In the last few years, live streaming has exploded in popularity, with platforms like Twitch and Facebook Gaming allowing anyone to broadcast themselves to potentially massive audiences. For those looking to start streaming games, creative content, or just chatting with viewers, the two biggest options are Twitch and Facebook. But which is better for new streamers? There are pros and cons to both platforms.
Popularity
When it comes to sheer numbers, Twitch is by far the most popular live streaming platform. Twitch has over 5 million active streamers every month and over 15 million daily active users. The majority of Twitch’s audience tunes in to watch live streams of video games, especially popular competitive titles like League of Legends, Fortnite, and CS:GO. The platform originally started as a spinoff from Justin.tv focused solely on gaming content before expanding to include other creative content.
Facebook Gaming, meanwhile, trails significantly behind Twitch in terms of active streamers and viewership. The platform has around 200,000 monthly active streamers and over 700 million monthly viewers. While Facebook has over 2 billion monthly active users overall, only a small percentage of those tune in for live gaming streams. Facebook is trying to change this by pouring more resources into Facebook Gaming, even recruiting popular streamers away from Twitch. But as of now, Twitch remains the far more popular and active platform, especially for gaming content.
Streaming Games
For those looking to stream popular video game titles like Fortnite, League, or Valorant, Twitch is likely the better option. Twitch has a built-in audience for gaming streams, while Facebook still lags behind in its reputation as a gaming platform. Top esports organizations and gaming personalities almost exclusively stream on Twitch rather than Facebook. Twitch also makes it easy to stream console or PC games.
However, Facebook offers some unique advantages for mobile gaming streams. Streamers can go live directly from Facebook’s gaming app on iOS and Android. As mobile gaming continues to grow, this could attract more creators who want to stream mobile games like Call of Duty Mobile, PUBG Mobile, or Genshin Impact. But for streaming console, PC, or cross-platform games, Twitch remains the winner.
Streaming Other Content
While Twitch may dominate the world of gaming streams, Facebook opens more possibilities for streaming non-gaming content. On Facebook, streamers can broadcast live shows around cooking, music, exercise, talk shows, and more. Twitch originally restricted streams to only video games, but has since expanded to allow streams focused on creative arts, music, food, and other topics—just not sexual or harmful content.
Still, Twitch maintains more of a gaming culture and identity even among its non-gaming streams. So for streamers looking to broadcast around creative endeavors, casual chatting, or real-world happenings, Facebook Gaming provides a more flexible platform. Its massive pre-existing user base on Facebook also gives it an advantage in discovery and sharing potential for non-gaming streams. But Twitch still sees more overall viewership activity.
Streaming Tools and Technology
When it comes to built-in streaming tools and technology, Twitch provides a fuller suite of features to help creators get set up and manage their broadcasts:
- Twitch Studio – This free streaming software makes it simple to stream games, add overlays, moderate chat, and customize the broadcast.
- Twitch Soundtrack – Provides a library of licensed music tracks to include in streams.
- Stream Manager – Allows scheduling streams in advance and managing them on the fly.
- Raids – Lets you send your audience to “raid” another channel and boost their viewership.
- Clips – Allows viewers to easily create and share short clips from your streams.
- Subscriptions and Bits – Provides monetization tools and ways to support streamers.
Facebook Gaming more limited built-in tools, instead offering integration with third-party software like Streamlabs and Streamyard. But Facebook provides simpler onboarding and setup for casual streamers who don’t need advanced options. So Twitch wins for pro-level tools, while Facebook offers a quicker path to going live easily.
Streaming Mobile Games
Mobile gaming has exploded in popularity in recent years. Sensor Tower reports mobile games brought in $41 billion in global player spending in 2022. Major titles like Call of Duty Mobile, Genshin Impact, and PUBG Mobile have cultivated huge player bases. And mobile games are especially popular for streaming, allowing interactivity with viewers through chat.
So which is better for streaming mobile games – Twitch or Facebook? Facebook Gaming has a clear advantage. Through the Facebook Gaming app, streamers can go live playing mobile games instantly. There’s no complicated setup required. And streamers can interact with viewers and share mobile gameplay seamlessly. Twitch lacks this kind of deep mobile integration. Streamers need to use a third-party app like Omlet or the Twitch Mobile App paired with screen mirroring. There are more hurdles to jump through compared to Facebook’s mobile streaming.
