Live streaming has become very common to connect be it with the audience or going live while playing a game. Twitch has known to be the go-to place for online video streaming but Youtube has also started to catch up with its pace.
So what’s the difference between the two?
The difference between streaming on Twitch and Youtube can be divided into some headers
- Content visibility
- Monetisation basis
- Device being used
- Content and its respective guidelines
Each of these headers will be discussed in detail below-
1. Content visibility
On Twitch the channels are found by browsing for games you want to watch. In case you are playing that game, you will be visible. The content visibility on Twitch also happens in a descending order which tends to create a bias that favors established streamers. This is because people would be more drawn to a well-reputed stream.
Apart from this, there is a lack of thumbnails and Twitch uses random thumbnails according to its preference. This makes the content visually less appealing and you might feel lost.
On the other hand on YouTube, this is a little simpler. Although the discovery of your stream will be difficult nevertheless the YouTube algorithm makes sure to support you. The algorithm can favour your stream to others if you post regularly and have a decent number of subscribers. Also, since YouTube is an open platform visible to all using standard videos to gain popularity is a good way out!
In terms of thumbnails, YouTube has the option to upload custom thumbnails. Since the streams function way longer than regular videos you can choose an attractive thumbnail. But the only drawback associated with it is there could be clickbait thumbnails.
2. Monetisation basis
There is variation in terms of money you can make through both the online streaming platforms.
For Twitch
- Donations
- Ads
- Bits
- Subscribers
1. Donations
It depends on the donator but usually, it is around $1-$10 for the majority of donations. The streamer gets 100 % of donation money. The larger streamers can make up to $1,000 per day from the donations.
2. Ads
Ads on Youtube and Twitch are similar in functioning. They appear at the beginning of a stream. Although the pay isn’t that much it helps you earn a decent chunk.
3. Bits (Built in donation system)
Bits are less used and pay in small-scale amounts. Twitch takes a 29 % cut from it.
4. Subscribers
Twitch takes a 50% cut so while each subscriber brings $5 per month, the streamer gets $2.50 per subscriber. This is a standard deal and varies among streamers. Larger and popular streamers could have thousands or even more than those subscribers.
For Youtube
- Ads
- Members
- Super Chat
1. Ads
For some people, the whole experience of ads isn’t good. Not only these ads are even nonexistent for channels, YouTube has considered “demonetized.”
2. Members
Members is the same as subscribers on Twitch. As far as YouTube is concerned it takes 30 % of the cut. But the member system isn’t used as much as the Twitch subscriptions are.
3. Super Chat (Built in donation system)
YouTube takes 30 % cut as compared to Twitch which takes 0 % for almost all the donations.
3. Device being used
YouTube has been the choice for streaming mobile titles. The data makes it quite clear that the preference has been for YouTube mobile streaming. This is because it is simple to stream mobile games from Youtube as opposed to Twitch. The reason being Youtube having in-built streaming functionality.
4. Content and its respective guidelines
Twitch is more gaming-focused and is recognized as a game streaming service as opposed to YouTube which is a lot more flexible and allows you to live stream almost anything.
And while the rules vary from site to site, Twitch is way stricter compared to YouTube. For instance, Twitch takes the authority of banning, and sometimes that is for an unexpected reason too! The ban is temporary in nature unless you have done a serious offense. On the other hand, YouTube is chill and you can’t get banned easily. There is a “three-strike” system on YouTube for most of the offenses.
The common problem with YouTube is the demonetization of ads as well as the copyright strikes on the content. As far as the content is concerned you can practically say anything possible on the stream you wish to.
Concluding it, both the platforms are the best versions of themselves with each coming with its own set of plus and minus. And as far as choosing the right platform is concerned you should always go ahead with which platform gets you your desired audience and traffic!
