Green Screen vs. Curated Background

Green screen seems to have won out as the “standard” for streaming/lets plays, but recently I’ve been noticing some long time creators eschew that for a reasonably sized window with a curated background.

I love my background. I’ve got full posters, tin posters and ever a comic book, culminating in what I call Horror Wall like it’s a character on my channel lol. Green screens, I’m frankly tired of dealing with.

What do you think? Are you team background? Team green screen?

Created at 9:56pm, 21st May, 2024. Page last updated at 9:07pm, 6th June, 2024.

Konquest 5/22/2024, 1:21:59 AM

I tried both. But one problem I have is ‘shiny object syndrome’ when I see top creators use green screen I tend to lean towards it. When I see them doing something New I start thinking should I do it too and start doubting myself. Even if I don’t really want to do it. Honestly my personal preference is real background even if it looks like you’re sitting in a shed. Simply because it’s authentic. So I’ve decided to try and be as authentic as possible even if it will likely have a negative effect. Because I like seeing YouTubers in their real situation be it a shed or basement. Until eventually one day they make it and start upgrading. You are with them along the journey.

Horror and Cats 5/22/2024, 1:36:44 AM

Konquest

I think I get what what you’re saying. You’re cautioning against shaping your channel in the image of other, “older” creators.

I fully agree with that.

I’ve never thought green screens denoted professionalism. It sounds like maybe you do? Like, the “starter streamer” doesn’t have a green screen.

That’s kinda my point though. Green screens are cheap AF. OBS, which does the keying out is free. So I’m wondering why/when the green screen became the standard over collectible, posters, cool lights, etc.

You know?

Konquest 5/22/2024, 3:02:04 AM

Horror and Cats

Yup, I mean I'm a new creator but I have been making videos for a few years now not professionally but as a hobby. I don't use much effects like After Effects its cool but I don't think its necessary for me to learn. I focus more on cuts and trying to learn story telling by matching cuts in sequence, timing and music to match everything. Sort of trying to express the emotion I feel when putting the thing together. Honestly I've never used a real green screen lol.. I've used a green towel and green cloth that i put together with tape. HAHAHAH you laugh but it works. obs even has a plugin that I have tested, it works great even if there is no green screen as long as the BG is any solid color. I think maybe they feel it looks professional because it gives a cleaner feel, more visibility to the game.

The reason I want to see the person's BG like real bg, is because I'm following them because I want to have a connection and seeing their current surrounding sort of gives me that feel. doesn't matter even if its a blank wall. They could be just starting out and don't have a proper space etc.. but that's the journey. Seeing a person go from shack to 'mansion' is an authentic experience. but TLDR: Collectibles, posters, cool lights, etc. are the way to go for me :D

Horror and Cats 5/22/2024, 3:13:21 AM

Konquest

Haha I get you, dude. As it turns out, we feel the same! I think a background which represents YOU is so much better than a green screen. I think Kings Court is a good example of it. Well curated background and designed to take modest screen space.

Konquest 5/22/2024, 3:50:18 AM

Horror and Cats

Agreed, green screens just take out the emotions I feel. I love Kings Court BG as well. and how he starts some of the streams with masks and costumes, shows real dedication and character :D

Kings Court 5/22/2024, 7:03:08 PM

Konquest

Awwwww You guys !!! Tbf it isnt the background I would really like to have but limited space and funds mean I make do with what I can, so I got some lighting sorted and a little backdrop to hide the reality of our room !! hahahah

It really means a lot to have the feedback !!

Kings Court 5/22/2024, 7:02:52 PM

Horror and Cats

Horror and Cats 5/22/2024, 10:42:20 PM

Kings Court

Haha your background lighting matching your overlay is what I’m talking about. It’s a good combo I like it!

Kings Court 5/23/2024, 12:13:24 PM

Horror and Cats

oh yeh I get that dude, I would eventually like my own gaming area / man cave with my comics and pointy things and figures on display, same lighting with the red and stuff, but more Me ! I suppose thats all i was trying to elaborate on.

Horror and Cats 5/23/2024, 12:25:05 PM

Kings Court

Haha I've got some pointy things I might mount one day. My Blade replica sword is pretty cool, just sayin' haha

Kings Court 5/23/2024, 2:24:04 PM

Horror and Cats

ooooh !!! dude I will have to get pics of my collection !! My prized one is "the Cleaver" named by the group at the smithing course I was on, I made it from scratch over 7 days !! its a Chonky boy !

Lanah Tyra 5/22/2024, 8:26:43 AM

I prefer the backgrounds with lights, posters and collector items, somehow it makes it more personal for me. I'm not using my camera at the moment for a few reasons one of them being not having a nice background due to the layout of the room and I don't want to use green screen.

Other thing with green screen and effects like blur on Teams meetings, no matter how hard I try they always cut into my hair and I hate that 😅

Horror and Cats 5/22/2024, 11:39:03 AM

Lanah Tyra

When my hair is long the same thing happens to me haha