In the digital era, the adult industry has seen webcam modelling in high demand, with many sex workers moving their businesses online.
Since the development of digital sex markets, online escorting has become a lucrative alternative to traditional adult services.
While online escorts have greater work mobility, autonomy and geographical exposure, many believe transitioning to webcamming simply requires an internet connection, a working video camera, and a private space for performance. However, the reality is, moving your business to digital is no walk in the park.
If you want to provide your clients with the best experience, while encouraging them to come back for more, investing in quality webcam equipment can elevate your content to the next level, resulting in more business.
Vivastreet reveals the essential tech requirements needed for online sex work to make your adult webcam business a thriving success.
Essential tech equipment for webcamming
To stream live videos, there are several factors that impact the standard of webcam performance. Consider all of the following if you want your online business to flourish in this competitive market.
A modern computer
To become a webcam model, you probably guessed that you’ll need a well-functioning modern computer.
If you’ve got one already, you may be in luck, as this is likely to be the most expensive piece of technology for your webcam business.
However, there are some requirements for your computer hardware that should be met to successfully live stream your online content with limited complications.
Here are some of the key elements you need to consider:
- Central Processing Unit (CPU): This can be described as the brain of your computer, responsible for receiving instructions and providing the appropriate output. Make sure your CPU is compatible with your video encoding software, which allows you to convert one video format into another.
- Random Access Memory (RAM): It’s the temporary memory storage in a computer that allows you to run your programs; the more activity your computer is doing, the more storage you’ll need. Many live streaming sites recommend a RAM of 8GB to keep all your open programs running smoothly. However, if you’re likely to have multiple applications running simultaneously, it might be safer to have a RAM of 16GB to avoid diminishing the ability and quality of your live streams.
- Hard drive storage capacity: As you’ll be doing a lot of webcamming, your hard drive may need a storage capacity of at least 1TB, as high-quality videos tend to take up a considerable amount of storage space.
Please note that different webcam sites also have varied computer requirements, so be sure to check if your hardware specifications are compatible before signing-up to your chosen webcam host.
For example, Windows and Mac are popular computer operating systems, but some digital softwares, camming sites, and other tech brands can sometimes work better on some computer systems than others.
If you’re unsure about any of the requirements above, look up your computer model online or get help from a local tech shop.
If purchasing a new computer and you’re likely to be on the move (either between rooms or further afield), you may find a laptop more practical.
Webcam
Nowadays, modern computers already come with an embedded webcam.
But if you want to produce video content that is of high quality we advise purchasing a separate HD webcam for your online adult services.
Although you still have the option to use your computer webcam, an external one can make your sexy cam video look professional and allow for a better customer experience.
An external webcam can offer the following advantages that may be limited with an installed computer camera, such as:
- Autofocus fine tuning
- Enhanced image quality
- A wider field of view
- Greater speed
- More fluidity
- Colour balance
Bear in mind that the frame rate (fps) of a webcam is important to achieve a seamless video that’s not sketchy or jumpy. The higher the frame rate the better the video transmission, so try and aim for one above 30fps, as this is considered the basic frame rate to avoid stuttering, artifact and pixel jitter in visual video.
If you’re not clued up about tech brands, a very popular one amongst cam models is Logitech.
However, more information on the best webcams for your business can be found here.
Even high-definition video cameras are a popular option for quality filming and are perfect if you intend to sell videos. Some top video cameras come with features such as built-in zooming, infrared night vision, picture-taking while recording, and even a remote control, which can give your webcam performance a more professional edge over your competitors.
Once you’ve opted for the perfect webcam, you might find yourself interested in some practical webcam accessories to help you set-up. Take a look at these popular options below:
Tripod
A tripod is a three-legged stand to pop your webcam on for optimum stability and mobility during your webcam online session.
It’s important that your live material is stationary with a central focus, as a wobbly video can appear amateur.
The best part about a tripod is that it provides freedom to adjust the camera position so you can achieve the perfect angles that show off your flattering side while inciting specific emotions in your clients.
Just make sure that your webcam can fit into your chosen tripod before purchasing.
Webcam splitter
Looking to host on multiple cam sites? Well, a webcam splitter is your saving grace if you want to make extra cash and do all the hard work in one hit.
Unlike your webcam software, it allows you to live stream to multiple platforms simultaneously, and can be quite handy for wider group sessions.
You can either download a free webcam splitter software or opt for a paid premium version – it’s entirely up to you.
However, if you’re only interested in offering tailored one-on-one sessions, then you probably won’t need a webcam splitter for this.
Microphone
This is where your phone sex skills can come into play, and utilising a good quality microphone will enable you to add alluring audio when it comes to pleasing your clients.
The same way a clear vision of you will go a long way in your webcam business, clients will also appreciate being able to clearly hear you too.
Although many webcams have an onboard microphone, it might be a good idea to buy an external one to connect to your camera to ensure optimum sound quality.