The sheer size of Facebook’s mobile user base also gives it an edge for discovery and viewership with mobile game streams. More potential viewers already have the Facebook Gaming app installed on their phones. Between the app integration and massive existing user base, Facebook is the better choice for anyone looking to stream mobile games. Twitch still requires extra steps and equipment.
Content Moderation
With live streaming comes challenges in moderating content, managing harassment, and fostering healthy communities. Twitch and Facebook take different approaches to these concerns:
Twitch
- Relies heavily on human moderators along with some AI tools.
- Streamers can designate chat moderators to help police conversations.
- Viewers can report inappropriate content or behavior.
- Automated bans for blacklisted terms and spam.
- Policies prohibit harmful, dangerous, or illegal content.
Facebook Gaming
- Moderation across Facebook’s platforms done through AI and human review.
- Utilizes Facebook’s broader detection of policy violations.
- Automated systems paired with content review teams.
- Uniform standards based on Facebook’s community standards.
- Less control for individual streamers over moderation.
Twitch provides more tools for streamers to self-moderate but has faced criticisms over inconsistent policy enforcement. Facebook relies more on centralized moderation and automation. Overall, Twitch likely offers a better experience for gaming-focused streams, while Facebook benefits from years of refinement in moderating user-generated content. But both still face significant challenges in preventing harassment.
Audience and Community Building
One major consideration for any streamer is how easy or difficult it is to build an audience and foster a community around your channel. Twitch and Facebook offer different advantages here:
Twitch:
- Gaming-focused audience actively seeking streams to watch.
- Discovery features make it easy for new viewers to find your channel.
- Chat and events like raids facilitate community interaction.
- Loyal audiences return frequently and subscribe for perks.
- More organic growth through Twitch’s platform.
Facebook:
- Massive existing user base to potentially draw viewers from.
- Sharing streams to your own Facebook profile.
- Notifying friends when going live to tune in.
- Leveraging Facebook Groups related to your content.
- Less organic but potential for quick growth through shares.
Overall, it’s easier to build a core audience on Twitch purely through its gaming focus and community. But Facebook offers shortcuts through its social features and established network. New streamers should consider which approach sounds more appealing based on their goals.
Revenue Potential
For streamers looking to make money from streaming, both Twitch and Facebook offer monetization options:
Twitch:
- Subscriptions – Fans pay monthly for perks like ad-free viewing and exclusive emotes.
- Bits – Viewers purchase virtual goods to cheer in chat.
- Advertising – Twitch runs ads on streams and shares revenue.
- Merchandising – Selling your own branded merchandise.
- Tips – Viewers can send one-time tips through third-party services.
Facebook:
- Stars – Fans purchase digital stickers during streams to show support.
- Subscriptions – One-time purchases for loyalty badges and access to supporters-only streams.
- Ad placements – Facebook shares ad revenue from placements in and around streams.
- Facebook Pay – Direct tips from viewers through Facebook’s payment system.
- Merchandising – Selling merchandise through Facebook Shops.
Twitch likely provides more potential revenue channels, especially with its popular Bit system. But top Facebook streamers can still earn substantial income through Stars and its other monetization tools. In general, Twitch offers a clearer path to turning streaming into a lucrative job, while Facebook remains better for casual earnings.
Streaming Conditions and Requirements
What are the technical requirements to stream on Twitch vs Facebook? Here’s an overview:
Twitch:
- Recommended internet speeds: 3-6 Mbps upload minimum.
- Works best with wired connection and PC setup.
- Requires high-quality microphone, webcam, and lighting.
- Streaming software like OBS or Twitch Studio.
- Gaming PC or high-end console recommended.
- More complex setup but expansive capabilities.
Facebook:
- Recommended internet speeds: 3 Mbps upload minimum.
- Can stream directly from smartphone or tablet.
- Built-in webcam and mic on mobile work adequately.
- Mobile app integrated with streaming tools.
- Easy onboarding best for casual streaming.
- Limitations on stream quality and customization.
