When Twitch launched in 2011 as a live streaming service for gaming, it hit around 3.2 million users per month within its first year. This was pretty impressive for a new platform, and it showed just how big a market there is for game streaming. 

As eSports started growing popular in 2015, this market only grew, with more and more people interested in watching competitive gameplay, learning gaming strategies, and simply engaging with the gaming community. So far during 2024, Twitch has seen over 240 million monthly active users, making it one of the most popular streaming platforms in the world.

But that’s not to say it’s the only platform. If you’re interested in starting a gaming channel, there are a few sites to choose from – with your choice depending on what exactly you’re playing, and what you’re looking to put out there. We’re going to look into three of the best alternatives below, explaining what makes them different and what you can expect as a gamer.

YouTube Gaming

Perhaps the biggest rival of Twitch is YouTube, which has its own dedicated gaming subcategory for live streams and pre-recorded content. Unlike Twitch – which primarily focuses on live streaming – there are several use cases for YouTube Gaming, including the ability to combine live gameplay with edited videos, tutorials, and highlights. 

This dual approach is perfect for people looking to grow their channels and attract a diverse audience, and with YouTube’s monetization system – which includes ad revenue and ‘Super Chats’ – it could be a great choice if you’re looking to get something back. 

It should be noted, too, that YouTube currently has around 2.49 billion monthly active users. That’s a huge audience for you to tap into. It offers unparalleled reach compared to other platforms including Twitch, so whether you’re a casual gamer sharing highlights or a professional streamer building a brand, YouTube’s expansive following will provide plenty of opportunities to succeed.

DLive

When it comes to the types of games you are playing, it might be that you’re delving into the iGaming scene. Today, there is such a thing as casino streaming, which involves players streaming their online casino experience and sharing strategies with their audience. These strategies could be platform-related, offering followers tips on how to find the best free spins no deposit casino, or even strategies for the games themselves, offering followers advice on certain blackjack tactics or how to handle volatile slots. 

While Twitch and YouTube remain good options for this kind of content, one of the up-and-coming sites for iGaming streams is DLive, which is a blockchain-based streaming platform. Because of its decentralized model, there is a far greater focus on privacy, with minimal data collection, greater revenue transparency, and greater security. In line with this, streamers maintain far more control over their content and earnings, with the decentralized approach meaning fewer restrictions on content types – another reason why DLive is particularly attractive to iGaming streamers, who often face stricter guidelines. 

Perhaps one of the best things about DLive, however, is the revenue that streamers can make. Unlike traditional platforms that take a significant percentage of earnings, DLive allows creators to keep a larger share, relying on blockchain technology and crypto-based rewards instead of ad revenue or subscription-based systems. As a result, streamers can earn directly from their audience through tips, donations, and subscriptions, without the platform itself taking a hefty cut.

Facebook Gaming

One last site we wanted to talk about is Facebook. You already know a lot about this social media network, we’re sure, but what you might not know is that it’s becoming one of the world’s biggest players in the streaming landscape. Facebook Gaming, the platform’s dedicated gaming section, has gained significant traction in recent years, providing players with a number of powerful tools for audience growth, engagement, and community-building. 

This last point is perhaps the most important. Being a social media network, Facebook is all about connecting with friends, followers, and communities, and one of the biggest selling points of Facebook Gaming is that it allows you to do just that. This is an excellent platform for streamers who want to build a more intimate, community-oriented channel, focused on engagement and long-term relationships over anything else. Through features like live interactions, comments, and reactions – as well as the ability to share streams on your personal Facebook profile – it’s possible to build niche communities centered around specific games, allowing followers to find and communicate with you organically. 

Monetization on Facebook Gaming is also a strength. When posting on Facebook, streamers can earn through two revenue streams – ‘stars’, which is when viewers donate during live streams, and fan subscriptions, which offer exclusive content and perks as well as the potential for brand sponsorships. Of course, Facebook might not have the gaming-specific focus of Twitch or YouTube, but with its massive user base – 3.065 billion strong – and unique social network tools, it’s a great platform for creators looking to build a community that will stay connected. The choice, however, is completely up to you. So make sure you continue with your research, and find a streaming site that works for the content you’re looking to create!