For video game aficionados, making a career out of gaming is often a dream. It hasn’t always been possible, but in the last twenty years, web development has helped grow an entire community of gamers online. With modern gaming consoles having web capabilities, players can connect with others who don’t live locally.
While online communities aren’t a new concept, Twitch has been a game changer in recent years in its ability to bridge the gap between gamers all over the world. In contrast to other platforms like Discord, Twitch users can use the platform to broadcast their content to a wider audience. Successful streamers can even turn Twitch into a career opportunity through the use of subscriptions and sponsors.
Of course, just like the influencer business, becoming a successful streamer takes work and perseverance. No one will be an overnight success, but by following some key steps, you can get yourself on the right path to create a strong channel.
1. Get the Right Equipment
One of the most important steps in starting your channel is equipping yourself with the right technology. Sure, you don’t need the fanciest tools and cameras to create your own Twitch account. However, if you’re serious about becoming a successful streamer, then you want to invest in your equipment. Ensure that you have an appropriate screen recorder for pre-recorded content and a mic that can capture both your voice and gaming sounds. Pixelation is very noticeable with game recordings so you want tools that record in high resolution.
Webcams can also add to the quality of your broadcasts. Have a quality webcam and also design your space so that it’s clean and represents your aesthetic well. Keyboards and gaming chairs are fundamental parts of your gaming environment, and they will likely gain the attention of your followers. If this is something that you particularly enjoy, feel free to lean into it and share how you’re customizing your space for yourself with your followers. After all, this space is essential for supporting your brand.
2. Develop a Content Plan
Much like other influencers, you’ll want to create a content calendar to keep content consistently posted on your channel. As you move further into your calendar, review your analytics and take notes on the live streams that receive the most engagement. Take suggestions from your subscribers and supporters on what games you should play and the types of live streams you should do. Involving your audience in your content and letting them have a say can help you gain loyalty and encourage people to tune in in the future.
Planning a livestream can be difficult when you have a follower base that is worldwide. With Twitch’s ability to broadcast a pre-recorded live stream, you are less limited in publication times. Experiment by sharing these broadcasts during different times of day and analyzing differences in engagement. While there are certain benefits to having a true live stream, recordings will help you stay consistent without having to plan your gaming schedule around optimal watch times.
3. Use Twitch Features
A lot more goes into having a successful launch than just creating a simple live stream. Take advantage of all Twitch features to enhance your content. Using Twitch Extensions for example can make your content more engaging. Extensions introduce capabilities like info cards, polls, and trivia that make your broadcasts more fun. This feature really gives you room to be more creative with your content and gives viewers something to look forward to.
Once you reach a certain number of subscribers, there are features that you as a creator will have access to. Special features, like subscriber badges, incentivize your followers to support your channel. Other special features like customized emojis are available once you reach the “Affiliate” or “Partner” level. These perks are good motivation for you to continue growing your channel, and they may also bring some joy to your viewers once unlocked. You will also unlock Ad Revenues at this level, which contribute to your success and ability to pursue this hobby as a career.
4. Connect With Your Audience
Live streaming provides a unique opportunity to connect with your followers as they react to you in real-time. While you may be able to avoid interaction with other platforms, it’s quite essential when developing a Twitch profile. Similar to other platforms, you’ll need to determine your target audience and how to best engage with them. Certain age groups may respond differently to your approach, so you’ll want to ensure that your strategy is resonating across your follower base.
For instance, younger viewers, such as those in the Gen Z demographic, often appreciate fast-paced, visually engaging content with meme references and pop culture humor. They might respond well to interactive games, challenges, and quick-fire Q&A sessions during streams. Meanwhile, older viewers, such as millennials or Gen X, may prefer deeper discussions, nostalgia-driven content, or informative streams with detailed explanations and insights.
Communicating and making your audience a part of your content makes your broadcasts more interesting to watch. Strategies like responding to questions, incorporating interactive games, and keeping a general pulse on the chat will help you connect better with your viewers.
It Doesn’t Stop There
After you’ve established yourself on the Twitch platform, don’t forget that it doesn’t have to end there. Other channels like Discord and Steam have collaborations with Twitch that will allow you to switch between platforms while creating your content. Utilizing these channels on top of sharing to other social media sites can boost your broadcasts and create a broader awareness of your work online. Creating a successful Twitch channel can be a lot of work, but for those passionate about gaming, it’s worth the effort.