Variety Streamers Have it WRONG!! | Here's Why

🔴 Ok, The title is dramatic, but hey, it's youtube. This is purely my own experience but let's get you up to speed. 1 Month ago (well a little bit more but w/e) I decided to quit variety streaming and try out 1 game during my streams and other content. The results are IN!
If you missed part 1, check it out here: • Should You Be A Variet...
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#StreamingTips #Twitch #Gaming

[@therealSae]

It's good to play a variety of games once you know that a game you have been playing for a while isn't getting much attention either the lack of popularity or too much popularity on 1 stream.

[@therealSae]

Basically find the game that suits you :) And try and advertise your channel in many different platforms

[@xTwoShoes]

For sure:) Different strokes, different folks!

[@Eeowna]

I think there's 2 types of variety personally. One where you literally just play whatever game you want when you want. And then there's intentional variety. Where you keep a common interest / vibe / theme between games. I grew a lot playing one type of game, but I made the switch a few months ago to just playing around with similar games and have been really enjoying it :D Also Tiktok was the main way I managed to get off of a 30 av plateau and completely changed my viewership numbers so it works!

[@xTwoShoes]

So true! Thats where I am finding myself now I guess! Yes! I really need to pay tiktok more attention haha

[@xTwoShoes]

Don't worry, I got rid of the gross moustache. I...had a moment. ALSO ** UPDATE I recorded this video about 2 weeks ago. Im still averaging about 55-60+ views! If you want to keep up to date with my escapades while live, do it here www.twitch.tv/xtwoshoes

[@Asakedia]

Thank you so much for sharing your experiences! The one take-away which is most important for me is the similar-type of content, especially when doing things like TikTok on the side, to be the same that's ongoing on the main platform. wonderful video! 👍

[@xTwoShoes]

You are so welcome! Thanks for the lovely comment!

[@LootsMcGoots]

Very interesting to hear your success in converting TikTok viewers to Twitch viewers. I'd always thought that TikTok had little to no bearing on Twitch following given the massive differences between the two platforms.

[@xTwoShoes]

Tiktok is super powerful for growing Twitch if used correctly! :D

[@Nikkigames11]

Great video and it came at the perfect time! I’ve been thinking of playing one game all the way through before switching unlike what I’ve done for years, switching games every stream

[@SpookyDeer]

Very interesting results, Dan! I've been keen to see how this worked out behind the scenes in your eyes. Interestingly enough I've accidentally fallen into the same "stream a type of game" boat with Pokemon-style games and have been having similar results. Variety isn't bad, but keep focused on a genre or style for chunks of time. I'm sure you'll move on from Tarkov eventually but you'll have won people over from the "Tarkov-era" that will keep coming back for YOU as the streamer.

[@xTwoShoes]

Nice! And thanks mate! Appreciate it as always!

[@Yaslanagrey]

Another solid vid here Dan! I’d been noting somewhat similar results myself lately in my own content so was very interested in the results of this one! I’m just mad I missed the hunt streams, I’m a big Hunt : Showdown fan

[@xTwoShoes]

More hunt soon! Thanks mate!

[@itsmeLVCA]

This was incredibly insightful! 🔥

[@damodarko]

Great video as always! I think your conclusion on making the content you surround yourself with similar, whether its short form or stream etc is excellent as it makes so much sense that people want to discover the content behind that tiktok or short they found funny. However, I also would not gloss over "the community" element of both Tarkov and Hunt. They both have excellent cult classic followings and are super engaging of those playing the game they like. I found something similar when I played Deep Rock Galactic or even FF14. The community sought out new content in their sphere and it's awesome to be swept up in that.

[@xTwoShoes]

100% agree. I think community and how "watchable" a certain game is makes an impact for sure. Im also seeing a lot of love for DRG in this comments section! Thanks mate

[@mrrayner7162]

I think the key underlying theory behind this is that you have to enjoy your choice of focus. I remember enjoying your Tarkov streams, but it felt that even early in the experiment you were enjoying the learning experience and the mechanics. You can jump on something "popular", but if you're not enjoying it it shows. Great video and idea though Dan

[@xTwoShoes]

100% agree! I definitely would not have kept playing if I didnt enjoy the game. That should be the first factor for sure.

[@MrKiiva]

Insightful video! I'm also rebranding my streams to concentrate on Monster Hunter instead of various games.

[@xTwoShoes]

Thanks!

[@Obie2Time]

First... The MooStach is glorious... Oooff! Second You're 100% right that you need to focus on a lot beyond just Streams. Great video bud

[@xTwoShoes]

Haha thanks homie

[@AdjointGaming]

I still struggle on deciding to stream or make YT video for only one game. I am afraid that that I will get bored and then it won't be fun anymore. That means that ppl won't like them either ....

