Twitch is a video live streaming service operated by Twitch Interactive, a subsidiary of Amazon.
Introduced in June 2011 as a spin-off of the general-interest streaming platform, Justin.tv, the site primarily focuses on video game live streaming, including broadcasts of esports competitions.
In addition to music broadcasts, creative content, and more recently, “in real life” streams. Content on the site can either be viewed live or via video on demand.
Twitch is the leading live streaming platform in the gaming world. It’s popular not just for its gameplay content but also for its creative and IRL streams.
It’s home to millions of unique, daily content creators and viewers.
The platform offers a wide array of features and functions that allow gamers to stream their games in real-time, build a community, and even make money.
Twitch has become the dominant streaming platform in the market, but it doesn’t mean that there aren’t any alternatives out there.
Many of them are very popular among gaming enthusiasts as well.
Here are the 10 top twitch competitors in the gaming industry:
1. Mixer
Mixer is one of the best live streaming platforms for anyone who wants to try their hand at being an online star.
It is easy to learn and use, and it has some great features that make it stand out from the crowd.
Mixer is a live-streaming platform owned by Microsoft. It has been around since at least 2010, but it was bought by Microsoft in 2016 and rebranded to Mixer, which has led to a dramatic increase in popularity.
Mixer allows you to stream games on your Xbox One or PC directly to the internet without any additional software, but it also offers some unique features that set it apart from other similar services like Twitch and YouTube Gaming.
Mixer’s biggest draw is its ability to allow viewers to interact with streamers using tools such as chat messages and emotes (emoticons).
You can also see all of the comments from other viewers in real-time, so there’s no need for them to wait until you’re done playing before they join in on the conversation.
Another big advantage that Mixer has over its competitors is that you don’t need any special equipment or software – just an Xbox One console or PC connected directly to your internet router via Ethernet cable.
2. YouTube Gaming
If you’re a gamer, you’ve likely heard about YouTube Gaming. It’s one of the best live streaming platforms for gamers to showcase their skills and make a living doing what they love.
The platform is great for engaging with viewers, chatting about games, and hosting UGC contests. As a result, it’s one of the most popular video game streaming sites on the web.
And that’s why we’re here to show you how to start streaming on YouTube Gaming!
If you’re looking for a live streaming platform but find the options limited, YouTube Gaming is one of the best alternatives to Twitch.
YouTube Gaming offers many features that Twitch does not, such as built-in DVR features, automatic archiving, and a huge audience already watching.
It’s free to use and has a simple sign-up option; all you need is a Google account. You can also access YouTube Gaming from a PS4 or Xbox One, which gives you many more possibilities for your stream than a PC.
3. Facebook Gaming
Facebook Gaming is more than just a great way to connect with friends online.
The social network has become a go-to destination for gamers, who use it for everything from streaming gameplay to chatting about their favorite titles.
While you can certainly use Facebook to keep up with your gaming buddies, the platform also has a ton of features that will appeal to avid gamers.
If you’re looking for an alternative to Twitch, Facebook Gaming is one of the best ways to share your gaming prowess with the world.
You can stream live gameplay directly from your mobile device or computer, and there are even options that let you stream console gameplay right to Facebook.
The platform supports a host of different games, so you can stream whatever title suits your fancy.
Plus, the platform has built-in functionality that makes it easy for viewers to interact with streamers in real-time — which means everyone can join in on the fun!
4. Caffeine
Caffeine is a new social broadcasting platform that has been making waves with Twitch streamers, who have been flocking to the new platform in droves.
The company has inked huge brand deals with some of the biggest names in Twitch streaming, including TSM_Myth, DrLupo, and shroud.
The streaming platform was founded in 2016 by Ben Keighran and Sam Roberts as a way to create an online community where people could connect through live video chat sessions called “caffeine channels” or simply “channels” for short.
The platform boasts many features that make it more appealing than Twitch, including the ability to use emojis as donations and no ads before streams.
It’s also built specifically for gaming and has fewer “rules” around content compared to Twitch. However, there are still a few things holding back Caffeine from reaching its full potential.
5. Metacafe
Although it is not as popular as Twitch, Metacafe still offers high-quality gaming streams for free. It is a great alternative to Twitch.
Metacafe is a full-fledged video-sharing platform that claims to have the best videos in the world.
The platform has different categories such as comedy, movies, sports, games, and more. Its gaming section is quite good and it has some of the best gaming content creators on the website.
The interface of Metacafe is pretty good and easy to use. You can easily find live streams in games like Minecraft, GTA V, Call of Duty, and more.
In addition, to live streaming, there are also other videos that you can find on Metacafe.
However, there’s no option to filter out live streaming videos from others while searching for them on the website.
Metacafe might not be a very popular platform but it does have some great content creators who stream high-quality gameplay on their channel.
This makes it one of the best alternatives to Twitch out there!
6. HitBox
HitBox is the second largest live streaming platform after Twitch, and that’s where most of the similarities end.
HitBox is focused on gaming and eSports, but there are also plenty of other interesting streams available.
It has no advertising, so there are no interruptions when watching your favorite streamers. The site’s main source of income is donations by viewers.
Because it’s still new, it doesn’t have many big-name streamers yet, but that can be an advantage because you can find a lot of great stuff that you might miss on Twitch.
HitBox is similar enough that most people can easily switch over and get the same benefits they had with Twitch — plus some extra perks like zero ads and fewer spambots.
If you’re looking for an alternative to Twitch, HitBox should be on your list!
6. Trovo.live
Trovo.live is a rising star in the live streaming platform market, with a focus on gaming and esports.
It is an app-based streaming platform which makes it easier to stream. The interface of the app is easy to understand and use.
Trovo.live is one of the best alternatives to Twitch and Mixer where gamers can broadcast their gameplay and interact with the viewers as well.
One of the best things about this platform is that it is free to use and there are no fees associated with streaming your videos on it.
The users can also earn money by monetizing their content through donations, subscriptions, and other tips they receive while broadcasting their content.
Trovo has a unique feature that allows users to set up tip goals during their streams like on Twitch or Mixer. However, the tip goals can be set only in dollars.
Trovo broadcasts can be easily embedded into other websites using its embedded code for better viewership.
This can help you grow your audience and reach more people who are interested in your content rather than just gaming enthusiasts.
7. YouNow
YouNow is one of the best alternatives to Twitch because it allows users to interact with other members more intimately.
Another main difference between YouNow and Twitch is that the former doesn’t feature ads.
The platform is completely free, allowing creators to earn money through donations and virtual gifts instead.
YouNow’s broadcasting platform has a strong emphasis on monetization through tips and virtual gifts, which are purchased in bulk by fans for their favorite broadcasters.
As such, this is one of the best alternatives to Twitch for those who want to make money from streaming, but don’t want to worry about the technical aspects of live broadcasting.
8. Vimeo Livestream
Vimeo is a video platform similar to YouTube that allows users to upload and stream content.
The difference between Vimeo and other video platforms is the focus on high-quality content.
Anyone can upload their videos, but Vimeo is mostly used by artists and filmmakers.
Recently, Vimeo has been focusing on live streaming as well.
They offer several different plans at various price points, which is one of the reasons why it’s often considered as one of the best alternatives to Twitch.
The Livestream service offers all the basic features you’d expect from a live streaming platform like monetization, geo-blocking, and analytics, with lower prices than some of its competitors.