Your Twitch Growth Strategy is WRONG (And this will fix it!)

Summary

In this video, Barry Eps explains why Discord is essential for streamers looking to grow their communities. He breaks down the three layers of a content funnel: discovery, community, and engagement, highlighting how streamers can use platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram for discovery while emphasizing Twitch for community-building. Barry discusses how streamers should leverage Discord to connect with their audience, avoid common mistakes, and set up channels that foster interaction. He also provides a free Discord template and tips on how to engage with viewers, making it an invaluable resource for streamers of all levels.

Takeaways

• 😀 Building a strong community is key to streaming success, and Discord plays a crucial role in that process.
• 🎯 Streamers need a Discord server to create a space for their community to grow and stay connected even when they aren't live.
• 🔍 The content funnel consists of three layers: Discovery, Community, and Discord as the home for your audience when you're offline.
• 📈 Twitch's algorithm prioritizes bigger streamers, making it hard for small streamers to be discovered. A platform like Discord helps overcome this issue.
• 💡 Discovery is essential and can be achieved through platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, which spread content effectively.
• 🌐 The Community layer on Twitch is important but limited, and Discord becomes the space where the most loyal fans can engage when you’re not streaming.
• ⚙️ Many streamers use their Discord incorrectly, primarily focusing only on one-way communication (streamer to viewer) instead of fostering engagement.
• 👥 Streamer-to-viewer, viewer-to-viewer, and viewer-to-streamer communication are the three types of interaction that should be fostered in a Discord server.
• 🎮 To keep your Discord active, create niche interest rooms (e.g., anime, tech) that members can engage with based on their preferences.
• 🔧 Use features like Discord roles and the ROS (roles and onboarding) menu to organize content and allow users to join specialized channels according to their interests.
• 📋 Create suggestion channels as forums to facilitate viewer interaction and provide a space for community members to contribute ideas or content that you can discuss during streams.

Q & A

Why is Discord crucial for streamers to grow their community?

Discord provides a space where your community can engage even when you're not live. It's not controlled by algorithms like Twitch, so it allows for continuous communication and connection with your audience.

What is the content funnel and how does it relate to growing a streamer's community?

The content funnel has three layers: Discovery (where potential viewers find you), Community (where your loyal fans interact with you on Twitch), and Discord (where fans can interact even when you're offline). Each layer helps increase your visibility and strengthen your connection with your audience.

Why is Twitch not enough for building a community?

Twitch only allows interaction when you're live, and it’s based on an algorithm that favors larger streamers. To build a loyal community, you need a place for them to interact with each other and with you outside of your live streams.

How do advanced algorithms on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram help streamers grow?

These platforms have algorithms that spread your content to a broader audience, offering a better chance of discovery than on Twitch, where your visibility is limited during non-live periods.

What is the 'Community Layer' in the content funnel?

The Community Layer is where the most dedicated fans of your content live and interact with you on Twitch. These are the people who want to engage with you beyond just watching your streams.

Why should streamers use Discord for their communities?

Discord provides a centralized space where viewers can communicate and build relationships with each other and with you. It allows for ongoing engagement, updates, and a sense of belonging, even when you're not streaming.

What are some common mistakes streamers make when using Discord?

Many streamers only use Discord for repetitive 'Go Live' messages and fail to engage with their community meaningfully. They miss out on creating spaces for viewer-to-viewer communication and fail to encourage direct interaction with the streamer.

How can streamers encourage viewer-to-viewer communication in their Discord servers?

Streamers can create separate chat rooms for different topics or interests, allowing viewers to engage in discussions they care about without feeling overwhelmed by irrelevant messages. They can also use roles to tailor these experiences.

What is the purpose of a suggestions channel in Discord?

A suggestions channel allows viewers to share ideas, ask questions, or suggest content. It helps keep the community engaged and provides the streamer with content ideas that come directly from their fans.

What are some tips for setting up a Discord server for streamers?

Use a free template to quickly set up your server, customize your welcome messages and rules, and organize your server to allow easy interaction between viewers. Also, make sure to engage with your community by responding to suggestions and feedback.