Twitch Affiliate Program: How to Take Streaming to the Next Level [TwitchCon 2017 Panel]

For more panels, check out the complete list of TwitchCon 2017 panels.

VoD Link: https://www.twitch.tv/videos/183740101?t=04h55m08s
Moderator: JessyQuill
Panelists: TheMeta4Gaming, KevyTV, AlyKkat

Consistency

• AlyKkat
  • Time of day
  • Create a schedule that allows you to be live at the same time, every time.
  • Set attainable goals. Not hitting goals can create bad habits.
  • Play games you enjoy. Happiness is another consistent factor you need to present on stream
  • Technical quality should be consistent. Doesn’t have to be the best quality but test and make sure everything is good, every stream. Ask viewers for feedback.
• JessyQuil
  • Sort out your IRL stuff before focusing on creative outlets like Twitch.

Networking

• KevyTV
  • Meetups may be scary but it’s an important thing to do. Easier than you think!
  • Think of it as building relationships or even friendships; don’t have to always focus on the business aspect
  • Joining communities within Twitch (ie. TwitchRP) is a good way to connect with other people who are passionate about the same things you are.
• JessyQuil
  • If you can’t go to meetups things like hosting/raiding is helpful. Make sure to care about other communities as much as yours.
  • Find similar communities/streams. ‘Clashing’ streams can be harder to network with.
• TheMeta4Gaming
  • Any business relationship you will have will start as a personal relationship.
  • In regards to Emotes and IRL/Creative. It is a give and take relationship. Make sure you respect the other partner and be on the same page.
• AlyKkat
  • You give what you get.
  • Follow up when you meet someone after a convention. Easier to remember people.
  • In regards to IRL/Creative. People talk within their circles.

Ways to Benefit Subs/Viewers + Communication

• TheMeta4Gaming
  • Always been in constant communication with those who follow you via Twitter, Discord, etc.
  • Twitter is extremely important to keep up to date with those who follow you and who you follow. Quick and easy.
  • Constantly let your followers know what is up with your channel whether it be you being sick for a stream or changing games up after awhile.
  • Twitch is always changing. Don’t be afraid if followers let you know they only followed because you played X or Y game. It’s not your fault.
  • Subscriber Perks
    • Brings more value to your channel
    • Sub-only game participation is a common example as well as Sub-only chatrooms in things like Discord
• AlyKkat
  • It’s perfectly fine not having Sub perks listed. It’s your stream and how you want to run it.
  • Don’t point out when someone can’t sub.

Ending Points

• JessyQuil
  • Look into getting an LLC. Separating personal/business personas is important
    • Can get good perks such as writing off Subs to other streamers as “networking”
  • Luck is a huge factor. Many different things affect your growth and some things aren’t in your control. Keep the perspective that outside factors can play a large factor.
• Meta4Gaming
  • Do only what you’re capable of. Don’t need to invest everything into it. Know where you’re at and how much you need to grow.
  • Be yourself.
• AlyKkat
  • Don’t be afraid to ask larger streamers you look up to for feedback. Just be respectful in contacting them.
• KevyTV
  • Don’t compare yourself to other streamers.

Q & A

• How can you see when the best time to stream is?
  • Using your Dashboard stats, you can take notes on what you were doing on each day and how your viewership does
• How did you realize you needed to change what you broadcasted?
  • Meta4Gaming: If you’re not enjoying a game or find it fulfilling, it’s up to you. Find other things you enjoy.
• What’s a good way to deal with “bad” days in analytics?
  • It’s usually not the stream itself but IRL stuff that can impact how you feel about things. Make sure to step back and work on mental health if you need to.
  • Don’t look at analytics everyday.
  • Look at the things you ARE doing well with, even if it’s something small.
• Should you delete your “old” self when rebranding?
  • AlyKkat
    • No because that’s history of you. It can show your growth and how you got to where you are now
  • JessyQuil
    • It depends on how much you rebrand yourself and how you want to communicate it to future followers/viewers
• Thoughts on giveaways?
  • Advertising giveaways in your title will bring viewers that only care about the giveaway
  • If people pester you about giveaways, let your mods know how to deal with them
  • Giveaways can be healthy but do them in moderation
• How do you deal with no one in chat?
  • Try to get information out of chat but asking questions. Keep a dialogue going even if no one answers. Answer your own questions too.
  • Do stuff that makes you happy. Sing, tell jokes, etc.
• What do you look for in your own VoDs?
  • Basic audio/video quality is important.
  • See where you had opportunities to speak your mind but maybe didn’t
  • Missed opportunities are important to look for
• How do you deal with viewers leaving when switching games?
  • You can’t do anything really. You don’t control your viewers and don’t let them control you.