Otherwise, make sure your webcam boasts superior audio quality, as crackling audio will compromise your stunning video.
Speakers
When having your adult webcam chat, you’ll need to hear your clients clearly without them having to continuously repeat what they are saying.
Some microphones embedded in computers are not the best quality, and can be dependent on the microphone location and overall computer solution.
Want to make your video more interesting with some musical entertainment? Adding good music to your sex cam performance can set the mood, but you’ll need to invest in quality speakers with a clear, balanced and transparent sound.
Also, one that you can control from a distance, like when you’re on the bed while performing.
Wireless keyboard and mouse
To create an entertaining live show, you won’t be in a position to remain seated in front of the computer.
That’s why a wireless keyboard and mouse is handy to offer some stimulating action from wherever you need to without having to stop in between your sessions to use your computer.
It provides a more fluid performance and an aesthetically pleasing one too, as there’ll be no wires to distract or cramp your style.
Lighting
As the subject of your online webcam video, you need to be in a well-lit environment.
Sometimes, this may not be possible, so many video creators use extra lighting equipment to get sufficient brightness.
A simple yet effective lighting tool perfect for webcamming is the ring light – a circular lamp with fluorescent bulb that emits LED lighting commonly used for photography.
Ring lights are great for creating an attractive lighting balance that outlines you as the focus from the point of view of your webcam while eliminating shadows.
Popular for beauty shots too, the light is even great for applying makeup, so you can be sure that you’ll look flawless in your live stream, emphasising your best features.
It is recommended to purchase a ring light with a high lumen and powerful colour rendering index (CRI) for a brighter light and an accurate colour representation that brings depth and a soft glow to you and your surroundings.
Or, you can opt for a more professional option with adjustable stand lights to create a 3-point lighting setup like they do in video and photography studios. Here are four things you will need:
- Key light
- Fill light
- Back light
- Umbrella
For more information on 3-point lighting, read this.
Internet Connection
Now, no matter how high-end your professional webcam equipment is, a slow broadband connection can lead to inadequate service – and ultimately, an unhappy client.
With webcam modelling, clients want to experience an online service that doesn’t keep buffering, stalling or experiencing loading difficulties which will diminish your streaming quality and interrupt their sessions.
That means a high-speed and reliable internet connection plays a critical role in creating a great live video experience, while ensuring clients come back for more.
If your Wi-Fi connection tends to lose signal frequently, then you might want to get an ethernet cable.
Plus, many cam hosting sites require a minimum network connection, so make sure yours is up to par with their requirements.
In general, the faster the connection, the clearer your live videos will appear.
Setting up your webcam room
Now that you’re all equipped, it’s time to create the perfect scene and atmosphere to set the right mood.
There’s no point going to town with professional webcam equipment if your video setting lacks personality and an aesthetic view, as this can be a huge turnoff for clients.
Most cam girls like to perform in a bedroom, as it’s a romantic setting generally associated with sexual pleasure.
Here are some tips on setting up the ideal room that’ll give some sexy context to your live adult webcam video:
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Bed: A bed is one of the best locations for your webcam performance. As it’s the main prop and most likely the biggest one in the bedroom, it’s going to be in full view, so perhaps you should jazz it up with fancy bed linen. Great options for a sexy appeal tend to be silk, satin, velvet or lace materials.
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Furniture: Some clients will appreciate it if you switched it up a bit and performed somewhere else. This doesn’t necessarily mean in a different room or external location, it could be as simple as a chair or sofa. A stylish armchair or office chair for role-play, or even a stylish chaise longue or tantra sofa will do just the trick.
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Accessories: Do you know what the best accessories are to have in your webcam video? You’ve guessed it: sex toys. You may find that a lot of clients have fetishes and sexual interests with sex toys, or if they’ve never thought about it, it’s your chance to introduce them to something new – brownie points. Even if you don’t use them, it adds to your overall performance.
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Lamp: If you don’t have a dimmer light you’ll need a lamp, particularly one that can be dimmed or has a soft-white light for a cosy and relaxed feel. If you want to, you can even opt for a different coloured bulb to create your desired atmosphere.
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Table: Now, you’re going to need a nice bedside table to place that lamp or rest those sex toys on. Either way, it’s an ideal place to put your necessities while having them within reach, as you’ll want to keep the bed or whatever you’re performing on, clear and free of distractions.
Starting your webcam modelling
Once you’ve gathered all the webcam equipment and set up your room, you’re ready to start your live adult webcam show.
With our recommended tech equipment to carry out the job, your online content and adult webcam business will not fall short of professionalism.
Due to the current climate, finding the money to invest in webcam technology might be quite tricky, and that’s exactly why you shouldn’t rush.
If you want to, you can use what you already have, and just make some upgrades later down the line when you feel more comfortable with live streaming and are financially ready.
For now, make sure you have the basic requirements for webcamming so you can live stream successfully and put on a good show, while ensuring you grow your adult webcam business.
If you’d like some more tips on becoming a successful webcam model, click here.
