Stream Success: Build Before You Announce Your Ideas

 Stream Success: Build Before You Announce Your Ideas

In previous entries of this blog, the importance of keeping plans confidential has been discussed. This subject is crucial because it can significantly contribute to the initial growth of your channel. The third entry ever published here, titled "Mindset - Don’t Tell, Just Do," is entirely devoted to this topic. In that post, aimed at new streamers, the advice was to refrain from sharing streaming plans or the existence of your stream channel with family or friends until you have consistently produced content for several months.

However, this concept applies broadly beyond new creators. Sharing goals can hinder the productivity of any content creator, including seasoned streaming veterans. Regardless of skill level, maintaining motivation on streaming platforms is easier when starting with a solid foundation of consistent streaming.

Risks of Early Promises

Many widely accepted concepts about goal-setting and accountability can hinder content creators rather than help them. While some believe that sharing goals publicly can increase accountability, my experience suggests otherwise. Just take a look at the graveyard of unfulfilled announcements by streamers and content creators to see how this logic often backfires.

The problem lies in the concept of forced accountability. It can be a double-edged sword. When you're trying something new on your stream, you're still developing the habit. It's natural to stumble and make mistakes during this learning phase. However, when you publicly announce a schedule or detailed plan before solidifying the habit, you add unnecessary pressure to get everything right immediately. Furthermore, if you falter or take a break, the same sense of accountability that once motivated you can become a source of psychological distress. It's like a sword hanging over your head, magnifying any missteps.

Public announcements also make it harder to pivot or change your content. Once you've hyped up a new show with a dedicated time slot and branding, it becomes challenging to admit it's not working out. This psychological pressure often traps creators into producing content they no longer enjoy.

The key is timing. Instead of announcing plans when they're still ideas, wait until they've become habits. This approach gives you a running start and helps maintain motivation over the long term.

Start First, Announce Later

To gain a running start on any new project, like launching a just chatting session show twice a week, skip the announcements and dive into creating content immediately. By beginning without the pressure of a public promise, you allow the idea to evolve naturally. For instance, if you plan to broadcast just chatting sessions regularly, simply start producing the content. Your audience can still engage and participate just as they would with a scheduled show. This approach gives you the freedom to develop the concept without rigid expectations.

Starting without a formal announcement also allows you to navigate potential challenges early on. You might encounter issues like filming restrictions or technical difficulties. By tackling these problems during the initial phase, you build experience and determine whether the concept aligns with your interests. Once you've refined the format and confirmed your enjoyment, you can confidently announce the show, knowing you've already established momentum and overcome initial obstacles.

Final Thoughts

This approach of building momentum with a new stream idea before announcing it has been beneficial to me during my time as a streamer and content creator. I believe this is valuable advice for any content creator, and I encourage you to implement it with your next big idea.

Your audience doesn't always need a formal pitch and announcement for every new concept before it's tested. They can be just as excited to see a new stream type evolve naturally into a regular feature on your channel.

This strategy helps alleviate pressure on you as the streamer and keeps you motivated throughout the process. Building new habits is challenging enough without adding extra commitments. So why not start gaining traction before fully committing to new things on your streams?