# Live Stream Setup Checklist for Beginners — free download from DollarWise (dollarwise.xyz)

Work through the phases in order. Check off each step as you complete it.

## Phase 1 — Plan your stream

1. Choose your platform (YouTube, Twitch, Facebook, or other) and confirm your account can live stream.
2. Pick one clear topic or goal for the stream — one topic keeps you focused and viewers engaged.
3. Write a short outline: your opening line, 3 to 5 talking points, and your closing line.
4. Write a clear stream title and description with the main keyword near the front.
5. Schedule the stream in advance so the platform notifies your followers.

## Phase 2 — Set up gear and software

6. Position your camera at eye level and frame yourself from the chest up.
7. Face your main light source — a window or lamp in front of you beats overhead lighting.
8. Plug in your microphone and set it 6 to 12 inches from your mouth, off to the side.
9. Install your streaming software (such as OBS Studio) and add your camera and mic as sources.
10. Connect the software to your platform using the stream key from your channel dashboard.
11. Set your output to 1080p at 30fps for your first streams — it is smoother and more forgiving than 60fps.
12. Connect your computer with an ethernet cable instead of Wi-Fi for a stable connection.
13. Close unnecessary apps and browser tabs to free up CPU and avoid notification pop-ups.
14. Tidy the background visible on camera or enable a simple virtual background.

## Phase 3 — Test before you go live

15. Run an internet speed test and confirm at least 10 Mbps upload speed.
16. Do a 10-minute private or unlisted test stream on your platform.
17. Watch the test replay and check audio levels — your voice should peak around -12 to -6 dB.
18. Check for echo, background noise, and audio delay in the test recording.
19. Confirm your lighting looks good and text or graphics on screen are readable.

## Phase 4 — Go live

20. Start the stream 2 to 3 minutes early and greet early viewers while people join.
21. Open with your hook: say what the stream is about and what viewers will get from it.
22. Read and respond to chat regularly — name viewers when you reply to build connection.
23. If something breaks, stay calm, narrate what you are doing, and keep talking while you fix it.

## Phase 5 — Wrap up and improve

24. End with a clear sign-off: summarize the stream, thank viewers, and say when you will be back.
25. Save the recording and download it as a backup before the platform processes it.
26. Watch 10 minutes of your own replay and write down one thing to improve next time.