It’s never been easier to start live streaming. At the same time, though, it’s hard knocks gaining followers on Twitch (or any platform). It’s easy to understand why as well. With so many channels popping up every second, the attention of their eyeballs is being courted left and right at an alarming rate.
So, how can you, a budding Twitch streamer, get people to press that coveted Follow button? Here are 4 pro tips for gaining followers on Twitch.
Gaining followers on Twitch: Understand why people follow streamers
Let’s get one thing straight here: just because follows are free, doesn’t mean viewers don’t value them. If you’re looking for ways to add followers on Twitch, you’ll need a little extra oomph. Sure, you can be the most likable person or funniest personality but so are the rest of the millions who set up shop on Twitch. People have their reasons for following. It means they’re virtually making you a part of their online life so they don’t make that decision lightly.
For the most part, Twitch viewers follow channels because the streamer:
- made them feel something
- taught them something new
- shared the same values as them
- respected their time
- gave them attention
The last one is especially important because Twitch has a unique aspect that other social platforms don’t and that is instant interaction.
Gaining followers on Twitch: Maximize interaction
The main reason people choose to tune into live content is because of the direct access they have to the streamer. Asynchronous platforms like YouTube and Tik Tok don’t offer that. Therefore, it’s your job as a streamer to meet that minimum expectation.
Sitting in front of a camera playing GTA V and saying “hey” every now and then just doesn’t cut the mustard anymore. You need to take every opportunity to interact with your chat. If they say something, you’ve got to respond genuinely and engagingly. And even that isn’t enough.
Your viewers have to feel compelled to start typing in chat. You can speak into the void for all eternity but if what you’re saying isn’t intriguing, thought-provoking, or, heck, even generally provoking, you won’t get a peep out of your viewers.
And this is where your streamer persona comes into play.
Gaining followers on Twitch: Be yourself (mostly)
You’ll hear a lot of experienced content creators claim that being yourself is the most important part of streaming. To an extent, that’s true. You won’t go far copycatting other streamers. But, if you don’t add a dose of exaggeration or drama, you won’t get people to follow either.
Viewers want their creators to be down-to-earth, relatable, and all that jazz but that’s just what they say verbally. Their subconscious prefers to view personalities that feel larger than life. In other words, you’ve got to do some performing on your part.
Being your regular, everyday self is noble but also too regular in the eyes of your viewers. Some will stick around but to get more to give you their Follow, you’ll need to inject more “color” into who you are and formulate a streamer persona.
This will factor into the next point.
Gaining followers on Twitch: Establish consistency
Being consistent is what will ultimately bring your viewers back for more. We’re not only talking about the tired advice of having a schedule. That’s a given if you want people to know when you’re going live each week. No, we’re talking about maintaining a constant stream of expectations.
You can’t be vibrant and fun one time and then the next you’re a gloomy goose who’s got the energy of a soggy piece of cardboard. If you managed to make your viewers feel or think something during one stream, they’ll be seeking out that dopamine hit the next time as well. Completely missing that mark will mean a swift and decisive unfollow.
Want more tips for gaining followers on Twitch? Does A Streaming Schedule Help Build Followers On Twitch?