Jump to content
View in the app

A better way to browse. Learn more.
Indie Creator Community

A full-screen app on your home screen with push notifications, badges and more.

To install this app on iOS and iPadOS
  1. Tap the Share icon in Safari
  2. Scroll the menu and tap Add to Home Screen.
  3. Tap Add in the top-right corner.
To install this app on Android
  1. Tap the 3-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner of the browser.
  2. Tap Add to Home screen or Install app.
  3. Confirm by tapping Install.

Videos

Show all categories

Stop Giving Away Your Content to Toxic Platforms

Hey creators, Josh here with something that's been bugging me lately. I've been watching creators self-censor their content just to avoid harassment from trolls who have nothing better to do than twist words and manufacture outrage. That's not content creation, that's survival mode. The Real Problem When you post directly on Twitter/TikTok/Facebook, you're giving away ownership of your work. Platform changes rules? Your content gets nuked. Elon doesn't like you? Tweets disappear. These platforms dissolve? Years of work gone. You're building on rented land. The Solution Create content on platforms YOU control, then share links on social media. Think of Twitter as a free billboard, not your content home. Easy Options: • Ghost - $11/month, built-in monetization • Substack - Free with paid subscription options • WordPress - Free or $4/month for more features My Strategy: Create blog posts/videos on my platform, share links on social media, then leave. No engaging with replies, no scrolling timelines. Just post and go. The Mental Health Bonus Stepping back from toxic engagement improves your well-being dramatically. What's the point of reach if it's destroying your mental health? Reality Check Yeah, you might lose some engagement initially. But you gain control over your content destiny and peace of mind. For marginalized creators especially, having your own platform means your voice can't be silenced by algorithms or harassment mobs. My setup costs $17/month total. Compare that to YouTube taking 30% of Super Chats or Twitch taking 50% of subs. Bottom Line Use corporate platforms for discovery, but own your content elsewhere. Your dedicated audience will follow you anywhere. What do you think? Ready to take back control of your content? Check out what I'm building at indiecreator.community if you want to see this in action.
JoshB

Breaking Free from Corporate Streaming with Owncast

Hey everyone! Just wanted to share something I've been experimenting with that might interest other creators tired of platform dependency. So I've been diving deep into Owncast, which is basically self-hosted streaming. Think Twitch, but you actually own and control everything. No corporate overlords, no algorithm changes, no surprise policy updates. What's Owncast? Free, open-source live streaming software you host yourself. Works with OBS or any RTMP streaming setup. You control the rules, content, and customization completely. Why Consider It?
No censorship concerns (your server, your rules),
Integrates with Fediverse (Mastodon, etc.),
Custom emotes without restrictions,
Complete CSS customization,
No revenue sharing with platforms,
Setup Reality Check Not gonna lie, this isn't for everyone. But it's way easier than you'd think. Hetzner has one-click installs that get you running in under 10 minutes for about $7.50/month. I was skeptical about performance, but I'm running dual streams (source + mobile quality) at only 30% CPU usage on their basic tier. The Honest Downsides
Audience migration is tough (people are comfortable with Twitch),
Zero discoverability unless you build it elsewhere first,
Technical maintenance is on you,
Starting from scratch on viewer count,
My Take This isn't about replacing Twitch entirely. It's about having a platform you control for your core audience. Use corporate platforms for discovery, Owncast for sustainability. Most successful indie creators I know diversify their platform presence anyway. Your most engaged viewers will follow you anywhere. Getting Started Start simple. Set up a basic instance, test stream with directory listing off, get comfortable with the interface. The community is helpful (Rocket Chat + GitHub for support). Anyone else experimenting with self-hosted alternatives? Or perfectly happy with the corporate ecosystem? Curious about other creators' platform strategies. The barriers keep getting lower and the tools keep improving. There's definitely room for different approaches to coexist. Links:
Owncast: owncast.online,
My test instance: two-ton-waffle.com,
Building sustainable creator infrastructure is what this indie thing is all about, right?
JoshB

