Why Are Streamers Returning to Twitch?

When YouTube began signing big names like Ludwig, TimTheTatman, and DrLupo to exclusive livestreaming contracts, it seemed like a major power move against Twitch. YouTube was already a powerhouse in video content, and the platform seemed poised to challenge Twitch’s dominance in the livestreaming space.
However, as these contracts expire, a noticeable trend has emerged: many streamers are either returning to Twitch or opting to multistream across platforms. LilyPichu and Swagg switched back to Twitch almost immediately after their YouTube contracts ended, whereas TimTheTatman and DrLupo, who spent three years on YouTube, started multistreaming on both platforms.
So, Why the Return to Twitch?
There are a few key reasons why streamers are heading back to Twitch:
- Viewership: For many streamers, Twitch offers better viewership numbers. Streaming for the first time on both platforms on September 1, TimTheTatman’s Twitch stream attracted over 31,700 viewers, around 10,000 more than on YouTube.
- Monetization: Twitch’s monetization options appear more lucrative for some creators, primarily through subscriptions. TimTheTatman shared that he gained 6,500 subscribers in one day on Twitch, nearly half of what he had on YouTube after much more extended periods.
- Chat Experience: Twitch’s chat culture is a significant draw for both streamers and viewers. The interactive chat on Twitch is often cited as far superior to YouTube’s, creating a more engaging experience for everyone involved. Streamers thrive on this interaction, which can be less dynamic on YouTube.
YouTube’s Strengths
Despite the mass return to Twitch, YouTube isn’t necessarily failing. The platform still boasts impressive numbers, particularly in non-English speaking regions. YouTube’s global reach is undeniable, especially in regions like Asia, where platforms like Twitch are less dominant.
For example, VTubers and major events on YouTube can draw in massive peak viewership, sometimes surpassing Twitch’s biggest moments. Minato Aqua, a popular VTuber, recently peaked at 735,000 viewers during her graduation stream—a number that would be difficult to achieve on Twitch.
Moreover, YouTube’s algorithm can help livestreams gain massive visibility, leading to some of the largest peak viewerships in the industry. This makes YouTube an attractive option for big events or highly-produced content.
The Downsides of YouTube Livestreaming
However, YouTube’s strengths aren’t enough to keep every streamer on the platform. Some significant drawbacks make Twitch more appealing:
- Streaming Limitations: YouTube currently caps livestreams at 12 hours if you want to preserve VODs. Streamers like IShowSpeed have seen their viewership drop off due to these limitations and having to restart a new stream every 12 hours.
- Lack of Community Focus: While YouTube is great for lurkers who prefer to watch without engaging, Twitch excels at building a community through its chat features and interactive tools. This community aspect is vital for many streamers who rely on viewer interaction.
What’s Next?
It seems like the era of huge money exclusivity contracts may be coming to an end. With Twitch’s CEO stating that exclusivity deals are no longer part of their business strategy and YouTube not renewing many of these contracts, the landscape is shifting. These contracts, whether on YouTube or newer platforms like Kick, were primarily focused on initially attracting users to the platform. Now that the dust has settled, many streamers are reassessing where they can best grow their audience and income.
One significant development is Twitch’s decision to lift its restriction on multistreaming for partners and affiliates. This opens up new possibilities for established creators who no longer have to choose between platforms. We may see more streamers embracing multistreaming to maximize their reach and revenue, taking advantage of the strengths of both Twitch and YouTube.
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- Twitch has fully rolled out an updated Clips workflow that automatically generates a portrait version of every clip. This makes it easier to edit and share clips across mobile and desktop platforms in one seamless flow.
- Twitch has announced several improvements to the new mobile app after heavy criticism from the community. Upcoming enhancements include better sorting of followed channels, enhanced picture-in-picture on Android and iOS, and the return of the “continue watching” feature.
- YouTube is launching a new feature allowing creators to group educational videos into courses, offering additional functionality like quizzes and badges for viewers upon completion.