What is twitch

Viewing games on Twitch is registration-free. Broadcasting and chatting require free-of-cost registration. The real-time interactive chatting makes Twitch a real-life social experience in the virtual world. This interaction is how many broadcasters develop a personal connection with their audience. Broadcasters can also archive videos forever, making them available for viewing later.

Twitch content is accessible through multiple devices and mediums including PCs, gaming consoles, and mobile devices. Twitch offers access through a web browser and dedicated Twitch apps, also offering dedicated software for improved streaming of videos. For example, using the Twitch API, multiple viewers can play a game by issuing commands through chat. It results in millions of page-views and increased subscriptions to Twitch.

The popularity of the gaming category increased tremendously, which led to a dedicated spin-off called twitch. In Feb. As of today, Twitch continues to operate independently as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Amazon with their CEO carried over from when they were independent. Twitch makes money by advertising and subscription fees.

Advertisers include various gaming companies, game portals, game developers, and game event organizers that get a highly targeted audience-base who are practically addicted to video games. Its revenue-sharing model with broadcasters is an attractive option that brings lots of talented gamers to its platform.

It ultimately results in increased revenue for Twitch. Twitch broadcasters can apply for the Twitch partnership program, which enables them to get a cut from the advertisement and subscription revenue received by Twitch. Acceptance into the program requires approval, which is based on certain requirements like having a minimum number of viewers, and a minimum of broadcasts per week. Twitch also allows users to accept PayPal donations from other users, which can be received for sharing game-tips, cheats, and hacks.

Twitch has also partnered with game development companies that offer rewards to outstanding gamers, including scholarships. E-tournaments are regularly conducted on the Twitch platform, which allows reward opportunities for winning players. Twitch Developers. Streamers Playbook. Personal Finance. Business Essentials. Company Profiles. Your Privacy Rights. Twitch became so popular, it led to an entire rebrand of Justin. Then, later that year, Twitch Interactive was acquired by Amazon.

On average, Twitch gets more than 15 million daily active users, with over 3. Twitch is available for streaming on many platforms. If your device has access to the internet and supports apps, you can probably use it for Twitch. You need an account in order to leave comments on streams, as well as to subscribe or follow other content creators. Keeping up with all the latest video games can be expensive and time consuming.

For this reason, many gamers will tune in to a Twitch stream to see if a game is right for them. Typically, streamers will have two video captures going at once: One of the game itself and one of the streamer. This gives each stream its own personality. Many popular musicians have turned to Twitch to make money during the COVID pandemic, due to the cancellation of all tours.

Some streamers acquire early access to an upcoming game and will partner with its publisher in exchange for advertising. If you see your favorite streamer playing an upcoming game you might have been on the fence about, watching the stream could help you make more of an informed decision to purchase. Streams will typically be accompanied by a live chat, in which its viewers can communicate with the streamer and other people watching.

Many content creators are able to make a living on Twitch, through donations, subscriptions, and ads. You must become a Twitch Affiliate to make money through Twitch directly, which is earned by reaching a certain level of viewership, as well as other stats.

Once these qualifications have been met, Twitch invites you to become Affiliate, which allows you to start making money through the platform. Some of the more popular streaming channels may use automated and human moderators to keep the chat safe and friendly. However, offensive language and discussion is common in many of the streams available on Twitch.

Each stream features a chatroom where users can interact with each other. There are privacy settings within Twitch that allow you to block private messages or Whispers which are sent to you from strangers. When setting up a live stream, users can adjust settings to filter or moderate the language that is used in their chatroom. The minimum age requirement to use Twitch is 13 year-old, and users between the ages of 13 and 18 can only use the platform under the supervision of a parent or legal guardian who agrees to be bound by their Terms of Service.

In Ireland, the Digital Age of Consent is 16, this means that organisations and online services must get parental consent before they collect or use the data of anyone under that age. The paid element of Twitch gives users access to extra features , and is also a means of supporting a streamer directly. Users can purchase Bits which are then used to Cheer for a streamer. We recommend all parents and guardians familiarise themselves with any platforms or social media site your child is interested in using before making an agreement.

For more considerations, check out our post on live-streaming. Worried about something you have seen online or concerned about your child? Childline and the National Parents Council Primary offer free advice and support service. Childline is a support service for young people up to the age of There is a 24hr telephone, online and mobile phone texting service.

Sometimes you might unwittingly stumble across illegal online content like child abuse imagery. Always remember: you can report it and get it removed using Hotline. More on illegal content. Make a report. Explained: What is Twitch? In Get informed , Parents.