Should You Run a YouTube Channel as a Twitch Streamer?

As a Twitch streamer, you will no doubt want to focus on this platform over others. Whether you are a gamer or you just like to chat, there are lots of benefits to building an audience on Twitch. However, it might also be worth considering whether or not you also want to run a YouTube channel. Here are some of the things to think about if you do want to.

Crossover Between Audiences

You might start by building an audience on Twitch, but having a YouTube channel means that you have the potential to build an audience there too. This could even mean that people who find you on YouTube even come across and start supporting you on Twitch!

Many Twitch gamers like to have a YouTube channel as it means that they have a place to post a highlight reel of their streams. They will run a stream as usual but will record everything – from their gameplay to their interactions with the chat. They will then edit this and upload it for their YouTube subscribers to enjoy.

In addition to being a great way to build up their following on other platforms, it can also be a fantastic option for Twitch followers who might miss the stream. Even if you have a strict schedule that you stick to for streaming – always going online on the same days and times – there will be times when your followers won’t be able to tune in. Having your videos on a highlights channel means that they will be able to catch up and won’t feel like they have missed out.

More Work

It is worth noting that having a YouTube channel in addition to your Twitch streams is going to be more work. If you don’t want to hire a professional editor to make your highlight videos, you are going to have to learn how to edit yourself. This can be more complicated than it might initially seem, especially if you have no experience in editing. You need to make sure that you are able to deliver a good video so that people will want to watch them. Long, unedited streams are not for everyone!

This might be more technical than you might have thought it would initially be too. For example, you might decide that you want to record your streams on your PC, as this is the device that you game on. However, you might decide to edit on your MacBook, since it can be easier to do so on these products. You need to learn how to convert media files on Mac, how to cut up the footage and stick it back together, and how to create a compelling video. Sometimes there might be a natural story for you to tell, other times you might have to improvise with the footage that you have.

On top of planning your streams and other commitments that you might have, this could prove to be a lot of extra hard work. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that this will be an easy way for you to build your audience – it is going to take a lot of hard work on your part.

A Chance to Try Different Content

A YouTube channel does not have to be just a place where you post stream highlights. Think of it as an extension of your brand, and a chance to try out some different styles of content that you otherwise may not have considered. Though you can have many different genres of video on Twitch, the format is all pretty much the same. YouTube allows you to shake it up and try some other things.

For example, you might want to consider vlogging. This is a great way to give your followers a little insight into your daily life, and will allow you to flex your creativity as you try to come up with new videos. There are so many different types of content to make. If you decide to put a little energy into building a community online on YouTube, you might be pleasantly surprised by how many people want to see what you have to offer.

Monetization

Though you might run your gaming channels as a hobby, there is no denying that the question of money will come into it at some point. You need to make sure that you understand how to make money on YouTube so that the content you post there will earn you something. YouTube provides plenty of ways for its creators to make money, though some of these might be a little different than what you are used to on Twitch.

As soon as you are able to, you need to sign up for the YouTube Partner Program, as this allows you to collect revenue on the ads that are posted on your content. However, you will then need to make sure that your videos are advertiser friendly. Many YouTubers have encountered issues with demonetisation over the years and it can mean that you might have to monitor your content more closely. On Twitch, you might be a little freer, but you do need to watch your step with aspects of YouTube’s monetization.

Is a YouTube Channel Right for You?

Many top Twitch streamers have already jumped on this trend and are running successful platforms on both Twitch and YouTube. It is a lot of hard work, but it is also a great way to build up your audience. Whether you are a new streamer or are looking to expand your audience base as it currently stands, this could present some fantastic opportunities for you. Take a look at what YouTube can offer you – it could be very different from what is available to you on Twitch! Are you ready to grow your brand and head off in a new direction? Opening a YouTube channel might just be the best way for you to do so, and it could prove to be one of the best decisions you make for your streaming activities!