Whether you’re a partnered streamer, an affiliate, or just someone who streams as a hobby on the side, many of us have taken extended breaks from streaming. Momentum is a huge thing on Twitch, and any extended break can be a huge momentum killer for your stream. You may have stopped for so long that you think making a comeback and getting back to your normal routine/numbers will be close to impossible. But making a comeback is definitely not impossible. Just like anything else, the hardest step to getting back into something you use to do is taking that that first step.
Today’s post is all about making that first step back easier. I’ve broken down the keys to a comeback into six simple steps. There are obviously a lot more things you can do to help you get back into the swing of things, but these are six that I believe are incredibly important!
Today’s post is all about making that first step back easier. I’ve broken down the keys to a comeback into six simple steps. There are obviously a lot more things you can do to help you get back into the swing of things, but these are six that I believe are incredibly important!
1. Consistency is KEY
If you are serious about rebuilding your stream, you’re going to need to have a solid schedule of consistency. It’s crazy to think about, but many viewers actually plan their schedules around certain streams. If they hear one of their favorite streamers is coming back, there’s going to be a lot of excitement, but that excitement will quickly dissipate if the streamer isn’t consistent. If you say you’re going to stream that Tuesday, unless an emergency happens, you better follow through. When your viewers see you’re serious about streaming consistently, they will be serious about showing up to the stream consistently.
2. Have a Main Game to Focus on
For a lot of streamers, there was a specific game that shot them up to popularity on Twitch. It could be a speedrunning game, a multiplayer game you played competitively, a challenge run you did, or even a casual game that took your channel to the next level. Going back to what got you started is a really easy way to reboot the stream. A lot of your old viewers will have a lot of fond memories of those streams, and if you can recapture the magic of those streams, it’s a great way to rejuvenate your stream.
But let’s say playing those old games was one of the main reasons you stopped in the first place? Let’s face it, burning out on streaming is a real thing, and a lot of times the game that you stream can be the main instigator. If that’s the case, you’re going to want to do some research on what your new focus is going to be. I always suggest trying to find something similar to what you use to stream, but different enough to avoid burn out. So maybe your stream was mainly focused on speed running Super Mario Sunshine, but you got burnt out. Giving another 3D Mario speedrun a try would be a great alternative to keep something fresh, without losing what made your stream special.
If you are serious about rebuilding your stream, you’re going to need to have a solid schedule of consistency. It’s crazy to think about, but many viewers actually plan their schedules around certain streams. If they hear one of their favorite streamers is coming back, there’s going to be a lot of excitement, but that excitement will quickly dissipate if the streamer isn’t consistent. If you say you’re going to stream that Tuesday, unless an emergency happens, you better follow through. When your viewers see you’re serious about streaming consistently, they will be serious about showing up to the stream consistently.
2. Have a Main Game to Focus on
For a lot of streamers, there was a specific game that shot them up to popularity on Twitch. It could be a speedrunning game, a multiplayer game you played competitively, a challenge run you did, or even a casual game that took your channel to the next level. Going back to what got you started is a really easy way to reboot the stream. A lot of your old viewers will have a lot of fond memories of those streams, and if you can recapture the magic of those streams, it’s a great way to rejuvenate your stream.
But let’s say playing those old games was one of the main reasons you stopped in the first place? Let’s face it, burning out on streaming is a real thing, and a lot of times the game that you stream can be the main instigator. If that’s the case, you’re going to want to do some research on what your new focus is going to be. I always suggest trying to find something similar to what you use to stream, but different enough to avoid burn out. So maybe your stream was mainly focused on speed running Super Mario Sunshine, but you got burnt out. Giving another 3D Mario speedrun a try would be a great alternative to keep something fresh, without losing what made your stream special.
3. Talk to your Friends/Mods/Viewers
This is a step that I think all streamers should be doing, but it’s especially important for those who are looking to get back on the grind. A great way of finding out what worked and/or what didn’t work for your stream is to reach out to those who use to watch you all the time for feedback. I’m not just talking about random people that occasionally checked into the stream. I’m talking about the trusted people within your stream circle that won’t be afraid to give you constructive criticism. Not only will taking to them give you further insight for improving your stream, but it will also give you a chance to let them know that you’re serious about streaming again, as well as a great way to get people excited for your return.
