I hope this wasn't harsh or disheartening! I just wanted to be honest with everyone about how hard it can be! Let me know in the comments what you think! And If you want to join our growing community check out our other content: bit.ly/JoinTheStreamScheme 🕘Timestamps: 0:00 Video Start! 0:33 Introduction! 1:20 OWN3D Sponsor Segment! 2:04 How Your Motivation Can Cause Your Stream To Fail! 3:40 How To Motivate Yourself To Create Content Or Stream! 6:30 The Truth About How Much Money Streamers Earn! 8:40 The Truth About How UNSTABLE Twitch Revenue Is! 10:38 The Truth About Why You Aren't Growing On Twitch! 13:06 The Truth About How HARD It Is To Grow On Twitch! 13:55 The REAL REASON Why You Might Never Grow On Twitch!
Genuinely not harsh or disheartening, at least for me. I've watched enough vids and did enough research to understand that I don't want to stream for the usual reasons that others do. I am in it to make friends and build a community of people who want to have fun and express common interests. If I end up making money, that's just a small bonus. Plus learning about all this behind the scenes stuff is just fun for me.
Thank you very much for all the work and tip. Your vods have helped my stream to evolve its look over time, those im still small Im super happy to have what followers and views I have. And yes you make me laugh out loud all the time. Keep up the great work!
_"It's okay to want to have growth. But, you need to appreciate what you have now..."_ This was the single most important thing I needed to hear. My motivation to stream began as one thing, but time has changed it into another. It's been 5 months now and like an entity, my streams are evolving and so am I. Thank you for your continued advice.
It's always what I say whenever people say that streaming is the "easiest job in the world". It's not really because of the difficulty to stream but rather the difficulty on how to become successful at streaming. Some people criticizes successful content creators by saying "only you do is just play video games and get money" and it just makes me sad. They never really imagined the time, effort and sacrifices of some successful content creators in order to get there.
Exactly, I get frustrated seeing mainstream media make fun of E-sports as well. People reading a teleprompter being paid a great salary make fun of 18 - 20 year olds who have become incredibly skilled at games then compete with others while drawing millions of viewers online. People lack empathy and understanding about the industry, so they belittle it. Great comment, Ron!
@@StreamScheme TRUE, I also love E-sports and I hate what the mainstream media says about the players and belittles the industry. With that said, I think their view is changing little by little and more viewers are being attracted into the industry!
Omg true even tho I’m a small streamer streaming it’s hard when you have to try to stand out in a sea of other content creator and intern have to also need to out think all of them to even just a few people
Not harsh, streamers need too hear this because streaming has never been about money but it seems that is what it is now. I am getting ready too kick off my streaming channel as well as a unique aspect of production that is not being done right now. This was brilliantly done and definitely will be telling people about this video. Keep up the content
I definitely needed to hear this. Being a smaller streamer definitely has its ups and downs when it comes to motivation but I feel like growth and learning about your audience is the best part about the journey. I've been streaming for nearly over a year, not really knowing what I wanted until now. I know this advice will help me set expectations for myself, and hopefully I can grow as a content creator. I hope to look back at this comment in the next couple of years and be proud of my growth as a content creator and a person!
That last part of the video is the biggest yet hardest pill to swallow. I’ve had friends or people from my chat tell me, “I wanna stream to help my parents” and this is before they’re even an affiliate. A lot of people see the outcome and not the process and base their decision off that and that alone. Also, something I feel like is important to point out is that just because someone hits Partner, they think they’re making millions and their successful. For me, I think success from Twitch is if you can sustain yourself with the money coming in. Because if you’re able to replace your income from a job with Twitch, you’re successful at it. Great video as always! 😁
Fantastic video. Had some of my viewers/friends link me this in discord this morning. A very important, healthy dose of reality. I'm not huge myself (climbing up to 50 CCVs) but I talk about business and growth a fair bit on stream and am asked regularly about it, and what's here pretty much mirrors how I've been feeling. I'll definitely be sharing this video whenever the topic comes up again.
Awesome as always Eljay. Growth is certainly happening, it’s steady but I can see the the effort is paying off! Thank you for your straight no frills advise! I have a long term goal to one day pop into your chat with a little purple tick ✔️ and give you a big virtual hug for the advice and motivation!
