JoshB

Just finished watching the Mix It Up community town hall, and this is required viewing for anyone in the streaming space. Tim, the lead developer still standing behind one of streaming's most popular bots, just delivered what might be the most transparent community update I've ever seen from a tech project. We're talking full financial disclosure, honest assessment of challenges, and a realistic roadmap that doesn't rely on corporate buzzwords. The numbers behind the curtainMix It Up has quietly become streaming infrastructure. Tim dropped some statistics that put their growth into perspective: 60,000 monthly active streamers using the bot, with roughly 14,000 daily users processing millions of commands and tens of millions of events. Compare that to their humble beginnings where Tim noted they "peaked at maybe a hundred users" in their entire first year. That kind of exponential growth explains both their success and their current challenges. Leadership changes and what they really meanThe elephant in the room got addressed directly. Co-founders Savior XTaran and Tyron have stepped back from active development. Tim was clear about the circumstances: "Both for personal reasons and, you know, both very amicable. We are still, we still talk to one another. Sometimes daily, mostly weekly." No drama, no falling out. Just life happening to people who've already contributed thousands of hours to a project. But it does leave Tim carrying the entire development burden solo, which explains the six-month update drought. His honesty about the workload was refreshing: "I just didn't have time. And that's very literal did not have hours in the day." The financial reality nobody talks aboutHere's where things got really interesting. Most software projects guard their financials like state secrets, but Tim laid out exactly what it costs to keep Mix It Up running: approximately $10,000 annually. The funding model has been essentially subsidized charity. Tim explained that "the company that Mix It Up runs under also does many other things... a lot of times all of those would just go towards subsidizing Mix It Up." But here's the remarkable part: the community response to transparency was immediate and overwhelming. Patreon supporters jumped from 16 members contributing about $60 monthly to 88 supporters providing over $400 monthly. All within a week of honest communication about their situation. The free commitment stands firmTim repeatedly emphasized their core principle: "Mix it up is going to be free to use. We are not going to pay wall it. We are not going to feature limit you." His reasoning felt genuine rather than calculated: "I could not sleep at night knowing that that level of greed had kind of overtaken me." This wasn't marketing speak but someone articulating values that have guided eight years of development. Why Kick support remains elusiveThe community has been requesting Kick integration for years, and Tim finally provided a technical explanation that makes sense. Unlike platforms using persistent connections, Kick's webhook architecture requires "exclusive dedicated infrastructure on our part because we then have to maintain a connection to the people that are using that service." Translation: they'd need significantly more expensive servers just to handle Kick's design choices. Tim was direct about the economics: "Long story short it was going to be a very expensive service for us to implement." However, he offered realistic hope: "once we get mix it up to a place of sustainability on the financial side, those are going to be things that we look at adding in." Development priorities that actually make senseInstead of promising revolutionary features, Tim outlined a practical restoration approach: Immediate fixes: "Trovo connectivity, responsive voice, getting that back up and going. The issues we've been having with Twitch reconnection... getting those resolved is going to be top of my list." Infrastructure improvements: streamlining updates so "if something's broken, I want to be able to fix it immediately and I want to be able to get that out to you guys within a matter of minutes." Future expansion: cross-platform support and potential "Mix It Up 2.0" architecture, contingent on team growth. Support system getting much-needed overhaulThe current Discord support structure has clearly reached its breaking point. Tim admitted the tracking situation had become untenable: "it took me the better part of five minutes just to get a handle on what requests were still open, who was working them, and what hadn't even been touched yet." The solution involves implementing a proper ticketing system alongside community-driven support channels. Initial rollout targets Patreon supporters for testing before broader availability. Community response reveals project valueWhat struck me most was Tim's surprise at the overwhelmingly positive response to their transparency. He noted that the announcement generated "all positivity and support" across social media, which he called "a rare thing" in today's online environment. That community response indicates Mix It Up has built something genuinely valuable rather than just convenient. When people step up financially after honest communication about challenges, that suggests real attachment to the platform. Infrastructure awareness for content creatorsThis situation highlights how little most streamers understand about the tools they depend on daily. Mix It Up has become critical infrastructure for thousands of content creators who've invested hundreds of hours in customization and workflow integration. Tim clearly grasps this responsibility: "for a lot of you the bot you choose and the time you spend and invest in setting up that bot... that is the beating heart and soul of your stream." Sustainability model worth studyingTim's approach of maintaining free core functionality while being transparent about premium service costs feels like a template other developers should examine. Rather than hidden costs or sudden feature restrictions, they're building sustainable funding around services that genuinely require ongoing infrastructure investment. The Patreon model focuses on voluntary support rather than mandatory subscriptions, respecting both the community's diverse financial situations and their commitment to accessibility. Lessons for the broader ecosystemThis town hall demonstrates the power of honest communication with user communities. Instead of corporate messaging about "exciting new directions," Tim provided specific numbers, acknowledged real challenges, and set realistic expectations. The community response suggests that transparency, even about difficulties, builds stronger relationships than polished marketing materials. People appreciate being treated as stakeholders rather than just users. Looking forwardMix It Up's situation reflects broader challenges in maintaining community-focused tools at scale. Growth brings both opportunities and financial pressures that passion projects aren't always equipped to handle. However, Tim's commitment to transparency and community-first development, combined with the user base's demonstrated willingness to provide support, creates a foundation for sustainable growth. The focus on fixing existing functionality before adding new features shows maturity in prioritization. Final thoughtsThis town hall should be required viewing for anyone building tools for content creators. It demonstrates how honest communication, realistic planning, and community respect can turn potential crisis into collaborative problem-solving. Tim's handling of a difficult transition period with transparency and genuine care for his user base provides a model for how these conversations should happen. Sometimes the best strategy is simply telling the truth and trusting your community to respond appropriately. In Mix It Up's case, that trust appears well-founded. The combination of honest leadership and responsive community support suggests this platform has the foundation to thrive for another eight years.

