Is Twitch, Mixer or YouTube Live the best streaming platform?

There are many live streaming platforms available today. In particular, the three biggest names are Twitch, Mixer and YouTube Live. But which platform is best if you want to start streaming today?

In this article, TipsMake.com will briefly introduce you to all three of these major live streaming platforms and help you decide which is best for your needs. Now let's compare Twitch, Mixer and YouTube Live!

Twitch.tv

Twitch now takes the throne in the world of streaming platforms. The site is owned by Amazon, started with Justin.tv, and currently has more than 15 million daily active users.

Most Twitch streams have content about popular games, but besides, the platform also serves art and music channels, along with many live talk shows and vloggers (also known as IRL channel).

Twitch streamer can make money through stream advertising or through a subscription viewer level, starting at $ 4.99 (VND 115,000) / month. Amazon Prime users get one free subscription each month.

Right now, if you're serious about being a streamer, Twitch is still the best option. The start time will be a bit difficult, but the reward for your efforts will be well worth it.

Advantages:

1. Huge potential audience audience is continuing to grow.
2. Streaming on any platform or device (OBS or similar requirements for computers)
3. Powerful chat and community tools
4. Amazon Prime users get free channel subscriptions

Defect:

The huge user base can make it difficult for streams to stand out.

Mixer.com

Mixer is Microsoft's response to Twitch. Initially known as Beam, it was later acquired and rebranded in 2016. Previously, Mixer had struggled to attract attention, but things have changed recently.

In August 2019, Ninja, one of the world's most famous streamers, switched from Twitch to Mixer. News has created a strong wave and helped Mixer gain significant foothold from that time.

Like Twitch, Mixer focuses on gaming and gamers. You won't find much other than gaming streams, although there are also growing IRL and talk show streams on this site.

One of the great benefits of the Mixer is the ease of use from Windows and Xbox One. To see how fast you can start streaming on PC or mobile, refer to the article How to start streaming on Mixer for more details.

Streamers don't have ads, so streamers depend on subscribers to make a profit. The cost of registering on a Mixer is a little higher than Twitch ($ 7.99 - 184,000 VND) / month. Mixer's high level of interaction (some games even support chat integration) may explain the reason for this discrepancy. Although still not thriving, the platform has attracted a loyal following.

Advantages:

1. It is currently gaining popularity thanks to the conversion of Ninja streamer.
2. Smaller user base makes it easier to find your audience.
3. Easy to use for Windows and Xbox One users, without OBS or Xsplit.
4. The level of interaction of viewers is high with MixPlay.
5. The ability to stream directly from mobile devices from the start.

Defect:

1. Does not support the original PS4.
2. The user base is small, which means it is not currently able to generate any financial benefits.
3. There are not many opportunities for streaming that are not related to gaming.

YouTube Live

Although YouTube is still the most popular video hosting service, it is also catching up in terms of streaming. This Google-owned company recently removed its YouTube Gaming platform, incorporating all videos and streaming into YouTube's main website.

This means that anyone with a follow-in will have an audience waiting for each time they choose to stream. Like Twitch, users can stream from computers using OBS or mobile devices. However, mobile users will need more than 1,000 subscribers to start streaming.

In a confusing way, following someone for free on YouTube is called signing up. To receive paid membership benefits from channels on YouTube, you must 'join' that channel. These two concepts differ only in name, and cost $ 4.99 (VND 115,000) per month and the interests of viewers are the same.

YouTube is often criticized for blocking ad revenue from users. Out of the 3 platforms here, Youtube is undoubtedly the hardest place to pursue a streaming career. It is worth paying attention to!

Advantages:

1. The stream can be 'rewinded' and saved automatically after the end.
2. Great if you already have a following on YouTube.

Defect:

1. YouTube is very strict about offensive and copyright-infringing content.
2. Does not support Xbox One.
3. Can stream directly from mobile devices but requires at least 1,000 channel subscribers.

Twitch, Mixer and YouTube Live: Which platform is best?

All three services provide a subtle difference to the audience and the streamers. If you're already active on YouTube, that's probably the place for you.

If you are a completely new streamer who wants to quickly experience and become known to everyone, then Mixer might be a better choice. Mixer is undoubtedly the most powerful platform when it comes to how viewers can interact with your stream.

Although, in practice, Twitch is still the leading platform in the field of streaming. Almost all streamers and famous esports players use Twitch. If you're willing to take the time to stand out from the crowd, Twitch is the place to do it.

Why choose a live streaming platform?

Choosing a service is one of the first things you need to do as a streamer. There is another option called Multistreaming.

Platforms like Restream.io allow you to stream multiple platforms at once. Why choose between Twitch, Mixer and YouTube, when you can stream to all three at once?

If you aim to reach as many potential viewers as possible, this is the option for you. However, there is a small note. Twitch affiliate (roughly translated as Twitch Affiliate program) is not allowed to live stream on multiple platforms simultaneously. Part of the affiliate agreement says Twitch owns the broadcast during the show period and up to 24 hours later.

Currently, with Twitch's dominance in the streaming field, it is enough to curb potential streamers who want to play on multiple platforms.

How to build a live stream

If you're serious about streaming, you can turn it into a career, regardless of which platform you choose to use. Whichever of these platforms you choose, check out this article on 10 tips to build an audience for the livestream channel.

However, Twitch is still the king in this field and TipsMake.com's Twitch tips to help you build a larger audience can help you start your career as a famous streamer.

Wish you find yourself the right choice!