4. Make things look and sound nice!
I’ve always been a big believer in the idea that the content of your stream is way more important than how your stream looks when you first get into streaming. But if you’re making a comeback, you’re essentially getting a 2nd chance at a good first impression. You’re definitely going to want to have good content lined up, but making sure your stream looks and sounds good is going to be super important. If your stream looks or sounds worse when you return, it’s going to leave a bad impression on a lot of people. Ensuring high quality in the appearance of your stream also shows those viewers who are on the fence about your consistency that you are serious about your return to streaming.
This is a step that I think all streamers should be doing, but it’s especially important for those who are looking to get back on the grind. A great way of finding out what worked and/or what didn’t work for your stream is to reach out to those who use to watch you all the time for feedback. I’m not just talking about random people that occasionally checked into the stream. I’m talking about the trusted people within your stream circle that won’t be afraid to give you constructive criticism. Not only will taking to them give you further insight for improving your stream, but it will also give you a chance to let them know that you’re serious about streaming again, as well as a great way to get people excited for your return.
4. Make things look and sound nice!
I’ve always been a big believer in the idea that the content of your stream is way more important than how your stream looks when you first get into streaming. But if you’re making a comeback, you’re essentially getting a 2nd chance at a good first impression. You’re definitely going to want to have good content lined up, but making sure your stream looks and sounds good is going to be super important. If your stream looks or sounds worse when you return, it’s going to leave a bad impression on a lot of people. Ensuring high quality in the appearance of your stream also shows those viewers who are on the fence about your consistency that you are serious about your return to streaming.
5. PROMOTE PROMOTE PROMOTE
If you’re making a big comeback to Twitch, you want as many people to know that it’s happening. That means taking advantage of social media as much as possible and plenty of talking about the return. Setting a date that you’re making your return and organizing a big event are great ways to get people excited for the return. If you have the right kind of relationship with certain streamers where it won’t come across as shameless self-promotion, talk to a few streamer friends to let them know that you’re serious and that you hope they stop by and check out the return. The more of your old viewers that are aware of your return, the more success you’ll have! Networking is important!
Promoting isn’t just for the first stream back though; it’s also for your vision and future that you have with your stream. If you’re making a comeback, and you have a solid plan, be sure to share with your stream viewers about all the cool ideas and plans that you have. Seeing the excitement that you have for your stream and its future will get your viewers excited as well.
6. Have Fun
I know this sounds obvious, but for many streamers who stopped streaming, not having fun was one of the main reasons they stopped. Even if your “growth” will take a hit, focusing on fun before growth will be incredibly important for the long term. Don’t be afraid to stream games that aren’t your main genre, or that will bring in less viewers, because in the long run you’ll be much happier and way more consistent.
Be sure to also check out our Twitch Streaming Team
If you’re making a big comeback to Twitch, you want as many people to know that it’s happening. That means taking advantage of social media as much as possible and plenty of talking about the return. Setting a date that you’re making your return and organizing a big event are great ways to get people excited for the return. If you have the right kind of relationship with certain streamers where it won’t come across as shameless self-promotion, talk to a few streamer friends to let them know that you’re serious and that you hope they stop by and check out the return. The more of your old viewers that are aware of your return, the more success you’ll have! Networking is important!
Promoting isn’t just for the first stream back though; it’s also for your vision and future that you have with your stream. If you’re making a comeback, and you have a solid plan, be sure to share with your stream viewers about all the cool ideas and plans that you have. Seeing the excitement that you have for your stream and its future will get your viewers excited as well.
6. Have Fun
I know this sounds obvious, but for many streamers who stopped streaming, not having fun was one of the main reasons they stopped. Even if your “growth” will take a hit, focusing on fun before growth will be incredibly important for the long term. Don’t be afraid to stream games that aren’t your main genre, or that will bring in less viewers, because in the long run you’ll be much happier and way more consistent.
Be sure to also check out our Twitch Streaming Team
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