Breaking In: Gaming & Content Creation Pt. 2
Using Twitch as an Outlet
When it comes to creating content online, Twitch is a streamer’s bread and butter. There are many YouTubers also stream on Twitch which is one of the largest platforms for creators next to YouTube. The variety of content that is streamed varies from the same game that they create content on for YouTube or they pick similar games to keep things fresh and different. Twitch is ideal for those that want to be able to interact with their audience live on the spot. This can also be done on YouTube, but this is what Twitch was made for. Twitch is also one of the best ways to get compensated for their work with sponsors, becoming a Twitch Partner, charity streams, etc.
The downside to Twitch is that a partnership can be revoked extremely fast due to any type of violation of the terms that have been established by Twitch. There are many controversies surrounding Twitch and it is seemingly not worth the hassle. With this massive drawback set aside, Twitch is still very popular and is a go-to for those looking to get their foot in the door regarding streaming. Although an interview was set up, the streamer was not able to get back to me on time and thus the interview could not be done.
Twitch is something that many have decided to shape their whole career path around in hopes of becoming the next Ninja but, it seems that starting on YouTube is the better option. With much research, and from personally being a viewer of both YouTubers and Twitch streamers, it’s easy to say that Twitch is easier yet much more difficult to get into. There is a huge threshold to cross before one can become a partner and start getting sponsors. Last checked one needs to have at least 75 average viewers in the last 30 days, stream for 25 hours in the last 30 days, and stream for 12 unique days in the last 30 days, and much more (Twitch, n.d.). This is the stepping stone to become a partner. There is also an application to fill out and if you do not meet any of the basic requirements, you will be denied. YouTube doesn’t have such criteria and its pretty much upload enough, entertain enough and gain enough subscribers to become a full-time YouTuber.
My personal opinion on YouTube vs Twitch
Twitch is the end-all-be-all for e-sports and is responsible for many gamers becoming world-class players in their chosen game. The same cant fully be said about YouTube as it is more for community leaders and those with sneak peeks, information updates, etc. about the games they focus on. Twitch, along with YouTube has become fully integrated into gaming consoles the past few years making streaming and uploading any footage seamless to make everyone feel like they are a content creator. These features are a godsend to those starting out that can’t afford to buy all the bells and whistles that every streamer/YouTuber has like Blue Yeti microphones, RGB lights everywhere, Elgato accessories, etc.
All in all, becoming a content creator for gaming on your platform of choice is not easy. It’s full of hard work, dedication, a strong passion, time management, and the knowledge that it will never be an overnight success story. It will take months even years to see any form of success but when someone reaches their first milestone, it is the best feeling in the world and will be the catalyst for reaching higher. Do not let any of this deter you from trying to become the next online gaming superstar, use this knowledge and the research you have done as well as the inspiration that your favorite content creators give you to open the door and start that channel. Show the world what you got, and the viewers will come!
