10 Tips for Getting Regular Viewers on Twitch

Disclaimer: Note I am NOT a large streamer, however I was a mod for a large streamer (about 2000 subs) for 2+ years, I research advice for upcoming streamers and I've consumed twitch streams for about 6 years now. This is an aggregate of information which can set your stream up for success.

1. Have a schedule - If people know when to find you, they will be more likely to return and create a habit of visiting your stream. Also MORE importantly, STICK to the schedule. The only thing worse than not having a schedule is having one you don't keep and leaving all your potential viewers sour and in the dust!
   

2. Create a community- Make the community you would want to be a part of. Set up a discord server for your stream and invite your friends. Use that space to discuss your passions, interests and encourage others to do the same. If you surround yourself with likeminded people, everyone’s sure to get along. (Make sure to moderate your discord, I’ve been in many that got out of control with trolling and memes and ruined it for everyone. Unless that happens to be your thing, then go for it.)
   

3. Interact with your community - Ask your viewers about their favorite games/hobbies, play games with viewers, and ask for feedback. Have an AMA in your discord or throw a movie night! The more invested you are in your community, the closer your viewers will feel to you and become more invested in your content.
   

4. Stream what you want to play- It’s extremely easy to tell if someone’s playing a game that they don’t enjoy which automatically turns some viewers off. If you aren’t enjoying a game, stream another one that you can have more fun streaming. Happy streamer = happier viewers (most of the time)
   
   As a side note to this point there is a fine line between streaming an extremely popular game and a more obscure game. A popular game has a huge amount of viewership, however there are more streamers and it is more difficult for a new streamer to be discovered in that space. A rarely streamed game will allow you to be on the top of the twitch streamers page but the potential viewers can be quite low. This topic is highly debated but I personally suggest an uncommon game with has a cult following that ensures some steady viewers. (Example an older JPRG such as Final Fantasy 7 has a group of hardcore fans which will come watch a streamer in this space) Once your initial fan base and community is established, it becomes easier to switch to more popular games and maintain viewership.

5. Keep it simple- Especially when starting a new stream you don’t need fancy stream elements. I would suggest a webcam and a decent microphone. That’s really it. You don’t need fancy stream overlays or 10 donation tickers. That will all come with time. Concentrate on what people care most about at first. Audio and video quality are king. Bad audio/video will turn away viewers before they even give you a change to prove yourself.
   

6. Don’t let your numbers ruin you- This part I know because I’ve struggled retaining viewership as a small streamer. It is IMPORTANT to know when you’re doing well and have more viewers than normal, HOWEVER you can’t beat yourself up when the viewers don’t come. Focus on improving as much as you possibly can and ask for feedback from your friends, relatives etc. and see how an outsider perceives the broadcast. Non twitch users actually give amazing advice. Ask them what they would look for if they were to watch a stream. Have others critique your stream, it’s sometimes very hard to see flaws in your own creation (stream).
   

7. Don’t Burnout- When your stream is on the up and up or at its lowest point it is easy to push yourself beyond the breaking point. Set time limits for working on your stream each week and time devoted to streaming. Learn your limits and make sure to take breaks, eat, drink some water and concentrate on your health. Viewers fluctuate with games and even TIME OF THE YEAR.
   

8. Participate- Be knowledgeable about twitch as a platform and know the resources it offers. Be a viewer yourself. Network and participate in other communities. Networking is vital to starting a successful twitch stream
   WARNING Do not go into other streams and brag or advertise your own stream.
   

9. Be yourself- This goes without saying. Sure you can create a persona like some streamers have done to great success ie. Dr.Disrespect, but at the end of the day it’s easier to be you. People flock to all kinds of personalities just be genuine with who you are and how you present yourself on stream.
   (If you’re using a webcam make sure your room is clean and the way you want people to see it. Dress how you want your community to see you. Also be extremely careful that you actually end stream when you think you do. Always double check, trust me.)
   

10. Have fun – I mean that’s why you’re doing it right? Everyone thinks they can get rich off twitch but that’s not realistic. Start as a passionate hobby and if it expands to more than that, GREAT! Enjoy yourself and others will have a good time.
    

Cheers!
Remember guys no matter how big you get on twitch we all come from the same place. Be good to each other and help whenever you can.