How to level up your workspace like a streamer
Whether you're fully remote, WFH, or looking for an in-office upgrade, here are some workspace tips from the pros who spend all day with the camera rolling.
Flattering lighting. A magnificent microphone. A desktop rig to die for. A chair that manages to be comfortable for eight straight hours of sitting.
If you’ve ever spent time watching some of the more than seven million streamers that went live on Twitch last year—nevermind those who opted to broadcast on rival Kick—you’ll know that some are so polished it seems like they have their own staging crews.
The reality is more modest. Most leading streamers do small things to create a better production for audiences that can number in the thousands.
Most of us mere mortals don’t cater to audiences that large. But if you have a desk job of some kind, there’s a good chance that you’ll need to fire up a Zoom session, Google Hangout, or Microsoft Teams meeting with an audience in the double digits.
And why wouldn’t you want to look your best?
We asked some streamers to share the most impactful ways they upgraded their workspaces. Here’s what they said.
Light up the room
The first thing that most people notice when you flip on your camera during a meeting isn't your beautiful smile. It's your background. What's going on behind you? Is your room clean? What sort of wall decorations do you have? Can they make everything out with the complete lack of lighting in the room?
"You should decide what you want your background to be in a meeting, then you can stand out," said Canadian streamer Samantha Tyler. "Things like ambiance lighting and art always catch my eye when in a meeting."
Tyler uses the Bekada Ring Light to flood her room and face with a mystical purple lighting that puts both her and her audience in the mindset to relax and unwind. That might be a little much for a weekly check-in with the boss, but customizable lights give you the freedom to match the color around you with the mood of a meeting, gaming session, or any other moment at the computer.
Other lighting products popular among streamers include the Elgato Key Light or the Neewer Ring Light. Whichever you choose, you can use them to shape the vibe of the environment you’re already in…or better light your face while using a virtual background. (Is that an overflowing hamper of dirty laundry…or a jellyfish?)
Most lighting products in the category offer a range of color and brightness options, and many aren't harsh on your wallet.
"Most expensive doesn’t always mean necessary with all the YouTube videos and resources out there," said Los Angeles-based streamer Ben Goddard. "I’ve got a $40 webcam I’ve had since 2016 and it’s still my most used cam."
Evaluate your ergonomics
The phrase “look good, feel good” is generally used in the context of fashion and beauty, but consider reversing its order when it comes to a confidence boost during your next virtual meeting.
It all starts with posture. Make sure your elbows naturally fall flush with your desk height, your feet rest evenly on the floor (or on something else), and your chair is one of the most comfortable things in your home.
"You should always put the cash out on a good chair," Tyler said. "If you're going to be working there eight hours a day, and then also intend to sit there and game for a few hours, you cannot cheap out on your chair—or you're in for a lifetime of a sore back."
It doesn't matter if it's a gaming chair or office chair so long as it supports your body throughout the day. Even if you can't get a new chair, there are plenty of things you can do to upgrade your current one.
Throw a cushion or small pile of towels on it for support. Add a pile of books or a footrest under your desk so your feet can support you as well.
Every home office should come with three things that make it more comfortable for your neck, your back, your booty, and your Slack. (Ahem.) That means a comfortable office chair needs to be paired with a laptop stand to steady your eyes and a footrest to make sure your back isn't doing all the work to support you while you kick off that one last run in Diablo 4 before bed. (Just…one…more.)
Clear the field (of vision)
It's a no-brainer to make your workspace your own while you work, and the streamers we spoke to readily agreed. It’s vital to keep your desk organized, clean, and decorated with something that makes it your happy place.
"The best thing people can do to improve their workstations is to decorate around it and keep your space clean," Tyler said. "A cleanly decorated work/play space means a positive mind and I think a better mood overall."
A clean desk equals a good mood equals a productive day—and there’s more to it than sweeping up or disposing of yesterday's takeout coffee cups. It's about making your desk a little home within your home. Tyler says she keeps small plants, Animal Crossing mugs, League of Legends POP figures, and other trinkets on her desk to remind of the things she enjoys.
There is no wrong answer to what should be on your desk. Just remember: Whatever you choose to add will stare at you every single day, so make it count.
Organize all the things
"Wire. Management. Is. Everything," Goddard said. "I have terrible wire management and it has given me quite the headache."
More equipment means more wires. And wires need taming.
Before all that, though, you'll want to establish a centralized power source—with an extension cord if necessary—and then route all power and cables from there. Then use a wire tray, velcro ties, or similar to make sure all wires are hidden and in the right place.
The truth is, wire management is better than therapy when all is said and done. (But don't tell my therapist.)
Just do it
You spend hours upon hours at your workspace. Why not spend a few minutes thinking about how to improve it?
Be it smart lighting or a comfy chair or an end to wire tyranny, it’s worth taking the time to make your workspace work for you. Don’t wait. You’ll thank yourself later.
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