Exploring Beam: The New Kid on the Streaming Block

Hey folks, Josh here from 2TonWaffle, and today we're diving into something pretty interesting in the streaming world - a platform called Beam. Now, before you ask, no, this isn't the Beam that Microsoft bought and turned into Mixer. This is an entirely different beast, and it's been quietly building momentum for about six months now.

The New Streaming Platform on the Block

I recently got an email celebrating Beam's six-month anniversary, which got me thinking it was time to really dig into what makes this platform tick. And let me tell you, it's got some interesting quirks that set it apart from your typical streaming service.

First things first - let's talk about the elephant in the room. Unlike most streaming platforms, Beam doesn't offer a free streaming option. You've got two choices: either pay $3.95 monthly for streaming privileges, or get sponsored by one of their partner brands. Currently, they're working with Logitech G and Locked In (an energy drink company). It's an interesting approach, and while some might see it as a barrier to entry, I actually think it's a pretty smart business model.

The Technical Stuff

Let's get into the nuts and bolts. One thing that immediately caught my attention is Beam's bitrate support. While Twitch typically caps you at 6,000 KBPS (unless you're partnered), Beam lets you push up to 16,000 KBPS. That's a significant upgrade for quality-focused creators.

But where Beam really shines is its multi-streaming capabilities. You can stream to over 20 different platforms simultaneously, with built-in chat integration for major services like Twitch, YouTube, and Kick. This means you can keep all your chat in one place without needing third-party services like Restream.io or Social Stream.

The Platform Experience

Setting up an account is straightforward, though there are some caveats. If you go the sponsored route, you'll need to stream at least 4 hours monthly to maintain your sponsorship. The sponsored streams also include 15-second ads every 15 minutes, which might influence your decision between paying the monthly fee or going sponsored.

The interface is clean and intuitive, with all the essential features you'd expect from a streaming platform. They've got a built-in alert system (something Twitch only recently added), customizable chat settings, and basic moderation tools. While some features like clips and advanced analytics are still marked as "coming soon," the foundation is solid.

Future Development

Beam has some promising features in the pipeline. They're working on:

• Stage 1 monetization
• A mobile app
• Console streaming support
• A desktop application with one-click streaming
• Live translation and captions
• Advanced production tools

They're also developing a marketplace where streamers can buy and sell streaming gear, which could be interesting if implemented well.

The Verdict

Is Beam worth your time? Well, it depends on what you're looking for. If you're tired of Twitch's limitations and don't mind either paying a small fee or dealing with sponsored ads, Beam offers some compelling features. The multi-streaming capability alone might be worth it for creators looking to expand their reach across multiple platforms.

That said, it's still a young platform with some features under development. But from what I've seen, they're actively working on improvements and seem committed to building something unique in the streaming space.

Final Thoughts

While Beam might not be for everyone, it's definitely worth keeping an eye on. The platform shows promise, and their approach to sponsored streaming could be a glimpse into the future of content creation monetization.

If you want to check it out yourself, head over to beamstream.gg. They've also got a social network component at gamingtribe.com, and their Discord community is pretty active if you want to learn more.

Have you tried Beam? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. Don't forget to hit that subscribe button and give this video a thumbs up if you found it helpful.

Until next time, this is Josh from 2TonWaffle, signing off!