What is Twitch?: Twitch: A Parent’s Guide To Help Kids Use It Safely

Founded in 2011, Twitch is a live streaming platform where millions of users can watch live streams or pre-recorded video games. Other available channels that users can watch include music, sports, esports, and food.

Aimed at the gamer community, it also offers game news, product announcements, events, and a community of fans who really love games. In addition, Twitch broadcasts lucrative esports tournaments, which offer large sums of prize money to professional gamers.

Twitch is available on many platforms (computer, game console and tablets, mobile devices through a desktop browser and the app), but the official website is www.twitch.tv.

What does it take to use Twitch?: Twitch: A Parent’s Guide To Help Kids Use It Safely

• An internet-enabled device (computer, laptop, TV, phone, or tablet)
• A Twitch account
• Be at least 13 years old to use the platform (although there is no age verification on record)

How Twitch works

A user can set up a Twitch account to watch their favorite streaming channels or they can set up their own channel.

As a viewer, you can – watch live games or archived videos by browsing through various categories. A Twitch broadcast or stream often includes a video with an audio commentary from the player and the video of the game itself.

You’ll also see a live chat option where sometimes the streamer can reply, but can still talk to others, including sending private messages. Sometimes streamers respond to chats out loud on video.

To get the full experience (including participation in live chat), you will need to sign up for the free membership where you will get your own user page (called channel). Viewers can follow their favorite streamer for free or subscribe to their channel for a fee, starting at $ 4.99 a month.

As a streamer you can – create a channel and stream live games, esports, music or IRL content (in real life). IRL is designed for users to share glimpses of their everyday life.
Streamers can also earn money from the platform.

Good to know:
Although an account is not required to use the desktop version (such as YouTube and TikTok platforms), by creating a free account, a user can get full access to the platform’s features.

Why is Twitch so popular?

• The Gamer Community – The Gamer Community on Twitch is the go-to place for gamers and gaming enthusiasts. The game broadcast offers live commentary that creates a sense of belonging among the players. Also, many young people use Twitch not only to see specific players, but because they like the real player; Many popular music artists have turned to Twitch to earn money during the Covid-19 pandemic.
• Lucrative Money Winner – Most streamers broadcast as a hobby, but some have made successful careers because of it. Because Amazon acquired Twitch in 2014, it is integrated with Amazon Prime and allows streamers to earn money by offering in-stream links through which viewers can purchase the games that are being played. Other ways streamers can earn money is through ads, subscriptions, and donations.
• Popular Game Reviews – The top games that are typically streamed on Twitch are the most popular, such as League of Legends, Fortnite, and Minecraft. Some streamers may get early access to a new game, and thus viewers may flock to Twitch to watch it.

What is the age rating?

According to Twitch, the minimum age rating is 13 years old. and a user between the ages of 13 and 18 must use the platform with an adult, in accordance with the site’s terms of service.

Anyone under the age of 13 who has an account will be canceled. The Apple App Store has a rating of 17+ and the Google Play Store has a rating of ‘Teenager’.

What are the privacy / security settings on Twitch?

Don’t miss out on our Twitch Parental Controls Guide where we show you can block or report a user, disable gifts, and more. Additionally, you can also use the settings on your mobile device or computer to further limit interactions and location-based information.