Want to know how to get viewers on Twitch fast? Start creating 15 TikTok clips from your next three streams and play games where you’re at 100 to 500 viewers. Then, see if your numbers go up.
But don’t stop at just clips and picking games. That’s why this guide gives you 15 actionable tips, with the latest stats, to help you become the next streamer with thousands of viewers.
Ready? Let’s get started.
How To Get More Viewers On Twitch
These are some tips to get more viewers on Twitch, sorted by the most impactful one, whether you use it on the platform or off the platform:
1. Create Short-Form Content
- Type: Ongoing Effort
- Good For: Getting Your First 100 Viewers
Top streamers know this trick. Take Ninja, for example. He’s always posting 15- to 30-second clips on TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and Instagram Reels.
And it’s not just about his epic wins. He also shares his rage, fails, and real reactions. So, why do the same? Because that’s how you get viewers on Twitch.
First, short videos are booming, so you should jump on that trend. Since you’re new, your stream won’t show up on Twitch’s browse page, right? So, why not use other platforms to boost your game?
Think about it. Your TikTok short could blow up and get thousands of new people to see you. Maybe even get them to join your live stream. That’s how you move past zero viewers, right?
Here’s how to get views on Twitch with short videos:
- Capture your top moments live with OBS replay buffer or VOD markers.
- After streaming, pick 3-5 clips (15-45 sec) using Twitch’s clip tool.
- Edit them: add captions, crop to 9:16 vertical, hook viewers in the first 2 seconds
- Drop them on TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and Instagram Reels within 2 hours of going live.
- Post 5-7 shorts each week.
2. Choose the Right Games
- Type: One Time/ Ongoing Effort
- Good For: Getting Your First 100 Viewers
Want to stream your favorite game? Go for it. But if you want people to watch, just playing what’s trending or what you like isn’t always the best idea.
Chasing the latest releases? Overdone. Trying out random new titles? No guarantee they’ll catch on.
Most new streamers tend to pick games that don’t match their skills or personality, or ignore what viewers actually want to see. That’s not how you get viewers on Twitch.
Sometimes, an old-school hit like Clash Royale gets more eyes than the newest AAA game, like what happens to Jynxzi.
So it’s how to choose the right games to w where you can be in the top 10-20 for viewers.
How to pick games for Twitch growth:
- Check out tools like TwitchTracker to see how many viewers each category gets
- Try out some niche games with the big hits to see how chat engagement
- Look at your weekly stats to spot which games boost followers and viewers
- Stay flexible—if a classic sparks excitement, focus on it
Related: Best Games to Stream on Twitch and YouTube
3. Create Unique Content Angles
- Type: One Time/ Ongoing Effort
- Good For: Getting Your First 100 Viewers
You’re not streaming just to flex your gaming skills or show off your art. On Twitch, you’re a creator on a mission. So, keep creating high-quality, unique content.
Playing the same game as 500 other streamers? It won’t cut it. You need a hook. Something that makes viewers pick your channel over everyone else.
Why would someone watch you? Because you speedrun with just a sheriff? Or narrate matches like a sports commentator?
That’s your content angle, and that’s how you might get popular on Twitch.
Check out streamers who made it big. Some built their whole brand around “pacifist runs” or “no-hit challenges.” So, the game and niche are just the setup. Your twist is what keeps people hooked.
Here’s how to find your own vibe:
- Figure out what makes you stand out. Is it your personality, your skills, your humor?
- Try out 3-5 different styles in your first 10-15 streams: runs, chaos, or story playthroughs
- Set up regular segments around it, like “Tutorial Tuesdays” or “Challenge Fridays.”
- Don’t copy others. Make it your own and fit it to your style.
4. Upload VODs to YouTube
- Type: Ongoing Effort
- Good For: Getting Your First 100 Viewers
Think streaming on Twitch means you can’t put your videos on YouTube? Think again.
Twitch is still huge with 4.64 billion hours watched in 2025, but YouTube wins for lasting discoverability.
