In recent years, the live video-streaming platform Twitch has become one of the most popular broadcasting platforms in the 21st century. With millions of users and more joining the service by the day, viewers are drawn to the site’s interactive community. Although gaming remained the most prominent content format on the platform, Twitch has since diversified its offerings to include other main categories. The 14-year-old broadcasting platform became a beloved home for streamers desiring to connect with fellow users and their live audience in the name of entertainment. Many streamers’ dream is to expand their reach by staying true to themselves.
One of those creators, Zoe Spencer, joined Twitch in 2024 to pursue streaming as a hobby. Since accumulating almost 400K subscribers on the app, Spencer has since ventured into the former pastime as a blossoming full-time career. The 24-year-old recently hosted GU’s Kickback and served as a panelist at Creator’s House 25, where she candidly discussed her career while guiding listeners who aspire to build a live-streaming career. Here are three main takeaways Spencer shared with GU to become a skilled Twitch streamer.
Have the Courage to “Start Small”
The streamer encouraged attendees to begin posting content on another platform before moving to Twitch. “With Twitch, you have to tell people when you’re live. You have to create a community,” Spencer relayed. The key takeaway? Aim to build a loyal following first. Furthermore, many Twitch streamers often stream for extended periods to maximize their audience and improve their chances of gaining algorithmic exposure. “I would say start small and build from there. Maybe stream for one or two hours at that.”
Just Pick Up the Camera!
According to a 2020 LinkedIn survey, 31% of professionals admitted that fear of failure, or atychiphobia, prevented them from applying for a promotion or taking on a new challenge. Simply put, our human tendency to hold ourselves back when faced with an unfamiliar task doesn’t represent our inability to complete it. Most people just don’t want to be associated with failure. Thus, if you long to pursue content creation, just start! “Anyone can do it, I swear,” Spencer told GU.
Continue to Show Up—For Your Audience, But Especially For Yourself
As the creator economy continues to expand, the media landscape evolves alongside it. The rise of independent journalists and news influencers is reshaping public opinion and how information is consumed. At Creator’s House 25’s “What the Twitch?” panel, the streamer unpacked her reasoning behind why many content creators are competing with traditional media outlets in audience engagement. “Stop being so serious [all the time],” Spencer said. Beside her, Nandi Howard, VP of ESSENCE Content, endorsed Spencer’s statement, noting, “I think it’s important that brands try to meet their consumers and market where they’re at.” Continue to strive for authenticity when curating content, and audiences will follow.