Definición:
Twitch (also known as Twitch.tv) is a digital platform that is used to broadcast live content, so that other people, wherever they are, can connect and watch it. The platform belongs to Amazon and is considered the most popular and largest in the world in terms of streaming.
Twitch has two different types of users, viewers who can watch channels of interest to them and content creators or streamers, who are dedicated to producing content for their viewers.
Origin and evolution of Twitch
Twitch was launched in June 2011 as an offshoot of Justin.tv, a website that allowed users to stream live video. Founded by Justin Kan and Emmett Shear, the platform quickly focused on video game-related content, which attracted a growing community of gamers and viewers. In 2014, Amazon acquired Twitch for approximately $970 million, consolidating its position in the streaming market. Evolution of Twitch
- 2014: Amazon acquires Twitch for $970 million.
- 2015: Twitch Prime is introduced, offering exclusive benefits to Amazon Prime subscribers.
- 2016: Justin.tv closes for good, and Twitch becomes the company’s main brand.
- 2018: Twitch Sings, an interactive karaoke game, is launched, expanding content beyond video games.
- 2020: Twitch experiences significant growth in viewership due to increased consumption of online content during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- 2021: Twitch introduces new tools to improve safety and moderation on channels, responding to concerns about online harassment.
How Twitch works
Twitch operates similarly to traditional television, but in a digital environment. The main difference lies in the type of content available, with Twitch focusing primarily on video games, and the ability for creators to interact live with their audience from anywhere. Users can access Twitch through its website or via mobile and console apps, allowing them to watch live streams anytime, anywhere.
Content creators, known as streamers, use streaming software to capture their screen and webcam, integrating elements such as graphics, alerts and sound effects to enhance the viewing experience.
A key feature of Twitch is its live chat, which allows viewers to communicate with each other and the streamer in real time. This encourages dynamic interaction and allows streamers to respond to questions, comments and suggestions on the spot. In addition, streamers can use moderation tools to manage the chat and ensure a respectful and safe environment for all participants.
Twitch also offers monetization options for streamers, including subscriptions, donations and advertisements. Viewers can subscribe to their favorite channels for exclusive benefits, such as custom emoticons and access to special content. Donations allow fans to directly support streamers, while ads generate additional revenue during breaks in broadcasts.
Twitch has implemented features such as clips, which allow viewers to capture and share highlights from broadcasts, and raids, which make it easy for streamers to take their audience to another channel at the end of their broadcast, helping to promote other content creators. In addition,
Twitch hosts special events, such as charity marathons and eSports competitions, which encourage greater community participation. Viewers can join these events, supporting their favorite streamers and connecting with other members of the global Twitch community.
Twitch Prime
Twitch Prime is a benefit included with Amazon Prime that allows you to subscribe for free to a channel of your choice each month, as well as offering access to exclusive in-game swag. To link a Twitch account with Amazon Prime, the following steps must be followed:
- Open the Prime Gaming website.
- Click on “Login“.
- Sign in with your Amazon Prime username and password.
- Go to the menu on the left.
- Click on “Link Twitch account“.
Alternatives to Twitch
Although Twitch is the most popular streaming platform, there are other options that offer unique features and may be suitable for users’ needs:
- YouTube Gaming: Part of YouTube, it allows content creators to live stream and reach a wide audience. It offers monetization tools similar to Twitch, such as channel memberships and Super Chats.
- Facebook Gaming: Integrated into the social network, it allows streamers to tap into Facebook’s huge user base. It offers monetization options such as stars and fan subscriptions.
- DLive: A blockchain-based platform that rewards both creators and viewers with its own cryptocurrency, LINO. It focuses on decentralization and offering fairer revenue sharing.