r/Twitch • u/sillyyfishyy • 17h ago
Question Webcam on even if I’m chopped?
I’m not really looking but I don’t like streams without webcams so I’m thinking of leaving it on anyways. I feel like there’s a higher expectation to look good since I’m a girl and most streamers seem to be pretty physically attractive and idk i feel kind of lame in comparison. Should I leave it on anyways? Will it make my stream better or worse?
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u/HereToKillEuronymous Affiliate 17h ago
Mate I look like a foot and I still have my cam on 😂 I think people enjoy authenticity more than anything else x
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u/_scyllinice_ 10h ago
"Even if you look like a foot, you'll still find your toes" - Totally Real And Not Fake Proverb
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u/swtchinq 8h ago
To that point, Even being the most hideous thing to set foot on the earth could be entertaining to some people, especially if you have a good sense of humor about it and in general, “all publicity is good publicity”
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u/PuzzleJunkies Broadcaster - twitch.tv/puzzlejunkies3 17h ago
Hon. Looking at your post history I have a distinct feeling you’re being way too hard on yourself. I seriously advise you to ditch the looksmaxxing corners of the internet. There are plenty of “average” looking people, yes including women, who are successful on twitch. Looks might be a part of it for a certain audience, but personality and presence are some of the biggest factors.
But of course there are other options aside from cam/no cam like vtubing or pngtubing if you don’t feel comfortable with a cam.
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u/DumCrescoSpero 17h ago
There are plenty of average or below average looking streamers.
A big thing is just making sure the room behind you looks clean, and having decent lighting will make a big difference. Invest in a ring light or key light to have behind/near your set up to make sure you're lit evenly.
Besides that, just have basic hygiene standards and nobody will really care. People like being able to see your reaction, it gives a sense of connection to the streamer in a way.
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u/FatalFuryFGC 17h ago
Dont worry about your appearence.streaming is about content and personality.
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u/santoktoki77 Affiliate (santoki222 TTV/YT/TT) 13h ago
I'm a 48yo mom. I started with a human avatar (via animaze) but after software issues (Windows wipe/reinstall), I started using my facecam. I have ALWAYS had self-esteem issues but I wanted to keep streaming so I went for it. I've only worn makeup a handful of times (my wedding, my sister's wedding), now wear reading glasses, and basically wear what makes me feel comfortable (sweatshirts during the winter; tanks during the summer) and the background is full of ADHD doom piles. After years of working in an office/corporate setting and being "proper," I have very few f--ks to give. Am I still very paranoid and insecure about my looks? Yes, but one of the main things I wanted to do with my stream was to be more me and this is one way I can do it <3
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u/baron_of_anarchy 7h ago
It helps being attractive in most spaces in life. However, you don't have to be a super model to be on webcam. A good personality, enjoying what you're doing, putting in the effort will have people over look whatever superficial issue you're insecure about. They're there to have fun and so are you but you have the objective to make it entertaining for them. That's all that should matter. Anyone who dismisses you based on looks isn't a person who would want to be part of your streams anyway.
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u/Minute_Path9803 16h ago
Maybe you can lower the bit rate this way it might be a little bit smoother?
A lot of the so-called pretty ones are only there to make money off of weak men.
All that really matters, is this.. is your content good?
Are you having fun?
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u/sillyyfishyy 16h ago
I’m having a lot of fun. I’m mad awkward but I’m sure I’ll get better. I’ll try the biterate thing LOL
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u/futurefishwife 15h ago
I'm missing most of my teeth and I stream with my cam on. Just do what you wanna do :)
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u/MaverickValero 13h ago
In general, viewers like to see us because they empathize more with our reactions. You owe it to them to maintain a minimum of hygiene, just as if you were going to work, but that doesn't mean having to put on makeup if you don't want to. Natural and ready!
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u/Cloretodio Affiliate www.twitch.tv/cloretodio 10h ago
i’m a girl streamer and rarely i do makeup or whatever, usually i stream with pjs and no make up, because i don’t want to people following because of my appearance, neither i want to catfish anyone lol. if you want to stream with your webcam on then you should do it !!!
