One of the most common questions I hear people ask partnered streamers is how they can get started/partnered/rich/famous on Twitch. And same as them, I'm here to rain on your parade and let you know there is no guarantee to make it on Twitch, or anything in life for matter.
But if I'm not a partnered streamer, who am I, and why should you give a shit what I think? I started watching and streaming on Twitch in 2013. It's easy to do and I've encouraged anyone who wants to stream always to just do it. Actually, if there's a "secret" to making in on Twitch, that would probably be it: Just do it--the old Nike cliche. Seriously, though, all you have to do is start streaming.
In those three years, many of those I've watched or inspired have earned sub buttons of their own, grown their channels and community exponentially, and created their success on Twitch in their own way. Here are five things most of them, and pretty much every popular streamer on Twitch, have in common:
1. They Love Video Games
This might seem obvious, but if you don't particularly enjoy playing video games or don't really make time for them in your life, it's not going to be particularly enjoyable watching you stream them. That goes for the Creative category also. Whether you're streaming games, music, sculpture, drawing, or basket weaving--you've got to love what you do.
2. They Stream EVERY DAY, With Enthusiasm!
The only way to build an audience on Twitch is to show up every day, on time, no excuses, no exceptions. Okay, maybe not every day, but the most successful streamers on Twitch have a schedule and they stick to it. Viewers appreciate reliability. They want to trust that if they sign in at a certain time you'll always be there.
3. They Have A Hook
Most popular streamers have a hook. That is, something unique to their channel, that only they do, that you can only get from them. DansGaming pioneered Halloween Horror Month. Futureman is a man sent back from the future to stop video games from taking over the planet. Tornis is a Russian strategy game expert. LethalFrag is a professional chef and pinball restorer. Summit1G is a self-proclaimed CS:GO professional.
Regardless of if you want to play a role, specialize in a game, or showcase a unique skill or talent, all of the best bring something like this to the table.
4. They Like People (Sort Of)
Chat interaction plays a crucial role in growing your Twitch audience and community. If you have problems talking to or dealing with people expect a rough, rocky road to partnership. The good news most of the successful streamers on Twitch are just as maladjusted as you. If they can fake it, so can you. For those who might test your patience, there's always the ban or block button.
5. They're Just Plain Lucky
The unfortunate truth is that Twitch fame is, much like Hollywood fame, a complicated butterfly effect of persistence, positive energy, social networking, game choice, and so much more. If one of the ingredients is missing, then the whole damn thing falls apart. It really is a, "right place at the right time," profession.
That's not to say you can't still stream for the fun of it, to meet new people, and to share your experience of your favorite games.
