Top streaming platforms for gamers

Whether you’re connecting with a streaming platform to find your tribe and community. Or, you are looking to build followers - in the dynamic world of online gaming, streaming platforms have become pivotal in connecting gamers worldwide.

Whilst there is no denying Twitch is the dominating platform, communities are growing on a plethora of other platforms. Let’s take a look at the alternatives to Twitch, and get ahead of some of the trends.

As a gaming streamer building a wider following beyond Twitch may be a smart move, especially if you have a little extra time to commit to your followers. Bringing your personality and skills to new communities means extra bandwidth to showcase your skills, foster community, and provide top-flight entertainment to new followers.

In this article, we offer a comprehensive overview of the top gaming-oriented streaming platforms for streamers, highlighting monthly active users and some of their unique features.

Whatever your streaming appetite there is sure to be something in here for you.

Table of Contents

Conclusion & Recommendation

Twitch

No list of top streaming platforms would be complete without a priority mention and a huge nod of respect to Twitch. This titan of gaming platforms still dominates the gaming live-streaming space, and for good reason. Launched in 2011, it has experienced an exponential growth trajectory, winning the hearts and minds of gamers everywhere.

Let’s start with a quick look at some of Twitch’s respect-forming statistics.

As of 2020, According to Wikipedia Twitch reported 15 million daily active users, translating to approximately 450 million monthly active users, and 3 million unique streaming broadcasters.

Twitch features such as live gaming streams, to “Just Chatting” sessions have been a winning formula for streamers and followers alike.

There is no doubt the move towards hosting esports tournaments and special events like TwitchCon, which recently celebrated its 10th birthday has helped to propel Twitch.

With all this momentum and following on Twitch, why look further? Well, for many Twitch might be your one and only platform. However, you’ll also need to be ready to share up to half of your streaming revenues, and abide by Twitch’s (not so short) list of requirements.

No biggie really, but if you want a slightly freer hand, or a larger revenue share in your favour, then perhaps another top streaming platform might steal your heart.

YouTube Gaming

As an extension of YouTube, YouTube Gaming provides an alternative streaming platform for gamers to live stream and upload gaming content. While specific numbers for YouTube Gaming are not distinctly reported, YouTube as a whole has over 2 billion logged-in monthly users. So, however it’s sliced, YouTube Gaming is going to be a very large slice of the pie.

What do we like about YouTube Gaming compared to Twitch? Well, one huge win is the seamless integration with regular YouTube content, enabling creators to diversify their content offerings.

Whilst, we’d usually suggest sticking with your niche to build community, having scope to mix up and try new things can help your channel evolve, and find new followers. Whilst Twitch is primarily a live streaming channel, YouTube Gaming allows streamers to upload and share pre-recorded video content.

Twitch is generally considered to be more monetization friendly for streamers, but it can be hard to stand out from the crowd. Discoverability is probably a little easier on YouTube Gaming, and building up a video catalog can be a great way to find a following.

Videos with commentary, tips, walk-throughs, personality and humor as well as reviews, tutorials and speed runs can be popular among viewers. Let’s Play videos, which are long-form videos where creators focus on humor can be a real winner. So, if you are looking to entertain the masses, this might be your new fave platform!

Kick

According to Mediacat. As of Q3 2024, Kick reported 241,000 monthly active users, marking a 200% growth rate. The platform has attracted top streamers like Westcol (1.8 million followers) and AdinRoss (1.5 million followers).

Emerging as a competitor to Twitch, Kick launched in late 2022. Kick is gaining popularity in part because of low 5% revenue charges. Sharing a whopping 95% of revenue content creators is generous by any standard.

This is compared to Twitch, where typically streamers (without a prior arrangement) receive 50% of revenues. Kick also offers a relaxed approach to moderation and allows gambling content. This again differentiates it from its competitors.

TikTok

TikTok, originally known for its short-form videos and viral trends, has rapidly evolved into a viable streaming platform for gamers. With the introduction of TikTok Live, the platform has provided creators with new opportunities to engage with their audiences in real-time.

While it may not have the traditional gaming-centric focus of platforms like Twitch or Kick, TikTok’s massive user base and algorithm-driven discovery offer a unique advantage for streamers looking to grow their presence.

One of TikTok’s standout features for gaming content creators is its discoverability. Unlike other platforms where live streams may be harder to find without direct promotion, TikTok’s For You Page (FYP) serves content to users based on their interests and engagement.

This means gaming streams can quickly gain traction, especially if they resonate with the platform’s predominantly younger audience. Gamers often share gameplay highlights, tutorials, or reaction videos to build a following before transitioning into longer live streams.

Monetization is another key aspect that makes TikTok attractive for gaming streamers. Through TikTok’s gifting system, viewers can send virtual gifts that convert into real earnings for creators. Additionally, brand partnerships and sponsorships are becoming increasingly common as brands recognize TikTok’s influence within the gaming community.

While TikTok’s monetization model may not yet match the subscription and ad revenue systems of YouTube or Twitch, it provides creators with supplementary income streams.