In this video, I break down the four major upgrades in Ecamm Live's latest 4.4 update that creators have been requesting for years. Learn about the smooth new Live Motion Transitions that elegantly move your scenes, built-in PTZ camera controls for effortless camera positioning, powerful audio plugins to enhance your sound quality, and improved Zoom integration features including Active Speaker camera switching. Whether you're a livestreamer, podcaster, or content creator, these new features will elevate your production quality without requiring expensive equipment. All these upgrades are available across all Ecamm subscription levels - no Pro account needed! Watch to see these features in action and discover how they can transform your content creation workflow.

In this conversation, Josh discusses his approach to organizing his workflow for content creation, focusing on the use of various productivity tools like ClickUp, Notion, and others. He shares insights on how he structures his content production pipeline, from live streaming to video editing and blog posting, emphasizing the importance of personalizing workflows to fit individual needs. Josh also highlights the significance of experimenting with templates and tools to enhance productivity and streamline processes.

In this conversation, I provide an in-depth review of Ecamm Live, a live streaming and video production software. I discuss its features, capabilities, and how it compares to other software like OBS. I highlight the ease of use, integration options for guests, comment management, and recording functionalities, making it a suitable choice for both beginners and professionals in the content creation space.

🔴 Bots, Streams, and Games: Unleashing the Power of Interactive Streaming 🟩 Join us on a thrilling journey through the world of chatbots, as we break down the complexities of Beepbot, its features, and how it enhances the streaming experience. Listen in as we take a detailed tour of the command center and discuss the potential of integrating Beepbot with platforms like Twitch and Discord. We also cover the use of aliases and variables and the potential of crafting custom actions for specific events. There's a whole world to discover within Beepbot and we're here to guide you through it all! In our next segment, we explore how chatbots like Beepbot and Aitum are transforming the streaming experience. We take you through their unique features and capabilities, and how they can be utilized for quote systems, currency, giveaways, and even games. We'll also talk about the cross-platform functionality of Aitum, a feature that streamers with multiple devices will find particularly handy. Listen in as we also touch on how chatbots integrate with Twitch channel points and OBS, simplifying the process for streamers to switch between games and scenes. Finally, we examine the world of live streaming and the tools that can enhance the experience. We discuss Streamlabs OBS, a streaming software known for its stream deck plug-ins, lighting control, and integration with platforms like TikTok and Discord. We also address the new changes YouTube needs to improve its live streaming aspect. Another tool we cover is Mix It Up, a chatbot initially created for Mixer but now integrated with Twitch, YouTube, and Trovo. We highlight its versatility and features that make streams more visually and interactively appealing. Join us for this exciting discussion as we uncover the best tools and strategies for enhancing your streaming experience.

In today's video, join me as we dive deep into the world of locally-based and cloud-based chatbots for streamers. I shed light on what makes both sides unique and why they are two sides of the same coin. We start our journey by examining locally based bots; these are programs installed on your computer that you initiate before starting your stream. I walk you through some of their unique features and discuss the boundless possibilities this system offers. We take a peek at some incredible features like customized sound effects, automated responses, scene changes, and personalized entry sequences for regular viewers. We'll talk about Firebot, a locally installed chatbot, along with glimpses into the incredible work of streamer 'Nutty'. Nutty's mind-blowingly inventive ideas show you how you can use these bots to create interactive experiences for your viewers. Then, we change gear and shift our gaze to cloud-based chatbots. Streamlined, user-friendly, and versatile, cloud-based chatbots are installed on servers elsewhere rather than on your computer. The ability to create triggers, call-backs, and shout-out commands, while simpler, still holds vast possibilities. We'll also explore some popular cloud-based chatbots like Nightbot, Moobot, Beatbot, Stream Elements, and Botrix and discuss their features. You'll understand how both locally-based and cloud-based chatbots can enrich your streaming experience in different ways. Whether you are a beginner or a pro streamer, you'll gain insights into which option would suit your streaming requirements the best. So come join me on this tech journey, and let's unleash the power of chatbots. Your roadmap to an immersive streaming experience starts here. Let’s jump right in!

