How to get more Viewers on Twitch: 10 Tips for Streamers

You stream regularly on Twitch, but your viewer numbers are stagnating? Don't worry, that's completely normal! Most streamers struggle to get more viewers at first. But with the right strategies, you can significantly increase your reach. In this article, I'll show you 10 tried-and-tested tips on how to get more viewers for your Twitch channel.

Time your stream correctly

The timing of your stream is crucial to your success. It is important when your potential target group is online and you have the best chance of being seen. Here are three crucial aspects you should consider when planning your streams:

Do not stream at peak times

It may sound counterintuitive at first, but it's often much easier to attract new viewers if you stream outside of peak hours. Why? Quite simply, most of the big streamers are online during peak times, which increases the competition for attention enormously. On the other hand, if you stream at less popular times, you have a better chance of appearing in search results and recommendations.

According to TwitchTracker the peak times are between 16:00 and 00:00. However, this does not mean that you should never stream during peak times. Instead, try to plan your streams so that they start before these peak times or end a little later. This way you can benefit from viewers who come online earlier or stay up late.

Being live a lot and often

The more often you stream, the greater your chance of being found and growing. Only if you are live can new viewers become aware of you, discover you in the categories or be recommended by friends.

However, a balanced approach is important here. Quality should always come before quantity. There's no point in streaming for hours every day if you feel exhausted or can't deliver interesting content. Find a balance that allows you to stream regularly and with energy without overworking yourself.

Stream regularly (streaming schedule)

A fixed streaming schedule helps you enormously. Your viewers will know exactly when they can expect to see you. Create a weekly schedule and stick to it as closely as possible. You can even display your schedule directly on your Twitch page - this makes it even easier for your fans not to miss you.

But also be flexible. If you notice that certain times work particularly well or poorly, adjust your plan accordingly. And if you have to postpone or cancel a stream, communicate this to your community in good time.

Bring viewers from other platforms

One of the most effective ways to increase your viewership on Twitch is to attract viewers to your channel from other platforms. Twitch may be the leading streaming platform, but other social media often offer easier ways to build an initial viewer base. Here are some strategies on how to do this smartly:

Attracting viewers via course videos

Platforms such as TikTok or YouTube Shorts have gained enormous popularity in recent years. They offer you the opportunity to quickly build up a large reach with short, concise videos. Here are some tips on how you can use this for your Twitch channel:

1. Create highlights: Cut the best, funniest or most exciting moments from your streams into short clips. 15 to 60 seconds is ideal for these platforms.
2. Show your personality: Use these short videos to show your personality. Funny moments, skill-based plays or short comments on gaming news can work well.
3. Be consistent: Post regularly, ideally daily. The algorithms of these platforms reward active creators.
4. Use trends: Keep an eye out for current trends and challenges in your niche and jump on the bandwagon - with your own creative touch, of course.
5. Call-to-action: Don't forget to link to your Twitch channel in your bio or in the video descriptions and actively encourage viewers to follow you there. A watermark in the video can also be helpful so that every viewer can immediately recognize where the clip comes from.

Convert viewers from TikTok Live to Twitch

A more advanced strategy is to stream in parallel on TikTok. On this platform, it is often easier to get viewers quickly, especially if you use the algorithm to your advantage. However, it's important to understand that converting TikTok viewers to Twitch followers is no easy task. It requires skill, patience and the right approach. However, with the right strategy and some perseverance, this method can be very effective in growing your Twitch community.

Longform content for more Twitch viewers

While short videos are great for generating attention quickly, longer videos on platforms like YouTube have another advantage that shouldn't be underestimated: they're persistent and can attract new viewers for a long time. Here are some strategies on how to use long-form content for your Twitch growth:

1. Upload VODs: Upload your Twitch VODs to YouTube. This way, viewers who missed your livestream can catch up on the content.
2. Highlight summaries: Edited highlight videos are even better than pure VODs. Cut together the best moments from your streams and maybe even add comments or explanations. This increases the entertainment factor and makes it more likely that viewers will become aware of your Twitch channel.

3. Tutorials and guides: If you have expertise in a particular game or niche, create in-depth tutorials. This type of content is often sought after and can generate views for years to come.

