With the rise in popularity of video games and esports in recent years, live streaming has become more than just a hobby. Twitch currently has 30 million daily users, which can make it difficult for first time streamers to stand out. That being said, here are some ways to build and retain an audience as a live streamer:
Design an Overlay
Think about an overlay as the framing of your content. Your overlay should follow a unique, simplistic, and consistent theme.
Overlays set the atmosphere and enrich a viewer’s experience on your channel.
There are many ways to find your perfect match, many commission artists to make custom overlays and others create their own. If done correctly, your overlay will be the backbone of all the content you create while live streaming.
Prepare Your Equipment
The connection between you and your viewer is extremely important for retaining viewers while live streaming. Using a webcam and allowing viewers to see “the person behind the screen” can be extremely beneficial to creating deep connections with your fan base.
Webcams also add a new layer of content possibilities within your live stream.
It’s hard to constantly talk during a live stream, so it is important to take advantage of new content creation tools whenever possible. Be sure your streaming area is well lit so that you are visible to the viewer.
It’s not a bad idea to list the equipment you play with in your description so that viewers can see what you’re using.
Create a Consistent Content schedule
Consistency is key when it comes to growing an audience.
Creating a weekly content schedule can help you avoid a “content dump” cycle, where you create/drop all your content in one day. It’s important to spread out your content throughout the entire week to benefit from a platform’s algorithm.
Communicating your content schedule with your audience is also a great way to retain viewers after an initial viewing. When people don’t have to guess when you will be posting next, they will be more likely to return.
Stay Active on Social Media
Growing on third party platforms, such as Twitter, Instagram, or TikTok, can help your content reach a wider audience who might not otherwise see your content. Setting goals when using different platforms is crucial.
Different platforms will accomplish different things. If your main goal is to build your audience through live streaming, using third party platforms for advertising is the best way to reach users who aren’t familiar with live streaming, but have similar interests to yourself.
Collaborate with Other Streamers
Working with other live streamers advertises your stream to another community that has similar interests to you.
Collaborating with others should be mutually beneficial to both parties, so make sure you have something to offer before asking to work with others.
Top streamers mainly collaborate with other top streamers, so when picking suitable partners look for streamers around the same size as you. Remember to support other small streamers too.
By using these tips and staying consistent, over time you will get more followers on Twitch and grow an audience by keeping at it. Just remember that everyone has to start somewhere. If you’re playing video games casually, why not hit “Go Live” and play casually. Enjoy streaming by playing the games you like the most and always remember to have fun with it and be yourself. You never know if streaming can turn into more than just a hobby. Don’t stop at followers, create your own community.
