In the digital era, the online world is the ideal place to seek entertainment. In recent years we have seen streaming develop into one of the most popular forms of content.
Each day thousands of people log on to create and update their own streaming channels. Content includes everything from video gaming and casino gaming to fitness and cooking.
While most streamers will struggle to gain a significant audience base, there are a few that manage to grow their audience into the millions and develop a loyal fanbase. But what exactly attracts audiences to watch streamers?
In this post, we explore the factors impacting the success of streamers, who they manage to engage their audience and what the future might hold for this thriving entertainment sector.
What factors help to attract audiences to streaming channels?
Sense of community
Something that many individuals enjoy about engaging in the streaming world is the sense of community that it can bring. With live streams, audiences can interact with the streamer in real-time in the comments and get direct responses in real time.
They can have a general chat, ask specific questions or share words of encouragement. Being able to interact with someone you admire online can bring great satisfaction.
Gain knowledge and skills
Another reason that audiences watch streaming channels is in order to gain new skills and improve their knowledge of specific subjects. For example, a gamer might watch a live stream of a game being played by a pro player to see their strategy and learn new techniques that they can apply to their own gameplay.
For students, watching academic streamers can be a great way to engage with their subjects they are learning about and gain another perspective on their subject matter. The streamer can answer any questions that have and help them better understand topics they are learning about in college.
Learn the latest trends
There are certain streamers that spend a lot of time ensuring they are up-to-date on current and upcoming trends and then share these insights with their audiences. This is often the case for fashion and interior design streamers.
Being one of the first to know about a new trend can be a great feeling and if these trend predictions are correct, the audience is likely to become loyal and keep revisiting that channel for the very latest insights.
Enjoy the streamers personality
Sometimes, watching a streaming channel can be purely about entertainment. The viewer may enjoy the streamer’s style of comedy or their personality, making watching them an enjoyable and engaging experience. A streamer with great charisma may find that the same viewers keep returning to their channel to watch and enjoy their latest content.
How can streamers successfully grow their channels?
It is one thing to set up a channel and start posting content, but being able to understand audience demand and create content that is highly engaging is something else.
One important factor in the success of a streaming channel can be consistency. Building up a regular streaming schedule can help viewers know when to expect content and ensure they are able to catch the action live while it’s taking place.
Also, the streamer needs to know the right way of interacting with their fans. They need to be responsive in the comments and help create that sense of community that inspires loyalty from their followers. They should be friendly and approachable for their audience and take the time to engage with their top fans and take onboard any feedback they provide.
The quality of their video has a big impact too. Streamers need to consider the quality of their audio, how good their lighting is and how well any overlayed content appears on screen.
Some streamers are able to find deals with companies to create merchandise. They can also adopt certain catchphrases or do other memorable things to help enhance their personal brand and make themselves memorable.
What does the future hold for the world of online streaming?
New technological integrations
Integrations with newer technologies such as virtual reality or augmented reality may help to create a more immersive and therefore more engaging experience.
Streaming platforms releasing new features
Streaming platforms are always evolving to meet the demands of both streamers and their audiences. For example, we may see the introduction of features such as custom rewards and polls or other types of interactivity.
More opportunities for monetisation
Lastly, a small number of streamers are able to create content as a living and in future there will be more opportunties to make money from their content. This could include the use of NFTs or the growing use of subscription models.
The streaming industry continues to evolve and more opportunties are being created for individuals to be able to express themselves and share their knowledge and passions and build communities.