Don't forget to refer to your Twitch channel in these videos and explain when you are online there and why it is worth following you there.

Using social media reach

Your success as a streamer doesn't just depend on your presence on Twitch. Other social media platforms can help you show your personality, connect with your audience and ultimately attract more viewers to your streams. No matter which platforms you use, stay authentic and consistent. Regularly share sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes content or simply funny moments from your everyday streamer life. The more you show your personality, the more likely it is that people will be curious about your streams.

Exploiting podcasts

Podcasts are becoming increasingly popular. If you have expertise in a particular area or are simply entertaining, having your own podcast or guest appearances on other podcasts could be a great way to attract new viewers to your Twitch stream. A podcast allows you to share your thoughts in more detail and showcase your personality in a way that is often not possible in short social media posts or during gameplay.

Stream the right content

Your choice of content is crucial to your growth on Twitch. It's not just about what you enjoy (although that's obviously important), but also about what your potential viewers want to see and what will help you stand out from the crowd.

Find your niche

It is extremely difficult to find a solution in oversaturated categories such as "Just Chatting" or very popular games, especially if you're just starting out. Instead, you should look for a niche where you can stand out from the crowd. It's important to understand that certain formats like "Reactions" are often not suitable for new streamers to grow. This category is already oversaturated with established creators, and it's hard to break through as a newcomer. Instead, focus on content where you can offer real added value.

They are educational or entertaining

No matter what content you choose, it should always have added value for your viewers. This can be done in two main ways:

1. Educational content:
   • Share your knowledge and experience.
   • Explain game mechanics, strategies or tricks.
   • Analyze matches or discuss meta developments in games.
   • Answer your viewers' questions patiently and in detail.
2. Entertaining content:
   • Let your personality shine through. Humor is often a big plus.
   • Tell interesting stories or anecdotes between gameplay.
   • Interact with your chat in a fun and unique way.
   • Plan special events or challenges that involve your viewers.

Remember: The key to success is to remain authentic and produce content that you yourself enjoy. This is the only way to stay motivated in the long term and build a loyal community.

Keep an eye on trends

The gaming and streaming world is constantly on the move. To stay relevant and attract new viewers, it is important to keep an eye on current trends:

• New games: Be one of the first to stream a new, promising game. Viewers are often looking for content when a new game is released.
• Updates and events: Major updates or in-game events in popular games can be good opportunities to attract new viewers.
• Streaming trends: Keep an eye out for new formats or trends in the streaming world and think about how you can implement them in your own way.

It is important that you don't blindly follow every trend. Choose the ones that suit you and your channel and that you can implement in your own unique way.

Always be entertaining

One of the most important aspects of a successful Twitch stream is keeping your viewers constantly entertained. Whether you have 2 or 2000 viewers, your goal should be to captivate and engage each and every one of them. You should create a welcoming environment in your stream to make it easy for new viewers to join.

Always entertaining and talking (Commentary)

Silence is the biggest enemy of a good stream. Even if no one is watching, you should keep talking and commenting. This has several advantages:

1. Practice makes perfect: The more you speak, the more natural and fluent your commentary will become over time.
2. Immediate access for new viewers: When someone opens your stream and you are speaking, they immediately feel welcome and included.
3. Avoidance of awkward silence: Nothing is more unpleasant than a silent streamer who just stares at the screen.

Interact with the chat

The chat is the heart of your community. Good interaction with your viewers can make the difference between an average and an outstanding stream:

1. Answer questions: Try to answer as many questions as possible. This shows that you value your viewers.
2. Welcome newcomers: A personal "hello" can make a new viewer feel immediately welcome.
3. Discuss suggestions: If viewers contribute ideas or suggestions, take them up and discuss them.
4. Ask questions yourself: Ask your viewers for their opinion or experience. This encourages interaction.
5. Community Games: Plan regular games or activities in which your audience can participate.

Remember: A strong bond with your community is one of the most important factors for long-term success on Twitch.

Get to know the target audience

To be truly entertaining, you need to know and understand your audience. Different age groups and interest groups have different preferences in terms of humor, topics of conversation and types of interaction.

