shows but for everyone from gamers to content creators. Streaming has changed how we engage with our favourite content thanks to powerful PC hardware and excellent streaming services. But what is streaming?

Live streaming is the process of broadcasting live video and audio content over the internet in real-time. It allows the viewer to watch an event as it is happening rather than watching a recorded version of the event at a later time. Live streaming can include live events such as sports games, concerts, news broadcasts, religious services, political events, and more. But what does this mean for content Creators?

Content creators can now broadcast their gameplay or stream directly from their PC while sharing their unique experiences with their audience as it happens. And gamers can join in and experience what others are playing in real-time without needing access to any gear themselves. Streaming has enabled users to become part of an exciting larger community, all while engaging with the content they love.

Live streaming requires a stable internet connection and a device capable of capturing and transmitting live video and audio. Many live-streaming platforms also provide tools for monetisation, such as ads, sponsorships, and donations, which can help creators earn revenue from their live streams. Live streaming has become more prevalent in recent years. It allows for greater interactivity and engagement with the audience. It provides a new way for creators to reach and grow their audience.

Not only are you connecting with your audience you also gain some special skills, such as:

• Communications & Presenting
• Marketing & Branding
• Community Building
• Relationship Management
• Technical Ability

As you can see, streaming isn’t just about the content but also about building upon the skills you can use outside of content creation.    

Streaming from a PC

Now you know what streaming is, the real question is, how do I stream from a PC?

Streaming from a PC is the most popular way to share your gaming experiences with others. It offers more flexibility and control than console streaming, as you can use a wide range of software (this will be covered later) and hardware to customise your stream. You will need a PC, a streaming service, and a stable internet connection to get started. In addition, PC streaming allows you to use various external devices, such as webcams, microphones, and green screens, to enhance your stream. Whether you’re a hardcore PC gamer or just starting, streaming from a PC is a great way to connect with the gaming community, showcase your skills, and build a following.

You can stream from a PC in several ways, depending on what Games you want to stream, as this determines the hardware you will need. The first way of utilising your PC to stream is by just streaming the game straight from your PC, but this can be demanding on your CPU. The reason for this is the CPU is what is used to encode your stream. For example, suppose you were playing a CPU intensive game and trying to stream. In that case, your footage might be low-quality, or you suffer from frame drops whilst recording. This is why it is best to do your research to see which hardware you will need for your perfect setup.

The other method people use is a PC dedicated to streaming. You can use this system to stream content from another PC or Console without worrying about the games being too demanding on your hardware. Streaming from this PC can be done using a Capture Card which can record and prepare content for streaming in a manner that will maintain quality without taxing your PC or Console.

Streaming from a console

Streaming from a console is a great way to share your gaming experiences with others. Not only does it allow you to connect with other gamers, but it can also help improve your skills by watching other players and learning from their strategies. Streaming from a console is easy to set up, and many popular platforms are available such as Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook Gaming. You only need a console, streaming service, and a stable internet connection to get started. Whether you’re a seasoned streamer or just starting, streaming from a console is a fun and engaging way to connect with the gaming community without much setup.

Streaming Software

Now you have the hardware side of things covered; it’s time to talk about the software. The streaming software is the glue that holds a streamer’s life together, combining their gameplay, audio and video, then streaming it to your chosen platform such as Twitch, Mixer, and Facebook Gaming.

Now you know what Streaming software does. It’s now time to choose which one you will use.

OBS Studio

OBS Studio is a free and open-source software for video recording and live streaming and is one of the most well-known options on this list. The best thing about OBS Studio is that it is free to use and has so many customisation options for your stream, making it the perfect program for people with some technical knowledge to start their streaming career without having to shell out a penny on the software.

Pros

• Free to use.
• An incredible number of features.
• Easy to use overlays and on-screen elements.
• Collaborates with Facebook live and YouTube live streaming.
• Lots of resolution settings
• Lots of community help videos.

