Have you thought about turning your passion for gaming into a full-time job?
Streaming on Twitch has so many fantastic benefits you probably never considered.
Why Should You Try Streaming on Twitch
Discover why you should publicize your gaming hobby and start a Twitch Stream.
What is Twitch?
Twitch is an online platform that allows you to live-stream performances. Most people use it to stream their video gameplay, but you can live stream any of your passions, from art to travel, fitness to crafting.
You can find an audience for nearly any passion on Twitch.
Discover 11 compelling reasons to give it a shot!
Social Interaction
Our society lost third places. As everything shifts online, we must find new ways to form social bonds.
Twitch offers that.
When streaming on Twitch, you get to meet people from all over the world who hop into your stream. Since the platform is real-time, you chat and engage with them as if they were in the same room.
You don’t have to stream yourself to reap the platform’s social benefits. As a viewer, you can hop into streamers’ chat and build a relationship with the host and other viewers.
If you’re using Twitch for the social aspects, you’d be best served by finding small streamers, as the big names don’t engage as much with their chats.
Build a Network
Streaming on Twitch lets you build a network of like-minded individuals, all willing to help each other out.
The people you meet on Twitch could teach you how to use Discord, share your content on their social media channels, host a collaboration with you on a podcast or YouTube channel, and assist you with other projects.
I’ve had streamer friends write articles for Partners in Fire. We’ve played games together, helped each other grow, and shared resources.
Even though I no longer stream, the vast network of gaming friends I made during my journey still helps me with projects.
Make Lasting Friendships
I’ve made incredible and lasting friendships during my time on Twitch. I expected some social interactions and networking, but I didn’t expect to build such strong bonds with people I’d never met.
We’ve played games together off-stream, celebrated each other’s big moments and had late-night chats about anything and everything.
I’ll be friends with the people I met on my streaming journey for the rest of my life.
You Can Make Money
Many people start streaming to earn a living playing video games. Although it’s possible to make money on Twitch, it’s not as easy as it seems.
Once you become an affiliate, you can earn money via subscribers, ad share, and cheers. If you build a decent following, you can earn enough money to support your gaming habit.
A few Twitch streamers make it big, earning hundreds of thousands per year streaming. Unfortunately, that level of fame is a pipe dream for most.
Try streaming on Twitch if you want beer money or to pay for your next game, not to earn millions.
Learn Broadcasting Skills
Streaming on Twitch offers something you didn’t expect: broadcasting skills.
When delivering a live show, you must learn how to interact with your audience. Streaming forces you to speak clearly, engage with questions, and highlight your work.
It also forces you to learn what audiences want and deliver. You’re learning how to entertain and change direction quickly if your content doesn’t serve the audience. These interpersonal skills will serve you well outside of Twitch as well.
Share Your Passion
There’s room for every passion on Twitch, and the platform lets you share yours with the world.
Do you love building custom computers, crocheting aliens, or cooking? You can livestream your passion and share it with everyone.
The ability to share your passion is an excellent benefit of streaming for those with unique, niche passions. Viewers love seeing new things, from independent video games they never heard of to interesting hobbies they’d never considered.
Overcome Fear of Public Speaking
Public speaking ranks as a top fear for many people.
What better way to overcome that than to force yourself to speak to a chat full of people?
Streaming on Twitch lets you start slowly and build up to it. You’ll likely only have yourself when you first start, so you can learn to speak without any listeners. As users pop in and you start to grow your follower list, you’ll slowly get better at the banter and engagement.
Before you know it, you’ll be speaking to 20 people at a time like it’s second nature.
Brand Relationships
Once you grow into your stream, you can attract and build brand relationships with your favorite companies.
Independent gaming companies, hardware producers, chair makers, and other brands rely on streamers to promote their products. You can get exclusive deals and free products if you can attract the right audience.
Build Technical Skills
Streaming is far more technical than it appears. When you first start, it seems overwhelming.
You’ll have to figure out how screen capture software connects to your console and computer, optimize your audio and visual settings, and ensure all the physical connections work correctly.
In addition, you’ll have to learn how to build and manage a Discord server, configure Discord bots, use social media, and promote your stream.
These skills will also serve you well in the offline world.
Low Barrier to Entry
Streaming on Twitch is cheap and accessible. You likely already have most of the items you need to start your stream, and if you’re just trying it on for size, you can get what you need for less than $200.
It’s a low-cost way to reap all the other benefits on the list, and if you enjoy it, you could easily recoup your investment.
Try Something New
Unfortunately, I no longer have the time to stream.
However, I’m so glad I tried it. I tried something completely new and different, and I even earned a few bucks despite only taking it seriously for about six months.
Life is about trying things. You may love it or hate it, but if you give it a shot, you’ll never look back and regret what could have been.
Streaming isn’t Just for Gamers
Many hobbyists don’t give Twitch a second thought because they think the platform is for gaming.
Although many creators on Twitch play games, the “just chatting” category typically has the largest view count.
Streamers in the “just chatting” field do nearly anything you can think of. They share their workouts, travels, and hobbies. They showcase their drawing skills, try new recipes, and offer relationship advice. Some follow the category name to a tee, hanging out and chatting with their viewers.
Even if you aren’t a gamer, Twitch is worth exploring to share your passions and hobbies. If you love something, someone else will likely love it, too, and Twitch can help you connect with them.
Are you Ready to Start Streaming on Twitch?
What are you waiting for? Set up your free account on Twitch, and follow this guide to starting your stream.
Why not give it a try?
