10 Reasons Why Streaming Really Sucks, But I'm Making More Videos Anyway

After several months of trying to make it big as a streamer, I've come to realize that the entire streaming industry is a house of cards built on a shaky foundation of fickle audiences and relentless competition. Despite the numerous frustrations, I've found myself drawn back to creating content, albeit in the form of pre-recorded videos. Here are 10 reasons why streaming has let me down, along with my renewed commitment to producing compelling video content for my viewers:

Viewer engagement is overhyped: Streamers often tout their "interactive" experiences and high engagement rates, but in reality, most viewers are quiet lurkers who rarely participate in chat. The noise from obnoxious chatters overshadows any meaningful interactions.

Inconsistent schedules and unpredictable tech issues: Balancing a streaming schedule with real life is a nightmare. Equipment fails, internet connectivity drops, and bathroom breaks become nearly impossible without losing viewers. The unpredictability is exhausting.

Low pay for high effort: Despite the time and effort put into preparing content, building a community, and dealing with technical headaches, the financial rewards for streamers are often paltry. It's no surprise that monetization struggles and burnout are rampant.

Copycat culture and lack of originality: The allure of streaming often attracts imitators rather than innovators. With so many others covering the same games and formats, it's tough to stand out and find your unique niche.

Game developers cold-shoulder smaller streamers: Big-name games and their developers often prioritize top-tier streamers with massive followings, leaving smaller creators in the lurch. This makes it challenging to secure keys, early access, and other promotional perks.

Overreliance on hardware and equipment specs: Streaming requires expensive, cutting-edge gear to produce high-quality footage. The constant need for upgrading hardware can put a significant dent in one's budget, especially for those just starting out.

Burnout and mental health concerns: The pressure to constantly perform, manage a community, and adapt to changing trends takes a heavy toll on streamers' mental well-being. It's not uncommon to see streamers take extended breaks or even quit entirely due to burnout.

Merch sales are a gamble: Selling merchandise through a stream is often a hit-or-miss proposition, with no guarantee of consistent sales. Even with a popular stream, merchandise can flop due to a variety of factors, including taste, pricing, and marketing.

Stream sniping and hate raids: The anonymity of the internet often brings out the worst in people, leading to harassment, hate raids, and even stream sniping (griefing other streamers' channels). Dealing with toxic behavior can be draining and undermine a streamer's motivation.

The people-centric aspect is overwhelming: Building and maintaining a community requires constant social interaction, which can be overwhelming for introverts or those who value their alone time. The pressure to be "on" and engaging at all times can be exhausting.

Despite these challenges and drawbacks, I've found solace in creating videos. With the flexibility to plan, record, and edit content at my own pace, I can focus on the aspects of creation that bring me joy. While the audience size may not be as large as a streaming channel, the quality and engagement of my video viewers often feels more authentic and rewarding.

So, while streaming has let me down in many ways, I'm not giving up on making content altogether. By embracing the video format, I can continue to express myself creatively and connect with like-minded individuals in a way that brings me satisfaction, even if it doesn't come with the same level of mainstream recognition as streaming. In the end, the love of creation and the desire to share my passion with others will keep me producing content, regardless of the platform.