How I decided to start IRL streaming

If you want to get into IRL (In Real Life) streaming, unfortunately I'm not the best person to explain how to be a professional.

However, I can share my experience with you and explain how I manage during my streams. This will help you get started.

These streams and my travels also feed my youtube channel.

The first question to ask yourself is: "Why do I want to stream IRL?"

Personally, I don't want to reach the million viewer mark, but rather to share new destinations and my point of view on my visits with those who can't afford it.

1. Be sure to have a correct Internet connection

The most important thing to do is to make sure you have a good Internet connection. You can either be connected to a good WiFi network if you're doing static in a café or hotel room, or an international pass, or a good portable WiFi terminal (pocket WiFi).

N.B.: when I was in Japan, I had a pocket WiFi, but it wasn't big enough for streaming. So I had to switch to an international pass.

2. Have a phone with the Twitch (or Youtube) application installed

And no, I'm not equipped with three tons of gear on my back like some professional streamers.

I started simple with just my phone. Even if I don't stream in 1080p, it's still enough to share visits and good times with viewers.

I started with my trusty Samsung Galaxy S10, which was already nearly 2 years old, and now I'm doing it with a Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus. (I am not a fan of Apple products).

Of course, I use a protection for my S24+ phone:

3. Have enough power

I never travel without my external battery anymore. Although it's heavy, it allows me to recharge my cell phone, and thus extend my IRL lives.

Here's the one I use: Xtorm Power Bank 20 000 mah

N.B.: Don't forget the associated charging cables, of course.

4. Have a stable image

In the early days of my IRL streams, all I had was my phone and external battery. Then, after watching a lot of replays, I decided to invest in a cell phone mount that stabilizes the image.

Admittedly, it doesn't have the stabilization capabilities of a cinema camera, but I was able to improve thanks to a gyro-stabilized mount. I was able to use it during my streams in Japan.

Here's the one I'm currently using: a DJI Osmo.

N.B.: Although this stabilizer needs to be recharged electrically, it has a tripod, which is useful for transitions in static scenes.

5. Have a good sound

Personally, I haven't yet reached that level of mastery, but there will come a time when I will.

When the time comes, I'll equip myself with this type of remote microphone, to avoid using the one on the phone that picks up the surrounding noise. The aim is to be robust to wind noise and to be able to hear myself clearly, even if what I'm saying isn't often clear.

To do this, I need to use a lapel microphone, but I haven't chosen the right one yet. I'll get around to that in a second, and then I'll complete my article.