TikTok Live also fosters greater audience interaction. With features like real-time comments, Q&A sessions, and polls, creators can build a strong sense of community and engage viewers in a more dynamic way. This interactivity can be particularly beneficial for gaming streamers who rely on audience engagement to enhance their gameplay experiences or participate in collaborative challenges.

While TikTok may not yet rival dedicated gaming platforms in terms of advanced streaming tools and long-form content support, its strength lies in accessibility and viral potential. For creators looking to grow their gaming brand, TikTok serves as a powerful gateway to build an audience before expanding to other platforms.

As the platform continues to invest in live streaming features, its role in the gaming streaming landscape is likely to become even more prominent.

Facebook Gaming

Whilst Twitch is the dominant top streaming platform for live gaming, Facebook Gaming offers a wider potential audience. As of April 2018, Facebook reported 800 million monthly active users engaging with gaming content. The platform has attracted numerous streamers , including notable personalities like Jeremy "DisguisedToast" Wang.

Integrated within the broader Facebook ecosystem, Facebook Gaming allows for easy sharing and community building. The platform also signed exclusive deals with prominent streamers, enhancing its content diversity.

Discord

Initially designed as a communication tool for gamers, Discord has evolved to support streaming capabilities. Discord is undoubtedly one of the best tools to grow and engage your community. Unlike streaming platforms where interaction ends when you go offline, Discord keeps your audience connected 24/7.

We also love that Discord provides a dedicated space where viewers can chat, and interact, even when you are not streaming. Features like text channels, voice chats, and polls help you build a strong, engaged community. We also love that you can notify your followers when you go live, meaning you are in control.

Twitch has an algorithm led notifications, but Discord allows you to do this manually. This makes sure you’re in control of your all important announcements.

We’d say that If you want to grow your brand and keep your audience engaged, Discord is a must-have platform for your streaming journey!

Rumble

Rumble has emerged as a growing platform for creators seeking an alternative to mainstream video-sharing sites. Initially established as a space for independent voices, Rumble has expanded to include live streaming, making it a viable option for gamers who want greater control over their content.

Unlike platforms that rely heavily on algorithms for discoverability, Rumble prioritizes content visibility through its transparent and chronological feed.

One of Rumble’s primary advantages is its creator-friendly monetization model. The platform offers multiple revenue streams, including ad revenue, licensing deals, and subscription-based earnings.

Gamers can monetize their content quickly, with Rumble taking a smaller cut compared to other platforms. Additionally, its partnerships with various media companies provide opportunities for creators to license their content for further earnings.

Another standout feature is Rumble’s emphasis on content freedom. Gamers who may feel restricted by the content guidelines of other platforms often turn to Rumble for a more flexible and open environment.

While it has fewer built-in community features compared to Twitch or YouTube Gaming, Rumble’s commitment to minimal censorship appeals to creators who want to explore gaming content without limitations.

Other Emerging Platforms for Gamers: Trovo, WeGame, and DLive

While platforms like Twitch, YouTube Gaming, and Kick dominate the western gaming market, alternative options like Trovo, WeGame, and DLive offer unique opportunities for creators looking to explore new spaces.

Trovo

Trovo, backed by Tencent, has grown as a community-driven streaming platform, particularly in regions outside the mainstream Western market. It offers features similar to Twitch, including channel subscriptions, virtual gifts, and monetization through viewer engagement.

Trovo also frequently hosts creator incentive programs, providing bonuses to streamers who meet viewership goals. While its audience is smaller than other major platforms, its growth potential and creator-focused approach make it a viable choice for emerging gamers.

WeGame

WeGame is Tencent’s gaming platform primarily popular in China. While it serves as a game distribution platform akin to Steam, it also offers live streaming capabilities. Western creators interested in expanding their audience in the Chinese market may find WeGame a strategic option.

However, due to the regulatory landscape and language barriers, establishing a presence on WeGame can be more challenging compared to other platforms.

DLive

DLive is a blockchain-based streaming platform that emphasizes decentralized content distribution. Streamers on DLive earn rewards through cryptocurrency, providing an alternative revenue stream.

Its monetization model is designed to give creators a larger share of their earnings compared to traditional platforms. While it has a niche audience, it appeals to creators interested in blockchain technology and decentralized finance.

While these platforms may not yet rival the giants of the industry, they offer distinct advantages depending on a creator’s goals. Streamers looking to explore untapped markets, experiment with blockchain monetization, or engage in growing communities may find Trovo, WeGame, or DLive to be valuable alternatives.

Top streaming platforms - Overall conclusion

Twitch may seem the obvious choice when choosing a top streaming platform. It has inbuilt monetization features, and great support for streamers, especially once established.

Other platforms such as YouTube Gaming, TikTok Live and Facebook Gaming can offer access to huge audience potential due to the integration within TikTok, Facebook and YouTube. You may prefer a bigger slice of the monetization pie, if so look at Kick.

Whichever platform you choose to "main" we’d suggest multi-streaming to as many as you can, creating a Discord server and creating short form and long form content to bring new viewers to your streams! If you need help doing that, that's where we come in at Yakkr Growth. Make sure to check us out.