It’s hard to be discovered on Twitch these days. Especially, when you are at the very beginning of your streaming journey. While individual personalities and streaming styles play a significant role, the category you choose to stream in can profoundly impact your ability to attract new viewers. If you're a beginner streamer looking to expand your Twitch audience and reach Affiliate status, here’s a breakdown of some tips on the best categories to consider.
Streaming popular and trending games is a great way to attract viewers who are already invested in those titles.
Games like Fortnite, League of Legends, and Call of Duty consistently draw large audiences on Twitch. However, competition in these categories can be fierce, so it's essential to bring your unique flair and personality to stand out.
New Trending titles can also be a great opportunity to gain some followers while the hype about the game grows. But this is a very time-sensitive method. You need to see the potential in games that are on their way to peak trending status. Sometimes it’s a good idea to avoid the biggest game releases that big streamers can gain access to even before the release date. Instead, it may be a nice idea to focus on a lesser-known title that has some viral potential. We are talking about Valheim, Palworld, Rust, etc.
No matter what you choose to stream, you have to enjoy the game and have a good time playing it. Streaming something just because of hype will get through to the viewers and make your streams less entertaining. Being really good at the game also always helps as well. If you feel like you have a skill set to become very good at the game, it may be worth streaming it for longer. While it by far isn’t the only way to make your stream entertaining, watching someone be really good in a game you enjoy and potentially learning something from them has always been one of the reasons people watch streams.
You also don’t need to hop onto a very new release. This may not be sustainable, so it’s better to pick your priorities according to your personal preferences.
It’s a good idea to keep a calendar of new game releases to have an idea of what you may want to stream in the future and plan accordingly. You can easily find the overviews of upcoming games on games news websites.
Take advantage of seasonal events, holidays, or special occasions by streaming content relevant to the theme.
For example, during Halloween, you could stream horror games or host a spooky-themed stream with a heart rate widget by Pulsoid. Similarly, during major gaming events like E3 or gaming conventions, streaming-related content can attract viewers eager for news and updates.
Don’t be afraid of using analytical tools for streamers that help you determine what has the potential to bring you new followers on Twitch.
Utilize analytical tools and platforms like TwitchTracker, Streams Charts or SullyGnome, to monitor viewership trends, track category performance, and identify emerging opportunities. These tools can provide valuable insights into viewer behavior, helping you make informed decisions about which categories to stream in.
By staying informed, engaging with your audience, and leveraging analytical tools, you can identify categories that are likely to attract new viewers at any given moment on Twitch. Flexibility, adaptability, and a willingness to experiment with different content can help you stay ahead of the curve and grow your audience on the platform.
Note: Casinos and slots may often appear among the categories that have a favorable viewer distribution. We don’t advise you to stream those unless that’s specifically the kind of content you intend to make.
Don’t be afraid of embracing a niche!
While popular games have large audiences, niche games offer an opportunity to target a more specific audience segment. Whether it's indie darlings, classic retro games, or obscure titles with dedicated fanbases, streaming niche games can help you carve out a loyal following. Look for games that align with your interests and passion, as genuine enthusiasm is contagious.
Niche games also usually have a very dedicated audience somewhere on Discord or Reddit. It may be a good idea to search for these communities and interact with them. Just be sure to not spam your stream links and push people to watch your streams. This may get you banned. There are a lot of way more elegant ways to invite these people to join your broadcast.
Participate in events and tournaments.
Collaborating with other streamers or participating in community events can expose your channel to new audiences. Whether it's co-streaming with a friend, participating in tournaments, or joining charity fundraisers, collaborations offer mutual benefits by cross-promoting each other's channels. Leveraging the collective reach of multiple streamers can help amplify your content and attract diverse viewership.
On the other hand, if there is a major tournament happening in a game that you are not involved in streaming it may not be too productive. The majority of interested audience will follow the event and despite a lot of viewers watching the category not too many of them may be up for grabs.
Ultimately, the key to gaining a new audience on Twitch lies in finding the right balance between popular categories with high viewership and niche content that showcases your unique personality and interests. Experimenting with different categories, engaging with your audience, and staying consistent with your streaming schedule are crucial factors in growing your Twitch channel. By offering compelling content and fostering a welcoming community, you can attract and retain viewers who share your passion for gaming and beyond.