[@xTwoShoes]

Get bored-Move on:) This is 100% not the method for everyone

[@DuelistWave]

I have 1500 followers on twitch and this is only because I stream one game

[@kingnightshade1605]

Hey Mr. shoes I have a question I’m a small time streamer with no camera at the moment I want to get started on twitch. I saw all your other videos so I have a good idea of what I should do. I do plan on getting a WebCam. How do you think it would go starting off with just a microphone? Please and thank you

[@PaddyLonglegs]

Great advice, Im going to try this method this year to experiment too, I noticed you had more viewers in your stream and just didnt piece it together you were playing the same game the whole time xD. My only fear is becoming jaded/bored with the genre I stick to, but seems like a tried and tested right of passage even on KZbin-all my favourite variety youtube creators seemd to have started as experts on one game (RT Game-Terraria, Call meKevin-COD etc). Thanks for the great vid again sir :)

[@xTwoShoes]

If you get bored/jaded simply changer er' up again :D

[@Hyacsho]

5:01 good insight; we find something similar in the boomer shooter space; bleeding from Doom games, to basically anything similar to Doom. It works; it comes down to preference and psychology of the audience.

[@buzzpsy]

Great videos as always, just wanted to know what variety streaming does however you liking the game is also important 😍😍

[@RoshuGamingg]

What would you recommend for someone that really isn't into like shooters and the other games most focus as the single game to stream? I personally enjoy doing variety content but do know I am prob better off focusing on one game or at least genre especially with work limiting my streaming time to once a week and kinda at a loss at the moment.

[@Matislavio]

I'm coming back from the break and still researching stuff hours before going live again, and this is really interesting (and kinda throws me in the loop :v ), but thanks for a full breakdown of the experiment, it's great to see all the data. I wonder if that would work if you would stay in one place for a long time and then eventually move forward. The thing that is with exclusive gaming - or at least what kinda puts me off the idea - is that you can die with the game. At least I seen enough examples of that happening. Sticking to genre on the other hand is definitely much safer. I think I will check long-term-gaming variety first and see what happens. Maybe I'll end up with the exclusive gaming too at some point :v Anyway, again thanks for the detailed video with the data!

[@RewindSteezy]

When I was playing tarkov I seen your TikTok’s all the time. Didn’t even know that was just an experiment.

[@xTwoShoes]

Started as that! And then I got sucked it and now its pretty much all I stream!

[@danielleivaaraya8288]

good content bro !

[@MykorL]

The extraction shooter genre is probably the only one where people would appreciate all the games. Maybe because it’s still pretty new or hasn’t blown up by a true AAA developer just yet. Most other FPS games have a loyal fan base that hates on the other. CSGO v Valorant. Warzone v Apex v PUBG x Fortnite etc. Loved this video, very mind opening.

[@xTwoShoes]

It was a super interesting experiment for sure!

[@cynicalbun]

Was looking forward to updates on this. A video on how to utilize Tiktok as a ways to grow your audience might be a good video!

[@xTwoShoes]

Good idea!

[@fairleemadegaming]

Solid video,with solid advice and actual examples.

[@xTwoShoes]

Thanks mate!

[@anarchyahoy1363]

An interesting experiment to conduct! I think having a main game gives you a safety net, build a community in said game and you can always go back to it. I play Dead by Daylight mainly and have stray random games that I personally enjoy to play for the folks who are there no matter what I play when I'm feeling burnout. If I have lower numbers on my random streams, it's fine. I'm still getting some stray subs or the occasional newbie follower or newbie raid with the random game and then when I go back to my main? I have the "usual" numbers back. But that's just my personal experience in the past year of streaming. Who knows if that'll be the same way in 2-3 years from now yknow?

[@NovayonKH]

I think this is the hard truth, with any kind of content. There's of course the big established creators who can get away with variety but the rest of us cannot grow much like that. When you're looking for growth, a targeted audience is much easier to market to than "people who like games". Those people are probably already watching Markiplier, Jerma, etc for any platform. For me personally, I have so far narrowed down to fantasy RPG as it's the most connected to my roots. Ofc that's still quite wide so more chiseling is needed 😆 but it's a start

[@KamleshMallick]

Elder Scrolls?

[@JadedGrizzly]

I found your video very informative. I would also like to pick your brain about how if you want to grow as a variety steamer it might not best to have game highlights but instead make tiktok content based on you, like weird stories or things you did on stream that had nothing to do with the game you were playing. I have seen people on tiktok who stream grow because of posting personality content vs game content. I also think this will avoid the problem with having some one come to your channel because of a funny clips from game see you not playing that game and leave because when they come to your channel they didn't come because of a game clip but solely because of your personality. I also think that might be the way to go because you see a lot of people going viral on tiktok just by talking, making jokes, or just giving their opion in front of a bathroom mirror. I guess to some it up is it possible that the content you post on tiktok as a variety streamer has to be different than the content you post as a dedicated game streamer because the people who watch variety streamers generally watch not because of the game but the person's personality, but people who like to watch dedicated streamers watch because of the shared interest in the game?

