Beyond Twitch: The best streaming platforms like Twitch in 2024

The online world keeps people afar connected through video, audio, and chat interactions. Whether you're sharing knowledge or providing entertainment, streaming services provide real-time viewing to engage with an audience.

Game streaming has become popular among various demographics, and live streaming services give professional and amateur gamers a larger platform when they play video games. If you gain a big audience, you can also turn game streaming into a part-time or full-time career and monetize your streams. Many popular streams can make a living by live streaming their games on consoles, mobile devices, or computers. Other people may have live streams to chat and interact with their audiences.

While Twitch is a popular live streaming platform, many alternative streaming sites work just as well to provide high-quality live streams. We explore the other platforms available for streamers and how you can use these streaming platforms to earn money.

What are the best alternatives to Twitch?

There are streaming software you can consider as a Twitch alternative.

YouTube Live

YouTube is one of the biggest video-sharing websites where users can upload, view, and share videos with a global audience. It's the most popular free alternative to Twitch for high-quality live streams. In addition to uploading pre-recorded content to your channel, YouTube lets content creators upload live broadcasts from a computer or mobile device. Many creators use YouTube Live as a live-streaming platform for mobile gaming, video games, vlog-style streams, and chatting with users.

You can start streaming on YouTube once you have 1,000 subscribers and make money by applying for the YouTube Partner Program. The program lets creators set up ad revenue and revenue sharing on their content. Once you're in the program, you can monetize your live streams and make money.

YouTube Gaming

YouTube Gaming is a popular app and a good alternative with a broad reach and discoverability. Creators can explore monetization options and channel memberships, such as sponsorship and ad revenue. It has a user-friendly interface with seamless integration into the YouTube ecosystem. YouTube Gaming also has a massive audience, making it easier for you to get discovered for your gaming content.

Facebook Gaming

You may know Facebook as a social networking platform to connect with family and friends online. Facebook Gaming is a live streaming service that leverages the networking site's extensive global user base. You have seamless integration with existing Facebook social features and can leverage the built-in audience engagement tools to connect with your viewers. You have multiple monetization options like ads, fan subscriptions, Facebook Stars (a virtual currency), brand deals, and in-stream ads.

Kick.com

Kick.com is a live streaming software with various entertainment content and broadcasts. You can stream to multiple channels simultaneously and doesn't have external advertising. Kick is one of the newer rivals of Twitch and a good alternative if you're looking for a polished streaming platform. Gamers and other content creators keep most of their earnings, leaving more money in your pockets.

As a new streaming platform, there's a low barrier to entry. New streamers or streamers with a smaller audience can capture the attention of viewers more easily than on a huge platform like Twitch or YouTube Live. However, it can be more challenging to have a live broadcast if you want to stream from a console.

StreamYard

StreamYard is a professional live streaming and recording studio for your internet browser. You can record content, or integrate with Facebook, YouTube, and other platforms to stream in real-time. StreamYard produces studio-quality content and collaboration is easy as other users can join your broadcast from their browser or phone. There are unique features to engage the audience, like on-screen comments and multistreaming. You can also add overlays, branding, intros, and outros to brand your stream.

Trovo

Trovo is a game-focused streaming platform with a growing community. It's one of the best Twitch alternatives because it focuses on the gaming community and has multiple interactive features. Trovo streamers have low competition and don't have to worry as much about competing for audience members. It makes it easier to build a community that you can engage with. Trovo also has a mobile-focused interface, ideal for mobile users and gamers.

Stream to multiple platforms with Restream

If you're not ready to part ways with Twitch, you can stream to multiple live streaming services using Restream. Restream lets you broadcast live on Twitch, Kick, YouTube Live, Facebook Live, and Trovo. While Twitch has a bigger audience and user base than many of these streaming services, you can grow your audience by broadcasting to many platforms simultaneously. You can capture double, triple, or more of your potential audience size compared to streaming on one platform. There are 30 different streaming sites you can integrate with on Restream.

With Restream, you can add custom graphics, like logos and overlays, invite guests to join your broadcast, share your screen using different layouts, and display a chat overlay. You can access streaming metrics to see your performance and improve your viewership.

Get paid to stream

Many streamers have made a big name for themselves, earning millions per year in front of a microphone and their computer. While we can't all be the next big streaming millionaire to make it to the top of the industry, we can still make money from gaming to earn a living. You can learn how much gaming streamers make to determine if it's something you want to pursue.