I'm really glad that you made this video! I personally stream just as a hobby but being someone who always likes to improve I take one tip every video and I apply it to my stream to make it a little better. Thank you again for all the hard truth advice you give, it truly means a lot.
My motivation, well I don't exactly have one. I wanted to stream quite a while ago but things got in the way etc... About a month ago I took about 2-3 weeks researching what games I should stream to be fun for me and the viewers, and also watching a bunch of videos on stuff about streaming. You have been the best advice I've taken so far and it helped out tremendously, like more than you can imagine. It's been about 2 weeks of streaming now and things are going great for the most part. I've come a long way in just that time, I've set personal and channel goals, gotten better equipment, and reached out to people to help me. I seriously can’t thank you enough for the videos and streams, they've put a spark back into me to start this again. I really enjoy getting it all set up so everyone has a good time and interacting with all the new people that show up even if they only type a letter they didn’t mean to send lol. If anyone out there reading this wants to start, do it but DO NOT expect anything. I went in with a really open mind and a passion for all the things said here and more to stream. If you do decide to do this I really hope it works out for you in whatever you are trying to achieve. This is another path down the journey of my life that I am now walking down, and am I really happy I’ve decided to take it once again. Thank you to anyone that took the time out of their day to read this, I really appreciate it.
Hey Eljayem! I just wanted to say I watched almost all your video and I start streaming today! I'm so excited! Thank you for your tips, trick and your truth! I am trully gratefull for your help it being so easy to follow. Have a good day! xoxoxo
As a new streamer, your honesty has driven me to work harder. I’ve watched so many off your videos that has just motivated me to improve not only my equipment, my stream and my content but also motivated me to succeed. I love your advice and I’ll keep an eye out for further videos for more advice. Thank you❤️
This hit really close to home and I'm really thankful to hear it all. As a young adult who quit their job to start streamin, it's been incredibly difficult and much more work than I could have imagined. I think these are really important things to tell new streamers, and I really appreciate it, all 3 topics were things I needed to hear. Thanks again Eljay, cheers!
It’s the truth brother. Awesome video. I love making content for others to enjoy, I have such a crazy work schedule so I can’t go live a lot but I can edit videos and clips. Thanks for all the info.
The tip about uploading other content is so good and a lot of people don't seem to realize that Twitch livestreaming isn't the only thing out there. Even if you have a stream setup, OBS has a record function as well. I'm planning on moving house in a few months and am planning to record and edit videos to upload while i'll be offline and unable to stream.
I never comment on motivational videos , but this one you nailed it as to who I am and a lot sharper than I thought. Your 2 motivations is me all the way. Fourtauately I am retired and have a life pension and had figured it will take me a slow few years to grow. I am a old late streamer but I should do well in a few years by time I am 65 years old. You should look into making something for seniors. Not so much to make the end goal of money but something to do to keep them lively for we knows they like to entertain. Great Video!!
Hey man just wanted to stop by and say thank you for making all these videos. I started my streaming journey back in september of this year and your videos have helped me keep at it, keep trying to improve and keep doing what i love doing, talking to others who are just as passionate about gaming and nerding out as i am. so...Thanks
I can relate a lot of this to artwork! Of course you’re not gonna make that $100 illustration from the get go! You need the time to hone your skill and share your work! “Also I didn’t get enough attention as a child” Damn, I felt that! Same, but also part of my motivation is having a break from artwork that I’m already burnt out on, plus talking to familiar usernames! “And you don’t get there until you’ve worked hours on end for nothing” I could be that guy and say “well its TECHNICALLY for nothing if you get there!” But there’s no telling if you’ll get there at all! And especially at the start, it’s gonna FEEL like it’s for nothing. Thanks for the tips! Consistency is not my strong suit as I’m a night owl, but I’ll make it work!
Fantastic video, great message. If people get upset at hearing this because they only want to hear “I’m great and if I’m not successful it’s because of something I can’t control” then you don’t need them in your audience anyway. Much love!