Use Twitch analytics and polls to learn more about your viewer demographics. Then make sure that your content and humor match your audience. It's best to regularly ask for feedback and requests from your community.

Always remember: authenticity is key. Don't try to be someone you're not just to please a certain audience. Instead, find ways to present your real personality in a way that appeals to your target audience.

Ask friends and family for support

Support from friends and family can be invaluable, especially in the early stages of your streaming career. Statistics show that around 95% of streamers have an average of only 0 to 5 viewers. This may sound daunting, but it also means that with just a few loyal viewers, you can already be above average. This is where the support of your friends comes into play:

1. Greater visibility: Twitch lists streams with more viewers higher, which increases your chances of being discovered by new people.
2. Social affirmation: New viewers are more likely to stay in a stream that is already active.
3. Lively chat: Having a few friends in the chat immediately makes your stream more interesting and interactive.

Ask your friends to keep the following things in mind:

• Mute tab, but not stream: You don't have to actively watch, but the open tab helps your viewership.
• Chat occasionally: A few messages in the chat can lighten the mood.

Why you shouldn't buy viewers

It may be tempting to buy viewers, but:

• Viewer bots are risky: They can lead to your channel being blocked.
• They are expensive: The costs do not justify the benefits.
• No real commitment: Bots do not interact and do not help to build a real community.

To summarize, bots cost you money and in no way bring you any benefit, but on the contrary can only cause harm. So instead, focus on attracting real, engaged viewers. It may be slower, but it's the only way to achieve sustainable success on Twitch.

Stream with professional quality

In today's streaming landscape, the technical quality of your stream is a decisive factor. Viewers expect a certain level of professionalism, even from smaller streamers. Fortunately, you don't necessarily have to spend a fortune on this these days.

Good audio quality

Audio is often more important than video. Viewers are more forgiving of less than perfect picture quality than poor sound. Here are a few tips:

• Invest in a good microphone: A dedicated USB microphone is often better than the built-in microphone of your headset.
• Positioning is important: Place the microphone correctly to minimize breathing noises and ambient noise.
• Use software solutions: Programs such as OBS offer filters for noise suppression and improving voice quality.
• Test before the stream: Always do an audio check before you go live.

Background music

Background music can give your stream a pleasant atmosphere:

1. Choose the right volume: The music should not drown out your voice.
2. Observe copyright rules: Use royalty-free music or services like Pretzel Rocks that have been specially developed for streamers.
3. Adapt the music to your topic: Choose music that suits your game or streaming style
4. Vary the playlist: Don't keep repeating the same tracks to avoid boredom.

Good image quality

A clean, professional image quality can significantly enhance your stream. In terms of resolution, 720p at 30 FPS is a good starting point. If your internet connection allows it, you can increase to 1080p at 60 FPS. A higher bitrate means better quality, but make sure that your PC and internet connection play along. Also make sure that your PC is powerful enough to display both the game and the stream smoothly. A jerky display can quickly drive viewers away. 

Remember: quality is important, but don't let it stop you from streaming just because your setup isn't perfect yet. Start with what you have and keep improving.

Targeted advertising for your stream

Targeted advertising can be an effective way to attract more viewers to your stream. However, it is important to do this in a respectful and meaningful way.

1. Guild or clan: If you are part of a guild or a clan, you can ask the administrator nicely if it would be possible to link your stream in the chat.
2. Discord server: Search for Discord servers that match your niche topic or game. Introduce yourself and actively participate in discussions. Many servers have special channels for streamer announcements. Use these, but don't overdo it.

3. Gaming forums: Participate in discussions in relevant gaming forums. Add a link to your Twitch channel in your forum signature. If you post helpful articles, people might stop by your stream.
4. Reddit: Search for subreddits that match your content. Follow the rules of each subreddit regarding self-promotion. Share interesting clips or highlights instead of just promoting your stream.

Important to note when advertising:

1. Respect other streams: Never advertise in the chats of other streamers. 
2. Deliver added value: Focus on being an active member of the community, not just on promoting yourself.
3. Quality before quantity: It is better to attract a small number of relevant and interested viewers than to advertise indiscriminately.
4. Not nerves: Never be annoying, always be respectful and never upset anyone.