Your Twitch VODs vanish after 7 days, or 14 days if you’re an Affiliate. Turbo or Prime ups it to 60 days. But YouTube VODs? They stay forever and keep running while you sleep.
Ever looked for that epic “Elden Ring boss guide” months later? YouTube’s algorithm finds those hidden gems and sends new people your way.
But on Twitch? Nobody’s scrolling through streams from two months ago.
It doesn’t mean that you should quit Twitch and focus on YouTube. Just play it smart. Use YouTube as your go-to for new fans. It helps bring people back to your Twitch streams.
Here’s how to get viewers on Twitch with VOD:
- Use Twitch’s YouTube exporter for quick uploads or download it to edit later.
- Cut your VODs into 10-30 min highlight reels with the best moments.
- Add chapters, catchy titles, and descriptions optimized for YouTube search
- Post at least 2-3 edited VODs each week to grow your YouTube.
5. Clip Your Best Moments
- Type: Ongoing Effort
- Good For: Getting Your First 100 Viewers
Still just saving Twitch clips for yourself? You’re missing out. Those clips are great tools to get new viewers when you’re not live.
Your VODs disappear after a week or two, but clips stay forever on Twitch unless you delete it. They show up in feeds, search, recommendations.
It’s free promotion all day, 24/7. And did you know that one viral clip can surpass 500,000 views? Your first one probably won’t, but the potential is there.
And keep in mind that, people love sharing quick 30-second highlights on Discord, X, or Reddit. Every share is a new chance for someone to find you.
How to make the most of Twitch clips to get more views:
- Turn on clip creation in your channel settings so viewers can make clips for you
- After each stream, make 2-3 clips of your top moments
- Use clear, searchable titles with game names and what happens (“Insane clutch 1v5 Valorant”)
- Share your clips in related subreddits, or X
Related: How to Save Stream on Twitch
6. Stream on a Consistent Schedule
- Type: Ongoing Effort
- Good For: Getting Your First 100 Viewers
You know the book Atomic Habits? Showing up every day is way better than doing a crazy push then burning out.
It’s the same with streaming. Doing it whenever you feel like it hurts your growth. No one can catch you if they don’t know when you’re live.
Think about it. If you go live Monday at 2 PM, then Thursday at 9 PM, then Saturday at noon, you’re hitting different crowds each time. No one can really get used to your show.
Remember, people watched 23.2 billion hours on Twitch. If you stick to a regular schedule, you’ll be there when they’re searching for something to watch.
Here’s how to get views on Twitch with consistent schedule:
- Start with 2-3 streams a week, each 2-4 hours long.
- Block those times in your calendar and treat them like real work shifts.
- Post your schedule on Twitch panels, Discord, and TikTok bio.
- Set alarms 30 minutes before streaming to get ready—no late starts.
Related: What is Simulcast
7. Raid Other Streamers
- Type: Ongoing Effort
- Good For: Getting Your First 1,000 Viewers
Host mode is history. Now, raids are what you use to send your viewers to another channel directly.
When you raid at the end of your stream, you send your whole chat over to another streamer. It’s a great way to build community.
Top streamers like summit1g have raided channels like hutchmf, and shroud has raided grimmmz.
But does that mean only big streamers do it? No. Raiding is a way to network, even if you only have 5 viewers.
Keep in mind that streamers remember who raids them. So, if you keep raiding creators in your niche, they’ll check out your channel, follow back, and maybe even raid you someday.
How to get more viewers on Twitch with Raids:
- When your stream ends, type /raid [username] in chat to send a raid.
- Hit up streamers a bit bigger than you, like 10-50 viewers, who do similar content.
- Do raids regularly—pick 2-3 streamers each week and actually connect.
- Say hi in their chat after raiding and chat like a real person.
8. Optimize Stream Titles
- Type: Ongoing Effort
- Good For: Getting Your First 100 Viewers
With over 7 million streamers out there, your stream title has to be unique if you want to stand out on the category pages.
