TikTokers are using makeshift setups to stream video games

When Jack Morrison logs on to stream, he doesn’t boot up Twitch, Streamlabs OBS, or speak into a fancy microphone. He grabs a simple circular mirror, and places it on his monitor. He then sits down in front of the monitor and continues playing, propped up by his phone so that he can see his screen and setting the camera live. He boots up Apex LegendsAs he plays, the viewers can see his gameplay in the mirror.

In an industry where streaming technology is becoming more important, this kind of setup may have seemed a bit odd a year back. But it’s become a rather common practice on TikTok, where video game streaming has picked up in the past few months. The company claimed that the app is used by one billion users each month in September. TikTok has long been awash with jokes about video games and sound effects. Now, Morrison (JackMorrisonTV on TikTok) and other streamers with similarly crude setups have taken over the app’s “LIVE” section, capturing as many as 2,400 viewers at a time.

TikTok isn’t really known as a live media streaming platform. It’s a short-form video app, where people post all sorts of footage — from participating in viral memes to developing independent platforms for original content. But TikTok’s suite of features for live streaming has quietly been growing, with additions like event scheduling and comment filtering options. While these “LIVE” features were designed for influencers to talk to their followers and host question-and-answer sessions, crafty streamers have taken to the platform and the giant audience it has to offer.

These streamers use low-key setups in contrast to Twitch’s more expensive setups. A DSLR camera with a capture card can run over $800. The exact build of each TikToker’s setup varies, but nearly all of them capture video via an external camera that’s focused on a screen, or in Morrison’s case, a reflection of a screen. A brief scroll through the gaming section of TikTok’s live content shows these streamers’ ingenuity; some will stream videos of tablets or phones as they play mobile games, while others will just put the camera in front of a screen. People play games such as Snake MinecraftPlease see the following: WordscapesShooters include Valorant

Spenser runs a TikTok profile under the name Brick_ser. He loves building Legos. To build his set, he used a Amazon phone stand purchased by his mom. He streams a variety of games, but more recently, he’s been streaming minigames from Super Mario 64 DS On the Wii U virtual console. While he is playing, he places his phone on the stand. He then puts his hands around the phone and plays the Wii U control in front of his camera. Prior to going on TikTok, he had tried going on YouTube, but he didn’t understand it so he quit. Twitch also sometimes streams him.

“I do Twitch every now and then, but mainly just to talk, because Twitch takes a lot longer for me to set up,” he said. He streams live to up to 380 viewers when he is online.

TikTok streams are able to capture large, but short audiences. It’s very easy for viewers to jump from live stream to live stream, making it challenging for users to hold attention. This is largely thanks to the same elements of TikTok’s user interface that make it so easy for viewers to find engaging content. TikTok makes it easy to jump on the next streaming stream, unlike YouTube or Twitch. TikTok’s interface can also feel crowded on a phone screen, making it easy to click away to either the streamer’s profile or swipe to TikTok’s “For You” Page.

That said, these streams can be a useful strategy for attracting viewers to a TikToker’s account profile. They stand out because the number of live streams is smaller than the daily stream of short-form videos on TikToker. For those who just started streaming, it feels more user-friendly. TikTok streamers use less advanced technology such as mirrors and cell phone stands. It’s also less competitive than Twitch, which has over seven million unique streamers go live each month.

Marrkadams (a savvy user who streams and makes TikToks together with his son) is just one example of such a skilled user. FortniteEven better, he will double-dip with the audience by simultaneously streaming live to TikTok as well as Twitch. Anyone who views the TikTok mirror stream can log on to his Twitch channel and view it in a more formal, professional setting. Markkadams stream on TikTok using a less-technical setup. However, his Twitch channel has an upgraded setup.

TikTok also tests monetization options that may make it easier for streamers. Twitch has many ways creators can monetize their content. Features include subscribers and the possibility to tip creators. TikTok launched its tipping service in late October. TikTok creators will have to connect to other websites in order to make money, which makes it challenging to monetize. TikTok streamers often place paper pieces with links to YouTube channels and other social media accounts. Streamers can use overlays and other digital graphics to frame livestream video on Twitch or YouTube.

“My initial goal is really not to make money. My goal really is just to have fun and play games for an audience,” Spenser said, over Discord. “I choose the games that I just feel like playing. You can join me if you’d like to see my stream. If not, okay, move on to the next streamer.”

For now, streams seem like a quick and easy way to take advantage of TikTok’s massive audience. It remains to be determined if any TikTok streamers will become real stars or find sustainable homes.