Twitch vs YouTube - which platform is better for casino game streamers?
Bogdan LashchenkoOver the years, streaming, i.e. community-based live webcasts, have come to stay over the years, whether it's current affairs programs, electronic sports or casino games. Not to mention online games, where the whole phenomenon started. I can understand the popularity, as no less than 75% of Finns play digital games at least a couple of times a week .
Gamblers also enjoy streaming; streamers making casino game streams can be found in the darkest of clouds, for example, on the biggest streaming platforms, such as YouTube and Twitch. If you are thinking about starting streaming yourself, are already streaming, or alternatively enjoy the content made by others in peace, many casino players who spend their time working with streams are currently struggling with big questions: which streaming platform serves the needs of casino game streamers better, YouTube or Twitch?
Casino game streams in a nutshell
If streaming doesn't mean anything to you so far (or at most above our tagline), it's worth explaining a little about what streams are about. In all its brevity, the stream is a live broadcast:
- whose attraction responsibility and the role of "presenter" are mostly entrusted to the shoulders of the streamer - i.e. the player himself,
- which is broadcast from a "streaming channel" either through one or more streaming platforms,
- in other respects it looks like its maker (or makers).
Graphical elements, sound and image effects, "inside flaps" and the broadcast's strongly communal chat function are the basics in most streams, both in terms of casino games and, for example, online games.
Whereas slot games are mostly played in casino game streams, which are offered by e.g. Kasino bet, the gambling element is also present on the online gaming side, where the most versatile betting options are available for esports betting.
Betting sites that are typically popular for betting also create a demand for betting tips, and for this purpose there are several sites on the internet that offer esports betting tips. So there are all kinds of indirect ancillary activities around the streaming itself, which is an essential part of the actual streaming scene.
Regardless of the game being streamed (or alternatively, no game at all), streamers often organize various competitions on their channels. For viewers, this creates a unique interactive atmosphere, while streamers and content-providing channels get to create a stronger viewer base for themselves.
Practical things to consider when choosing a streaming platform
When choosing a streaming platform, a beginner streamer in particular should spend enough time learning and mastering the basics - next, we'll scratch the surface of both Youtube and Twitch.
YouTube
YouTube is certainly a familiar site to many, whether you belong to an established group of fans of cat videos or whether you watch old Finnish TV commercial collections instead.
However, one thing is for sure - YouTube is the so-called "home" of all kinds of online video content. the gold standard, and thus it has deservedly claimed its place among the world's most popular sites. But how is it suitable for a beginner streamer, for example?
As a rule, well. There is enough web traffic on YouTube, and even though the exact operating logic of the algorithm is (at least for now) shrouded in darkness, YouTube's algorithm is believed to work more aggressively than Twitch's equivalent - especially in favor of new content producers and channels.
However, the content of YouTube is mainly video recordings. It's worth taking advantage of this, for example by editing compilation videos for your channel, where you can direct viewers to your (irregularly) regular streams as well. YouTube channels also have the opportunity to make money, but the threshold for that is set quite high.
Unfortunately, casino games are also in a somewhat unclear position when it comes to the terms of use of the YouTube affiliate program; so it's not worth going to YouTube to stream your slot sessions purely with euro marks in your eyes.
Twitch
If YouTube was the number one for all kinds of video content, Twitch is the king of streaming both here and elsewhere. In terms of functionality, it is somewhat similar to YouTube; it differs the most because of its algorithm.
While YouTube's algorithm tends to recommend fresh content and new content producers, Twitch's algorithm's operating logic is significantly more conservative.
Using a simile: the shopkeeper does not fill his shelves with new products, but rather relies on the classics. For Twitch, this means that as a fresh content producer, the visibility of your own channel on the site's large scale is more the exception than the rule.
While the "monetization" of a channel on YouTube seems to be its own discipline nowadays, there is a lower threshold to get access to Twitch's partnership program.
In the horizontal cup, the usefulness of Twitch for casino game streamers is inoculated, however, by the fact that the company has ended up removing gambling-related content from its platform, accompanied by public pressure. Although, based on rumors, YouTube has also done the same, the scale of the chase carried out by Twitch is many times greater.
When it comes to rule violations, YouTube works like Sotkamon's Jymy - three shots and you're out of the field. Twitch's ban hammer, on the other hand, is more unpredictable; c'est la vie, the French would say.
Both platforms have their advantages
As mentioned, the streaming platforms are quite similar and both suffer from occasional uncertainty about what is allowed on the platform and what is not.
While it's easier for a beginner streamer to get exposure on YouTube, Twitch's affiliate program offers lower steps for those interested in monetizing their channel. Casino game streamers should definitely familiarize themselves with the content policy of both platforms and the rules of partnership programs before unpleasant surprises appear on the horizon.
Bogdan Lashchenko – content manager at EgamersWorld.Bogdan has been working at EGamersWorld since 2023. Joining the company, he began fillin the site with information, news and events.