From a niche corner of the internet, Twitch has now exploded in mainstream popularity as global gaming and internet penetration have increased. Within the last five years, Twitch’s online subscriptions and IAP revenue skyrocketed to $2.3 billion. Meanwhile, top streamers like CriticalRole have earned almost $10 million in just three years.

Considering these numbers, it’s no wonder that the ranks of Twitch streamers grow daily. Even celebrities like Snoop Dogg and T-Pain have joined the fray. So, with this growing competition for viewership, how can the average aspiring streamer grow their following and gain Twitch success? Read on to find out.

1. Use well-made graphics to stand out

While the Amazon-owned platform does have default graphics, it’s still recommended that you upgrade your channel’s visuals anyway. This way, your channel will stand out and create visual branding that will help pique audience interest and recall. This means creating matching channel banners, thumbnails, avatars, twitch alerts, overlays, logos, panels, emotes, and screens for starting, intermission, and ending. Although it's a lot to do, top streamers attest to the importance of good graphics. In fact, hiring an artist adept at graphic design programs can make or break your branding. Most streamers have found that viewers also respond well to themed or seasonal visuals. Thus, it may be worth looking into changing your graphics with the holidays or notable events. This shows your viewers that you’re invested in your channel and their viewing pleasure.

2. Stream consistently with the right games

Viewer loyalty will come from your streaming consistency. As such, stream as regularly as you can and commit to a regular schedule with your audience. Aside from this, do ensure that the games you’re playing are still relevant. This doesn’t mean just playing the latest titles, either. Instead, try to balance out your offerings. Mix the old with the new, and fan-favorites with the underrated. This way, you’re providing variety to your content-hungry audience. Just make sure that whatever game you play, you do so with passion and equal interest. Because remember, there are over 3 million streamers and 15 million daily visitors, so your reliability and zeal will keep your audience invested in you.

3. Promote your stream on social media

To effectively grow your stream, tap into the power of social media. With almost 4 billion people on some form of social media, promoting on these platforms is a great (and relatively inexpensive) way to attract attention. Social media is such a powerful tool for every type of enterprise that it has become a key foundation of modern marketing degrees. Companies of every size are desperately looking to hire these graduates as social media strategists and social media managers, which shows how vital a social media presence is for gaining a customer base – whether you are a multinational corporation or a solo Twitch streamer. This is because social media can organically increase consumer engagement with a brand. In the case of your Twitch stream, social media can put your channel, and what you offer, out there. To best utilize social media, try to choose a platform that aligns with your target demographic. For instance, if you’re more into cult-favorite games, try Reddit. If you’re targeting a younger crowd, try TikTok.

4. Create a community with viewers and streamers

To make it online, you’ve got to network. The more interactions you have with fellow streamers and viewers alike, the likelier your channel is to gain a community. Among other streamers, you can foster this via collabs and shoutouts online. This is a great way to make friends and tap into other streamers’ following. Among your viewers, you can interact through chat and by supplying unlockable perks. The former can include responding to chat messages. Meanwhile, the latter can include emotes, GIFs, and Blerps on a streaming soundboard. These can be incentives for them to subscribe to you, as well as a means for them to feel included within your space. Creating a community is what will fuel your stream with subscriptions, increased views, and credibility for sponsorships.

Making it big on Twitch is no easy feat. But with these tips, you can slowly but surely grow your stream into a successful channel that viewers and streamers will rely on for quality content.

Written by Astrid Rhea Chambers

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