Always remember: The best advertising is a great stream. Focus on producing consistent, high-quality content and the viewers will eventually come naturally.

Create an appealing Twitch profile

Your Twitch profile is often the first impression potential viewers get of you. A well-designed profile can make the difference between someone watching your channel or moving on.

Profile picture with recognition value

Choose a profile picture that is easily recognizable even in small thumbnails. You should also use the same profile picture on all your social media channels for a uniform appearance. Whether it's a photo of yourself or a logo, it should reflect your personality or branding. It is also important not to change your profile picture too often in order to maintain recognition value.

Fun and engaging alerts

Alerts are a great way to welcome new followers and trigger interactions. Use fun sound effects or animations and create different alerts for different actions (follows, subs, donations etc.). However, make sure that your alerts are eye-catching but not distracting for viewers. 

Biography and graphics

Your profile description and the visual elements of your profile are decisive for the first impression.

1. Short, concise bio:
   • Introduce yourself briefly and explain what makes your streams special.
   • Mention your streaming times and the games you mainly play.
   • Add a touch of personality - a joke or an interesting fact about yourself can spark interest.
2. Attractive panels:
   • Use custom panels to present important information.
   • Include panels for your streaming schedule, rules for the chat, sponsors (if any) and links to your other social media channels.
   • Keep the design consistent with your overall branding.
3. Clear layout:
   • Organize your panels logically and clearly.
   • Use colors and designs that match your stream theme.
   • Make sure that all important information is easy to find.

Remember: Your profile should give a good overview of you as a streamer without being too overwhelming. Focus on the most important information and let your personality shine through.

Use titles, tags and categories correctly

The right use of titles, tags and categories can have a big impact on how easily potential viewers can find your stream. Here are some tips on how to use these elements effectively:

Meaningful streaming titles

1. Be creative and eye-catching: Your title should arouse curiosity and stand out from the crowd.
2. Be informative: Give a clear indication of what viewers can expect in your stream.
3. Actuality: Refer to current events, updates or trends in the game, if relevant.
4. Use emojis sparingly: They can attract attention, but don't overdo it.
5. Note length: Your title should also be easy to read on mobile devices.

Examples:

Bad: "Play Apex Legends"

Better: "🏆 Road to Diamond | Aggressive Pathfinder Plays | Learn the latest update"

Effective use of tags

Tags help viewers to find streams with specific content or characteristics:

1. Relevance: Choose tags that really fit your stream.
2. Language: Always use the language tag to specify your streaming language.
3. Playing style: Tags such as "Competitive", "Casual", or "Speedrun" provide information about your approach.
4. Stream properties: Use tags like "Family Friendly", "18+", or "First Playthrough" to inform your audience.
5. Community tags: If you are part of a specific community or group, use the corresponding tags.

The right category

The right category is crucial for interested viewers to find your stream. Always choose the category that exactly matches your current content. Change the category as soon as you change the game or the content of your stream.

Combination of all elements (example)

The trick is to combine titles, tags and categories in such a way that they convey a coherent picture of your stream:

Example:

Category: "Apex Legends"

Title: "🏆 Solo Queue to Masters | Tips & Tricks | !loadout"

Tags: [German], [Competitive], [Educational], [Shooter]

This combination immediately gives potential viewers a clear overview of what to expect in your stream.

Use contacts to other streamers

As a Twitch streamer, you are part of a huge, vibrant community. These connections can help you increase your reach and attract new viewers. 

Offline events are golden opportunities to make contacts and expand your network. Gaming conventions such as Gamescom, E3 or PAX are real hotspots for streamers and gaming enthusiasts. TwitchCon is of course particularly exciting for Twitch streamers. This event is the ultimate meeting place for the Twitch community. Here you can take part in workshops, exchange ideas with other streamers and perhaps even initiate collaborations.

Collaboration with other streamers

Teamwork makes the dream work! This old adage also applies in the streaming sector. Collaborations can be a real benefit for everyone involved. Plan regular co-streams with streamers of a similar size. You benefit from your mutual communities and can "exchange" your viewers with each other.

Challenges are a popular form of collaboration. Challenge another streamer to a fun challenge or challenge yourself. This not only adds variety to your stream, but also provides exciting and entertaining moments that your viewers will love.