I have to admit, I am one of those people who is currently unemployed and decided to give twitch a try. That being said I've watched your videos from back when I was setting up my stream to the present day. I've been realistic with my goals and focused on the mental health benefit - because streaming really helps with my social anxiety and general isolation. From my perspective, don't feel too bad about those of us who are trying twitch to help our situation. I may not be making enough to support myself, but I am making enough to help pay for things that improve my chances of a regular job. Your advice has gone a long way to help with that, so thank you
The last part was so inspiring, i feel the fire in me. It makes me so so happy to hear this as i am on the correct path. Dont give up! Keep that fire alight!
You're right though; I've had a dude complain that he doesn't want to make content or record, but can't understand why no one is watching him play Apex Legends. It's not harsh, it's the truth, and I'm tired of people lying to themselves too. Thanks for the video as always, keep rocking!
Great video and great advice, it doesn’t get any more real than this. This has got to start as a hobby and not as a get rich scheme, you have to hustle and network to build a community, luckily the streamer community is the most welcoming there is. It will cost money and time at the beginning, but the sacrifice pays off in many ways.
You helped me so much. This is what I needed to hear. The brutal truth. If I didn't watch this video, I'd still be stuck in my sugarcoated thoughts. I'd be indecisive and impulsive. You have no idea, but you helped me alot. :)
Thank you for your honesty. It definitely helps knowing that after four years I am still trying my best to work into my stream because it's my dream. I have had to fight family and friends, release a lot of people, and still push through. Not only is it hard from Twitch side, but also having support at home is also necessary. I have been watching your youtube content for some time now and it's really helped me understand the nature of the beast basically. Thank you again and bless you for what you do.
Ugh dude your videos like this give me life they remind me I love doing what I do and that I took a realistic approach to my stream and gives me a feeling of motivation
Every time you put out a video, or following the old ones always helps me out when i hit a wall in building my stream ideas. Plus your discord is a great community to ask for advice.
Did my 2nd affiliate stream yesterday after starting my channel 2 months ago and BOOM 20 subs by the end of the 2 hour stream. Thanks so much for your videos Eljay you bloody legend.
You're videos have helped me grow my stream slowly using attainable goals. That have kept me hitting that go live button. Thank you for your work and videos
Once again you get me to watch a full video. 15 minutes and 33 seconds of bloody awesome content. After my 1640 hours of streaming on Twitch making 0.3 cents an hour while streaming and less than 0.1 cents an hour if I count the time behind the scenes. You just pushed me over the edge I am afraid of... Editing. But sadly I am now falling to realise that you are to 97% correct. Thank you for the great advice. Keep up the good work!
Thank you for this!! I have been wanting to stream for 3 reasons (like you said). None of them are for money or popularity. I just get discouraged that my viewers went down and I know I shouldn’t be. I’m going to try and change that. ☺️
I started streaming because of the interactions with viewers, who enjoy the game I play as much as I do. Not for the money not for the fame. I grew in about a month from 0 to 275 followers and to 10 average viewers. That to me is amazing enough. All the tips you provided do help a lot some more then others depending on the content offcourse, thank you for sharing your experience with us.
Can you do tips on making youtube type content as well. I would love to advance in it but understanding what kind of content that people like to watch and even the basics on how people edit their vidoes for different platforms would be massivly helpful. Love the video!
Thanks for another great video. Being a content creator is very hard. You have to give the audience what they need, entertainment or knowledge. It is almost all on the streamer to get growth. I have learned that an inconsistent streaming schedule, will lose most of your viewers. Keep up the great work!
Hey Eljay! I’ve watched almost every video you’ve posted since last year in about 3 days. I finally did my first stream yesterday and I enjoyed it a lot! I got 1 person to pretty much watch almost my whole stream. He was chatting with me and everything. He were having actual conversations in chat so I know it wasn’t a bot. I even did a discord call with him & we were playing fall guys together. I was all cool and felt legit. Then he ask me to join a discord that would help me grow. I explained to him that I wanted to grow by myself the right way and he seem pretty understanding about it. Even stayed for literally the rest of my stream. What threw me off was he later said something along the lines of “ I really want to help you grow but you’re gonna have to do something you do like, but I think you can make it to affiliate in one time so I want to help you.” This set off a bunch of red flags for me. Mind you he said this after I told him that I also want to do a play through of Outlast for the first time. He told me that he’d watch me again. So it just feels really weird & I don’t know how to handle the situation. Some advice on this would be amazing 😅
I get where you're coming from when you say this was hard to put out there, but this was honestly such a good video. Thank you for saying it like you see it! Hopefully someone will take it for the good advice and viewpoint it is and benefit from it! I will certainly carry your words with me going forward!