And did you know 35% of new viewers find streams by browsing categories? Yes, they don’t find you by chance. Your title is the first thing they see, so make it count.
Using “Playing Valorant”? That could be the fastest to stay invisible. But “Unranked to Radiant Challenge – Day 3 (No Sleep Edition)” tells people what’s happening and why they should watch.
That’s how you get from 2 viewers to 20 or even 100.
Your title should do three things fast: say what game you’re playing, what makes your stream different, and why people should click now.
Here’s how to write titles that convert to more viewers:
- Lead with your content angle or challenge, like “Pacifist Run”
- Add your progress, like “Day 5” or “Episode 12”
- Add some context, such as “First Playthrough” or “Viewer Challenges”
- Use | to keep things tidy, like “Iron to Diamond | Shotgun Only | Day 3”
9. Use Proper Twitch Tags and Categories
- Type: Ongoing Effort
- Good For: Getting Your First 100 Viewers
When people click browse on Twitch, they go straight into categories. These are the specific genres or types of content you choose to stream, like Counter-Strike, Just Chatting, Minecraft, or IRL.
You need the right categories to get more viewers. A retro game in a generic category? That’s like hiding in plain sight.
But categories alone aren’t enough. Tags are a second way for viewers to find you, helping them filter through all the oversaturated categories.
Say 2,000 people are streaming Minecraft right now. A viewer might want something specific, like a first playthrough or playing with viewers. That’s where tags come in.
Tags help viewers find the kind of content they like and also boost your chances of getting seen because people use them to discover streams.
Here’s how to optimize categories and tags:
- Choose the most specific category, like “Super Mario 64” instead of just “Retro.”
- Use 3-5 tag slots if you need for each stream.
- Don’t forget your language tag
- Add game-specific tags like “First Playthrough,” “Speedrun,” or “No Commentary”
- Check your Twitch analytics under “Discovery” to see which tags bring in clicks and impressions.
10. Keep Talking Even with Zero Viewers
- Type: Ongoing Effort
- Good For: Getting Your First 100 Viewers
Talking to an empty room feels weird, but it’s the most important skill you can learn as a new streamer.
When someone clicks on your channel, you only get a few seconds to make them stay. If you’re just sitting there in silence, they’ll bounce before you even realize they were there.
And don’t forget, Twitch’s viewer count is just an estimate. Someone might be watching for 30 or 60 seconds before they even show up as a viewer.
Also, most streamers miss this: you’re making content for your VODs and clips. If your 3-hour stream is just silence, there’s nothing to clip for TikTok, YouTube Shorts, or Instagram Reels.
Here’s how to get more viewers on Twitch:
- Turn off your viewer count in OBS so you don’t get stressed seeing zeros.
- Talk through your gameplay like you’re teaching someone.
- Drop some stories about the game or random life experiences between matches.
- React to everything on screen like you’re making a highlight reel.
- Ask chat silly questions even if no one’s there. “Should I push or hold?”
11. Engage with Chat Actively
- Type: Ongoing Effort
- Good For: Getting Your First 1,000 Viewers
Just Chatting is taking over Twitch for a reason. People don’t just want to watch gameplay. They want to chat, connect, and hang out with streamers.
That’s why it’s so popular and why keeping your chat lively is key if you want to grow your audience.
Once you get viewers, your chat moves fast, and there’s a lot going on. If you go quiet for too long, the viewers will feel ignored and leave.
So, you can learn from streamers who know how to keep chat fun. Like Carreraaa, who had a 45% engagement rate with over 61,000 active chatters.
And when you actually chat back and interact, viewers stick around longer, come back more often, and are way more likely to subscribe or donate.
How to get viewers on Twitch with better chat engagement:
- Greet new viewers by their name and thank them for visiting
- Answer comments and questions out loud, even the small ones
- Ask chat for opinions, ideas, or guesses while you play
- Set up a chat bot like Nightbot to handle FAQs so you can focus on real talk
- If chat speeds up, read messages in chunks every few minutes, not to catch every single one.
