Twitch.TV

Explaining the concept of live streaming to those unfamiliar with today’s digital culture can be challenging. It’s a concept that often elicits confusion from older generations, with common questions such as, “What is Twitch?” cropping up in everyday conversation. For many, the idea of watching someone else play video games, particularly for hours on end, seems baffling. The notion that viewers voluntarily donate significant sums of money to complete strangers online is even more perplexing.

Whether you’re a novice looking to grasp the basics of live streaming or a seasoned Twitch user searching for specific information, this article offers a comprehensive look at the phenomenon that is Twitch.

What is Twitch?

Twitch is a live streaming platform where individuals broadcast real-time footage to an audience. Just as news channels transmit live updates to viewers’ televisions, Twitch allows people to stream themselves engaged in various activities, from gaming to painting, and even eating.

Launched in 2011, Twitch has grown exponentially in popularity. By October 2013, the platform attracted 45 million unique viewers. Fast forward to May 2018, and Twitch boasted over 15 million daily active users, marking a significant leap in just five years.

The platform has undergone numerous changes and integrations, particularly following its acquisition by Amazon in 2014 for nearly $1 billion. This partnership enabled Twitch to tap into Amazon’s vast infrastructure and services, including Amazon Payments and Prime. However, one of these services, Blacksmith, was discontinued in 2018 due to insufficient profitability.

Although Twitch initially positioned itself as a video game streaming service, it has diversified over time. A notable addition was the creative category, which became a hub for content creators to showcase talents in music, art, programming, design, and various other skills. Additionally, the introduction of IRL (In Real Life) streaming proved to be a successful move, enabling streamers to cultivate a deeper connection with their audiences.

Twitch Statistics: A Glimpse into Live Stream Viewership

Twitch’s popularity continues to soar, but how large is its audience, and who exactly tunes in to watch live streams? Here are some insightful statistics from various reports.

Twitch Demographics:

• According to Twitch Advertising, 81.5% of Twitch users are male.
• 55% of users are aged between 18 and 34, with 73% falling between 18 and 49 years old.

Twitch Viewership:

• Twitch has 2-3 million broadcasters active on the platform.
• In 2017 alone, 355 billion minutes of content were watched on Twitch.
• The average user spends nearly 100 minutes daily on the site.
• Each month, Twitch attracts 150 million unique viewers.

Popular Games on Twitch:

According to a 2019 report by Newzoo, Fortnite and League of Legends ranked as the top two most-watched games on the platform. World of Warcraft followed closely in third place, driven in part by the release of WoW Classic.

A Streamer’s Journey: My Experience on Twitch

Before diving deeper into Twitch’s intricacies, I’d like to share a personal experience that I haven’t spoken much about. Although I’ve previously mentioned parts of my story, my brief stint as a (moderately) successful streamer remains relatively untold.

In 2018, I became captivated by a new roguelike, card-based strategy game. Despite being a complex genre, the concept of speedrunning the game intrigued me. After recording a video of myself completing the game in approximately 18 minutes and posting it on Reddit, it quickly gained popularity. Soon, a community formed around the game, where we regularly exchanged tactics, routes, and strategies to accelerate our gameplay.

This surge in interest led me to try my hand at live streaming on Twitch.

Within a month of starting my Twitch account, I consistently garnered 50 or more viewers per stream. I even began earning money through subscriptions, bits, and donations—a level of success that often takes years of hard work to achieve on the platform. I was fortunate.

But you might wonder why I stopped. Streaming on Twitch is often considered a dream job for many, so why walk away from it?

What I rarely share is the reality behind those streams. To cater to my American audience, I stayed up until 5 a.m. most nights. My mental health deteriorated as I spent 12 hours a day glued to my screen, maintaining a facade of enthusiasm. The pressure to meet my viewers’ expectations was overwhelming, leaving me exhausted and drained. It didn’t help that I was also grappling with financial and health-related challenges at the time. The result was a three-month period of streaming that, in retrospect, left a bitter taste in my mouth.

Despite this, I miss streaming. Although I gave up video games earlier this year, I still long for the camaraderie and sense of community I built during that time. There was something special about having people cheer me on and root for me. Seeing dozens of viewers tune in each time I went live was undeniably gratifying.

If I were to try streaming again, I’d approach it more mindfully, taking better care of my responsibilities and managing my time effectively. Streaming became an escape for me, and it’s crucial not to let the platform become an unhealthy dependency. I’d also make healthier choices, like eating less takeaway food.

Later in the article, I’ll delve deeper into what it takes to become a Twitch streamer. If that interests you, keep reading.

One question I’m frequently asked when sharing my streaming journey is why people choose to watch others play video games. This brings us to the next topic.

Why Do People Watch Others Play Games?

Interestingly, 48% of gamers say they spend more time watching gaming content on YouTube than actually playing games.

Gamers no longer just play; they also consume gaming content, spending hours watching others play on platforms like Twitch and YouTube. While this may surprise some, it’s a natural progression in the gaming world and reflects the growing trend of gamers turning their passion into viable careers.

To comprehend live streaming, one must first understand that gaming is about more than just playing. For many, it’s about community—a place where they belong and feel understood. Streaming elevates this sense of belonging, offering not only a community but also a live, social experience. Fans of particular streamers or games, such as Ninja or Fortnite, become part of a larger collective.

For many broadcasters, the games they play serve as a backdrop for their commentary and interactions with fans. It’s a similar dynamic to what has driven the social media boom, with platforms like Instagram and Twitter. People want to experience behind-the-scenes moments, engage with content creators, and feel like they are part of the experience. Live streaming on Twitch delivers on all these fronts and more.

Watching others play is a form of entertainment, not unlike tuning in to a sports match or catching the latest episode of a popular TV show. It’s a way for people to unwind and relax, choosing their preferred content much like one might choose between watching the NFL or a drama series. For gamers, that choice often involves streaming.

Additionally, many viewers tune in to learn and improve their skills. With numerous professional eSports players and highly skilled streamers on Twitch, audiences can pick up new strategies and tactics, helping them enhance their gameplay and even pursue a career in gaming themselves.