You know how Twitch and YouTube have always been the go-to platforms for game streaming, right? Then, for a brief moment during the pandemic, it was Facebook Gaming? Well, now we’ve got new players like Kick and TikTok Live joining the game, and it’s making things pretty exciting for streamers like us — talk about leveling up!
How I Got Started: From Facebook Gaming to Twitch
I actually started streaming back in 2020, right in the middle of the pandemic. Facebook Gaming Live was super popular among Filipino streamers, and it was so easy to get started. I kicked things off with games like Among Us and Jackbox Games, which were perfect for interacting with viewers. Eventually, I transitioned to Valorant, which really helped grow my channel. Once you hit 500 followers and streamed for 30 days, you could start earning money through “stars” from viewers. But by 2022, people were heading back to their normal lives, and Facebook Gaming started losing viewers. That’s when I made the switch to Twitch.
Twitch is such a great platform for community building. They’ve got everything from chatbots to interactive games, plus all the widgets you can add to make your stream really stand out. It’s definitely on another level—like moving from a cozy couch to a high-tech gaming throne! I’ll actually be celebrating my Twitch affiliate anniversary soon, and I love how much Twitch helps streamers grow their communities.
TikTok: The New Kid on the Block
Lately, TikTok Live has been blowing up as a platform for new streamers. And honestly, I can see why! Once you hit 1,000 followers, you can go live and start earning through virtual gifts like roses, power hugs, and pans—just like how Facebook made it easy to start with stars. The best part? TikTok doesn’t have a minimum withdrawal threshold, so you can cash out right away. I’ve actually pulled out a little over ₱600 recently via PayPal, which was super easy.
One thing I really appreciate about TikTok Live is the ability to stream in both landscape and portrait modes.
It makes my life so much easier when editing because I don’t have to spend hours tweaking the format—it looks fantastic no matter how you watch it! However, TikTok’s VOD system still has room for improvement. It’s slower than a turtle trying to win a marathon, and clipping those memorable moments from my streams is far from seamless compared to Twitch. Speaking of which, Twitch recently rolled out an update allowing for portrait and landscape clipping, too. But at the end of the day, while TikTok Live offers some entertaining features, Twitch’s clip creation is truly top-notch! It’s like comparing a trusty sword to a rubber chicken—both can be entertaining, but one is definitely more effective in battle!
TikTok LIVE Desktop App:
Current Twitch VOD Clip Creation:
Currently, I stream on both TikTok and Twitch since I use different streaming software for each platform. If your PC can handle it, I highly recommend this setup, as it really does help build your community even more by offering different ways for viewers to chat and interact with you!
Viewer Algorithms: TikTok vs. Twitch
I’ve also noticed that TikTok’s algorithm is a lot like Facebook’s. Most of my viewers on TikTok are from the Philippines. On Twitch, though, it’s different. The algorithm recommends streamers based on the type of game or genre the viewer usually watches, so I get a more diverse audience from all over the world. That’s one of the things I really love about Twitch—it helps you build a more global community. It’s like a worldwide LAN party, and who wouldn’t want that?
Game Interaction: Who Does It Better?
Twitch has nailed game integration. They’ve got it set up so viewers can help you make decisions or affect your gameplay without disrupting things too much. On TikTok, it’s not as smooth. Since they don’t have native game integrations yet, I use a desktop app called TikFinity to make my stream interactive. Viewers can send gifts, and those gifts change my gameplay in real-time. It’s not as seamless as Twitch, but it works! It’s like using a spell that’s a little less powerful but still gets the job done.
Where’s TikTok Headed?
TikTok is still carving out its niche in the streaming landscape, and let me tell you, it’s making some impressive strides! The platform is a breath of fresh air for new streamers, with a super straightforward setup process. Plus, their algorithm loves to promote live content, which can be a game-changer for quickly growing your audience.
However, if community engagement and advanced game integrations are what you’re after, Twitch remains the gold standard. It’s like comparing a flashy new car to a trusty old pickup—both get you where you want to go, but they cater to different needs!
I wouldn’t say either TikTok or Twitch is outright better for streaming; they each have their strengths and weaknesses. Right now, they offer distinct incentives for streamers, and the vibe for community building varies significantly between the two. So, the best approach? Give both platforms a shot and see which one aligns with your streaming style! After all, in the wild world of streaming, anything can happen—just like that surprise loot drop that catches you off guard!
