Let me walk you through expert techniques to use Twitch hosting and suggested channels for greater exposure.
Why Channel Hosting Matters
Twitch skyrocketed into a leading live streaming platform, with over 30 million daily active viewers. Broadcasters flock here to engage massive gaming and creative communities.
But once you click offline, how will your fans discover their next stream?
Originially Twitch hosting allowed playing another channel‘s stream directly through yours, even with no active broadcast. You could seamlessly bridge audiences to other creators.
Hosting enabled effortless viewer retention and community connections.
Now the dedicated hosting feature is retired. Yet growing your viewershipdepends heavily on traffic exchange within your streaming niche.
That‘s where suggested channels fill the gap…
Suggested Channels for Network Growth
This replacement tool recommends other streamers through customized channel picks. When you wrap up a stream, fans see options to continue browsing.
Strategic suggestions retain audiences, spark collaborations, and mutually support broader visibility.
Configuring this only takes a few steps within Creator Dashboard settings:
Enable Suggestions -> Set Priority Order -> Add Desired ChannelsI‘ll demonstrate how to optimize this promotional opportunity. Properly showcasing allies earns you their return support!
First, let‘s dive into the setup…
Step-by-Step Guide
Logging into your Dashboard opens the hub for channel customization and analytics.
Access Channel Settings
Start by clicking your profile icon and selecting Creator Dashboard:
Then navigate to the settings manager via the left sidebar:
Under Channel and Videos, find the main controls to enable suggested channels.
Flip on Suggestions
Within Featured Content settings, toggle the switch to activate suggestions across your channel:
This displays the interface to add specific recommendations.
Prioritize Order
Determine display priority via the dropdown menu:
- Alphabetical
- Random
- User Defined – Custom ordering
I highly suggest user defined to hand-pick prominence. Make sure most engaged channels land top spots!
Curate Featured Channels
Now select stellar creators to spotlight by clicking "Add" then searching their names:
Who you showcase leaves an impression on visiting viewers – so choose thoughtfully!
Choosing Suggestions
Not all channels make good suggestions. To retain audiences and build collaborations, featured creators should:
- Align with your content style and niche
- Produce high-quality streams
- Have an active, engaged community
Consider Content Style
If you stream gaming, suggest other gaming channels. Backup your niche!
Ninja plays mainly Fortnite and Valorant. He could feature top channels from those titles or general FPS games to transfer that crowd.
But highlighting a Just Chatting or ASMR stream instead may lose followers.
Review Production Level
While personality matters most, production quality still leaves an impression.
See what channels take the initiative on:
- Video/audio clarity
- Layout branding
- Professional overlays
- Lighting
Channels that polish the viewer experience tend to stand out in your niche.
Analyze Community Engagement
The most successful channels have highly engaged fans who actively participate through:
- Chat interaction
- Custom emotes
- Channel point redemptions
- Event participation
Lively communities retain audiences much longer during streams…and after.
Research Channel Metrics
When evaluating a channel, check their:
- Viewer base size
- Follower growth
- Average viewership
- Peak viewership
Channels with traction signal engaged, returning fans.
For example, 100K followers and 2K+ average viewers is a sweet spot for promotion.
Try browsing TwitchMetrics or SullyGnome to audit statistics.
| Twitch Channel | Followers | Avg Viewers |
|---|---|---|
| Ninja | 17M | 22K |
| moistcr1tikal | 6M | 13K |
| Pokimane | 9M | 20K |
Table: Top channel metrics examples
Solid numbers indicate an active audience to tap into.
Additional Hosting Options
I‘ve focused mainly on suggested channels above. But what happens when you‘re still live and want to network?
Raids allow promoting other streamers right as you close out a broadcast.
Coordinate a Raid
In chat, use the /raid [channel] command to directly transport everyone into the new stream instantly.
Time this to coincide with your stream ending for best results.
Raids grab attention, especially from larger channels. So they can kickstart mutually beneficial collaborations and cross-traffic.
The main catch is requiring an active stream, so they complement rather than replace suggested channels.
Evaluate both tools to extend viewership and connections!
Let‘s Grow Together
As you can see, carefully utilizing Twitch‘s hosting features sustains your audience, uncovers new channels, and builds your streaming network.
Taking the effort customizes an experience visitors appreciate rather than just closing out. This earns their loyal return.
Be intentional about who you spotlight to portray your brand positively. When in doubt, raid and suggest allies with engaged, active communities like your own!
Twitch is all about crossover collaborations. Wield suggested channels and raids wisely to progress yours.
I know highlighting other hard-working streamers can feel counterintuitive. But lending your platform to lift up creators you admire pays that support forward. Strengthening your niche lifts all channels.
Now you‘re ready to implement hosting tools expertly! Let me know if you have any other questions.
Happy streaming!
