The world of streaming is enjoying a great increase in popularity, and live streaming platforms have a big cultural impact. Numerous gamers are using those platforms not only to stream their gameplay but also to watch others play. Streamers can also count on financial benefits thanks to live-streaming websites and they can make a living from playing games and entertaining their fans.
While Twitch managed to establish itself as the most popular live streaming platform, the market became very attractive to other competitors. Besides Amazon, who launched the Twitch platform, other major companies like Google and Microsoft also want to find their place on the market. Therefore, Microsoft launched its platform Mixer, which managed to attract some of the big names in the world of streamers. Naturally, one question started to get imposed: Which of these two platforms is the best? Obviously, the answer is not that simple and straightforward. Both platforms have their pros and cons which you should investigate and make your decision upon them. As the starting point, you can find out which are the biggest Twitch and Mixer channels in this infographic by Ken Johnson from www.evolutionofesports.com. Further on, we are going to dig into the key elements of each live streaming website and analyze its pros and cons.
Why You Should Choose Twitch?
The biggest advantage of using Twitch is a huge community. This is the most likely reason why streamers tend to choose this platform. Although it is not easy to stand out from such a crowd due to countless already-popular streamers, you have the opportunity to present your content in front of millions of people and eventually build a significant audience.
Twitch is the most respected name in the world for both gaming and on-gaming content. It is considered as the industry standard and a default option for those who are entering a streaming world. We have already mentioned that it is owned by Amazon, so Twitch users can count on different benefits in case they have Amazon Prime. The list of those benefits includes free Twitch Prime and free in-game items.
Streaming for those who don’t have a PC is still available as they can do it straight from their Xbox or PlayStation 4 consoles. However, Nintendo Switch is not supported by either of these two platforms.
Twitch’s affiliate program can offer lots of possibilities for those who are looking to earn money from streaming activities. Another treat is an annual real-life event called TwitchCon, where streamers and viewers can enjoy their time together.
Why You Should Use Mixer?
It is not surprising that Mixer is the underdog in the market race against Twitch, however, it doesn’t mean that it won’t change soon. Microsoft entered the market with its platform as a challenger to their Amazon rivals and needs to position Mixer firmly on the map. Its main constraint is the lack of audience in compare to Twitch, but on the other hand, streamers can get noticed more easily, and eventually build a respectable audience as the platform develops itself in terms of the community size.
What users can spot in the first place is the interactivity of the platform. Watchers can enjoy sound effects by pressing special buttons. Besides that, Mixer is directly integrated with Minecraft and other world’s popular games.
Thanks to Mixer’s FTL (faster-than-light) streaming protocol, there is no delay between streamers and viewers, which also makes the platform more interactive. Viewers can also play games with their favorite streamers, and the Mixplay feature enables this kind of audience interaction.
Another Mixer’s feature which is worth mentioning is co-streaming. It allows gameplay broadcasting by several streamers at the same time while their channels are displayed as a split-screen. This can be very entertaining for those who are taking part in tournaments or playing racing games.
Mixer vs Twitch: Which One Is the Best?
Both platforms offer the same kind of service, while the way you intend to use them can determine which one should you pick. In one hand, Twitch is an established and the leading brand in this industry, but on the other hand, Mixer emerges as the most serious contender which wants to capitalize on all oversights of their rivals.
There are numerous online discussions on which one is the better of the two. Do you want to join the largest streaming service? Or, you rather want to give a try to new features and gradually build your audience? One thing is for sure, you won’t make the wrong choice and the final decision is ultimately personal.