Over the past few years, the e-Sports scene has experienced staggering growth. Millions of people now log in to watch their favorite online competitors, vying for dominance in a number of video game-based contests. One of the primary platforms for the e-Sports scene is Twitch, a video streaming platform.
The e-Sports industry provides incredible opportunities to monetization, particularly with the development of print on demand merch. Before you can make inroads with the e-Sports community, though, it’s important to know a little bit more about how Twitch works.
A Beginner’s Guide to Twitch
Here are some of the basics:
What is Twitch?
Twitch is the leading website for streaming live or pre-recorded videos. Twitch is primarily used for navigating video games, hence its popularity in the e-Sports world, though there are also Twitch videos devoted to other activities, including just chatting.
Twitch allows its users the ability to broadcast, watch videos, or comment on other people’s videos in real time, just depending on their personal preferences.
How Popular is Twitch?
Twitch has only been around for about 10 years now, but in that time, it has established a sizable following. As of 2020 Twitch boasts close to 4 million monthly streamers. And the platform hits new records on an almost monthly basis.
Who Uses Twitch?
Twitch skews males by a margin of about two-to-one, and its largest age demographic is the 16 to 24 range. Twitch is popular all over the world.
What Can You Do on Twitch?
Those who’ve never used Twitch before may benefit from taking just a few minutes to explore some basic features, which include:
- The Discover tab will show you some videos that the algorithms think you might like, based on your viewing history.
- You can also browse videos and channels based on category and subject matter.
- Of course, you can also explore the options for streaming your own video content to the Twitch community.
How to Make Money on Twitch
Once you’ve spent some time exploring Twitch and familiarizing yourself with its options, you may be ready to consider monetizing the platform, specifically via print on demand for the e-Sports industry.
Selling Merchandise on Twitch
The important thing to understand about Twitch is that many of its users follow certain channels, or certain streamers, with unflagging loyalty. These users would often jump at the opportunity to get a hoodie, T-shirt, or hat that features their preferred streamer’s logo. Indeed, the most popular streamers on Twitch tend to make a killing on custom merch.
So how do streamers sell merchandise? Typically, they post a link on their page that sends users directly to a page where they can purchase merch. But of course, this requires the streamer to have a print on demand partner in place, someone who can help them make this merch and fulfill orders in a timely manner.
That’s where companies like Gooten come into play. We are proud to partner with e-Sports streamers to help them develop their own branded, print on demand. We can then provide a cost-effective way to ensure that customers get high-quality shirts, hats, or other apparel, always made to order and shipped promptly. The print on demand merch model ensures that e-Sport streamers don’t have to worry about maintaining inventory, dealing with overstock, or even processing orders; all of that can be done automatically, via the Gooten platform.
Other Ways to Make Money via e-Sports
Of course, streamers can also make money on Twitch via affiliate marketing, ad revenue, or even subscriptions. But when it comes to building a viewership, promoting a brand, and generating goodwill, there’s really no better option than print on demand.
Choose Gooten for Print on Demand Merch
Ultimately, the e-Sports scene provides a great opportunity to generate some revenues, and Twitch is just the platform to start with. Before you do anything, though, you’ll need a reliable print on demand partner, known for high standards of quality and efficiency. Gooten more than fits the bill.
We’d love to tell you more about making money via your Twitch channel, specifically through print on demand merch. Contact Gooten whenever you’re ready to learn more.