Just want to say I've been implementing the brilliantly actionable tips in your videos for my husband's stream for 3 days now - and his first time streaming with these updates got him his highest in-stream follower count in his 2 years of streaming. By a lot. Can't wait to implement them for myself and show up better for my (very small) community. Thanks for these videos!
Can't imagine how worried ye were doing this, but it needed to be done and I for one appreciate it. I've been streaming since March 2018, I only just got past 500 followers, and average is 7 viewers (was over 10 a few months back, so your point on fluctuates monthly) does this get me down, yes. Is part of it for the money yes, not largely infact did go and write down the reason the money is a small amount. Sadly an M.S diagnoses has largely left my housebound, so streaming is kind, seems like the only thing I can do. (A lie but I'll get to that) thing is it's not about the money (a small amount yes, I could say it ain't but even 1% is still an amount) it's allowed me to socialise, to chat, meet new and interesting folks. And importantly, gives me a bit of structure/ routine. Your points are hard hitting but needed. People need to remember viewers lives, and heck just think on when you're a viewer. I have so many streaming friends it's insane, from average 3 to 300. And it is insane when 8 of them are live at the same time, I can't be active or even lurk in all them. For whatever reason my average is down, it's on me. Due to my M.S, Autism I can't always's stick to my schedule, which is annoying, thankfully I have a community that understand but isn't going to stop the fact it will impact me if I miss a stream (missed 3 of my 4 streams last week because of exhaustion, thx M.S) with viewers not on my twitter, or discord. Do not think streaming is easy it ain't. Funnily enough I actually uploaded a vid, (using the thumbnail vid to help me with the thumbnail) of stream content a year ago. Thought I'd just share that as these vids are good to go back to whenever ye'r stuck.
I started streaming regularly with a schedule for about 2 months now and I only just now realised why I keep going back to it when I only have 1-2 people watching. It's because I LOVE to talk. I love talking so much no one even has to listen 😂 but I also love teaching people things and answering questions. I love people and I love talking and I love gaming. So of course twitch has been fun ❤️ I appreciate all the awesome tips ElJay!!!
One eye opening thing I’ve learned about myself is that I’m very very picky about what it is I want to stream with. Streamlabs for example gave me so many issues, because I wanted to use it at the best possible settings. However, after some introspective criticism I realized that I needed to not be so hard headed and just appreciate what I can do now, and eventually work up to that phase of streaming that I idealize myself doing. Finding your channel has helped me realize my passion was misplaced at first, but now that I’ve found the true challenge of becoming a streamer it seems to have only fanned the flames! So thank you for being realistic and setting the bar high, because it only makes me want to try harder!
Hey, dude! Love the content, watch religiously, and it helps me out a lot. I have a video request. I would like a video that covers the 'middle' of getting to partner. When people start hitting mid 20s, early 30s viewer count. What were your personal experiences at this range, how did things change, did you notice an acceleration in viewer count, how do you keep larger crowds entertained when it's harder to maintain a one on one conversation, how do you talk to incoming raiders when you're getting 20+ raiders. Either way, I appreciate you and your content
I first started streaming in the New Years of 2020, and what first started as a simple Flash Player appreciation stream before its shutdown turned into something of a passion that I am in love with even up to this day. I'm actually surprised by the fact how many people start streaming for the sake of money - I kept on streaming just because I wanted to make people happy. I wanted to make them laugh, feel comfortable and if something ailed them, I would be there to talk about it. It's never really been about the money for me, but instead what kept me going was seeing my viewers every single day I was streaming. It's comforting to know that someone's eager to see you do stuff and invest their time on you! Of course, streaming has never been just walking on roses. I started out with no previous knowledge and I used to have really choppy streams. For example, I was using VBR instead of CBR for a certain period of time and it felt awkward to have overlooked such an important detail. However, in the long run I felt good about finding and solving issues since that meant that my viewers would be having a better time on the next stream :) You also kind of figure the limitations of your equipment as you go along... I can only stream in 720p 30fps, I had a cheap headset with a mic on it and had no camera. Upgrades cost money and unfortunately, you don't get much of it as a student. Luckily, my viewers were incredibly supportive of me and helped me procure an affordable camera as well as a good USB mic to get me started - things that I am so grateful for even up to this day ^^ There's a lot I still need to improve on in streams, but I'm eager to do so once I'm able to! It's not a crime to have a different motivation when starting out, but I would say that it's a much bigger virtue and motivation to start streaming with the intent of wanting to do so for what it is - entertainment. People can tell the difference when someone's doing it because they enjoy it or because of something else. If you're serious about starting streaming, don't focus on the money but instead be happy over the little things that you earn along the way: The connections that you make, the good moments while you're streaming and the fact that each day is always different - you don't know who's going to hop in, follow or maybe drop a sub! For that reason, each and every single day is something to look forward to :) It's rough at the beginning and like Elijah said, a viewer has a lot of streamers to choose from. So just be at your best, and even if you didn't achieve as much as you did your last stream, just be happy about what you have - even if you didn't get a new viewer, there's still the others who still look forward to what you do, and if they chose you over thousands of streamers, it's something to be happy about.