12. No “Starting Soon” Screens
- Type: One-Time Setup
- Good For: Getting Your First 100 Viewers
Thinking you need a “Starting Soon” screen like Nickmercs or Pokimane? Guess what, most small streamers don’t. It’s more of a missed chance than a help.
A countdown? Nice try, but if no one’s watching, it’s just noise. Your stream should grab attention instantly, not waste time building suspense.
And when someone clicks that “go-live” notification, they want live content, not a pause screen. Who needs a tease when they’re already eager?
And did you know viewers decide in less than two seconds? That’s right, less time than it takes to blink. Show a countdown while others are live, and you risk losing them.
But, big names like Shroud or Ninja can get away with a waiting screen. Yes, they have fans willing to wait.
But for you? Every second you’re stuck on “Starting Soon,” you’re handing viewers to someone else.
What to do instead of a starting soon screen:
- Go live and jump right into talking, playing, or engaging with your content.
- Keep your intro short, 30 seconds max to say hi and tell everyone what’s up today.
- Use the first few minutes to welcome new viewers, but don’t just sit there doing nothing.
- If you need setup time, do it before you hit “Start Streaming.”
- Save countdown timers for when you already have a community that will wait for you.
13. Join a Membership Platform
- Type: One-Time Setup
- Good For: Getting Your First 1,000 Viewers
You heard that right. Even if your audience is small, setting up a membership platform like Gank shows you’re serious about streaming.
Putting donation or membership links in your panels and overlays sends the message: “This is a real channel, not just a hobby.” That’s powerful.
Think of your stream panels like a storefront. An empty shop with no signs looks temporary. But one with clear branding, hours, and a “we’re open” sign looks like it’s here to stay.
And don’t get it wrong, some people want to be part of a winning story. So, you need to make it easy for your first supporters to invest in you. Don’t hide the tip jar.
You can offer perks like exclusive Q&A, behind-the-scenes content, or custom emotes to thank your early fans and make your streams look real. No need to ask, just make support options clear.
How to get viewers on Twitch with this strategy:
- Sign up on Gank
- Put up support buttons on your Twitch panels and overlays
- Give simple perks like exclusive chat, early drops, or shout outs for supporters
- Mention your platforms casually during streams
- Thank supporters on stream to show love and keep the good vibes going
14. Create Compelling Channel Bio and Panels
- Type: One-Time Setup
- Good For: Getting Your First 1, 000 Viewers
When new people check out your channel, they decide in seconds if they vibe with you. That’s where your bio, panels, and design come in. These are your first impression.
Your bio is like a mini-intro. It needs to answer three things right away: What do you stream? What makes you different? What to expect from you?
Panels are the sections under your stream. They show your schedule, rules, donation links, social media, and Discord. Think of them as your channel’s menu.
A messy profile or confusing panels? People bounce quick. If panels are empty or look basic, viewers think you’re not serious. But a clean, matching look makes them trust you and want to stay.
Here’s how to get viewers on Twitch with awesome bio and panels:
- Make an under-300-character bio that includes your content focus, and a unique trait about you
- Set up at least 5 panels: About Me, Schedule, Rules, Social Links, and Support.
- Design custom graphics with Canva that match your vibe
- Keep Rules simple—like no spam, be kind, things like that.
15. Upgrade Your Streaming Equipment
- Type: One-Time Setup
- Good For: Getting Your First 1,000 Viewers
Great equipment won’t magically bring viewers to an empty stream. But bad equipment will drive away the few viewers you manage to attract.
And keep in mind that, viewers will tolerate average visuals if your content is engaging. But bad audio? That’s an instant leave.
And since 73% of Twitch viewers are 34 and under, they’re used to high-quality streams and expect decent sound and video.
So, does that mean you need expensive gear to start streaming on Twitch and get a lot of viewers?
