What Platform is Best for New Streamers?
There are plenty of options to choose from for someone looking to get their toes wet in the streaming world. However, not all platforms are created equal. This blog post examines which platforms attract new streamers with the most success and offers helpful tips for finding success on each platform.
1. YouTube Live
YouTube Live is a go-to platform for many new streamers, and for a good reason. There is a tremendous amount of interaction with the community that the viewers themselves primarily build. The viewers are, of course, the bedrock of any platform.
The ability for viewers to interact with the streamer, provide feedback, and participate in giveaways significantly increases the viewership numbers of streamers on YouTube Live. The Google-owned live streaming platform has been pushing to partner with streamers and even has a dedicated team assigned to help streamers grow.
2. Facebook Live
Facebook Live is another excellent choice for streamers. The social aspects of the platform can’t be overlooked. At its core, the platform is built around public/private content sharing. You can broadcast live with family and friends or broadcast live with your fans.
On the flip side, viewers can view your broadcast and interact, leading to even more engagement. Facebook is the largest social media site on the internet, which means you have access to many people who are hungry for live content.
3. Twitch
Twitch is a god among men in the streaming community. As the most popular streaming platform, Twitch users tend to integrate their streaming and gaming interests and can create a more niche experience for viewers. Twitch has some of the most engaged viewers, and in many ways, is the cradle of the streaming community.
Many highly successful streamers have made a name for themselves solely on Twitch. This platform is good for those looking to make a name for themselves and who want an intimate community to interact with.
4. Twitter Live
As you might expect, Twitter is the wild west of the streaming community. Users are primarily left to their own devices, meaning the platform is largely random with no moderation. Despite this, Twitter has a lot of power. You can post your stream directly on your profile and then tweet out the link of your stream to your followers.
Twitter also allows you to quickly find other users who are streaming. It is relatively easy to find an audience on Twitter, which is a plus for people new to the community.
5. YouTube Gaming
YouTube Gaming is a platform that many people tend to forget about when discussing live streaming. However, this platform doesn’t necessarily get the recognition it deserves. It has robust functionality and built-in features for both streamers and viewers alike.
Streamers have access to many valuable tools that can help increase their viewership. For example, the Live Chat box on the bottom right side of the screen is a great way to interact with viewers and talk directly to them.
YouTube Gaming also can record your stream for easy uploads. This allows you to put your best foot forward and be ready for future opportunities. While it may not be the biggest platform for streaming, this one should be on your radar.
You may also like: 7 Best Voice Chat Apps for Gaming
6. Instagram Live
Instagram has become one of the most prevalent social media networks in the world. It is a great way to share your personality with your viewers and interact with them.
With its own built-in broadcasting tools, you can go live directly from your Instagram profile and interact with viewers directly through comments and likes. Just make sure you have the right hashtags to improve your visibility.
7. Facebook Gaming
Facebook Gaming is another Facebook-based platform that can be an excellent option for new streamers. While the primary audience is the gaming community, this platform is still relatively new and has a lot of room to grow.
The interface isn’t as clean as some of the other options on the list, but this platform is still pretty good from a functionality perspective. Facebook Gaming has a built-in chat functionality that allows viewers to interact with the streamer.
8. TikTok Live
TikTok is a social media platform that has exploded in popularity as of late. It has become the go-to app for those looking to stream live.
The interface is relatively simple and easy to navigate. The chat features for viewers and streamers provide a great deal of functionality that should help you maintain a healthy community.
TikTok does still have a few kinks to work out as a newer platform, but it is a decent option for those looking to get started on a new platform.
9. Reddit Live
Reddit is known primarily as a news platform, but they also have their own live streaming platform. The Reddit Live community tends to be a bit more niche than other platforms. Still, they have a strong group of dedicated streamers that use the platform to interact with viewers and engage with the community.
There is also a relatively good amount of traffic on the platform. Several subreddits have been dedicated to helping users grow their viewership and become more successful with streaming. Reddit Live can be an excellent choice for those looking for a community that will help them grow.
Conclusion
Live streaming platforms are like most things in life: it comes down to what you’re looking to do. Of course, some platforms are better for different things than others, but there is undoubtedly a ton of value in all of these options.
It’s up to you to determine what is suitable for your streaming needs and learn how to use each platform effectively. If you’re new to the world of streaming, you’re going to need all of the help you can get.
If you’re looking for an excellent place to start, YouTube is likely the most accessible option. The community is as strong as they come, and viewers flock to see what’s happening. YouTube Live is also a simple tool that allows you to do a lot without much overhead. You can record your broadcast and easily upload it, which means you can also grow your channel with your live streams.
