If you want to know how to get big on Twitch then let me tell you that it’s a lot of hard work, but it pays off – eventually. There are risks when on the path to get big on Twitch, and the path of a streamer is often covered with challenges. Thankfully, there are ways to navigate those and to make sure you are doing your absolute best to be on top.
Once you commit to be a streamer, it might be worth securing additional gigs to lower any financial pressure.
As it is, pursuing a dream such as streaming for a living comes with a few caveats, and as long as you realize that, you are all set to make it big on twitch.
Go To Events And Network
Knowing how to get big on Twitch is knowing how to get yourself seen. Regardless of your area of expertise and industry, creating contacts is healthy, useful and most of the time, rewarding.
If you’ve ever heard the phrase ‘It’s not what you know, it’s who you know then you’ll understand how powerful networking can be. Going to your first event might seem scary, especially if you are not so good at speaking to others but don’t be afraid to get out there and be seen, that’s what you are wanting, isn’t it?
If you live in the United States or anywhere in Europe you can easily hop on a plane and get yourself to TwitchCon which is hosted annually in the US. TwitchCon is also hosting its first-ever EU conference which is coming to Berlin in September.
Check out their official website for more details here.
TwitchCon will probably be your single most important conference to attend if you are wanting to know how to get big on Twitch. Get out there, mingle, and enjoy socializing with like-minded streamers, sponsors, developers, and more!
Be sure not to just sit there and hope people will talk to you. Get a pass that gives you access to any areas where other streamers might be. This could be after-parties or lounge areas.
The other streamers attending are just like so you be the one to break the ice and meet some awesome new people. You never know what this may bring you.
Play with Your Viewers
Playing with your viewers is a great concept that you should be doing. People like Ninja and DrLupo don’t bother much with rocking it out with fans, but other streamers like AdmiralBulldog and Purge are in touch with the community and it’s a great way to show your viewers some appreciation.
Video game streamer Purge has schooled rookies of all backgrounds, bringing them on stream and just trying to improve their overall gameplay – genuinely.
AdmiralBulldog on the other hand has been hilarious for taking under his wing a player and then kidding him around in the most good-humored way possible for everyone to see.
Playing with viewers works and the model has already been proven successful. Be sure to consider adding your followers to play games along with you, then you stand a unique opportunity to become even more popular.
Interact With Your Chat, Frequently.
If you want to know how to get big on Twitch then think of yourself as a customer support agent. You will need to interact with the chat as often as you can, but there are some ground rules you can establish. It’s up to you to set the tone of voice, regardless of the things being written.
If you decide to focus on some insensitive joke this could turn away a lot of the reasonable viewers you want to hold on to.
Some streamers are like that and they try to jump from one thing to the next. Others, such as Purge, for example, have worked for years, with a relatively small fan base to achieve recognition, respect, and a great tone of voice in their chat. Highlight what is worth highlighting and dismiss the rest.
Form a Stream Team
Want to gain traction online? Just as with any other activity, it would do you the world of good to team up and form a Stream Team with people who both value their time and want to achieve something meaningful in the long-term.
Of course, you will want to attract people who are passionate, entertaining, and just what the viewers need. You want to be associated with something specific and be part of a brand that can be associated with your name.
Losing some of your own momenta just to be part of the headlines for a few hours isn’t worth it. Choose your streaming buddies carefully and don’t compromise with what you hold to be true and right.
Multi-Stream Your Channel
Twitch’s multi-stream policy is worth examining as they change it up frequently. Having your stream picked up by other people on other channels is a great way to gain traction and find new viewers.
A multi-stream is essentially you hosting your stream on multiple channels at the same time. This could be on Facebook, YouTube, and of course, Twitch itself as that will be your core platform.
Some channels might be a bit more difficult than others to gain viewers, but if you are streaming already then there is no harm in streaming on other platforms as well if your PC can handle it.
Each platform is different so be sure to learn how the algorithm works and work your way up.
Ethics of a Successful Streamer
Twitch is full of people who want to make a quick buck. Are you familiar with the expression “more bang for your buck”? Well, in some rare cases, Twitch streamers have resorted to the former.
Streamers are usually seen to have cushy lives and riches, but streaming should be done in style and good taste. Attempts to excite interest are encouraged, but they shouldn’t come at the expense of something that can hinder your career as a streamer.
Platforms such as Twitch and YouTube Gaming have very strict and often non-negotiable standards about what can be said and done on stream – and they are often based on common sense and a very basic understanding of morality.
Keep the Chat Clean
The stream’s chats are often a cacophony of unintelligible momentary impressions so it’s okay to throw in the occasional jab.
A great streamer with a future, though, will still find the right name to market themselves without resorting to something derogatory.
Remember, you have full control over the chat and you can serve as a role model and example instead of indulging in the somewhat less gracious language people use. Being a successful streamer is also being a community leader and setting an example – embrace this and succeed on Twitch and beyond.
BONUS TIP: Add a stream deck to your setup to automate elements of your stream and make it look even more professional.
A gaming lover from a very young age, Justin has always had a keen eye for building his own computers or racing sims so that he can race his identical twin (and usually lose at the actual race).
Justin in the founder of BeStreamer and sees it as a free resource to help all gamers around the world