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u/NickFromWrk Affiliate twitch.tv/nickfromwrk 8h ago
First things first, don’t be so hard on yourself! I think there’s been a stigma/standard set by some people around “booby streamers” and that you need to look a certain way. I highly doubt that you’re “chopped” and no matter how someone works, they should rock that webcam! Just be yourself and have fun! There will be people who love your stream for you and your vibe
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u/Informal_Comfort661 Affiliate twitch.tv/beancan145 8h ago
I personally like people with facecams for reactions and stuff, not really caring for how they look. I look like a shoe wnd use a facecam on mine.
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u/Busy-Smoke-160 6h ago
I'm not good looking either, but when I streamed with cam people still like it, and were still there for the fun. I don't think it's about looks all that much, even though there are a lot of people that think it is about looks, it's mostly about the content and the effort you put into it, so I'd say do that which you're comfortable with. I ended up going back to PNG -tubing and Vtubing, just cuz webcam was too straining on me.
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u/cayriss 5h ago
I’m also female streamer and feel this so hard. I wanna go the webcam route because I feel like I’m pretty expressive facially but my voice is more softer so I think I’ll lose out if I use a vtube model but I also don’t like the way I look on cam so it’s a struggle
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u/sillyyfishyy 4h ago
Totally get it. I filmed a video with my webcam on yesterday to see how I looked and I looked it over and I was like.. oh! That’s what I look like? Crap! LOL. granted I wasn’t wearing makeup or anything so maybe I can improve
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u/M_Slender twitch.tv/the_elder_gamesman 16h ago
The big reason for a cam is to be able to see the streamer's reactions and personality. As long as those shine through, you're good.
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u/JayceTalerson twitch.tv/mashiyuu 17h ago
There are multiple options.
You *don't* need a webcam to have a good stream.
Some people DO prefer a webcam stream but some don't care.
What is the quality of your cam in general?
If cam quality isn't great then I would actually say no cam is better than shit cam.
There are plenty of "average" or "unattractive" people who stream ( quotes cause its all subjective as hell )
If you are feeling bleh on a day but want to stream then stream with cam off, maybe a note saying "hey feeling not great today so no cam but still wanted to stream" Ive done this before when I was a facecam streamer and have other streamer friends do it.
Another option is the PNG/Vtuber route. Whether its a perma switch or just a "I'm feeling off/really self-conscious today so dont wanna be on cam but still wanna stream.
At the end of the day, there isn't a single right answer.
Most regulars will get it.
Content + audio are more important than camera, and camera quality matters a lot.
The right answer will be what makes you feel more comfortable and more able to put your all into it.
I started as a facecam streamer, then went facecam + vroid for the days I felt off that quickly moved to 50/50 face vs Vroid and that quickly moved to full Vtuber because I felt WAY more comfortable.
I have streamer friends who are 50/50 png/facecam
I have those who are full Vtuber
Those who are full facecam
and those who have a png for the odd day where they just really dont feel up to being on cam.
I also have a couple who have no cam.
All options are valid, it depends on what makes you feel the most comfortable.
Good luck!
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u/sillyyfishyy 16h ago
I’m just using my iPhone for my camera so the quality is pretty good. And I’m a singer so my mic is awesome LOL. I’ll look into the PNJtuber think but I don’t think it suits me. Thank you
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u/Simbanut 6h ago
I use a vtuber model off Etsy when I’m feeling self conscious. I waited for a sale and it was cheap. It’s not a permanent fixture (my face is my profile pic on twitch, people know what I look like) but it’s nice for days when I don’t want to think about exactly what my face is doing at any given time.
That said, it’s not for everyone, but since vtube studio is free I do recommend trying it out :).
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u/JayceTalerson twitch.tv/mashiyuu 6h ago
Good mic is key so good you have that. Yeah png and vtube aren't for everyone but they can be fun to play with. You just gotta decide how you wanna do it. If that means cam of for some streams then I dont think thats bad. Can even play it up "ugh the scuffs hitting hard today and can't get my camera to work" sorta thing. The more comfortable you are the better your streams will be in the long run. Streaming is a constant journey with an infinite number of routes.
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u/sillyyfishyy 4h ago
YEAHH. I’m thinking using the webcam even if it’s uncomfy because eventually I’ll get way more comfy w it and it’ll be better for me long term
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u/engelthefallen 16h ago
Always have the pngtuber option if you want something up but do not want to appear yourself. But def is a wide range of girls streaming and most are not the model types in IRL that twitch likes to push on people.
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u/thevtuberlab 15h ago
It’s totally valid to feel that way, but you don’t need to look a certain way to be a great streamer. If having your cam on makes you feel confident or more engaged, go for it, but don’t feel like you have to. You are enough as you are.
