Streaming and gaming resources
Get started in streaming and gaming for charity using our handy resources.
Explore our livestreaming and gaming resources:
Set up guide
If you're new to streaming but keen to give it a go, our handy guide will help you get set up.
PC/laptop
Twitch TV recommends having at least an Intel Core i5-4670 processor (or its AMD equivalent), 8GB of RAM and Windows 7 or newer for livestreaming. Even if your machine doesn't fit this recommendation, try it out before pulling the plug on your plans as every game is different and you never know, it might stream fine.
Internet connection
You’ll want to avoid Wi-Fi. Instead, connect to your router with an ethernet cable to ensure your connection is stable.
Microphone and headset
Your viewers need to hear you during your stream so this is pretty important. You can start with a headset with a built-in microphone or jump ahead and grab a standalone microphone and headset.
Webcam
This makes your stream a lot more personal and interesting to watch. We know it can be dauting being on camera but it makes a huge difference to your audience. If you have a camera built into your laptop that's great or you can buy one that plugs in.
Streaming software
You’ll need some broadcasting suites to cast whatever you are doing on screen and on camera. Streamlabs OBS or Streamyard are really easy to use and there are some great tutorials online to get you started.
Customising your stream
There are panels and setting on Twitch/ YouTube where you can add info about yourself and your stream. You can also personalise your stream by adding overlays, donation alerts and a fundraising totaliser on Tiltify.
Linking your stream and fundraising page
We have set up a Tiltify account for fundraising for the British Red Cross. On your Tiltify dashboard, you’ll be able to link your Twitch/YouTube channel. You can also link with Twitch using the Tiltify donation extension. That way everyone on Twitch will be able to donate without leaving the stream.
If you get a bit stuck or want any more information you can contact us at gaming@redcross.org.uk or post on our Discord server.
Event promotion tips
If you’re worried that no one will watch your charity stream, you’re not alone. 60% of the people who took part in one of our fundraising events said they felt this way before going live, with almost all of them saying they’re happy they took the plunge.
Here are their top tips for promoting events:
Don’t be afraid to ask friends, family and colleagues to watch (or take part!)
You’ll be surprised how receptive the people around you might be, of course they’ll want to support you.
Get on social media
Social media is a powerful tool. Make the most of your channels and have a search for other spaces that relate to your stream to draw more of a crowd. This is where sites like Discord, Reddit and Facebook come into their own – the communities are there already!
Send out reminders
It’s a good idea to post more than once. Most people send out an announcement a few days ahead, another just before they go live and then some updates during the event itself.
Prepare and test
A bit of time spent planning a fun event goes a long way. It’s also a good idea to test out your streaming set-up beforehand and rehearse any complex transitions so you don’t have to deal with technical issues on the day of your livestream.
Give people a reason to tune in
Make sure to mention any rewards you’re planning to offer to your generous donors and hype up the event if you’re planning something special.
Design a poster to stand out
A poster can be a really good way to draw attention to your social media posts and make them stand out. Create your own using something like Canva or use one of our templates.
Have fun
The most common bit of advice was simply: be brave, go for it and have fun. When you’re having fun, everyone’s having fun.
How to encourage donations to your charity streaming event
We asked our fundraising streamers their top tips for getting people to donate to their charity streams.
Don’t be afraid to ask your inner circle
Most donations tend to come from friends and family. You’ll be surprised how generous people can be. It can be uncomfortable to ask, but remember: you’re doing a good thing for an important cause. Many people you know will have had indirect (if not direct) experience with the causes and work of the British Red Cross.
Ask your company to donate
Ask your work to donate towards, or even match, the funds you raise for your event. Companies love to support their employees with their volunteering initiatives.
Incentivise those donations
Tiltify lets you add rewards, milestones and polls to incentivise donations.
- Rewards are incentives for donating a minimum amount.
- Milestones are markers that bring attention to certain points of progress on your fundraising journey.
- Polls allow your community to vote with their donations on an outcome that might happen to you on stream or at a later date.
The stats suggest that the more of these features you use, the more donations you’ll get.
Be the first to donate
If you’ve ever watched a charity stream before, you’ll know that as soon as one person donates, a whole flurry of other donations tend to come in. Kickstart this snowball effect and be the first to donate.
React to donations
Remember that when someone donates, they’re giving away their hard-earned money to a cause you care about, so make sure they feel appreciated. Integrate the Team Red Cross custom alert to create a fun donation animation.
Remind people about the cause
Don’t forget to prompt people to donate to your event during your stream. You can use a bot to post regularly in the chat.
Keep your energy levels high
Take regular breaks, stay hydrated, have plenty of snacks to hand (healthy ones with low sugar are best so you don’t crash). And remember, even if you don’t clock up a load of donations, feel proud that you’re doing something good.
