Twitch for Creatives

Let me begin by setting the record straight → Twitch is first + foremost a broadcasting platform.

Let me guess: when you think of Twitch, you think, “Yeah, not for me.” Or, “I’ll pass - I can’t handle another social media platform.” Did I guess right?

I know when I first saw Twitch, it was over the shoulder of my guy while he was working on his computer. He obsessively watched randos play Rocket League + other seemingly lame games. And I didn’t think there was anything else to it. If you told me then that not only would I become just obsessed, but also a Twitch Affiliate — yeah, I def wouldn’t have believed you. #cliche

Now being on the other side, my understanding of Twitch has 1000% evolved. Although video games are the most popular activity streamed, there are huge communities surrounding illustrators, coworking faciliators, divine readers, + podcast hosts. Another cliche, but with Twitch, pretty much anything is possible.

My favorite non-gamer categories: Just Chatting Art, Tarot, Makers + Crafting, + Talk Shows.

Talk is growing around Web 3.0, the next level of the interwebs. We could get really technical about it, but my takeaway for this WIP evolution is that parasocial-based social media is becoming less popular, + engaging, niched communites is becoming the new ‘it’ girl.

If you’re interested in being a part of this switchero, Twitch is the place to be — regardless if you’re the streamer or the viewer. In my eyes, Twitch is the most authentic form of social media because you experience social interactions in real time, bonding socially with others right then and there. Is that something you can say you experience on Instagram or Twitter?

I joined Twitch originally because I saw streaming as a way to create + produce my own “show” when I thought I was going to dive into stand-up comedy. Spoiler: I have yet to do so - hopefully someday. I started off with streaming the uber niche Nancy Drew games so that I could gradually learn the technical know-how of broadcasting. I know, it’s a video game - lolz.

Since my first stream in October 2021, Twitch has continued to be a rewarding, experimental space for me. As both the streamer + the viewer, I have been able to heal various traumas around my biases against men, my hesitancy to be creative for the sake of it, my impulse to hustle through everything, + even my negative self-views. Not only that, which is so freaking empowering, but I also have to mention the community that I’ve built by being on Twitch. I’m in love with the people that I get to interact with + meet on the daily. Being in community on Twitch has been the greatest, tenfolding gift I’ve ever been a part of.

The thing I’m most proud of in being a part of Twitch is that I simply allow myself to respond to the moment rather than over-curate or over-analyze every interaction. I’m simply present + truly get to show up as I authentically am. No filter necessary.

Are you a Podcast host? → stream your recordings live + chat with viewers in between takes. You could include chatters within the recording process or simply let them have an intimate look at the behind-the-scenes process.

Do you run a social media account? → stream your creations in progress + let viewers get a full view from start to finish. You could give tips to viewers + walk them through your process, providing support as they embark on their own creative work.

Are you an avid reader with some juicy hot takes? → stream yourself reading with some cozy lofi music in the background. Take breaks with viewers + play a mini-game in between chapters. Tell them your opinions on what you’re reading or have read.

Is writing a part of your creative process? → stream yourself working on your piece! Whether you show your writing on screen or just your face, co-working streams are becoming growingly popular. Share your creativity with others!

Do you read tarot + like to talk about witchy things? → stream tarot reading sessions, drawing for your viewers. It’s uber fun, + spiritual folks love finding other healers they can connect with.

Are you great in the kitchen + like to share your recipes? → stream yourself whipping something up in the kitchen! Viewers can cook along side you + grow their cooking skills. You could share or sell your recipes in the links.