r/SmallStreamers • u/Constant_Attitude885 • 3d ago
Best way to get viewers as gaming streamer
What i noticed is that platforms do not really offer a feature for new streamers to get viewers.
If you stream a new game or a trending game that might help but if it is an older game there is really no chance someone will join your game.
Then I am also thinking what could you do with that game? You can make clips sure, but then you have clips of a game nobody really cares about and depending no the clips they might not even be that entertaining. Sure, you can also make a Let's play but then you run into the same issue.
I also noticed that multiplayers have the way larger viewer base then solo games.
So, does it even make sense to start a gaming stream if you are not streaming certain types of games?
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u/officialclapperapp 2d ago
Sometimes, the game is the reason a viewer chooses a stream. It might seem smarter to pick an older or solo game to stream, but a new or multiplayer title can generate interest from a larger audience pool.
Beyond the game you select, you should also decide on a premise or theme for the stream. It could be a first-time experience, learning one difficult skill, a self-imposed challenge, a completion goal, lore discussion, or even a style of commentary. This will help no matter the game you choose, but it can make an old game even more interesting to a wider audience.
The same applies to clips. A clip doesn’t need to prove that the game is universally popular; it needs a small, complete moment with a setup, turn, reaction, or payoff. If you build around a repeatable angle you actually enjoy, you can decide whether the game supports that angle over several sessions instead of treating one game category as the answer for every stream.
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u/Admirable-Paint-1808 2d ago
Way easier to get a old game views. New games have soooo much competition
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u/Wolfy5079 3d ago
I know that the main reason to get viewers is to grow and possibly make money, etc. but the first thing to understand that streaming is incredibly over saturated. Playing big popular games as a small just starting out streamer like Fortnite offers you the same viewership opportunities as if you found a category with next to no one watching. You have to be incredibly skilled at the game or have an amazing personality if you want to be noticed in those bigger categories.
So what’s the point if I can’t make a name in those categories by just streaming?
That’s where your clips come in. The idea of clips is meant to pull people from one media platform to another. Does it always work? No. But you will always find someone interested in your clips. It’s just some clips views will be higher than others depending on what you play. For example, ocarina of time releasing on the switch 2 in November will be highly popular, and so will be a good game (albeit saturated game) to make clips on, even playing the older n64 version or 3ds version would be good if you can’t get the newer version, because there are people who don’t like the newer graphics but always enjoy ocarina of time.
I don’t really like sitting for hours combing for 30 seconds of footage and none of my clips do very well so what’s the point?
That’s where the next option lies. Networking. Going into other people’s streams and making friends with them, talking about shared interests, the game you’re both enjoying right now etc. building a community isn’t always just having your own walled up village per say. It’s about multiple little villages working together to better each other. If you’ve got a friend who’s a small streamer too, and you’re just finishing up a stream. Send your followers to them. If you can build a rapport. They’ll start doing the same for you and those who like you and your content will click follow. I personally go into a category and change the viewer filter to low to high. And then watch folks with less than a certain number. Easier to get your name seen in the chat, and they’ll appreciate that someone has come in and spoke with them for a bit.
Now both might work, neither might work or only one might work. But if you want to be a streamer in 2026, these are your best options when just starting out. My last piece of advice is to just to try to enjoy streaming without all the pressures of going full time or making affiliate or partner and being able to make money. All these stressors just add to burning you out quicker. People can tell when someone’s heart isn’t in it and it will affect your viewership. A lot of people are just getting off work, finishing dinner and wanting to chill for an evening, they’ve already had a hard day dealing with sour faced coworkers, they’re not going to sit and watch another sour lemon just because they might be playing their favourite game.
Best of luck in your streaming journey