I started on twitch earlier this year and for someone who sucks at having a schedule, I'm doing okay. What I want to do next is to use the vods to make youtube videos, but I'm not sure where to get started. You said that you need to learn video editing no matter what and I agree. Where do you recommend to start to someone who has never made a youtube video?
Hit the nail on the head, Eljay. I feel like I’m on a plateau at the moment, and it would be all too easy to pack it in and walk away. But I still feel like I’m doing a lot of things well, and I’m constantly looking at ways to improve. They don’t always come off, but it’s better than staying still and stagnating.
hey I just stared streaming on RU-vid just about lil over 2 weeks now just for personal goals and have used some of your tips and already have seen views from it! obviously I'm far from looking like a pro streamer but have really enjoyed streaming so far and the feedback/ enjoyment from seeing the views slowly going up!
I know the 2 things hurting me the most is a schedule and editing. Also I think what you said was needed for new streamers just starting out I only been at this starting in the summer and i learned so much. Watching videos like yours has helped a lot ^_^
Really enjoyed this video as you didn't just put people down in it, you go about how to overcome the obstacle. Still learning but taking small steps and I feel each stream gets a little better. Please keep up the guides and looking forward to joining in on the next stream. And big thanks for naming a pokemon after me :P
Great video! Personally I love that you are realistic with your viewers. It shows you value our time and want us to invest in something that will pay off in the end. I find your videos very comforting because they don't hide the cold truth about content creation. I feel more prepared for the uphill battle of growing a twitch community. Hope you have a great week Eljay! See ya in the next one.
This is the most relatable video on the topic of motivation. When I was asked in school how I can be this motivated to work all the time for it, I just said "I'm not motivated". Because I just did what I had to, because I thought that I should do it. Made this resolve for school and it worked, I made this resolve for working out and it worked and I made this resolve a few weeks ago for streaming and I will not stop. Because I think that I should keep streaming.
You're one of the few content creators that I finish their videos! You've given me so much to learn and grow from as a content creator so know we all appreciate you!
I'm working towards being a tattoo artist and my side hustle is making stickers out of those designs. Streaming is a way I can let people get a behind the scenes look as well as a view at the authentic Mexican with all the chaos that is my workflow and life. Streaming isn't the end goal for me. It's more of a backdoor to my genuine self if anyone wants to hang out. I'm also using it as a way to get content for the RU-vid channel I'll be starting as another way of discoverability. Streaming, for me, is a fun extra activity, not the main bread and butter. As an artist, it's nice to be able to go live and have a work session with people who I like to hang out with. :)
Elijay, this video is the reason I hear your advice to my heart, your advice has actionable steps to be better and first and foremost is to make better content. PLEASE make more honest content because in the streamer communitty already there is too much toxic positivity that makes really hard to find actual good advice. I may not do everything I can, but with your videos and discord community, I get clearer steps to be a better streamer, so keep the good work coming.