Cons

• It can be complicated to set up if you have no technical knowledge

Xsplit Broadcaster

Xsplit Broadcaster is another free piece of software designed for live streamers. Compared to OBS Studio, the interface is much more user-friendly, meaning if you have no knowledge, you should be able to pick up Xsplit Broadcaster without having to worry about delving into the settings. One of its downsides is that some features are locked behind a paywall (see below), unlike OBS Studio, which allows you to use all of its features for free.

Pros

• Free version available.
• User-friendly interface.
• Very simple to use.

Cons

• A lot of features are behind a paywall.

Streamlabs OBS

Finally, Stream Labs is our list’s final piece of streaming software. Streamlabs started as solely a live streaming tool but has now combined with OBS to become an all-in-one streaming tool with just as much customisability as the original OBS but a more user-friendly interface. This option is one of the most popular among streamers, as you can use their library of free stream overlays to improve the production quality.

They also offer their Streamlabs Ultra package, which gives you access to 8 different apps tailored to content creation and access to thousands of premium overlays.

Pros

• Free version available
• Streamlabs Ultra will help you have your content Creation in one place.
• Lots of community support.
• Beginner friendly.
• Supports all significant streaming platforms.

Cons

• Some features are locked behind paywalls.

You’re best off researching which software is best for your streaming needs. Still, you can use the free versions to get the hang of the software before pulling the trigger and buying the premium version.

Creating Videos

Creating videos is a great way to share your message, promote your brand, or entertain an audience. Video content can take many forms, from vlogs and tutorials to product demos and promotional videos. With the rise of video platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, creating videos has become more accessible than ever. To get started, all you need is a camera (it could be your phone camera), editing software, and a bit of creativity. Whether you’re a small business owner, a content creator, or just looking to share your story, creating videos is a tool everyone should use.

Video creation is a powerful way to connect with your audience and increase engagement, especially regarding online marketing and promoting your brand. Not only do videos have higher engagement rates than other types of content, but they are also more likely to be shared and remembered by viewers. Having a clear goal in mind and knowing your audience is essential when creating videos. Knowing your audience will help you create relevant, engaging content tailored to their interests.

Video creation can be broken down into several steps, starting with pre-production. You plan and organise your ideas, research your target audience and create a script. After that, you need to move to the production phase, where you use your camera or phone to record your video, and the post-production phase, where you edit your footage and add music, effects, and captions.

You don’t need to be a professional in editing; plenty of free and easy-to-use video editing software is available online. And once your video is ready, it’s crucial to optimise it for SEO by including relevant keywords in the title, description, and captions and promoting it across multiple channels. SEO will increase the chances of your video being found by the right audience and increase your reach.

Creating videos is not easy, but it’s worth the effort. It can provide valuable information, entertainment, and engagement for your audience. And if done well, it can significantly impact your marketing strategy and your brand’s success.

Audio

Audio is the most critical part of your video content. Low or no audio quality can turn an excellent piece of content into a flop because, let’s be honest, nobody wants to listen to shoddy audio. But what can you do to improve? Well, most streamers/video creators start with a plug-and-play microphone like the Sennheiser EPOS B20 Streaming Microphone or a standard headset with a built-in mic.

When it comes to it, there are three types of microphones to choose from:

• Ribbon
• Dynamic
• Condenser

But what’s the difference? Ribbon/dynamic microphones usually require no extra power, like the plug-and-play microphones mentioned before. In comparison, Condenser microphones require additional power to function. That additional current is provided by something called a Phantom power supply device. Still, if you try to google this, you will be bombarded by meaningless search results. Hence, we recommend looking at an audio interface to power your mic. But again, what is an Audio Interface? Imagine an Audio Interface as an external sound card that can run a condenser microphone and connect it directly to your PC. The best features of these devices are you can connect multiple outputs, preserve the quality of your sound, and record in real time with no lag or latency. This exceptional kit will take your content Creation to the next level when paired with a decent microphone, giving you professional-grade audio quality.

