Streaming Platforms (Twitch, Mixer, Youtube Gaming) and What should you be using

 Streaming Platforms out there:

 There are a number of streaming platforms out there in the web and the number one question is which one is the best one to stream on, I will dive into all these platforms and give my personal opinions to all. These Platforms that are used may increase your viewer rates depending on how well you interact with your viewers. The interactions are most important with your viewers so they can enjoy your content and watch a future stream that may get posted. Some helpful ways to get viewers is Sweepstakes, Subscription services (more on this later), and Giveaways. Now, we shall get into the different viewing platforms and explain which is the best for you.

1.  Twitch: The Game Streaming service known as Twitch is what I would consider the Big Daddy of Live streaming as it has been around the longest and is what is used by most Major Youtubers. There is many great features that you can use with Twitch on your Livestreams as it is very much your own channel. I have seen small Twitch channels grow from adding a few features such as Subscriber Gifs and sound effects as well as meme pop-ups. The greatest feature that I find great is the donation feature because if the streamer has added a feature to their donation, it may show your name and how much you donated, in my opinion it is great to see how viewers are willing to donate to your cause in Gaming, Live Blogging, or even Workout streams. A key feature that is great with Twitch as well is becoming partnered with the company (Please note that this only happens with a Large audience) as you get some assistance from Twitch in making your Streams featured and grow larger. Overall, Twitch is the best Streaming platform that I know of as their company does well in assisting your channel and answering any questions you may have regarding growth and handling any issues that may occur.

    

2. Youtube Gaming: A key competitor to Twitch.tv would definitely be Youtube Gaming as it offers similar features and is convenient for Users. The idea of Youtube Gaming is to allow Youtube viewers ease when watching videos on the website as it is all on one main Platform being Youtube. I have used Youtube Gaming before as it is very User-friendly and if you want to stream from your phone, you are allowed that option to broadcast mobile games such as Clash of Clans, Final Fantasy, or even broadcast Twitch (more on this later). In my experience of using Youtube Gaming, it is very entertaining to use and learn from what features you can add into your streams and Youtube does provide a tutorial on these features. What makes this Platform stand out the most for myself is Multi-Streaming, which means you can stream with Youtube Gaming and Twitch.tv. In order to do Multi-Streaming, you will need a mobile device/PC and have both platforms opened and when you are on Youtube Gaming, it will offer a "show my screen" option and you allow this in order to stream on Youtube gaming and Twitch.tv. The best thing of Youtube Gaming is that if you are affiliated or making a Youtube channel that your Live Streams will get posted on your main channel which can archive your videos for your viewers. In conclusion, Youtube Gaming can be useful to expand your knowledge on how Streaming works and can help both channels (Youtube and Youtube Gaming) grow as it is all one platform.

3. Mixer: Microsoft has launched a Streaming Platform which is still fairly new and it works via Xbox One devices and PC with windows 10. This Platform is great as it offers ease of access when streaming from your console and immediately broadcasts your game. The downside of doing this option is that it does not show others on the website when you stream and only subscribers can see when you are live which only happens if you are partnered with Mixer. The other Platforms are great as they do not need you to be affiliated with them for your viewers to receive notifications that you are streaming so that would be nice if they could add that feature or fix it in their services. Mainly, this Platform is useful if you are a Microsoft user as it is integrated with Xbox and Xbox users can watch your streams through their device. The key thing to succeed in this Platform as it is always on the main page of Mixer is to stream Fortnite, which is huge on Mixer. Fortnite (made by Epic Games) is a Battle Royal game where players must build and fight their way to victory and what makes the game so great in Mixer is what the platform provides. If you manage to stream often and make your way to the Final 10 or so, Mixer has a "Hype Crowd" which is viewers in a group get sent to your stream and cheer you on to get that victory and in some cases, you will get followers and so on. I believe that if Mixer gets more features on their Platform and add more ways for viewers to get notified when you stream would increase the uses of Mixer.

4.  Caffeine: There is not a bunch of information on this Platform however I will do my best to provide what it offers. It is a brand new streaming service that states to do the same services that Twitch and other Live streaming services offer. From what I have gathered, the Caffeine community is very active with its streamers and add supported games that can be streamed on the Platform. It is still new as their Twitter account only has 2000 followers and is still a growing Platform, however it does show that they care for their users. Recently on their twitter, Tweets were shared that they had done a charity stream from their platform and shows that they care for the community. The streaming service plans to simplify your Live Streams by having all interfaces on one main screen meaning you will not have go through the hassle of learning everything from changing IP addresses or adding HTMP addresses to add effects to your live streams. I find it very interesting as it will certainly make new streamers and experienced streamers have fun with creating a new channel and creating awesome effect to your stream and best of all, it is all being viewed on one screen. The Platform is in their Pre-Release stages meaning that it can be used on PC and plans to add additional features in the future and may offer partnerships in due time. The Platform does show promise and in time, we will see if it can rival the Big streaming Platforms like Twitch and Youtube Gaming.

 Final Thoughts:

 If you are planning on using any of these Platforms listed then please comment down below which you would use and what your channel provide so others can view your streams. If there is anything that is on your mind or you want your voice to be heard then please comment down below so we can chat all day. Happy days to all and hope you enjoy the next one :)