Let me guess:
You wanna be the next big streamer on Twitch, but you don’t know how to get free Twitch followers.
Well, my fellow gamer, the good news for you is that I’m going to reveal 11 “hacks” that will allow you to quickly increase your Twitch following for free.
See, whether it’s by getting someone else to share your stream or doing giveaways, there are plenty of free ways for you to grow your following.
Just remember, though, if you want your followers to stick about you need to build a relationship with your viewers.
Got it?
Awesome.
Let’s do this…
So, how do I get followers on Twitch?
Hack #1: Create good content
I know it sounds simple, but you’d be shocked at how much people don’t do this if they’re not getting paid to stream.
If you want viewers to care about what’s happening in your channel and keep coming back for more, then you need to give them a reason to do so.
Providing good quality content with interesting commentary is step one in the process of getting free Twitch followers.
Hack #2: Create a schedule and stick to it
People like routine, especially your audience members who have found a channel that they love.
By scheduling out when you’ll be streaming and what games you’ll be playing, you’re making it easy for your fans to return every time you become active.
Another benefit of having a schedule is that viewers know what time to tune in and know when they should expect the stream to end.
It also helps differentiate yourself from other channels because each one has its own unique schedule.
Hack #3: Involve your community
The great thing about Twitch is that it’s all about the viewers getting to see their favorite streamers in action.
By involving them in whatever you do during a broadcast, you’re creating an environment where they feel like they’re part of the show.
One way to include them – and to get them to follow you – is through taking advantage of Twitch’s Sub-Only chat.
This allows your viewers to follow your channel and feel as if they’re part of a community.
Your community.
A community they can then tell their friends about.
Remember, it’s all well and good to have a schedule, but if you don’t answer when people are having problems or generally engaging with them then what’s the point?
People will quickly leave your stream if they feel unwanted.
Awesome, and what are some easy ways to get my first 10 free twitch followers?
Hack #4: Be unique
This might seem obvious but is actually very important.
Your stream has to be unique in someway if you want followers, they aren’t going to follow someone who just walks around aimlessly or plays the same game as everyone else.
If you’re one of these people you should fix this as soon as possible.
Hack #5: Promote your stream elsewhere
This one is pretty obvious – if you want people to follow you on Twitch, you need to promote yourself elsewhere.
Promote your Twitch account anywhere and everywhere you can think of: Twitter, Facebook groups (see section on Reddit below), discussion forums like NeoGAF or GameFAQs, etc.
Promoting your stream in places where people are already talking about video games is also a great idea.
For example, if people are discussing Destiny on GameFAQs, you could post there with an invitation to your stream.
Or if Destiny players are talking about the game elsewhere (maybe on Reddit or Twitter), reply with an invite to your stream.
There’s no hard and fast rule for this. Just start.
Hack #6: Ask viewers to follow you
This is kind of a no-brainer.
If people are watching your stream, then ask them if they’d like to follow you on Twitch.
It does seem that some people forget this step or avoid doing it with certain games (like MMOs).
Just remember, though, that it’s essential.
You need to ask viewers to follow you or you’re never going to get the most out of Twitch.
…and how do I earn my first 1,000 Twitch followers?
Hack #7: Invite other streamers to your channel
Doing this allows you to create an “audience bridge.”
Let’s say you’re streaming and people are hanging out, chatting it up with you and other viewers.
Now, let’s imagine that streamer X is doing the same thing as you at the same time as your channel.
Well, inviting them to your channel – or having them invite *you* to their channel – means you’re creating an audience bridge between the two of your channels.
This tells the people watching the other person’s stream to come and follow your stream, which will obviously increase your potential viewership.
Hack #8: Be active on social media
If you’re active on Twitter, Facebook or any other social network then you should mention that you stream.
Again, this is to create an awareness of who you are and what you do so people can follow you easier… for free.
Hack #9: Invite viewers to your channel in-game
If you stream a game, tell the people playing in that game to come and follow you on Twitch.
Many games allow this – even Overwatch!
It’s pretty easy to do: if someone is using the same service as you (Steam, Battle.net, Origin etc.) then give them your Twitch channel.
For example, if you are using Steam to play Overwatch, invite the other players in the game to follow you on Twitch so they can receive notifications when you go live or just pop into your channel for a visit.
Hack #10: Make a Reddit account and post in Twitch related subreddits
Reddit is awesome. It can be a pain to use sometimes, but it’s still awesome.
And if you don’t already know this, Reddit has a lot of subreddits about Twitch.
So why not make an account and start posting your stream to those communities?
If you don’t want to make an account that’s fine. Just search for the subreddits related to your game.
For example, if you are streaming Counter Strike: Global Offensive then use this link to find all the relevant subreddits.
Once you’ve found the communities, post links or posts about your stream in there and interact with people as much as you can.
This is a super easy way to get followers on Twitch, for free.
Hack #11: Be consistent as hell!
Once you become friends with other streamers and they invite people to your stream… keep doing what you’re doing!
If people like your content then they’ll stick around and hopefully start following.
Keep it up, keep being social… and you’ll grow your following on Twitch with ease!
In conclusion
There are a few different ways to get free Twitch followers.
These include:
- Posting on social media
- Connecting with people in-game
- Posting in Reddit communities
- Being active and engaging
- Reminding viewers to follow you
- Inviting other streamers to your channel
The most important thing, though, is that you’re having fun.
That way, you’ll be consistent with your stream.
So just remember:
Have fun gaming!
-The Zombie Writing Team