If you spend time playing video games, you have probably heard of Twitch. Twitch offers an inclusive environment for young entrepreneurs to build their brands, even nongamers, and it’s unique.
You can live stream on a few platforms, but Twitch is the one that is all about live action. It’s not packed full of recorded videos that could be years old. Instead, Twitch streamers are doing what they do in real-time. This makes Twitch stand out on social media platforms, especially for emerging entrepreneurs. What does it take to become a Twitch streamer?
Table of Contents
What Is Twitch?
Twitch is a live-streaming platform that once upon a time focused on gaming and esports. Today’s Twitch creators are multidimensional, though. They expand to include many genres, from art to music to video games.
Twitch is also a money maker, not just for the platform but for the creators, too. In the first quarter of 2022, the platform brought in 6.13 billion dollars, and the big earners saw millions in income.
What Do People Do on Twitch?
There is no denying the strong gaming influence on Twitch. That is how it got its start. Video gamers stream their gameplay. They may perform live walkthroughs and do commentary. That’s not all there is to Twitch, though.
You’ll find some unique live shows on Twitch, such as:
- Cooking
- Talk shows
- Live sports events
- Conventions
- Class reunions
There are even Legos challenges on Twitch. Each year, new genres pop up and get a following. Twitch hosts an average of almost 89,000 channels every day and has more than 2.3 million viewers.
Twitch Creators
Those who stream on Twitch are known as creators, and it has some famous ones. Creators on Twitch are similar to influencers on any social media platform. They can make a living through it if they meet the qualifications. Creators make money in a variety of ways. They have sponsors, for example, and show ads. Unlike other platforms, though, you don’t have to have a large audience to make money on Twitch.
What Is a Twitch Streamer?
Twitch offers three levels to its creators: streamer, affiliate, and partner. Streamer is the beginning level for anyone who opens an account. You must be over 18 to stream unsupervised on Twitch. If you are under 18, you can do it with a guardian or parent present.
Streamers automatically get access to some exciting features that can help them build up their communities and make a living. You will have the following:
- A dashboard with analytics
- Chat
You want to work towards the next level, which is an affiliate, to start making money on Twitch.
What Is a Twitch Affiliate?
A Twitch affiliate is someone who has put in some time on the live streaming platform. Some features available to Twitch affiliates include:
- Subscribe button
- Custom emote
- Ad revenue
- Subscriber badges
This includes what you have access to as a streamer. An affiliate is just the second stop for young people looking to make a career with Twitch. You want to work up to being a partner.
What Is a Twitch Partner?
A Twitch partner requires more time, but it also offers more benefits. Being a partner opens up even more features, such as:
- Revenue opportunities
- Prioritized support
- Increased number of emotes and subscriber badges.
Partners also have access to all the features of a streamer and affiliate.
What is the Difference Between an Affiliate and a Partner?
Once you become an affiliate or a partner, Twitch allows you to earn revenue from the platform. You must be a partner to get access to all money-making opportunities, though.
Affiliates must have:
- 8 hours streamed in 30 days
- Seven unique days streamed in 30 days
- An average of three viewers per stream
- 50- followers
Partners must have the following:
- 25 hours streamed in 30 days
- 12 unique days streamed in 30 days
- An average of 75+ viewers per stream
- 50- followers
You must also go through an application process to become a partner. Once you meet the requirements, you can fill out the application.
It takes dedication to become an influencer on any channel, including Twitch. Still, as this platform grows, the potential for influencers will grow with it. That is why many young people turn to Twitch to create an independent career in something they feel passionate about. If you’re looking to start your own business, becoming a twitch influencer may be the path for you.
How to Become a Successful Twitch Streamer?
Becoming a successful Twitch streamer starts with setting up your account.
Open a Twitch Account
Open Twitch.TV in your browser and click “Sign up,” located in the upper right-hand corner of the screen. Here you will create a unique username and password.
To complete your registration, you must also provide your birthdate and a verifiable email address. You do have the option to create an account via Facebook.
What Is Twitch Prime?
You have two options when creating an account: the free version of Twitch and Twitch Prime, which is a subscription-based paid version. Anyone serious about using Twitch to build a brand and career should consider the paid version. It will open the door to additional perks to help you get ahead on the platform, such as ad-free broadcasts.
Review Your Hardware
Becoming a successful Twitch streamer is something anyone can do, but you need the right tools. Streaming live and gaming or recording is taxing on your computer system. You need hardware that is up to the challenge. Ideally, it would be best if you had a computer with at least the following:
- Intel Core i5-670 processor
- 8 GB RAM
- The latest operating system (iOS or Windows). You will need at least Windows 7 or later and the iOS equivalent.
- Two computers, if possible
You can also use Xbox One or PS4 with the Twitch app. If your console is Nintendo Switch, you need a quality capture card.
Download the Necessary Streaming Software
You’ll need a third-party software option to broadcast live. Some programs that can get the job done include:
- Twitch Studio
- OBS Project
- Streamlabs Desktop
- XSplit
- Vrmix
- Elgato Game Capture
- Live Gamer Extreme
- Lightstream
Most of this software is free to use. A couple will have a free and paid subscription option. They all also work on Windows and Mac, except XSplit, which is Windows only. OBS Project will also work on Ubuntu.
Explore each software until you find the one that works best for you. They are all different. Once you find your favorite and set it up, you just need to log into your Twitch account to start streaming.
You’ll want a quality microphone and webcam with the right computer specs. If your viewers can not see and hear you clearly, they will leave and not come back. You have just one chance to make fans out of them. You can get by without the webcam, just using the microphone for audio, but if the audience feels like they are engaging with you face-to-face, it will have a more powerful impact.
Work Out Your Streaming Schedule
Having a reliable streaming schedule is critical, so try to be consistent. Don’t be random. Pick a time every day that you can be online live.
You want to be visible at the same time to your viewers, so they see you there. This is how you grow your community. People are creatures of habit and will be on Twitch at about the same time each day.
Tell your audience when you will be there, and follow through with that promise. If you stand them up too much, you’ll lose them.
Tips for Building a Community
The key to being a successful Twitch streamer and moving up to a Twitch partner is building a community that wants to see you live. That starts with having a unique concept.
- Pick something you love and stick with it. If you are a gamer, pick just one game to stream. If you are a hobbyist, choose just one hobby to showcase.
- Make whatever you do distinctive. Choose any celebrity with a huge following, and you’ll notice one thing – they stand out in a sea of stars. You need to stand out in the sea of Twitch streamers.
- Market yourself. Your success relies on you telling people that you are a Twitch creator and inviting them to check out your channel. Social media is a must. Remind your followers when you go live, post right before you are on Twitch, and then talk about your session after it is over and invite them to the next one.
Becoming successful on Twitch can make you an independent entrepreneur. Nobody is an overnight success. It takes work, but if you invest the time, you can be the next Twitch superstar partner.
