Are you ready to start or improve your game streaming career? Your ability to create an eye-catching, memorable stream is essential, but so is knowing how to choose the best games to stream on Twitch and YouTube.
Choosing the right games is crucial to attracting viewers and standing out in a crowded field. It’s about finding a balance between popular games and avoiding those that are too niche to attract a wide audience.
Here’s a list of our favorite games to stream on Twitch and YouTube to help you find your audience.
Should You Stream on Twitch or YouTube?
Trying to decide between using Twitch or YouTube for your streaming content? Both platforms offer unique ways to share your gaming experience with the world.
Twitch is often marketed as “the” gaming platform, but it also supports a variety of content types, including makeup and cooking videos. Twitch brings a certain level of credibility as a primary streaming platform.
YouTube, on the other hand, has a vast user base and offers more visibility with viewers who aren’t specifically looking for gaming content. The platform is one of the biggest (if not the biggest) streaming platforms in the world.
Both Twitch and YouTube offer monetization opportunities for their streamers once they hit a certain threshold. If you have enough viewers and have established yourself, you have the potential to make significant money by creating content and building a brand.
Check out the requirements for monetization when you sign up, and maintain the standards to continue earning from your content. You can still feature your content on both platforms to maximize reach.
Best Games To Stream
Choosing the right games requires a good eye and an understanding of what the audience is looking for. Here’s a carefully curated list of games based on popularity and their ability to attract a dedicated audience.
1. Minecraft
Minecraft, released in 2011, continues to be one of the most popular games to stream. Many streamers like Dream, Technoblade (RIP), and DanTDM have made a name for themselves in the Minecraft world.
This sandbox game appeals to a wide audience because it’s generally wholesome and offers a perfect hybrid of survival and building gameplay. Rated E10+, Minecraft allows for creative freedom, making it a favorite among gamers and viewers alike.
If you stream Minecraft, you’re entering a crowded field. However, with a unique angle or personality, you can carve out a niche for yourself.
2. Fortnite
Fortnite remains a dominant force in the battle royale genre. It’s popular not only for its gameplay but also as a platform for musical artists to perform virtually. Artists like Travis Scott, Marshmello, and Ariana Grande have staged performances in Fortnite.
The game offers multiple play modes: solo, duo, and squad, along with different game modes like Battle Royale, Save the World, and Creative. Other popular battle royale games include PUBG and Call of Duty Warzone.
3. Valorant
Valorant is a top choice for tactical shooter fans. This team-based game pits two teams of five against each other, with roles switching after 12 rounds. The attacking team aims to plant a bomb in the defending team’s base, while the defenders try to prevent this.
Similar streamable games include Overwatch, League of Legends (LoL), and Apex Legends, all of which attract thousands of viewers.
4. Rocket League
Rocket League combines soccer with vehicular mayhem. Players hit the field in customizable cars, making for fast-paced, exciting gameplay. The game is available on multiple platforms, including consoles, handheld devices, and PC.
5. Brawlhalla
For fans of traditional fighting games, Brawlhalla offers a fun, 2D experience. You can play solo or with up to eight people on various platforms, including PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and mobile devices. With simple controls, it’s a great choice for new streamers.
6. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO)
CS:GO might not be the newest game, but it has a dedicated fanbase thanks to its gameplay and nostalgia factor. The game, which debuted 20 years ago, continues to attract viewers with new maps, weapons, characters, and game modes.
7. Any Trending Games
Keeping an eye on trending games is essential for staying relevant. Hot, new releases can attract a large viewership. Recent popular titles include Blizzard’s Diablo, Nintendo’s Legend of Zelda, Behaviour Interactive’s Dead by Daylight, Rockstar Games’ Grand Theft Auto V (GTA V), and Activision’s Call of Duty.
Check Twitch’s directory to see which games are getting the most views and consider incorporating them into your streaming schedule.
The Bottom Line
Choosing the best games to stream on Twitch and YouTube is about more than just skill. It’s about picking the right games, creating exciting content, and having a personality that keeps viewers coming back for more.
Focus on building your brand, engaging with your audience, and continuously improving your content. Streaming should be fun, so enjoy the process and find your community.