When you think of streaming platforms, you generally think of Twitch. Owned by Amazon, Twitch is one of the leading live-streaming platforms for streamers in the United States. It’s also a top choice for viewers looking to make new friends and check out games before purchasing.
However, it has many limitations, and with the news that it will be taking even more revenue from its Partners, many might be looking for Twitch alternatives. These platforms are great alternatives to Twitch for both content creators and viewers.
The Top 11 Twitch Alternatives
There are various reasons why streamers and viewers alike want to leave Twitch. Some platforms offer better monetization options, while others are more community-focused than money.
Others just don’t like Amazon and want to support a different platform.
Here are the best Twitch alternatives based on your reasons for switching.
7 Alternatives to Twitch if You’re Trying to Monetize
Let’s face it: Many of us stream on Twitch because we want to play video games as a full-time job. Twitch offers a wide range of monetization options, but it’s not the only game in town.
These Twitch alternatives also pay top streamers to play.
1. Facebook Gaming
Facebook Gaming became one of Twitch’s most significant competitors after it merged with Mixer in 2016.
Although it initially took a long time to become eligible for monetization on the platform, recent changes made it easier for newer streamers to start earning. Initially, Facebook Gaming only had a Partner program, requiring streamers to have 10,000 followers before they could even think about earning.
Now, the platform has a “level up” program similar to Twitch’s affiliate program, allowing users with fewer followers to start monetizing. Members of the “level up” program can earn money through cheers, and as they grow, they can unlock even more monetization options.
However, it’s still harder to get into the level-up program than to become a Twitch affiliate. You need 100 followers as opposed to the 50 on Twitch. One advantage is that there’s no concurrent viewer requirement, so if you’re good at collecting followers but don’t get a lot of views, Facebook might be a better option.
Facebook still has a Partner program, but they aren’t very open with the requirements.
2. YouTube
Chay_Tee via Shutterstock.com.
YouTube rounds out the big three streaming platforms. A lot of people stream on Twitch and then post highlights on YouTube for the best of both worlds.
However, there are a few advantages to live streaming on YouTube as opposed to only posting videos. When you live stream, you unlock earning options like superchat and super thanks, which are similar to the cheers and bits on Twitch.
Although YouTube lowered eligibility requirements for its partner program (which you need to join to monetize your content), it’s still stricter than the other two platforms. You need 500 subscribers and 3,000 public watch hours in the past 12 months.
Competition on the platform is fierce, and discoverability is notoriously difficult, especially for live streamers. However, as the live-streaming industry grows, competition is likely to remain a problem on all platforms.
Why Not All Three?
If monetizing is your goal, it might make sense to stream on all three major platforms at once. Streamlabs Pro offers simultaneous streaming capabilities, allowing you to stream to all the platforms with each session.
A lot of Twitch users avoided this option because it was against the terms of service for Twitch affiliates. However, in 2023, Twitch lifted the ban, allowing creators more freedom to stream where they wanted.
3. DLive
DLive is an attractive Twitch Alternative because it was created in response to the “big” platforms’ attitudes toward their content creators. Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook Gaming all have fairly high bars for monetization, and they take more and more profit from their creators.
DLive seeks to change that with a system that rewards both content creators and viewers. It takes 35% of all revenue as a flat fee (which is better than the large streaming services that generally take 50%) and rewards viewers for their engagement, which is revolutionary for a streaming platform.
Another big difference between Dlive and the other platforms is that it uses blockchain technology and cryptocurrency for viewer rewards and transactions.
4. Trovo.live
Trovo is fairly new, but I can see it becoming a top competitor to Twitch. It’s followed some of Twitch’s footsteps regarding the business model by adding the option to subscribe to your favorite channel with a similar subscription fee.
If you want to get in on a brand new and growing platform, Trovo.live is probably your place. It’s anyone’s guess whether it will blow up to be Twitch’s number one competitor or fizzle out the way Mixer did.