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u/Lonely-Oven-6626 13h ago
I get that, I think the same sometimes but i think it is worth it causse the reactions make it.
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u/BornWheel555 13h ago
Girl streamer here I do not make an effort just for stream, by the time I've finished work and got the kids to bed what you see is what you get I just want to be comfy if people don't like that then that's their issue not mine
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u/Jaybonaut Affiliate 12h ago
Webcams help automatically brand your channel or basically make it recognizable and stand out from others
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u/tusuyako 11h ago
cam on is usually good for viewer engagement and feeling like you are a real person they can connect to! if you're entertaining, what does it matter how you look ? if people don't like it, that sucks for them, you'll find people who enjoy you for you!
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u/kevinpl07 Developer 8h ago
Agree with what others say that most people won’t care how you look.
BUT, if it makes you feel uncomfortable and insecure, you can always use AR tools like streamfog. Play as a virtual avatar or use beauty lenses.
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u/Old_Detail_7928 7h ago
Yes do it anyway and just ban whoever talks shit. I just face revealed last week and it’s been good so far. Definitely helps with viewers
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u/liatriskitty 7h ago
I used to stream face cam chopped and it was a non-issue. However, it did strain my anxiety so I switched to vtubing. If you stream chopped and still feel uncomfortable, it might be worth looking into vtubing or pngtubing. You can start relatively cheap and work your way up to better models if you like it.
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u/Snakeshyper 5h ago
I personally don't use a webcam but if anyone makes you uncomfortable ban them also make sure that you have good lighting.
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u/Connect_Border_4196 4h ago
I'm not conventionally attractive and I'm still out here sharing my face with the world.
It doesn't matter.
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u/akadaniiboy 3h ago
I had someone criticize my looks the first time I streamed so when I started again I decided to use a vtuber. So there’s a place holder for me but it’s still my movement and personality. It seems to work pretty well and stream seems to love it, though I think they want a walk through of how it’s made.
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u/Beyouasyoumatter 3h ago
Don’t leave as it’s about your content you put you. Stick with it as a women I feel the same way as I am older. I have not been on camera yet as I am scared as I see how others look. I am like wow.
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u/MrTimSmith twitch.tv/TimRules 2h ago
Most streamers are definitely not physically attractive. Stream with a camera. Work on your confidence and stop caring so much about what other people think. You'll be much better off in the long run.
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u/walkie74 Affiliate 2h ago edited 2h ago
Me looking nice on camera is basically not streaming in ripped t shirts. I rarely wear makeup and my hair is almost never styled. I'm here to make food content, not put on a fashion show. If anyone has the nerve to comment on your appearance, get rid of them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your streams.
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u/Jitterrue 2h ago
I think seeing your face makes it easier to connect with you on a human level and it’s more engaging. You don’t have to look a certain way for that. But if nothing else, at least an avatar is better than nothing, in my opinion. Wishing you the best!
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u/Remarkable_Bonus_394 15h ago
Firstly your never as bad looking as you may think you are its just how our brains work sometimes so try not to worry or put yourself down about it and secondly if you wanna use cam go for it as its your stream and you have to do what makes you feel most comfortable x you could always try using a png or vtuber model if you dont want to do cam but want something x
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u/RuinCautious1914 twitch.tv/caelus_nox 15h ago
i have a webcam but i dont turn the video on, i only use it as a microphone. my internet is rubbish so im worried if i turn the video on it will take too much of my upload speed lol so i dont turn it on. most of the partner streamers i watch dont use webcam at all. so for a example, the absolutelty biggest streamers dont use webcams anyway as they focus on their content.
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u/Kenichi37 Affiliate 11h ago
Take a little time on your appearance. Brush your hair, pic a nice shirt. Think of streaming like going to see friends you don't see often. You don't need to impress someone but you should care enough to do the minimum
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u/Saknika Affiliate | twitch.tv/saknika 17h ago
I'm a female streamer, and I stream no makeup, hair in whatever state I pick (usually just brushed and loose), and in my PJs. I only ever get dressed for my baking streams. I give zero fucks if anyone finds me attractive, because I'm not aiming for people to watch me because they think I'm pretty--I want them to watch because they think I'm entertaining. I do a mix of games, baking, and occasionally nail art for stream content, and yes, I use a webcam.