You have a few options for making money on Twitch and other platforms. Many streaming platforms offer avenues for streamers to make money from their content. In addition to ad revenue, many creators partner with big companies for sponsorships, branded content, and affiliate programs. Popular streamers can earn thousands of dollars for one sponsorship or brand deal.

While Twitch is a popular streaming platform to make money, gamers can earn money on platforms other than Twitch. Some platforms let viewers pay a subscription fee to become premium users of a streamer. Premium users have access to special features, like additional live streams, virtual gifts, stickers, and no ads. Viewers can also directly support streamers by making a one-time donation or donating at regular intervals.

Do you get taxed for streaming income?

Unless there are tax exemptions, you pay taxes on all sources of income. Streaming income is taxed just like the money you make from any job, including the value of products you receive. You can reduce the amount of taxes you pay by contributing to a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) or other tax-exempt investment account. If streaming is your job, you may also be able to write off some expenses as business expenses, such as a new audio setup, computer, or gaming chair. You should contact the CRA to fully understand your tax responsibilities.

What is Twitch and live streaming?

Before we dive into different Twitch alternatives, let's first understand what Twitch and live streaming means. Live streaming is when a streamed video is sent over the internet in real time. While content creators can rehearse what they want to show beforehand, the content isn't pre-recorded and stored away before it's played. Many forms of media can be live-streamed today, such as TV shows, video game streams, and social media videos.

Live streaming has become increasingly popular over the years. Content creators use live stream platforms like Twitch to showcase their content and have real-time interactions with their viewers. Most streaming platforms allow streamers and audience members to communicate through chat and offer interactive rewards. Live streams can help increase engagement levels to build a loyal community of viewers and increase their online brands.

What is Twitch?

Twitch is one of the most well-known streaming platforms among the gamer and content creator community. You can find broadcasts of esports competitions, gaming streams from amateur and professional gamers, music broadcasts, and other creative content. Viewers can search for their favourite videos and streams and interact with streamers by chatting with them or giving virtual gifts. Some streamers post recordings of their live streams so users can also re-watch streams. Users can subscribe to their favourite streamers and donate to their channels.

The disadvantages of the Twitch platform

While Twitch is a popular platform, there are a few cons with the live streaming service. There are over 8 million active streamers on the live streaming platform, and high competition to get noticed by viewers. It can be hard to create content that stands out and attracts an audience, especially for new streamers. It can also be hard to create a loyal community, as so many live streamers compete for viewers. If you stream in a niche category, it can be even more difficult for community building as your audience size is smaller.

Twitch also has strict content guidelines, which can restrict the creativity of some streamers and lead to restrictions or bans if they violate the rules. For example, streamers are required to add content classification labels to indicate to viewers if the stream has mature themes. Twitch also has branded content guidelines for streamers that partner with companies for branded content, such as endorsements, sponsored gameplay, paid product unboxings, and channel sponsorships.

Content creators only receive a portion of their subscription earnings. For new streamers or streamers with a small audience and not many views or interactions, the revenue split isn't favourable as they lose a significant amount of their earnings. Large broadcasters and streamers may receive a higher percentage of the subscription revenue.

Setting yourself up for success as a streamer with KOHO

Do you have a love for video games? With dedication and the right streaming platform, you can create a community of viewers and monetize your streams to earn money. Whether you're a seasoned streamer or just starting, you need the right bank account to support your streaming career and ensure you can reach short- and long-term financial goals.

With KOHO, you can easily open an account online to hold the money you make and spend it whenever you need. Earn rewards like cash back, earn interest, and keep your funds secure to create a sound financial foundation. KOHO makes it easy to spend money with a virtual credit card. Instead of reaching for your wallet, simply reach for your phone for in-store and online shopping. The virtual card makes it easy to build your credit with KOHO and get a free credit score to monitor your financial health. If you're saving for the future, you can park your funds in a HISA in Canada to take advantage of higher interest rates.

We understand emergencies happen, and sometimes you're strapped for cash. Overdraft protection coverage has your back when you go over your limit for the month. When you sign up for Cover, you get up to $250 cash advance with zero interest.

Learn more about how KOHO can support your streaming career.