Twitch is an Amazon-owned live-streaming platformed catered to a unique form of entertainment — video game streams. 

In June 2021, the platform saw an astounding 8.2 million active streamers. To get a good chunk of viewership, you'll need to find ways to stand out among the 8 million others. And after you gain a loyal following? You'll need to keep them. 

To help you gain and keep a steady following, we've compiled the top 5 ways to build your Twitch presence.

1. Establish A Creative, Yet Consistent Look

Standing out takes more than just being good at video games — you'll need to establish a recognizable, trustworthy brand.

Having a firm grasp on your identity, and showing others you do, will help your followers trust and like you. 

You don't need to fake it, either. If you like to sing, then sing between segments! Not everything needs to relate to your content; it needs to relate to you. 

Being true to yourself will increase your own streaming confidence and allow you to establish a healthy boundary with your work, as you won't have to compromise yourself. 

2. Use High-Quality Graphics

Once you've established a brand that's all you, it's time to bring it to life and build brand recognition. An easy way to do this is with graphics, like Twitch overlays and custom designs or animations. 

You can creatively capture your brand and a nice visual stamped into every stream.  Soon enough, your audience will associate its likeness with you. 

3. Plan Your Content Ahead of Time

Take time to research and plan out your streaming content schedule. Not just video game content, either. 

You should establish lists or bullet-points on what you plan to discuss each stream or ways you want to interact with your audience. 

Set goals for each stream and think about what to want to achieve. Having a solid plan helps you focus while you stream.

You can find ideas in streaming Discord channels or other online groups. Outside your following, source a community you can grow with. Don't be afraid to bounce ideas off others or ask for help.

4. Engage with Your Audience (News - Alert)

The most-followed Twitch streamer, Ninja, reached about 17 million followers in 2021. This soaring number didn't just happen because he's good at the games he plays, though. 

Ninja (aka Richard Blevins) is a charismatic personality who isn't afraid to interact with his audience. He responds to chat on stream and engages with folks on social media. He offers accessibility, which is one of the main reasons he's as popular today. 

Take note of what he does and apply it. 

A few ways to interact include hosting charity streams, holding contests for your followers, or inviting guest streamers. Find what works for you. 

5. Hone Your Skills

Of course, you should practice games before you stream, especially ones you haven't touched in a while. But you'll also want to spruce up on all your tech-related skills. 

You'll need to know how to troubleshoot connectivity issues, microphone and webcam problems, or even basic computer errors. Technology can be finicky, so be prepared for when something goes wrong. Knowing how to problem-solve will help you get back on track in a calm, cool way. 

Final Thoughts

All-in-all, you'll want to make your Twitch presence as consistent, authentic, and seamless as possible. 

If it sounds like a difficult job, that's because it is! You need to sell your brand to an audience and keeping them hooked. 

Take the time to explore what works for you and build upon it.