Streamline your live streaming process with the help of our digital allies - chatbots! In this in-depth video guide, I break down everything you need to know about using chatbots to maximize your content creation. From simplifying viewer interaction and responding to commands to enhancing viewer experience with personalized touches - chatbots can do it all. Join me as we dive headfirst into the world of chatbots, learn to understand their functionalities, and even pick the right one for your channel. Also, we'll navigate the complexities involved with various streaming platform APIs, providing practical insights and solutions to potential integration bottlenecks. And of course, we'll explore various popular chatbots, such as Nightbot and Streamlabs Chatbot, to help you make an informed decision. Whether you're new to streaming or a seasoned content creator looking to revamp your channel, this guide is for you! Let's revolutionize our streaming experience and foster close-knit communities with the correct use of chatbots. Click the play button to start your journey to becoming a chatbot expert! Don't forget to like the video, share it with others, and subscribe to our channel for more informative content. Drop a comment down below if you have any questions or suggestions; I'd love to hear from you!

All right, let's go ahead and dive into the exciting world of adding random sound effects to your livestream! In this video, I'll show you the basic steps you need to take to get started using Mix It Up Bot. Not surprisingly, you need accounts on your preferred streaming platforms like Glimesh, Trovo, Twitch, or YouTube, and you'll also need to download and install Mix It Up. In this video, I demonstrate how to add random fart and Owen Wilson "wow" sound effects, but the possibilities are endless! Get creative and have fun with it. Remember, it's all for science! So go ahead and check out this tutorial to level up your stream with hilarious sound effects. If you found this video helpful, don't forget to give it a thumbs up and subscribe to my channel for more awesome content. Let's make your stream even more entertaining together!

🎬 In today's video, we're diving into the murky waters of YouTube and Spotify playlists 🎯: the good, the bad, and the potentially illegal! 🤔 Join us as we dissect the dangers lurking behind your favorite 'No Copyright Sounds' and 'Stream Beats' playlists 🔎. Dive deep into the realm of misleading tracks🎧, deceiving tracklists, and cunning playlist creators who might be leading you to copyright issues⚠️, without you even knowing it! I highlight crucial points, from the dexterity of copycats on Spotify, who mimic official 'Stream Beats' accounts 🗣️ to the dire repercussions of casually picking songs from deceiving playlists for your YouTube content or live streams.📺💥 Discover the risks involved in this deceivingly simple process! The culprits? Top 50 playlists that might not be what they seem 🕵️‍♂️, the tricky interpretation of 'No Copyright Sounds', and more! We’ll also discuss the importance of authenticity and respecting the work of musical artists around the world 🎼🌍. Bottom line: If you don't have permission, don't play it! It can be a costly mistake.💸🚫 Stay tuned as we explore legit, hassle-free alternatives 😉 to spice up your live streams and YouTube content without falling into the copyright trap! 🚀✅ Educate yourself about the ins and outs of copyright issues, learn to vigilantly examine playlists, and brace yourself to never fall prey to these copyright traps again! 🎵📚🔒 Remember, knowledge is power! 💪🧠 Watch till the end for a comprehensive guide on how to navigate this challenging aspect of content creation in the digital age! 🎬🎥💯 Enjoy watching, and don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more guidance on your content-creating journey! 👍🔔📲 NoCopyright #CopyrightIssues #YouTubeGuide #Spotify #Playlist #StreamBeats #ContentCreation #DigitalAge #EducationalVideo #ContentCreator

In this informative video, we delve deep into exploring various options, free and paid, for sourcing music for your live streams or your YouTube videos. We discuss known platforms such as Stream Beats by Harris Heller, known for making DMCA-free music readily available. We also talk about some smaller artists providing their tracks free of use for your content, pro tips on how to avoid copyright issues, and even what to do when you get a copyright strike. Transitioning to paid options, we cover services like Epidemic Sound, Monster Cat, and Pretzel Pro. We break down the nitty-gritty details of their subscription plans, usage rights, amount and variety of music available, and price points to help you make the best decision for your content needs. We also touch upon the importance of using authorized music, copyright issues, licensing, and how to legally use these tracks in your content. This video is a must-watch if you are a creator, streamer, or anyone looking for the right music for your digital content! Look out for useful timestamps directing you to specific topics you might be interested in. Leave us a like if you've found value in this video and feel free to share it with others!

