If you’re looking for simple tips for new Twitch streamers, then this post is for you.
Just remember, though, as a new streamer, you shouldn’t copy everything at once.
Instead, pick the tips that most resonate with you and implement those first.
With that, let’s jump straight in…
1. Stream consistently but not obsessively
Sounds like a no-brainer, right?
If you want to build a community and grow your channel, you’ll need to stream consistently.
But don’t just pick a random number of days per week and set that as your schedule for streaming.
For example, if you’re brand-new and not sure how much time you should be streaming, consider starting with two or three times per week.
If you want to stream more, that’s great! But just do yourself a favor and consider your options before you start streaming five days per week.
Put in too much time at the start, and it might burn you out.
Also, if you ever have doubts about how much time to dedicate to streaming each session, err on the side of caution and reduce your stream time.
As we mentioned earlier, streaming every day might be overkill unless you know for sure that’s what your schedule can handle without burning out.
You want to find a balance between consistency and obsession so you don’t start to hate Twitch and streaming as a whole.
Tips for New Streamers
2. Stream at the same time every day
You need to be streaming consistently. But don’t just stream willy-nilly whenever you feel like it, either.
Pick a time of day that works for your schedule and stick to it.
If you work 9 to 5, stream during the hours you’re normally awake but aren’t working.
If you work from home, stream in the mornings before your kids wake up and in the evenings after they go to bed.
A consistent stream time is a great way to settle into a routine and build a community.
It’ll also make it easier for viewers to know when to check out your channel if they’re looking to catch your next stream.
3. Avoid streaming just before you go to bed at night
There are exceptions, of course.
Some people have the luxury of being able to stream in the evening yet still get a full 8 hours of sleep every night.
If you’re one of them, great job!
But for the rest of us, streaming so close to bedtime means you’re likely to have a far more difficult time falling asleep.
You’ll also prevent yourself from getting into a healthy sleep cycle because your body will associate your bed with being awake.
4. Do NOT stream while watching TV
While it may seem like a fun idea to have something playing in the background of your stream, don’t do it.
In fact, you should avoid sitting in front of a TV or doing anything too passive or engaging while streaming.
It makes for terrible quality and will cause viewers to lose interest quickly.
“Wait, that streamer is watching TV?
Why am I not watching their stream instead of TV?”
New Twitch Streamer Tips
5. Don’t stream unless you’re prepared to interact with your viewers
It’s really that simple.
If you want people watching your channel, then you need to give them a reason to stick around.
If you’re just sitting there doing nothing, what will hold their attention long enough for them to stick around and become fans?
You’ll need to play games or interact with them in some way. Otherwise, you’re just wasting everyone’s time – including your own.
6. Don’t be a hermit and always stream alone
Don’t get me wrong: I don’t want you to go hunting for co-streamers just yet .
But streaming solo, without any other streamers to interact with, will definitely hurt you.
Your viewers want someone they can relate to and connect with.
They’ll always have a better time watching you if you’re interacting with another person because that keeps the action moving forward.
So don’t stream alone unless you absolutely have to.
7. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if needed
You might feel like you need to know everything there is to streaming before asking for assistance.
While it’s great that you’re enthusiastic and dedicated, don’t be too proud or too stubborn to reach out for help when you need it.
Streaming can be quite complex, and every community will have people who are happy to help out others with advice or recommendations.
If you make it known that you’re willing to learn, someone is bound to offer help sooner or later!
So, don’t feel like you need to go it alone.
Advice for New Twitch Streamers
8. Don’t delay asking for donations
I know, I know… you don’t want to come off as money hungry or desperate because that’s the opposite of what you want.
But here’s the truth:
No one will donate to your channel unless they respect and like you enough to give you their hard-earned cash.
Which means this one is all about building a rapport with your community.
If you delay asking for money because you don’t want to come across as overly pushy or desperate, then you’re defeating the point.
So ask frequently! Be friendly and open about it.
It’ll be better for everyone in the long run because people will know what you need to make your stream possible.
9. Don’t wait to upload videos or blog posts
A lot of smaller channels tend to neglect the other side of content creation: blogging and uploading videos.
The most popular Youtubers and Streamers tend to release gaming videos with the occasional unboxing, Q&A video or behind-the-scenes.
So as a new Twitch streamer who cannot yet invest in high-end equipment, why not try out your hand at doing some video blogs?
It is a great way to further establish your channel and grow a following.
Remember: always post the YouTube link in the chat and add a link at the end of your stream to bring them over.
10. Don’t neglect YouTube
Post videos on YouTube as frequently as you would normally stream.
You want your community to populate your channels, not be split between two – or even three – different services.
Streaming offers an intimate experience like no other, where followers get to feel like they’re part of your journey.
So stay active and be interactive with your community on both YouTube and Twitch – or you’ll fail to create a following that sticks around.
What should a new streamer not do?
11. Don’t let your stream get stale
You started out excited and ready to go, but six months later, now you’re just streaming for the sake of it.
You’ve fallen into a routine and average stream time, but there’s nothing remarkable about it.
You’re basically putting yourself out of a job by not trying to mix things up or fix the problem.
So, don’t let yourself fall victim to stagnation and burnout.
It’s never too early to start looking for new ideas.
Whether it’s a different schedule, a new game to play, or simply switching up the background music.
If you’re not enjoying yourself, then it’ll be very apparent to your viewers, and they’ll move on to someone else.
12. Don’t neglect community management
One of the most important parts about interacting with your viewers is remembering that you’re not just a streamer, but also a community manager.
You have to think about what everyone wants and needs, which means resolving conflict, creating a positive attitude and building rapport.
This can be easy to forget about when you’re wrapped up in the excitement of streaming.
So never forget that you’re a part of the community as well as being a leader within it.
If people feel like you don’t care about them, they’ll leave.
13. Don’t be afraid to invest in yourself
Sometimes you just need that extra boost or confidence.
It could be as simple as special effects on your stream overlay, some extra equipment, more games to play, or bigger prizes to offer.
It all comes down to prioritizing your time and choosing how to invest it in yourself.
And you only get better with practice.
So remember that even tiny changes can make a big difference.
And keep an eye out for new opportunities and ideas at every turn!
In conclusion:
The one piece of advice I would give to all new Twitch streamers, is just to be yourself.
People love authenticity and the moment that they feel like you’re not being genuine, then it’s all over.
But if you keep and open and honest and put your heart into it, then you’re much more likely to succeed.
Just always remember to have fun gaming!
-The Zombie Writing Team