As we step into 2024, streaming culture is stronger than ever before. It’s the perfect time to reflect on your current streaming strategy. Are you still happy with your current streaming platform or is the grass really greener on the other side? You’ve heard rumors about people leaving Twitch for YouTube, is that something you should consider? With StreamLadder supporting both Twitch and YouTube, both can be good options. Let's have a chat about the perks and quirks of each platform.
Reputation and type of content
Streaming on YouTube has many benefits. Everyone knows YouTube – and pretty much everyone uses it – so you've got a big crowd already there. It has broader appeal and might feel like less of a step than getting people to a whole new platform, although it’s better known for its pre-recorded video content than it is for live streaming.
On the other end of the spectrum, Twitch has solidified its reputation as the go-to platform for gamers and esports enthusiasts. As a platform fully and exclusively dedicated to online streaming, Twitch boasts a robust community mostly centered around gaming culture. This comes with pros and cons, though: because there is so much gaming content already, it can be difficult to stand out. We'll dive into this topic more later on.
Monetization
Monetization (aka: making money) is a critical factor for content creators and the platform you choose to stream on can make a huge difference, especially once you make it big. It’s difficult to say which one is better, as there are many ways to monetize your content on both platforms, and some might work better for you than others. The requirements for becoming a Twitch affiliate or partner are less strict than those for becoming a partner on YouTube, which you can find here.
Once you make partner on Twitch, you’ll be able to run ads, plus you can supply your income with paid subscriptions, ad revenue, midstream advertisements, bits, donations, and more. For partners on YouTube, you can earn extra money through channel memberships and Super Chat donations. Besides these platform-specific monetization options, you can earn an extra buck by selling merchandise, doing sponsorship deals or with affiliate marketing, amongst other things – but you can do that anywhere, anytime, regardless of your choice of streaming platform.
Discoverability and competition
Discoverability plays a pivotal role in a streamer's success, and both platforms have their own unique approach to it. A major difference lies in how easy it is to get noticed and grow your audience.
Twitch falls short in the discoverability game because it lacks an algorithm to boost your content. Plus, the competition is intense in popular categories like gaming, making it challenging for newcomers to stand out and get your foot in. Channels are sorted based on active viewers, leaving new creators stranded at the bottom unless they pull off some serious stunts to grab attention. On the flip side, Twitch thrives on a tight-knit community vibe, where viewers love interacting with creators and spreading the word, contributing to their growth.
Meanwhile, YouTube's algorithm makes it easier to get noticed for smaller creators. Because of its search engine and the way YouTube works, your content can be discovered even after the live stream ends, which can attract viewers even when you’re not streaming. Millions of users search for content every day, and all your public videos are there for them to stumble upon, day or night.
No matter which platform you choose to stream on, for discoverability its best if you also post clips to other places like TikTok. You can convert clips from both Twitch and YouTube easily with StreamLadder. You can find tips on how to get more views by posting Twitch clips on TikTok here.
Community building and policies
Building a loyal community is crucial for long-term success in the world of live streaming. YouTube's advantage lies in its existing audience base, making it easier for creators to attract viewers from their other content. Twitch, with its real-time chat and interactive features, fosters a strong sense of community engagement. The choice between the platforms might depend on the type of interaction and connection you would like to have with your audience.
When it comes to community guidelines, Twitch keeps it relatively chill, giving creators a bit of a breather compared to YouTube's extensive list of terms and policies. However, despite this seemingly laid-back approach, Twitch doesn't hesitate to auto-ban even partner accounts without much explanation, unlike YouTube, which operates on a three-strike system.
Both platforms share some common ground with rules: steer clear of copyright violations, self-destructive behavior, violence, sexually suggestive content and hateful conduct. It's probably better to stick to those rules anyway, and to keep these in mind to minimize the chances of finding yourself banned on Twitch or hit with a strike on YouTube. Know also that social media platforms tend to be quite strict on these policies, so even if what you're doing matches Twitch's rules, cross-posting harmful clips to other social media platforms might still get you in trouble. Better to avoid it, then.
So... Where should you stream?
The decision to stream on YouTube or Twitch ultimately rests on your own preferences and goals. YouTube is really having a moment right now, but both platforms are constantly evolving, so who knows what might happen in the future? Whether you choose YouTube or Twitch, the key to success lies in consistency, creativity and fostering a community that resonates with your unique content. Good luck!
Want to turn your Twitch clips or YouTube streams into perfect videos for social media? Try StreamLadder for free.
