Streaming VS. Recording

[Kes Gaming]

I started a YouTube channel recently. I've been having a good time with it and am trying to develop a sort of style and theme.

However, while I've been considering streaming for some of my episodes, I'm not so sure that is a good idea. I would enjoy streaming because I could play a game for a few hours, record raw and make a lot of progress, without having to stop and start after every 20 minutes or so. However, I'd want my content to be something viewers can enjoy even years after I record it, which is why I don't use Twitch. But I feel like most people wouldn't want to go back and watch a 3 or 4 hour live stream for the most part, due to the time commitment of the viewing, versus a 7-15 minute video. Plus, I can cut out all the wait time between lobbies and stuff with editing.

I'd love to hear some opinions on this. Also, as a rule, do you prefer game-play videos with a good bit of jump cuts around a given session, to the highlights and best parts where the recorder is talking and being amusing, or the kind where only the wait times and stuff are edited out, and the game play is more raw than highlighted? I'm referring more to online shooter games in this context, like TF2 or CSGO, than like a single player let's play.

[Blank]

I like what Etika has, he doesn't mind people re-uploading portions from streams, could just simply upload what was interesting (or you thought was, maybe collaborate if people are there).

[Blargo]

Personally I don't watch streams unless:

• I like the streamer enough
  
• The stream won't last multiple hours
  
• The audience is small enough to actually be able to communicate with the streamer

And even then I have to consider if I feel like watching raw, unedited footage where it's likely that nothing interesting will happen for multiple lengthy intervals.

[Richard I]

I would record personally, but I don't because I suck at games.

[Shiney Squirrels]

Youtube 50% of the time gaming, 50% editing. Streaming 100% of the time gaming, 0%editing.

At least that's what I found.

[Zireth]

recording requires no extra load on your internet, streaming is going to hurt your internet connection.

[kate]

You could do what vinesauce do and stream but upload a best bits montage of the stream.

[Kes Gaming]

Thanks all of you for your input! I appreciate all your suggestions a lot! :)

[May90]

Personally, I find uploaded streams more enjoyable, because the streamer's personality and interaction with the viewers is more engaging this way. To avoid overwhelming the viewers with 5+ hours long videos, you can do what Day9 does: stream for 20-30 minutes, take a few minutes break, stream for 20-30 minutes and so on - and then upload these chunks separately, labeling then [some name]-1, [some name]-2...

Such a format will also allow your commentary to stay fresh. Playing for 5 hours in a row without taking a break may sound attractive, but your commentary is likely to become monotonous and stale that way, because you will get tired of talking pretty quickly and your mind will drift off. Taking even a couple minutes of break every now and then will let you jump back into action with renewed energy.

Good luck in your endeavor!

[Kes Gaming]

Originally posted by May90:

Personally, I find uploaded streams more enjoyable, because the streamer's personality and interaction with the viewers is more engaging this way. To avoid overwhelming the viewers with 5+ hours long videos, you can do what Day9 does: stream for 20-30 minutes, take a few minutes break, stream for 20-30 minutes and so on - and then upload these chunks separately, labeling then [some name]-1, [some name]-2...

Such a format will also allow your commentary to stay fresh. Playing for 5 hours in a row without taking a break may sound attractive, but your commentary is likely to become monotonous and stale that way, because you will get tired of talking pretty quickly and your mind will drift off. Taking even a couple minutes of break every now and then will let you jump back into action with renewed energy.

Good luck in your endeavor!

Thanks mate, I really like that idea!