Next up for improving your audio is an Audio Mixer. These devices are sometimes compared to Audio Interfaces, but they are entirely different and serve different purposes. These devices give you more control of the signals sent to your PC. For example, they have fancy switches and knobs built in to control built-in effects like:

• EQ
• Compression
• Reverb
• Delay
• Modulation

Don’t worry if you don’t know what these terms mean, as this is something you will pick up along your content Creation journey.

Even though Audio Interfaces and Mixers are not interchangeable, you can find devices that combine the two. The all-in-one audio solution GOLXR range is one to look into as a beginner. We recommend you research and discover devices you feel comfortable using and fit in with your technical knowledge. You can upgrade these devices over time.  

Content Creation Extras

Finally, you now have all the basics to start your content creation journey, but is there anything that can make you stand out from the crowd? Well, that’s where content Extras come in. There are a few extras to consider when it comes to improving the quality of your stream. 

Cameras

If you want to display your face on stream or film vlogs at your desk, a camera is an essential bit of kit. But don’t buy the most expensive one you can find as your first one, as this content Creation journey might not be suitable for you. You can get away with just using your phone to record vlogs and short clips and even use third-party software to use your phone, like a webcam. The next step up would be to purchase a dedicated streaming webcam like the Logitech C925e, as Cadaea said she has got away with using one as her primary camera for over ten years. The highest quality option is using a DLSR Camera as a webcam. A DLSR might seem overkill, but you get the best possible video quality. You can also use this camera as a tool that can be taken out of your office and used in many ways in your content Creation journey. We do not recommend this option to someone just starting, as DLSR cameras are costly. As said previously, they are overkill for someone starting.

Lighting

If you have decided to opt for a camera, the next important thing is lighting. It doesn’t matter how good the camera you opted for is; if the lighting is off, your video will look awful. So what lights do you need? In a perfect world, you will have one primary key light illuminating your face, a fill light to eliminate all of the shadows caused by your key light. Finally, you will need a backlight to separate your subject from the background.

There are also some extra lights you can pick up for your stream, such as RGB mood lighting to brighten up your background, RGB panels as a wall feature, and many more. Again we recommend you do your research to make sure you can utilise your space effectively and get everything looking perfect for your stream.

Stream controllers

The following extra worth looking at is Stream Controllers. “What is a Stream Controller?” I hear you ask. Well, you use a stream controller to control every aspect of your stream (hence the name), from muting your microphone to putting up an overlay screen whilst you take a break. These devices allow you to control every aspect of your stream at the tip of your fingers. We recommend the Elgato Stream Deck Mk 2 as the perfect stream controller for beginners.

Chairs and Desks

These might not seem necessary for your content, but if you spend most of your time at your desk, then a decent chair and desk are something you will need. Not only are these great for the aesthetics of your stream, but they are also worth investing in something that isn’t damaging to your spine when spending hours a day sitting in front of your PC.

Soundproofing/acoustic panels

The final content extra we are going to cover is soundproofing. Soundproofing is excellent if you don’t want outside noises creeping into your stream and vice versa. You can do something similar to improve the acoustics in your streaming room. You can improve the bounce back of your audio by using acoustic panels, meaning you won’t get any unwanted echoes whilst recording.  

Overall, you can get many pieces of equipment to start your content creation journey. We recommend beginning basic before investing a lot of time and money into your journey. Start with a basic concept and setup and grow from there. Use your phone or a webcam for your streaming content with a Mic or headset with one built in. Audio is critical to your production of content. Please make sure you research before landing on your setup; there is nothing worse than ordering something, and it won’t fulfil your needs. Don’t worry if you need to upgrade your PC for your content creation needs; we stock a full range of PCs designed for dedicated streaming and content creation. What are you waiting for? Start your content creation journey today.