The Exodus of the Streamers

Where are the streamers at now? Did they switch platforms? Did they quit? Did they retire? What are the reasons they leave? Could it be financial? family priorities? fame to much? The A word; Algorithm What has caused streamers to just leave there fans behind no matter the size of the crowd., These are some of the questions we all have probably wondered about.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 says,

A Time for Everything

3 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:

2 a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, 3 a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, 4 a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, 5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, 6 a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, 7 a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, 8 a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.

This scripture is sung in many church circles and even some secular circles sung by the birds. We all go through different seasons in our lives where there will highs and lows. Many low points in the gaming life came when a streamer is getting there feet wet into this new area that had a lot fears. When I first wanted to get into the world of streaming and gaming, I was not sure of the support that I would have. For many, it is hard to see the future when living in the present. I had to share my vision with my family and my closest friends to prove that I can make it in the business world. Usually in the first two years of starting any business more people quit before they even start. As a streamer, we have to realize that it takes time to grow an audience and supporters. From 2018-2020, not many people knew what streaming was and if it was profitable, During this time I only saw more and more people wanted to be apart of this movement, but did not know where to begin.

Lets talk about the highs in streaming, starting at the end of 2020 till 2022, During the time of COVID19, many people were at home and needed to pick up extra hobbies. The internet was definitely booming as more people were at home looking for anything to keep there mind off the situation at hand. We all needed to de-stress from the world, Peoples habits started to change as they learned new technology whether it was for there church, business or hobbies (Like streaming). Like many of you these moments were good as our numbers were climbing through the roof with reaches, followers, subscribers, etc.. Life is good now How many of us actually consider our followers, viewers, or subscribers more than a number? Many times we tend to focus on the numbers that we lose sight of why we are doing this. I have seen so many streamers hit partner during this span in the few short years. Those like myself, have been at it for a long time have not even hit that partner status. During a time when life is good I have seen streamers with less than 5,000 make partner on any platform, while those that have been doing this a lot longer still are waiting for there opportunities.

As Streamers we all go through growing pains whether it be disagreements between your leadership team, having trouble coping mentally, do not socialize well outside of the platforms, weight gain, and the list can go on. Streaming is a marathon not a sprint, although most of us are friends we still competing for viewership, subscribers, followers. Streaming has its seasons kind of like fads. The word Algorithm definition a process or set of rules to be followed in calculations or other problem-solving operations, especially by a computer. We all want to think that the behind the scenes work is being done by CPU, but it is not. This is all being done by people like you and me that have to decipher through million of hours of content to make sure one is relevant over the other. I recently watched a documentary on how this is done, but everything we put on the internet is being watched as they decide if we are worthy of being a number one content creator. There are too much content out there for everyone to keep in the number one position unless that person has signed an exclusive deal with social media. The type of games has a lot to do with who is on top, We know playing games like COD or ATS will generate traffic because of the following compared to a newer game out there which do not have a following. Content Creators can make or break a game depends on there personality which is what makes people want to buy and invest in games.

The question I go back to the beginning is, Where are the streamers now? Just like any life cycle, some have been disappeared for good while others have became famous. During COVID I have taught well over 20 people how to stream, but most are not even pursuing it anymore as it became more of a FAD. Streaming does cost something (Family, Financially, sleep, weight gain, debt). The last few weeks I have seen a lot of Facebook partners having to do what is best for their family, which means time to get a job that will provide. Since my time in streaming I have never been full-time and as a matter of fact I work multiple jobs as my main source of income. It is almost a weekly notice I get of partners or level have a change in direction which means go to another social media site. As a content creator since 2017 creating content that is enjoyed by many, I value my viewers as more than a number but friendships along the way.

What has streaming/content creating cost you lately? family, work, social life

For some, streaming is a way to escape the everyday life and sit back to chill with new and old friends. My recommendation is to have a support system like your family members and lay out a plan so they can help you achieve that plan. Do not rely solely on your supporters but get creative in ways you can use your platform to earn the money you need to support your family. Those who have kids, cherish those moments as they grow up. Do not try to be an exact copy of the streamer you are trying to be, but be yourself.

What are your thoughts on this blog, love for your feedback.