Building Communities That Actually Work: The Real Talk

Hey creators! Been thinking about community platforms lately and wanted to share some thoughts that might save you headaches down the road. The Discord Reality Check Look, Discord is great for what it is, but let's be honest about the downsides. You're building on rented land. Discord changes rules? Your community could vanish. All those great conversations? Locked behind a wall where Google can't find them. Forums: Old School But Still Smart Yeah, forums feel ancient, but they solve problems we've forgotten about. With something like Xenforo or Invision Community, YOU own the data. Members can actually find your discussions through search engines. It's more work upfront but way more sustainable. Guilded: The Alternative Nobody Talks About Honestly surprised more people don't use Guilded. You get animated emotes for free, built-in forums and calendars, better organization with groups. No third-party bots cluttering your member list. The main barrier? Getting people to try something that isn't Discord. Matrix: For Privacy Nerds If you care about open source and encryption, Matrix with Element is solid. Missing some quality-of-life stuff, but great for communities that need actual privacy. The Bottom Line There's no perfect platform. Discord works for quick setup, forums for long-term ownership, Guilded for better features, Matrix for privacy. Most successful creators use multiple platforms anyway. The real question isn't "what platform" but "what serves my community best?" Sometimes that's Discord. Sometimes it's not. What's your experience been? Stuck in Discord because that's where everyone expects you? Or found success elsewhere? Would love to hear your thoughts. Building communities that last matters more than following trends.
JoshB

Live Space - Shareplay Alpha - Owncast Update

Pilot episode but we do pack a lot of information into our first one though. Going over the latest experience I had while testing out the new live-streaming service, Shareplay. Currently in closed beta but it does offer some potential that will definitely have to back in on it when it opens up further and more of its unavailable features are released. Live Space is in open beta and is another of the upcoming live-streaming platforms that actually offer more than just live streaming. Incorporating a Twitter-like feed into the mix, you can offer your viewers and community more features to keep them within the site. Owncast, our fan favorite continues to impress us by releasing a new update. Fixing some issues we had encountered and bringing some new features to the channel page. We got a resizable chat and the option for pop-out chat as well as many other improvements.
JoshB

Ecamm Live 4.4 Review: Better Transitions, Audio & PTZ Controls

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.
JoshB

Streamlining Your Creative Process

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.
JoshB

Unlocking the Power of Ecamm Live

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.
JoshB

Bots, Streams, and Games: Unleashing the Power of Interactive Streaming

🔴 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.
JoshB

Streamers' Secret Weapon: Dissecting the Power of Local and Cloud-Based Bots

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!
JoshB

Chat Bots: The Silent Giants of Effective Live Streaming

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!
JoshB

Elevate Your Streams: Simple Steps to Add Random Sounds in Chats

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!
JoshB

Play Safe, Play Right: Recognizing Misleading Music Playlists Online

🎬 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
JoshB

Unlock The Power of Music in Your Content: Epidemic Sound, Monster Cat, and More!

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!
JoshB

Set Up A Custom Notion Template For Your Creative Projects

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.
JoshB

Understanding Copyright Free Music: A Lifesaver for Content Creators

🎯 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!
JoshB

Promote and Protect Your Brand by Centralizing on Your Domain

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!
JoshB

Tame the Chat Chaos - Consolidate with Social Stream

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
JoshB

The Ultimate Guide to The Pixel Chat Plaza

Taking a look into Pixel Chat's latest addition to the service, the Plaza. A place other creators can share their custom designed overlays with the rest of the community. Focusing on ways to make your streaming or content creation life better through tutorials and our welcoming communities. Working with Guilded, Discord, Trovo and YouTube.
JoshB

Account

Navigation

Search

Configure browser push notifications
Chrome (Android)
  1. Tap the lock icon next to the address bar.
  2. Tap Permissions → Notifications.
  3. Adjust your preference.
Chrome (Desktop)
  1. Click the padlock icon in the address bar.
  2. Select Site settings.
  3. Find Notifications and adjust your preference.