I really love your work. You're really smart, and understand how to speak to people who need to listen. As an example, you mentioned how something like 30 viewers is about the size of a class in school, and that you loved making your classmates laugh. That's a really excellent way to communicate the importance of connection and retention, to do with personally appreciating an audience and what it means. Keep up the amazing work, cutie.
thank you for everything you are doing, and for all the information, but as you mentioned, video editing, i don't know how to do it, and i'm wondering where can i start to learn, what program to use? i'm a new streamer and still dont know much about video editing, my video editing skills are basic and too boring, and i cant afford spending much on programs to do video editing, any advice?
The best way to learn editing is to literally just grab editing software, grab some footage and do some edits, when you can't figure out what to do or how to do something, just google a guide, and keep going. Editing is learned best practically and hands on.
I started this just over a month ago. I reached affiliate at day 11, and now I average about 6-9 people per stream. Absolutely love what I do and wouldn't change it for the world. I've since built a small community and am currently working towards getting better at talking. I don't script anything, due to being lazy, but I'm trying to get better. Still missing crucial key steps to further improve, but that will come in due time.
I am loving these videos, when I made my vid's when I was 20 and now I'm 26. I totally see why I was wrong in what I wanted when I was younger.. This is awesome!
Since last time I commented on your vids I've grown to 50 average viewers on twitch. I recommend you to everyone who streams and I truly believe that you're onto the bigger picture. Thanks so much Eli. I really want to succeed and make this my full time job, but sometimes it's so scary knowing you can make nothing...
I started streaming mostly just to learn new skills and have fun, talk about a massive amount of learning! I'm slowly figuring out my YT content, I have only 2 days that I stream for 3 hours, and I think having a consistent streaming schedule really makes the difference! I have under 300 followers on twitch, but average 10+ viewers, and that's massive to me! Thanks for the video Eljay, always good to have a reality check to remind ourselves why we stream 👍
I find these videos so inspiring and helpful! I do have a quick question. Is there a way to post a schedule that changes weekly on twitch? I work 4 mornings then 4 nights but I can’t find the best way to display that on twitch
Hey there! Over the past few days, I've seen a lot of your work and I'd just thought I'd say that it's been really beneficial for me! Whilst I tend to find myself quite self critical already, your content has really helped me hone in what I should be looking for/at when it comes to producing content on twitch. Hope to see more great work from you as you've already given me so much to edit and make changes to help make myself what I know I can be! :)
As a musician that spent the last ten years making $5 an hour playing on songs that sell millions of copies or shows on TV viewed by millions or songs with millions of views on RU-vid, my motivation to stop people from making the mistake I did, I'll deal with the hit in pay, if I make $1 an hour at least there is an upside, music is so cheap, you gotta make "complete content" IMO. Like you said if I do it consistently I'll get better. Great video, thought provoking.
finally someone who has the guts to tell the truth instead of that "equipment doesn't matter" bullshit .. it's just not true anymore today i for myself started streaming very recently for one reason: hoping that my few online friends would enjoy watching me doing that one thing i'm kind of good at.. those are just a few people but if they're there interacting with me on my stream that's all i need/want and i've sat here for the last 2 days tinkering and developing my stream features and quality so they can have the best time possible on my stream
Thank you for this. This whole content creation and streaming thing was originally intended to be fun and a place where I try new things and have fun while learning. It seemed like a good transition over from my career in live events. I like your tips because they focus on things that many of us joined for. We want to entertain people and have fun getting to know people. Sometimes I feel like I'm doing it wrong because my focus hasn't been on monetizing anything. I'm just trying to figure out how to get better before I even consider taking money from people. A lot of your videos help us have patience with that.
I have a question- for youtube.... what do you use to edit your videos? How do you save your games? I have put a couple on with my phone.... I know eek. I need to learn how on my PC
Hearing that you grew as a variety streamer is so good to hear! Not only am I a variety streamer but I have 2 different people streaming on my channel!
To clarify, I focused one game mainly at a time for about a month or so, before transitioning. People misunderstand variety doesn’t mean swapping weekly or nightly a lot of the time.
That wasn't harsh, it was the most powered words I have heard for awhile. It boosted confidence. Streaming, youtube videos, even TikTok content creators, applies to everyone. Great video. Thank you for making it.