Streaming content offers an effective way to reach audiences and interact with your viewers in real-time. However, in terms of streaming platforms, you have plenty of options. Two of the most popular options include Twitch vs YouTube.
YouTube launched in 2005 and focused on pre-recorded online video content. However, as early as 2009, YouTube began experimenting with live streaming events, such as a U2 concert. In 2011, the platform allowed select partners to create live streams. By the end of 2013, any user who hadn’t violated the platform’s guidelines could stream.
Twitch is a much newer platform. It debuted in 2011, just as YouTube was slowly opening its doors to streamers. From the start, this platform focused on live streaming, and it grew so quickly that Amazon quickly sought to buy Twitch in 2014.
Today, both YouTube and Twitch are the standards for live streaming. So, which platform is the right one to share your content on? Consider the following factors to hone in on an answer.
What’s Your Niche?
Twitch has a variety of “IRL” categories, so you can create content that focuses on everything from music, art and beauty to fitness, food and travel. However, Twitch is primarily known as a platform that caters to the community. If you’re a video game streamer or brand, this platform should at least be part of your outreach effort, if not your go-to platform.
YouTube, on the other hand, isn’t known for any one niche. Instead, content creators on this platform cover a huge range of subjects, including sports, politics, music and gaming. This makes it ideal for streamers who don’t focus on video games.
What Set of Rules Works for You?
Both Twitch and YouTube have community guidelines that streamers will need to follow. YouTube operates on a three-strike system. If you break the rules once, you’ll be unable to stream or upload videos for a week. The penalties increase if you receive two or three strikes within a 90-day period.
If you break the rules on Twitch, you’ll likely receive a temporary suspension ranging from one to 30 days. However, the platform can enforce an indefinite suspension, depending on the severity of the offense.
Overall, YouTube seems to be more lenient with its enforcement. However, no matter which platform you choose, carefully review the community guidelines and stick to them.
Twitch vs YouTube: Which Platform’s Search Function Is Best for You?
YouTube and Twitch use different search algorithms. Twitch’s search function tends to favor streamers who are already popular. So, if you’re new to streaming, you’ll find that YouTube’s algorithm is more helpful for building an audience. YouTube also gives you the option to edit your video thumbnails. This gives you a better opportunity to catch the attention of people who are browsing through content.
How Do You Want to Make Money?
Twitch and YouTube offer varying ways for streamers to make money. Both platforms require you to meet certain qualifications — such as reaching a specific audience size — before you can monetize your content.
Twitch Partners and affiliates can make income through direct donations, Bits (in-stream currency sent by a viewer), video ads, brand sponsorships and viewer subscriptions. Streamers who are professional gamers can pull in more cash by winning tournaments.
Content creators in the YouTube Partner Program can make money in similar ways. Sources of income on YouTube include Super Chat and Super Stickers (forms of audience donations), membership revenue and ads.
The amount that you earn through each method varies based on the platform. For example, compared to Twitch, YouTube tends to pay streamers more for ads. However, Twitch allows streamers to keep more in donations. So you’ll want to weigh your options carefully if you want to monetize your content.
Overall, Twitch seems to offer a quicker route to making small amounts of money. However, if your goal is to maximize your income, you should attempt to build audiences on both platforms.
Tips for Getting Started
Whether you choose Twitch or YouTube, look over the following streaming tips. They can help you find success on either platform.
Prep Your Space
Set up a dedicated space to stream your content. Carefully consider factors such as your backdrop and potential background noise. You don’t want any outside elements to distract viewers from your message or interrupt your stream.
The decor in the background should complement your niche or brand in some way. Perhaps you’re a gaming influencer who wants to show off all your colorful collectibles in the background. Or you might be representing a larger brand and want to incorporate its colors into your backdrop.
Use Quality Equipment
The quality of a microphone and lighting equipment can make a big difference in whether or not a stream looks professional. Before the stream, run a test to ensure everything looks and sounds right. Plan on having an interviewee or guest host join during the middle of the stream? Make sure the lighting will look flattering on them too, and ensure the mic will pick up their voice.
Be Prepared for Technical Issues
Have spare equipment prepared in case something goes wrong during the stream. This backup equipment might include anything from extra cables and batteries to a spare microphone or camera. If you’re not particularly tech-savvy, you might even consider having an assistant off-camera who can help in case of an emergency.
Respond to Viewers
This step might require some multitasking, but make an effort to respond to what’s going on in your audience chat. By engaging with your followers, you’ll ensure they feel included. This will build a sense of community. Scan the chat for questions that you can answer on the fly and funny comments or gracious compliments that you can point out.
Here’s another simple (but often forgotten) way to make your audience feel seen. Remember to occasionally look directly into your camera, rather than the screen.
Collaborate
Invite another content creator to participate in your streams. They can act as co-hosts or brief guests. Even streamers from seemingly unrelated niches can join together for a common purpose or joint event. This type of cross-promotional event is a great way to build both of your audiences. It also makes it a little easier to engage with your audience, since you’ll both have a chance to read and respond to comments.
Don’t Settle for Just One Platform
As mentioned earlier, if you want to earn money through streaming, you’ll want to use both YouTube and Twitch. This is also a smart way to grow your audience, as you can direct followers on one channel to your other channel. And don’t stop there. Use a Twitter, Instagram or Facebook account to raise awareness and draw traffic to your streams as well.