Getting organized and staying on top of your tasks and projects has never been easier with Notion. In this tutorial, I'll show you how to set up powerful databases, templates, and views to transform Notion into your own personal productivity hub. We'll start with the basics - what is Notion and why it's such a popular all-in-one workspace. Then I'll walk through the different pricing plans so you understand what's included for free vs. the paid upgrades. A big part of this video is setting up sample databases to demonstrate Notion's flexibility. You'll learn how to create databases for tracking videos, sharing tasks with a team, and more. I also cover relating databases together so your information stays interconnected. Speaking of organization - I show various view types like calendars, boards, and filtration that make it simple to focus on what's most important. Don't miss my template examples for tasks, notes, wikis, and other common use cases. By the end of this Notion overview, you'll feel confident customizing it to your specific needs, whether that's for work, school, creative projects, or just daily living. It's the perfect tool for bringing structure to chaos while keeping everything accessible on any device. So if you're ready to supercharge your productivity and information management, start your free Notion trial today at notion. so. I guarantee this will quickly become an essential part of your digital workflow.

🎯 Topic: "DMCA & Content Creation: What Every Creator Should Know" 💡Today's video hits the right note as we dive headfirst into one of the most misunderstood aspects of content creation - DMCA and copyrighted music.💡 Are you risking your channel every time you play a song?😲 Let's clear the fog around the use of music in creating YouTube content. Whether you're an old pro or a fresh-faced creator, getting to grips with DMCA rules is crucial for your online presence. Don't hit the wrong chord!🎸 This video walks you through DMCA basics, offers insider tips on how to use music without breaching copyright laws, and shares learnings from recent YouTube and Twitch incidents. Don't risk getting your channel vaporized! 💥 Learn how to use copyrighted music safely, and understand the alternatives, from royalty-free tunes to getting permission from the artists themselves.⭐ Stay informed and shield your content from unexpected strikes!🛡️ Click play NOW!

In today's video, I discuss why owning your own content distribution channels is so important as a creator. Too often we freely share our work across platforms we don't truly control. While social media plays a role, ultimately we need to establish our independent online homes. I explore how platforms like Twitter and Facebook will always put their own priorities first, meaning your creative efforts are at their mercy. Your accounts or content could disappear at any time through no fault of your own. Instead, we should make our own websites, blogs, or newsletters the true sources and archives for all our creations. Luckily, affordable and accessible self-hosting options exist these days to help us build our independent hubs. WordPress, Ghost, and Substack are perfect for creators on any budget. Once launched, use your site as a central base to share your best work more broadly. Link back to keep your long-form articles and original efforts from getting lost. Develop rich and useful content directly for your readers over the long run. While daily posting isn't realistic for all, aim to steadily grow your library of articles and projects. This future-proofs what you've made and gives engines more to appreciate your site. I hope this inspires you all to really take ownership of your creations. Let me know if you have any other questions!

Tired of Having Multiple Chat Windows? Combine All Your Chats Into One! Have you ever found yourself with Discord, Twitch, Facebook, and more open while streaming? Juggling conversations across platforms can be frustrating! In this video, I'll show you how to bring all of your important chats together into a single dock using Social Stream. Social Stream allows you to consolidate your messaging windows so you have one place to see conversations from Twitch, YouTube, Skype, Telegram, and more. I'll walk through setting up Social Stream and integrating your accounts. You'll learn how to customize the interface and appearance. Don't stop there! Social Stream also has powerful options for integrating your combined chat into your stream as an on-screen overlay. Viewers on any platform can join the discussion without you having to switch between windows. Save yourself time and reduce stress by tidying up your messy chat situation. Join me to discover this hidden gem of a tool for streamers and content creators. Organize your conversations and up your engagement game - you'll wonder how you ever managed without Social Stream! Let me know if you have any other questions! Be sure to subscribe and check back for more helpful streaming tips and tutorials. https://github.com/steveseguin/social_stream

Beacn's Mic is a great all in one USB microphone that handles all of the processing on board. Bringing the power of its on board processing and seamless integration of the Beacn software, you can't really find fault for this good USB microphone.

It's been just over six months after purchasing the Beacn Mix Create and using it in my daily workflow of content creation. Needless to say the experience has been great with some hiccups along the way that were quickly dealt with. Overall I would recommend the Mix Create for someone who wants just audio routing for their content.