[@xTwoShoes]

For sure. I've a lot to say on this matter, probably too much to write. If you ever catch me live, ill happily answer this with full context in chat! But main thing is, a lot of viewers follow PEOPLE. What you are doing on stream, tiktok, youtube etc, is often background noise for the viewer. If they can engage with you and your personality, they will stick around

[@JadedGrizzly]

@@xTwoShoes thanks for the insight

[@wombozombo]

I only ever streamed 4 different games but been thinking of sticking to only two 🤔

[@jesseholmes980]

Interesting stuff here Dan.

[@xTwoShoes]

Thanks pal!

[@Blueman2018]

What its the name of that song in your intro video it has a cool beat

[@southerngaming7449]

I like to call myself a semi-variety streamer. I typically play the same few games, but can often find other games to play. I think what my community likes is the style of content I make, instead of the game I play. I try to advertise as the average joe, blue collar gamer who enjoys being silly and doing dumb/fun things instead of sweating. I also try to fight headlong in the war against toxicity. So one thing I encourage other creators to focus on is to enjoy what you're doing and what you're playing, but focus your content on a single strategy, whether that be funny moments or epic gameplay or somewhere in between, find the type of content you want to create and then find the game(s) that help you do just that. I think many people can see genuine joy and happiness and look for creators who are being genuine and open and will gravitate towards that, even if they aren't always the most entertaining at the time. So if you want to be a variety streamer, it is more important for you to focus on your style of content than it is to be a single game creator because you won't have that community for the game to fall back on. There are pros and cons to both styles, and so it is important for each creator to figure out what works best for them. I thoroughly enjoyed the video and appreciated the new perspective, but I hope that creators will see this video and this comment and decide what is ultimately best for them and their channels instead of just jumping at the first piece of advice from someone who averages more views than they do. More often than not, the best communities are the ones that are built over time and involve real, direct, personal relationships instead of trying to maximize your viewership while minimizing your time and effort. Put in the work at 0-5 viewers, and those same viewers will be there if/when you reach 100+. Slow and steady wins the race when it comes to content creation. Spend the time to do it right and work on your content before you have a massive audience, or the success could potentially be short-lived. Good luck to all my fellow creators out there! Happy streaming!

[@turbolarsen6794]

you realy motivate me to sream and keep it upp eaven tho i average only 3 viewers, but im hawing a blast :D do u haw any videos about how to sit down and make clips and record clips, like what mindset i should haw when im going for clisp?

[@zipsidian]

Good info

[@Exspence]

I've been playing more games with survival style elements, that seems to be helping me grow a bit faster. I throw on the odd game that's different here and there, and October was purely horror

[@xTwoShoes]

Nice!

[@dragonsteall5281]

Hi I’m Dragonsteall I’m a major small time streamer and I’ve got a lot of questions I get zero views in my streams and I try to stream regularly but things just come up and it just breaks me down from it I am like you said a variety stroller sometimes in one stream a switch games multiple times but how do I pull in views from having zero views and that is my question for you

[@sirbobbya]

I’ve been switching to deep rock galatic full time, I haven’t noticed anything yet but I also need to stream more often but I think it’ll be good for me

[@xTwoShoes]

Try making some content that matches your stream elsewhere too:)

[@jenmitz]

I found that playing Skyrim and then Fallout games grew my channel to the extent I was always in the first 3 of the category. However, I don’t want to be stuck as a Fallout streamer. Not entirely sure what to do. I do have a general niche of open world RPGs, I guess. Thanks for the video!

[@xTwoShoes]

Both great games :) Loved playing through them but loads of stuff similar in the genre for sure!

[@Supsun]

This could bring a “new” style of variety streaming of playing one game for extended period of time then if you wanna switch games you do it slowly like maybe I starts with 1 stream every week or two then get goes to constantly and eventually you’ll just make the full switch which would probably help retain growth and on other platforms you would do the same thing

[@therealSae]

Iv just started twitch and I have 3 followers :))

[@2playermode4ever]

Huzzah!

[@BravoBecca]

This has been something I’m struggling with as a variety streamer stuck in the 40s for forever. Straight up this is giving me the push I needed to deep dive into one game, ty! ❤

[@OneLineDerek]

Buddy of mine sent me your vid because I have been feeling stagnated on my channel. AMAZING video and strategies, absolutely going to be applying this. 🤣Yes, my name is legiterally Derek btw

[@xTwoShoes]

Lets go Derek! Thanks mate!

