October 5, 2023
Professional networking has long been standard in traditional industries. As streaming becomes more professionalized, the importance of networking in the space rises. In this article, you will find all you need to know about networking for streamers. You will learn best practices and things to avoid when trying to boost your channel’s success!
What is Networking and Why Should You Do It?
Simply put, networking is like making friends in a professional context. The goal is to meet people and benefit from each other’s professional contacts and knowledge. Here are some benefits of networking:
- References to important actors in your field
- Credibility through vouches from connections
- Industry or work-related tips
- Access to opportunities
- Friendship
Networking is crucial in young, volatile industries lacking professional training and recruiting structures. The same applies to streaming, where it is otherwise difficult to be discovered and grow an audience.
DO #1: Find Like-Minded Streamers
Millions of streamers cover different genres and niches. To connect with other streamers more easily and authentically, I suggest looking for those who share similarities with you. From a marketing perspective, this also ensures that their audience resonates with your channel. However, it does not have to be just about making the same content or playing the same games. Other factors that connect people are:
- Shared experiences (e.g., LGBTQIA+, neurodiverse)
- Shared interests (e.g., speedrunning, cosplay)
- Shared values (e.g., inclusivity, veganism)
- Similar brand (e.g., cozy, chaotic)
DO #2: Show Genuine Interest
Just like friendships, networking is not a one-way street. It is about giving and taking. While you are not expected to sub to every streamer you connect with, genuine interest goes a long way. The world of streaming can be challenging and mentally draining, so one benefit of networking is the mutual support you share with your connections. It means the world to other creators when someone enjoys their content while also understanding how it feels to sit in front of the camera. Here are some ways of showing that you genuinely care about another streamer:
- Do not only make it about yourself. Ask them questions (e.g., about their background, stream, and interests)
- Do not just address them. Chat with other viewers, too.
- Tell them what you like about their stream.
- Comment on what is happening on stream.
DO #3: Go Beyond Twitch
Although streaming mostly happens on Twitch, streamers often have Twitter and Instagram accounts or even their own Discord servers. These are great environments to chat during offline hours and strengthen the connections you make. Moreover, it helps you tap into other streamers’ networks! Social media can feel overwhelming for introverts and people new to these platforms. Not to mention that we are all limited by time and additional responsibilities. Therefore, I made a list of simple social media networking activities:
- Like your connections’ posts.
- Repost their stream schedules and special announcements.
- Celebrate their achievements with a comment.
- Wish people a good weekend/Monday/holiday in their Discord server.
- React to messages/announcements in their Discord server
- Share a meme/picture in their Discord server (self-promotion does not count).
DO NOT #1: Be Too Promotional
Although frowned upon, many streamers still do this. Overly promotional activities range from the obnoxious follow-for-follow to only talking about your stream. Not only does doing this give you a bad reputation within the streaming community, but it can also get you banned. Often, streamers do not allow self-promotion on their channels. That being said, any small-to-mid-tier creators are open to networking as long as it does not cross a certain line. So, whenever you want to send a promotional message in someone else’s chat, consider the following:
- How well do I know this streamer?
- What is their stance on self-promotion?
- Does my message fit the current vibe of the stream?
- What is the tone of my message? Is it enthusiastic and empathetic or bland and distanced?
Extra tip: All of this applies to spaces outside Twitch, too. For example, you should keep promotional messages in the dedicated Discord channel (if there is one). Always remember to read the room.
DO NOT #2: Only Reach Upward
It may only seem logical to support streamers with a larger following if you wish to grow your channel. However, reaching too high or exclusively networking with more prominent streamers will show in the long run. What do I mean by that? I mean that this behavior will eventually reveal your intentions to be disingenuous and one-sided. It will affect your reputation among other streamers. At its worst, you could lose the trust of your followers.
On top of that, growth on Twitch is not linear. A new streamer who is not yet affiliated could have more followers than you weeks later. Similarly, there have been cases where small creators support bigger ones only until they have grown a following themselves. Do not be that person, and always remember to give back the kindness that helped you out.
DO NOT #3: Treat Others Like Competitors
Yes, strictly speaking, streamers compete against each other for viewers. But treating your fellow creators as such will backfire for three reasons. First, there are more Twitch streamers than viewers (source: TwitchTracker). Thus, dismissing other streamers as competitors will make your experience on Twitch quite lonely. Second, outplaying your competition under the disguise of networking will eventually be noticed by the overall streaming community and by your viewers. Finally, comparing yourself to other streamers as a “competitor” can negatively affect your mental health as you try to find footing on Twitch. Instead, I recommend viewing your fellow streamers as peas in the same pot. We all want to make Twitch a better place. We all want to experience greater visibility and engagement. So, let us grow together!
Summary
Here is a summary of my tips to wrap up this article. I hope my advice helps you find meaningful, long-lasting connections on Twitch and beyond!