The important thing with all these collaborations is that you look for partners that suit you and your content. It's not about working with as many or as many large streamers as possible. Quality is definitely more important than quantity. An authentic collaboration with someone who has similar interests and values to you will be much better received by your community than a forced collaboration that only aims to achieve reach.

Participate in tournaments or events

Tournaments and events are not only fun, but also a real crowd puller. Many larger streamers regularly organize community tournaments. Sign up and show what you've got! Even if you don't win, you can gain new fans who think your playing style or personality is cool.

Host your own events/tournaments

Your own events can strengthen your community and attract new viewers. Spectator tournaments are a great way to actively involve your viewers. Let them compete against each other and moderate the whole thing. This not only creates a stronger bond with your community, but also ensures that your viewers come back more often - whether to take part or to cheer on their friends.

If you have already reached a certain size, you can also think about organizing larger events with other streamers. A quiz show, for example, is entertaining and adds variety to your daily streaming routine. Such events often generate a lot of attention and can increase your reach enormously.

But always remember: good planning is everything. Announce your events well in advance, make sure everything runs smoothly and always have a plan B in case something goes wrong.

Use raids effectively

Raids are like digital high-fives among streamers and a great tool for networking the community. Use them wisely! Raid streamers with similar viewer numbers regularly. What you give often comes back - maybe not immediately, but good deeds are usually rewarded in the streaming community.

If you are raided yourself, be prepared. Show your best side, because this is your chance to get new viewers excited about you. Don't forget to sincerely thank the raiding streamer. A sincere thank you always goes down well and lays the foundation for future collaboration. After the stream, check out the raider's channel and build a relationship. Maybe a collaboration will result!

Stream with Facecam

A facecam can take your streaming game to a new level. It enables a personal connection with your viewers, who can see your reactions in real time. This brings the stream to life and makes you more tangible as a streamer. Your facial expressions and gestures can make funny moments even funnier and intensify dramatic situations.

But beware: A facecam is not a must and does not guarantee success. Many successful streamers manage without one and concentrate entirely on their gameplay or their voice. It is a tool that you can use if you feel comfortable with it.

If you decide to use a facecam, here are a few tips:

• Invest in good lighting. A few softboxes or a ring light can make a huge difference.
• Pay attention to your background. It should be neat but interesting. A completely blank background can look boring, too much chaos is distracting.
• Be yourself! Authenticity is better received than a fake persona.

Experiment a little and find out what works best for you and your stream. Maybe you start with the cam only for certain segments of your stream and then gradually incorporate it more and more.

Always stick with it and don't give up

Rome wasn't built in a day either - and successful Twitch channels take time. Consistency is the key to success. Stream regularly, even if viewer numbers are low at first. Every stream is a chance to get better. After each session, reflect on what went well and where you can improve.

Many top streamers streamed for years in front of a small audience before they took off. They used this time to hone their skills, develop their personality and slowly but surely build up a loyal community.

Above all, focus on the fun of streaming. If you show enthusiasm for what you do, it will infect your viewers. There is no substitute for authentic joy and it will be rewarded in the long term.

Always remember: practice makes perfect. The more you stream, the better you get at entertaining and interacting with your audience. Keep at it, stay motivated and above all - have fun!

Summary of the most important tips

To summarize your path to Twitch success, here is an overview of the top tips for more viewers on Twitch:

1. Optimize your streaming schedule for maximum visibility.
2. Use other platforms such as YouTube and TikTok for promotion.
3. Find your niche and stay true to your style.
4. Interact actively with your chat and build a community.
5. Constantly improve your stream quality, both technically and in terms of content.
6. Network with other streamers and use collaborations.
7. Use titles, tags and categories effectively to be found.
8. Create an appealing Twitch profile that reflects your personality.
9. Consider using a facecam if you feel comfortable with it.
10. Remain patient, consistent and don't give up, even if progress is slow.

Related articles:

• How to become a Twitch partner: The ultimate guide
• Is multistreaming worthwhile? Advantages and disadvantages at a glance
• Facecam in the stream: Does it really bring more viewers?
• How to earn money on Twitch: The guide for 2025