Twitch Streaming 101
If you’ve decided you want to take on Twitch streaming, then it can feel a bit intimidating at first. Luckily, this list breaks down all the tips you’ll need to start streaming, as well as niche genres to consider specializing in.
1. Choose a Focus
Obviously, the first step will be to choose your focus. You can go through the categories on Twitch to see what streaming vibe fits your content. Do you want to play video games? Provide commentary? Or simply chat with the audience?
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2. Start Small
You don’t have to buy the most cutting-edge cameras or mics to start streaming, in fact, plenty of people start with just their phone and work their way up. So don’t worry if you don’t have everything to start.
3. Talk Constantly
Sometimes it can feel awkward to talk when there isn’t anyone watching, but even with zero viewers, you want to keep the party going. Not only is this good practice, but it’ll also make it feel more organic when a viewer does hop on.
4. Treat Your Viewers Kindly
Obviously, you don’t want to make your viewers feel anything negative, after all they are the ones supporting your career. So even if the viewer doesn’t donate or subscribe, make them feel super important and engage with them like they’re just as special as anyone else.
5. Be Consistent
You’ll also want to get a schedule and stick to it! This way your viewers know exactly when to come on to see you, and can make you part of their routines as well. When it does come to setting a schedule, once or twice a week is usually more than enough.
6. Brand Yourself Early
Even when you’re starting off, you’ll want to start branding yourself. It’s better to figure this stuff out early so your name and brand can grow with you. Customize your profile picture, banner, and even your offline screen.
7. Market Yourself
Don’t be afraid to market yourself, make social media accounts on multiple platforms and post whenever you go live. To be successful at marketing, you’ll want to give to the community as much as you ask. This means don’t spam them with “watch-me” content, but offer funny highlights, interesting commentary, and share high-quality reels to promote interest.
8. Use Tools
Today’s cutting-edge technology is also full of useful and powerful streaming tools that can certainly enhance engagement. For instance, chat bots can help you moderate your viewers, while also simultaneously promoting you when you go live.
9. Make Connections
While this is impossible to do when starting out, eventually, you’ll want to befriend other members of the streaming community. Don’t be afraid to reach out, make connections, share tips, and even collab.
10. Review Your Streams
It can be awkward watching a recording of yourself, but this is a great way to learn and improve. Focus on what you’re doing positively as well as the things that need work. Learn from your body language and try to overcome moments of dead air.
Now that we have talked about what to do to start streaming, here are 10 niches to consider stepping into.
1. Cozy Gaming
Cozy gaming is a very popular genre that’s all about feel-good moments and relaxed vibes. These gamers usually play things like Animal Crossing and Stardew Valley, and are great picks for viewers who want to wind down after a busy day.
2. Challenge Runs
Challenge runs are for hardcore gamers that have honed their skills and are the best of the best at what they do. Consider playing intense games like Dark Souls without taking any hits, or achieving 100 babies in a Sims 4 run.
3. Dungeons and Dragons
Tabletop games like Dungeons and Dragons are also a very popular niche, and plenty of viewers are interested to watch live character creations or watch DMs prep. Of course, you can also stream your actual D&D sessions similar to Critical Roll.
4. Horror Games
Horror games are also very popular, as it can feel a bit safer to share the scares with someone than tackle a spooky game on their own. These streamers usually have good reactions and can amp up the scary vibes too.
5. Educational
Parents will rejoice if you decide to make educational content, but even adults need walkthroughs sometimes. These streamers focus on sharing techniques and skills whether it be in coding, languages, or even teaching others how to stream.
6. Study Streams
Interestingly, plenty of people put on streams of people studying when doing it themselves. This is usually a relaxed and casual way for them to focus on their own work without feeling completely alone. Bonus points if you play lo-fi music in the background.
7. Obscure Games
Plenty of people are also interested in learning more about obscure games, especially those they may not have the opportunity to play themselves. It can be quite interesting to watch players tackle retro or nostalgic games as well, like Runescape or old Game Boy games.
8. Casual Talks
There are categories for streamers who just like to talk, and plenty of viewers like to chime in and hear about it. Almost like a podcast, these streamers tend to focus in on one niche, like spooky story times, relationship advice, or Reddit reviews.
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9. Lifestyle Streams
Lifestyle content creators usually just take cameras with them through their daily life, whether that includes exploring the streets of a unique city, or going on food adventures. This way the viewers can feel like they’re right there with you.
10. Arts and Crafts
Artsy people also have a home on Twitch, and can often talk while showing off their drawing or painting skills. You can focus the camera on your art and stream your work while making friends and followers.