5. YouNow
YouNow is a free-to-use live streaming broadcast service founded in 2011 by Adi Sideman. Broadcasters include gamers, musicians, and those in marginalized communities who are simply looking to connect.
What’s remarkable is that YouNow focuses on money via the community, whereas platforms such as Twitch are ad-supported, meaning you can make more with fewer people on YouNow.
YouNow uses an in-app currency known as bars for monetization. Viewers purchase these bars as they allow further engagement with broadcasters. You will be paid once you reach a $75 payment threshold.
YouNow has strict content restrictions: no adult content, so nothing that wouldn’t work in a PG-13 movie. These restrictions help keep the worldwide community of over 55 million registered users safe.
6. NimoTV
NimoTv is a global platform with broadcasters from all over the world. The platform is primarily for gamers, but the live show platform is also popular.
NimoTV is community-driven. A viewer can offer peer-to-peer awards to their favorite streamer. NimoTV is more prevalent in Asia than in the United States, so you may have difficulty finding an audience if you are a streamer from America. American viewers may not find many English-language streams.
7. Picarto
Picarto is the best alternative to Twitch for creatives and artists. Picarto is not for gamers. The platform is specifically for artists to live stream their creative projects. Viewers can find artists drawing, painting, or creating digital art.
Although Picarto currently doesn’t have a subscriber function, the platform allows viewers to support their favorite artists by tipping kudos, an in-app currency that translates to real money for creators. Artists can also offer commissions.
Twitch Alternatives for Serious Gamers
Some people care way more about the game than making money. If you are streaming because you love gaming and want to build a network of like-minded people, check out these Twitch alternatives.
1. Instagib/ Vaughn Live
Instagib was Vaughn Live’s gaming platform. Unfortunately, it didn’t take off as Vaughn had hoped, so the gaming portion of live streaming has gone back to Vaughn.live.
Vaughn.live allows you to stream nearly anything, from gaming to news, music to art. People use Vaughn Live because they love their niche and want to build a community around it.
2. GosuGamer
Although I couldn’t find a way to monetize your GosuGamer account through ads and subscribers like the other platforms, you can make money by winning tournaments.
Gosugamer is the best platform for E-sports. It runs a variety of tournaments and challenges in which you can make real money by winning.
The downside is that you must be competitive at a professional gaming level. However, those with the skillset may find that GosuGamer is an ideal alternative to Twitch. Fans of Esports and competitive fighting games may prefer to watch on this platform as well.
3. Steam
Steam is one of the top platforms for online gaming in the world. It’s primarily known as a marketplace to buy your favorite games, but you can also post your artwork and videos or stream to the platform.
Top broadcasts on stream include games like Counter-Strike, World of Tanks, and Warhammer. The option to purchase the streamed game on Steam is right below the broadcast, so it’s easy to watch a game, see if you like it, and buy it if you do. Streamers don’t get a revenue share. The platform is for building community, not for making money.
Steam also offers forums, discussions, gaming workshops, and a marketplace where users can trade game items. It’s genuinely a well-rounded community for all things gaming.
4. Discord
If you want to stream to a private audience of family and friends, Discord is the ideal solution. Discord had both live stream and live video functionality. The versatility of Discord gives users the option to either broadcast their gameplay or just video chat.
Because Discord servers are invite-only, you don’t have to worry about broadcasting your game to a wide audience. However, you will still need the standard streaming tools, such as a capture card, microphone, and webcam, for good stream quality, which is still essential even among friends.
Platforms for Creating Live Broadcasts
Stock-Asso via Shutterstock.com.
Although these two platforms aren’t precisely Twitch alternatives, they can help creators with their broadcasts. They are web-based platforms with built-in studios that help streamers create live video to transfer to the streaming platform of choice. These are ideal solutions for businesses that need to live stream or content creators desiring a more professional look.
It’s important to note that both platforms are paid subscription services, though one offers a free plan.
1. StreamYard
Streamyard provides streamers with a studio to build high-quality and professional streams. StreamYard is an ideal solution for creators and businesses who want to create live broadcasts for Facebook, YouTube, or Twitch with multiple participants.
