Streamers and the Audience - Creator Relationship

Why has streaming caught on these last few years? It’s all about the connections

By Ian Knoll

Earlier this year, a friend of mine began streaming with his roommate. I can't say it's better than seeing him in person, but watching and sending messages while he does something he enjoys is a decent replacement in a time where most of my life occurs inside one room. That said, his streams are not the first time I've been one of many onlookers collectively referred to by most streamers as "chat." Whether you like games, making art, chess (yes, chess), or just hearing people talk, there's a streamer for everyone, and the medium is only growing.

But what is it about watching someone else have fun that's so entertaining? In part, it's the sense of relationship built. Now, I'm not claiming streamers with tens of thousands of viewers grow familiar with every one of them. Moreso, it's the other way around. Watching stream after stream, you get a sense of a streamer’s passions, what makes them laugh, and the things they want to share with the world. As you get to know them, logging in after a difficult day and hearing your favorite streamer joke with "chat" starts to feel warm and familiar, like being with a friend should. Soon enough, even familiar usernames watching alongside you begin to feel like friends along for the ride.

Of course, I should acknowledge that streamers get paid for their interaction, unlike real friends (usually). We all need money, so that's hardly inconsiderate, and even so, the experience feels far more direct and genuine than something like a movie ever could be. Because everything is live, there's a sense that most streamers are who they present themselves as, not a persona that  managers crafted for mass-market appeal. I've heard similar sentiments towards YouTubers or Instagrammers, but for a few hours, the world doesn't feel quite as isolated as it is right now. Is it a corny, unrealistic feeling to have towards someone who'll never know your name? Perhaps, but right now I'll take what I can get. Besides, no harm can come from feeling more connected to the world around you.