Twitch expects more from aspiring streamers as far as equipment and software. Facebook Gaming sets the barrier to entry much lower. New streamers can go live on Facebook with minimal equipment and technical know-how required. But Twitch offers greater customization for polished, professional-grade streams. It comes down to priorities between accessibility and maximizing quality.
Growth Potential
For new streamers looking to build an audience and hopefully turn streaming into a full-time career, which platform offers greater long-term potential?
Twitch remains the prime destination for turning streaming into a self-sustaining job. Top Twitch personalities like Ninja, Pokimane, and DrLupo demonstrate the earnings ceiling through subscriptions, lucrative sponsorships, and dedicated fan bases. Twitch also offers partnership opportunities for monetization not yet available on Facebook.
However, Facebook provides plenty of room for growth too. As Facebook Gaming expands, the platform could eventually rival Twitch’s money-making potential. And Facebook simplifies discovering a wider potential audience outside of primarily gaming-focused fans. But so far, Twitch still reigns supreme in terms of growth ceiling. The platform is overflowing with opportunities for the right streamers to turn their channels into a full-time business and income source.
Compatibility
What devices and platforms are compatible with streaming on Twitch and Facebook? Here’s an overview:
Twitch:
- Desktop streaming software like OBS, Streamlabs, XSplit.
- Twitch Studio (Windows and Mac).
- Twitch Mobile App (iOS and Android).
- PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5.
- Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S.
- Nintendo Switch (with capture card).
Facebook:
- Desktop streaming software like OBS, Streamlabs, XSplit.
- Mobile streaming through Facebook Gaming App (iOS and Android).
- Facebook Creator Studio.
- Streamyard, Restream, and other web streaming services.
- Gaming consoles need capture card and streaming software.
Overall, Twitch has wider compatibility with more specialized streaming programs and direct integration with today’s major gaming consoles. Facebook makes streaming simpler from mobile but requires more workaround for console gameplay capture. Both platforms now cover the most essential compatibility needs like mobile and OBS integration.
Game Exclusivity
Do Twitch and Facebook hold any exclusive streaming rights for certain games? A few major exclusivity deals stand out:
- Facebook has an exclusive streaming deal for Riot Games’ titles like League of Legends and Valorant.
- Twitch is the only platform for streaming Blizzard’s games like Overwatch and World of Warcraft.
- Some major esports leagues are broadcast exclusively on Twitch.
- Twitch still has exclusive holds on high-profile streamers.
- Otherwise, most major new releases can be streamed on either platform.
These exclusivity deals are a significant factor for streamers focused on categories like esports or particular game titles. Otherwise, new releases across console, PC, and mobile games can generally be streamed on both Twitch and Facebook. But Twitch maintains exclusivity over certain major gaming properties.
Summary
So in summary, here are some key points comparing Twitch vs Facebook for new streamers:
- Twitch dominates for game streaming with a huge built-in audience.
- Facebook opens up more creative opportunities beyond just gaming content.
- Twitch has vastly more users overall, but Facebook provides huge reach.
- Twitch has better tools and functionality for advanced streaming.
- Facebook makes it easier for complete beginners to dive in.
- Twitch fosters more organic community-building.
- Facebook leverages its social features for growth.
- Twitch offers more revenue potential and self-sustaining careers.
- Facebook simplifies mobile game streaming.
- Twitch still holds some major exclusive streaming deals.
There is no definitive “winner” between the two platforms. The best option depends on your specific goals, content area, audience, and resources as an aspiring streamer. Twitch leads in gaming but Facebook opens new doors. Take time to reflect on your streaming objectives to decide if Twitch or Facebook is the better choice.
Conclusion
When comparing Twitch versus Facebook for live streaming, Twitch remains the more dominant platform – but Facebook offers unique advantages. Twitch excels for reaching gaming audiences, maximizing revenue potential, and leveraging community-building tools. Facebook simplifies the path for beginners and provides huge reach across its social network.
For most game streamers, Twitch will be the better fit thanks to discovery features, earnings potential, and its gaming-centric community. However, Facebook opens up options beyond just gaming and makes mobile streaming straightforward. The best approach is to reflect on your specific goals and content to determine which platform aligns better. There is no one-size-fits-all answer – analyze the pros and cons for your individual streaming aims. With the continued rise of live streaming, both Twitch and Facebook provide great opportunities to reach audiences and grow your channel.