The free version allows up to six participants, green screen capabilities, and the ability to share your screen. The free version has limitations in that it only allows up to 20 hours per month, and your streams will have the StreamYard branding.
Upgrade to the basic plan for unlimited streaming with up to 10 participants and the ability to add your branding via overlays and background.
2. IBM Video Streaming
Ustream used to be a top competitor of Twitch. It transitioned to IBM Watson Media, and then, in 2018, the company canceled the free streaming options on the platform.
The platform is now called IBM video streaming. It’s ideal for professionals who need to create live videos and recordings. The plans are expensive, starting at $99 a month, so it’s not suitable for broadcasters looking to have some fun or make money with a live stream.
Streaming Platforms to Skip
Afreeca
I put Afreeca in the skip column because most of my readers are from the US. The majority of the streamers featured in Afreeca are in Asia. However, if you are in Asia or speak an Asian language, it’s worth a second look. It’s one of the top streaming platforms in South Korea.
Bigo Live
Bigo Live markets itself as a live streaming platform for anyone, but unfortunately, it’s over-run with mostly cam girls. It does have a gaming element, but most of the featured gamers are – you guessed it – cam girls gaming. At least that’s the impression I got from their thumbnails—hard pass.
Defunct Alternatives to Twitch
Many Twitch competitors have come and gone over the years. Here are a few streaming platforms you may have heard of that no longer exist.
1. Smashcast.tv
Smashcast.tv was one of the best ways to monetize outside of Twitch, but unfortunately, the company shut down in November of 2020.
2. Ustream
Transitioned to a paid video recording service, IBM Video Streaming.
3. Periscope
More of a YouTube competitor than a Twitch alternative, Periscope was a place to upload videos. Twitter canceled the platform in 2021 and rolled out Twitter Live.
4. Mixer
We mentioned previously that Mixer was sold to Facebook and merged into Facebook Gaming.
5. Caffeine.tv
Caffeine.tv entered the scene with a bang and left with a whimper. They had over 60 million users in their heyday, but economic realities forced the platform to shut down.
FAQs About Twitch Alternatives
Who is Twitch’s Competitor?
Twitch’s number one competitor is now Facebook Gaming. Mixer was the top, but they lost after paying big bucks to woo top streamers to the platform. As it turned out, many users didn’t want to follow their favorite streamers to Mixer.
YouTube is also a serious contender, but because the platform focuses more on video than on live streaming, Facebook earned the number one spot.
What Platform is Best for Streaming Games?
I may be biased, but I still think Twitch is the best streaming platform available. Twitch has been around for a long time, so it has a vast user base. There are pros and cons to that – there are tons of users looking for new gamers to follow and support, but there is also an over-saturation of gamers, so it can be tough to get noticed.
Twitch is also incredibly streamlined. It’s easy to get into their affiliate program and easy-to-use extensions and third-party software to enhance your stream. Most of the streaming software you need to use integrates very easily with Twitch. Even those new to streaming and who lack technical skills can quickly get set up on Twitch.
Finally, because Amazon owns Twitch, it’s much easier to monetize your stream with affiliate marketing. That Amazon extension can easily add an Amazon panel or overlay, which gives your viewers ways to support you.
I hate Amazon, and wish there were alternatives not owned by giant, soul sucking corporations, but for now, we have to work with what we have.
Live Streaming is a Constantly Changing Landscape
Live streaming is a highly competitive niche. New Twitch alternatives are constantly arriving on the scene, and large corporations like Google and Facebook are acquiring little guys like Mixer to get rid of the competition.
The list of alternatives to Twitch is constantly growing and changing as the live streaming landscape grows and changes. Some companies may blow up to become the next big thing, while others will wither away in the tombs of the internet.
We will update our list regularly to ensure you have the latest information on the best Twitch alternatives!
Looks like smashcast.tv is no longer in service.
Really? Thanks for letting me know! I’ll have to update!