Not really. Just don’t make the mistake most new streamers do: buying everything at once or refusing to upgrade at all. Both hurt you.
Here’s your strategic equipment upgrade path:
- Start with a USB mic like the Blue Yeti or Audio-Technica AT2020 ($100-130).
- Use OBS filters (noise suppression, noise gate, compressor) to level up your mic
- Make sure your bitrate and resolution match your internet speed. Test at 720p 30fps first.
- Add some basic lighting. It’s cheaper than a new camera and makes you look better.
- Upgrade your PC or internet if your gear is holding you back, like dropped frames
Why Getting More Viewers on Twitch Matters
Here’s why you should try to get more viewers on Twitch in the first place:
1. Having Viewers Keeps You Motivated
Streaming to an empty room kills your vibe fast. Most people don’t have the stamina like Jynxzi or Caseoh_ who keep going even with low views. Burnout is real.
Your audience matters. They give you someone to chat with and perform for. Without them, you’re just talking to your screen.
Who wants to set up OBS perfectly with Elgato cams and Streamlabs overlays just to stream solo?
2. Algorithm Will Promote Your Content
Twitch’s algorithm is like YouTube or TikTok. It pushes channels that are getting viewers.
Think of it as a snowball. When you get viewers, the algorithm sees the engagement and starts suggesting your stream to more people in the ‘Recommended’ section.
Plus, it might check your follower-to-viewer ratio. If you have hundreds of followers and they’re actually watching your stream, that’s a good sign. And the algorithm picks up on that.
3. It Helps You Build a Community
Once you have regular viewers, they’ll often bring their friends along. It’s like a chain reaction. Even if your first viewers bounce, their friends might stick around.
That’s the magic of word-of-mouth. It spreads beyond the first person and finds people who really vibe with what you do.
Imagine that effect blowing up, helping you reach more people to watch your stream, follow, or subscribe. It all starts somewhere, right?
4. You Can Earn Money Easier
Twitch updated their policy in July 2025. They said, “…we’re giving all streamers access to some of our best monetization and community building tools including Bits, subs, emotes, badges…”
What does this mean for you? Before, you had to hit Affiliate first to make money from subs and bits. Now, you can start earning from your first stream. No need to grind for months to unlock it.
Now, why does viewer count matter? More viewers means more subs. If 1% of 100 people subscribe, that’s one $4.99 sub, giving you $2.50. Get 10 subs? That’s $25 in your pocket.
Related: How to Make Money on Twitch
5. You Can Find Collab Opportunities Better
Even top streamers like Kai Cenat didn’t get there alone. His collabs with Lil Baby, Kevin Hart, and even artists like Linkin Park or Kim K really blew up his crowd in some of his subathon.
When you’re sitting at 2-5 viewers, you’re basically invisible. It’s tough to get anyone to team up. But hit 50-100 viewers consistently? Boom, you’re worth a raid.
For new streamers, it’s motivating. One raid or co-stream can double your followers overnight.
Related: How to Get More Followers on Twitch
6. You Can Build Your Personal Brand
Being a great Twitch streamer isn’t just about your skills or that $2,000 Shure SM7B mic. It’s often your personality that sets you apart.
Pokimane and Ninja didn’t win by gameplay alone. They won hearts by being real, turning funny reactions and honest chats into a vibe fans copy and share.
And more viewers could mean more feedback. That helps you level up your brand with custom emotes and panels that show what makes you, you.
How to Get More Viewers on Twitch: A Wrap Up
How to get viewers on Twitch? First thing to remember is it’s not just luck. You need to find the most effective methods.
Make short videos that goes viral or find a fresh angle no one else is doing. And make sure to skip those “starting soon” screens. They might scare off new fans before they even see your stream.
Those 15 tips are a good start, but keep trying new tricks and see what clicks with your audience.
Once the viewers start coming in? Don’t hesitate to earn more from your content. It can be through donations, memberships, merch sales with Gank. Want more tips like this? Subscribe to our blog!
