When it comes to mobile streaming, YouTube reigns supreme. While Twitch continues to outshine YouTube as a general streaming platform, YouTube has been more successful this year among mobile gamers, with games such as PUBG Mobile and Garena Free Fire ranking among Newzoo's "Top Games By Numbers Of Streamers" list, streamed by 1.2k and 949 streamers, respectively.
These numbers are more surprising when comparing the numbers on Twitch and YouTube. While Garena Free Fire has a mere 26 streamers on Twitch, it comes in at #4 on Newzoo's list with a much higher count. PUBG Mobile's numbers aren't much better, with only 345 streamers on Twitch - a stark contrast between the 19.6 million hours of gameplay streamed on YouTube.
What makes YouTube appealing to mobile streamers is its friendly interface. YouTube's mobile app has streaming functionality, which can be used by pressing the broadcast button, making streaming a hitch for streamers.
Mobile gaming has been on the rise, with more sophisticated and entertaining games dropping left and right. This process was amplified by the introduction of Apple Arcade and Google Stadia, which intertwine mobile games with some of the traditional aspects of gaming including the options of broadcasting gameplay through devices such as laptops and smart televisions.
Streaming platforms must adapt accordingly if they want to tap into this new niche. YouTube will probably continue to flourish and grow as a streaming platform, so it only makes sense for Twitch to take the steps necessary to be on par with YouTube. Mobile games are a lucrative market, and if Newzoo's findings are anything to go by, they are gaining momentum on traditional games. PUBG may be one of the most streamed games at the moment, but there's only a million-hour difference between the traditional game and its mobile counterpart on YouTube.
This news broke amidst the controversy and chaos that's gripped Twitch with its seemingly endless bans and toxic environment. In response, streamers have turned to platforms such as YouTube and Mixer to entertain their audiences. KingGothalion and Shroud are among the latest Twitch veterans who've made the leap from Twitch to Mixer.
Source: Newzoo