Content creators always need space to share their thoughts. YouTube and Twitch are the places that perfectly suit that purpose. Which one to choose if you have decided to have some streaming? Let’s make a brief but informative guide about all features and opportunities offered by these platforms so you could make a wise choice.
YouTube vs Twitch: Features and Options
Well, it is a good idea to start with the analysis of content placed on each streaming platform. Most users know that YouTube is a spot to place pre-recorded and edited content. Twitch is more used for online game streaming. The difference between content types determines the features that each platform has.
All the features that Twitch offers are associated with streaming in the first turn. It is possible to arrange searches by streamer, game, and content type. On the other hand, YouTube allows one to find specific channels and videos. YouTube has one distinct feature that can strongly help any video to stand out among all similar – YouTube allows thumbnails. Twitch can’t offer this feature.
Also, Twitch may not be a very good option for smaller channels as it offers users popular streamers for browsing in the first turn. But, if a streamer creates some truly distinct content, it is easy to get splendid opportunities for growth. At this point, YouTube offers a more flexible approach. It suggests to its users the most relevant videos and channels – these recommendations are based on the previous experience of reviews. So, YouTube can offer more favorable options to smaller channels.
Content Rules
Twitch is a bit lax at this point as it is focused on live streaming where it is difficult or even impossible at all to control the process. Still, some important restrictions are in place. It is prohibited to share through Twitch any content of a sexual, violative, aggressive, or offensive nature, and nudity. YouTube has much stricter algorithms at this point. It excludes the opportunities to share content with nudity, sex, violence, aggression, and hatred.
What will happen if a user breaks the content rules? Well, the less control applied by Twitch is compensated by the severity of sanctions – the platform can ban without any warning for the violations of any restrictions imposed by its rules. YouTube is more flexible in these terms – it forwards three strikes before banning a user.
What about Growth and Monetization?
It is important to make your account grow. Here are the rules that work on both platforms to make the channels grow:
- Twitch needs a permanent presence – you need to stream regularly to increase the number of views. YouTube doesn’t require that – you may need to place video content only. YouTube videos will be accessible always and get reviews without the permanent presence of the owner.
- Twitch will show the most popular streaming channels in the first turn. YouTube will provide suggestions that will be based on the previous search inquiries that a user has made.
Both Twitch and YouTube offer monetization. This can be made through self-promotion and paid advertising. Still, YouTube is definitely the best if we speak about monetization.
Whether you choose YouTube or Twitch, never forget about security. This issue always has great importance even if you make a simple Google search.
Making All the Things Safe
Navigating online through Twitch, YouTube, or any other platform is always engaging and promises to open many opportunities. Sharing some of your personal details or gaining funds are the things that strongly need extra protection. It is good if you think about encryption or other advanced technologies to secure your space. But, it is always necessary to start with some must-have but effective tools that have brought good results to many users – VPN.
There are two variations in which this tool can work. You may have a VPN extension or VPN app. Having at least an extension is a good and convenient choice. It takes a few minutes only to arrange a free VPN for Chrome – choose any servers you like, and forget about all major cyber threats. VeePN will make your online streaming safe, comfortable, and enjoyable.
Final Words
Twitch and YouTube have different features and opportunities to grow and monetize your channel. Always select a platform that will help you to fulfill your goals for the channel promotion but which platform to use is up to you.