Facebook Gaming

A few days ago, Facebook revealed its latest strategy to win over eSports fans: its new Facebook Gaming app. Clear competition from YouTube Gaming and Twitch.

Which do you think is the best option? If we take a look at the statistics shared by Streamlabs and Stream Hatchet, we see that all three are on the podium of game streaming platformss, albeit with marked differences.

For example, if we focus on viewing hours in the first quarter of 2010, we find these results:

• Twitch: over 3.114 million hours (65% of market share)
• YouTube: more than 1076 million hours (22%)
• Gaming: almost 554 million hours (11%)

Twitch as the undisputed industry leader. YouTube Gaming, which since last year has ceased to be an independent app and has a place within the platform, in a not insignificant second place. And Facebook, which is now changing its strategy with the launch of its mobile app, with a good portion of the market in third place.

The trend is repeated in almost all statistics, and it will take time before this podium changes protagonists. But what will be the best game streaming platform for you? The three share almost the same dynamic, but there are differences that are essential to bet on one platform or another.

To find out, let's review some of their main features and what they can offer users.

Facebook Gaming

Facebook launched its independent game streaming platform in 2018, taking on Twitch and YouTube. However, it has had a long experimental period undergoing several changes along the way. But now it seems that Facebook already has its strategy clear.

What does it offer as a video game streaming platform? You can be a simple observer watching the broadcasts of the games you like, or show off your streaming skills. The idea is that any user can start a broadcast without the hassle installing any third-party software or apps. A few simple clicks and you're live.

Have you taken a look at the app? Although it is a standalone application it feels like an extension of Facebook, so you will have all the social components of the platform.And of course, you'll have recommendations for games and streamers in almost every section of the app based on the preferences you've set.

As a streamer you can:

• stream live with a simple click as many times as you want
• invite your friends to participate or interact with them live
• Earn money with the star system through the Level UP program or with some type of collaboration with brands

As a viewer you can:

• follow your favorite streamers, support them and interact with them
• watch live broadcasts, game presentations, eSports competitions, among other content
• join groups and interact with fans of the games you love
• play casual games with your Facebook friends and chat with them via Messenger.

Although this is not an option at the moment, Facebook Gaming has the Level UP program, which allows streamers to monetize their broadcasts in a certain way with a “star” system. Viewers can purchase these stars and other virtual gifts and send them while live.

While the launch of the Facebook Gaming app has been one of the most important components of Facebook's strategy to compete with Twitch and YouTube, it has already shown that it has other tricks up its sleeve. For example, last year he surprised with the arrival of Corinna Kopf, a former Twitch streamer, and in February of this year he announced that Ronda Rousey, a former UFC star, would broadcast exclusively for Facebook Gaming.

And on the other hand, it is also trying to cover other areas to facilitate the different facets of the streamers, for example, a few months ago it presented a tool to create tournaments to organize every aspect of the competition from the platform.

YouTube Gaming

Google launched YouTube Gaming in 2015, but it's gone through a ton of strategy changes since then. And the result has been tremendous growth, although it has also had setbacks.

For example, last year YouTube Gaming shut down its standalone app and all content moved to YouTube's Gaming section. The purpose of this change in strategy was to focus all its efforts on boosting the player community directly from YouTube.

I didn't want to be just a casual stop for streamers but to create an entire ecosystem powered by YouTube.And this strategy was reinforced with the arrival of exclusive streamers,for example, with the incorporation of three famous Fornite streamers: Lannan “Lazarbeam” Eacott, Elliot “Muselk ” W alter and Rachell “Valkyrae” Hofstetter.

YouTube has also closed other exclusive deals that elevate the platform to a premium level. For example, in January they announced an exclusivity agreement with Activision Blizzard to broadcast the most important eSports events, such as the Call of Duty League, Overwatch League or Hearthstone. And on the other hand, Andre "Typical Gamer" Rebelo confirmed that it will continue exclusively on YouTube.

As a streamer you can:

• monetize streams through ads, channel memberships, and other options available on YouTube
• create an audience, although it will take time since its dynamics are focused on specific audiences
• have educational resources to improve the channel and your audience
• take advantage of YouTube's algorithms and system to promote yourself

On the other hand, a negative aspect of YouTube, which has cost it the departure of several popular streamers, is that it is usually not very clear with its monetization policies, or they are very changeable, creating uncertainty about the income they can generate.

As a viewer you can:

• watch live broadcasts and have an interesting schedule of exclusive content
• subscribe to specific games or follow and interact with your favorite streamers
• Receive recommendations to discover new content according to your preferences.
• have different ways to support your streamers during broadcasts

Twitch

Twitch needs no introduction, it is the undisputed leader in game streaming with a huge community of users.

Unlike Facebook Gaming and YouTube, Twitch is committed to reaching a wider audience So in the Twitch catalog you will see a variety of content ranging from eSports coverage, game-related shows, gameplay rebroadcasts, among others. And you'll even find Twitch channels organizing streams to raise money for different charitable causes.

As a streamer you can

• monetize broadcasts, either as a partner or affiliate, with donations, paid subscriptions, collaborations with brands, among other options.
• have options to support other channels and vice versa.
• implement different ways to interact with your audience within the chat room of each stream
• have extension systems and other tools to customize your transmissions
• have a complete moderation system

It has tons of dynamics, programs, and options that streamers can take advantage of to build their audience and enjoy the process. Twitch can be as complex or simple as you like.

As a viewer you can:

• browse through hundreds of channels divided by categories to which you can subscribe
• see game, channel and streamer recommendations, according to your preferences
• use its functions from both mobile devices and the web browser
• interact with other users and support your favorite streamers
• have an incredible variety of content

Which platform is for you?

Facebook Gaming feels good for casual visits or hanging out with friends. But it doesn't seem like it has enough, at the moment, to compete with Twitch or YouTube Gaming. But it has the advantage of being Facebook-style, so it's easy for any user to jump in and get comfortable with the options.

With a few clicks you can be in touch with your friends to share impressions about the games and have allies even if you just arrived on the platform. Maybe it could be ideal for you if you want to become an amateur streamer. You won't get bogged down with too many options, you won't have to install anything to get started, and you'll have the support of your friends.

On the other hand, on Twitch it's very hard to stand out as a streamer as the competition is so high, and on YouTube it takes time to build an audience.So getting started on these platforms is a real challenge. But if you are looking for a community to share your impressions of your favorite games and feel close to the streamers you follow, you can opt for any of the platforms.