Twitch, the popular streaming platform for gamers and creatives, has been experiencing a decline in viewership over the past year. As of November 2022, the platform had less than 1.7 billion hours watched, which is the lowest point since September 2020 . With an overall decline of 9.4% year-over-year, Twitch’s viewership has dropped by 10% in November 2022 alone. What’s causing this decline in viewership, and what does it mean for the future of Twitch? Let’s dive in.
The Pandemic Peak
Twitch experienced a peak in viewership during the COVID-19 pandemic as people were forced to stay at home and find ways to entertain themselves. The platform became a go-to destination for gamers, streamers, and viewers alike, with a surge in popularity that reached its all-time high in April 2021, with over 3 million average concurrent viewers. This spike in viewership was to be expected during a global lockdown, but as things began to open up and people returned to their normal routines, Twitch’s numbers began to decline.
Increased Competition
One of the main reasons for Twitch’s viewership decline is the increased competition in the streaming industry. Platforms like YouTube Gaming and Facebook Gaming have been gaining traction and attracting new creators and viewers alike. With the rise of other platforms and the emergence of new ones like Trovo, Twitch’s dominance in the streaming world is being challenged.
Platform Issues
Another factor contributing to Twitch’s viewership decline is the platform’s own issues. Over the past couple of years, Twitch has been facing several controversies, including the recent DMCA takedown debacle that saw many streamers losing their archives and even receiving strikes on their accounts. This has led to a loss of trust among creators and viewers, causing many to look for alternative platforms.
Conclusion
So gamers, let’s reflect about Twitch’s viewership taking a nosedive. Now, there’s a whole bunch of reasons for this, like the competition from other streaming platforms, shifts in how audiences consume content, and of course, the pandemic. But don’t count Twitch out just yet! Despite these challenges, Twitch still holds the crown as the king of streaming, thanks to its loyal fanbase and its ability to keep up with the latest trends. It’s gonna be real juicy to see how Twitch continues to grow and change in the future.