[@thatbeardyweirdo]

I've been mostly streaming GTA for a while and have gained a couple of regulars who turn up almost every time which is nice although I've noticed when I do a different kind of stream cos I'm just not feeling it, they no longer show up. I had been thinking I could jump between GTA, RDR, Mafia but it's somewhat finite On the other hand, I've thought up a new style of content based around online interactions and a character that I also intend to involve chat suggestions on where to take it, so that's likely where I'll go next

[@xTwoShoes]

Nice!!

[@Cloud_Alchemy]

Bro I got a video on TikTok with over 1 million views around Christmas and got hundreds of new followers but NO ONE converted over to Twitch

[@ahonestg]

If you look at some of the biggest streamers ie ninja what is he know for Fortnite, disguised toast among us, dream Minecraft

[@xTwoShoes]

Also some huge variety streamers too!

[@KamleshMallick]

RPG + Football Simulation game is not a good combo? Bummer! Great insight into TikTok integration. I will have to use KZbin shorts as TikTok is banned in my country. Thanks for the video.

[@MrTeddyTimes]

Hey xTwoShoes, I am trying to get into streaming on twitch and I would love some advice, feedback, or constructive criticism. You probably won’t see this but have a amazing day and I hope you continue to grow and have fun. :)

[@98kgames4]

Playing one game forever is never the wave. I’ve seen KZbinrs with 50 K subs plus play one damn game that game went out of style wasn’t popular anymore or got canceled and these dummies couldn’t convert to other games or didn’t even want to try other games so they fell off never play one game play every game that way whatever game that’s popular at the moment it benefits you because you’re playing different types and you get to bring in new viewers who will stay for your personality

[@IdleCrisp]

that intro 😂😂😂

[@NorseGaming.]

Just got to say, your videos help me so much when I'm getting that streamer anxiety you are the man Dan! I believe you might remember me from dropping by your streams a few times :) My name is Midgetdinosaur on twitch

[@xTwoShoes]

Thanks so so much!

[@sutormcgavin76]

Can you please sprinkle those intros into your future videos 😂

[@xTwoShoes]

Maybe👀

[@whaiiey]

Here's my slight input in the conversation. Do you think you're hurt by Tarkov not being as much of an evolving game as something like Call of Duty or Valorant, where a new act or a new chapter brings a boom of viewership? The playbase is quite settled but they're not nessassarily looking for something new to find, reminds me a little of DayZ, it has its community and it's stay relatively steady over the last 10-ish years.

[@ImMarkJr]

Good question!

[@xTwoShoes]

Good question but I don’t think so really! Although there are no acts, there are wipes where everyone’s progress gets reset every few months. There’s also a really great potential with voip interactions and the likes which keeps things fresh (for now anyway). Great point though but only time will tell:)

[@contentcreation545]

so for example only playing horror games genre makes sense? instead of variety.

[@xTwoShoes]

Sure!

[@soy_jomar_plays]

Another great tip for me from you, sir! Thanks again! I say, play for your happiness and fun, either variety or not.

[@xTwoShoes]

Right on!

[@EmrysGale]

Thank you for this, it validates what i was trying to do as i have been struggling for a bit.

[@NoahsAsylum0137]

I used to do a lot of Soulsborne and it did have carry over but people got bored and I switched to Dead By Daylight, I retained SOME viewers.. dropped from 30’s to 17-22. And now I barely get anymore followers/new viewers. I’m feeling kinda burnt out now because I’m enjoying DBD but it doesn’t seem to matter.

[@NerpWolfheart]

The science of streaming by phDaniel

[@xTwoShoes]

xTwoShoes M.D, Attorney At Law

[@junoplays_]

Neat findings. This strategy is a lot of what Dr Disrespect has been doing for years. Playing different games of a similar nature. He obviously didn't grow via tiktok but you catch my drift.

[@xTwoShoes]

For sure! I think a lot of streamers used this method for sure

[@Maelthorn1337]

Don't tell me what to do.

[@CannonFodderFozTTV]

Dereks assemble! haha

[@xTwoShoes]

Derek’s MVPs

[@keylowk]

i think that its cause your niching down your content so when people as you said see your content from tiktok and they see you play tarkov from tiktok then they know what they are in for when they come to your stream in twitch

[@xTwoShoes]

Yep!...thats kind of what I explain in the video :D

[@Zcharkz]

[@xTwoShoes]

[@therealSae]

First bro

[@xTwoShoes]

GG!

[@CameronZimos]

Enjoy playing multiple games vs force yourself to play one game that will eventually die off. No thanks but appreciate the insight

[@WorldofMayja]

Hypothetically... do you think this single-game strategy would work if you are not making short form content on TikTok/Reels/Shorts?

[@xTwoShoes]

If we are talking about starting from scratch, I think it would be a ALOT harder to do this making no other content other than streams. But then again, I think streaming in general is way harder if you are not making any other content!