Online streamer
A social media influencer who broadcasts live to an audience.
An online streamer is a social media influencer who broadcasts live video of themselves to an audience. This practice began in the mid-to-late 2000s on platforms like YouTube, where users posted pre-recorded vlogs and Let's Plays. While not all early content was live, creators could still build large followings and earn a living. Sites like Twitch later boosted the format with features such as video clipping and pay-for-play. Because streamers can earn money from multiple sources—including ad revenue, sponsorships, and subscriptions—live streaming has become a highly sought-after career.
Most streamers focus on video games, producing Let's Plays, speedruns, and walkthroughs. The biggest names, such as Ninja and Shroud, earn millions annually from streaming. However, many also broadcast "IRL" (in real life) content, showing their daily lives. Early on, some sites banned non-gaming streams, fearing lower quality, but demand for such content grew. IRL streams can include answering questions at a computer, broadcasting from a phone while walking outside, or giving tutorials.
Another branch is VTubers, who use virtual avatars, sometimes with voice changers, instead of showing their faces. Companies like Nijisanji and Hololive Production promote and support VTuber talent. By 2020, there were over 10,000 active VTubers.
Pornographic streaming allows direct interaction with performers. Camgirls and camboys broadcast nude or performing sexual acts, often on demand. Sites like Plexstorm have carved a niche by streaming gamers who also show sexual content, including pornographic games.
A controversial form is "trash streaming," where hosts engage in shocking, dangerous, or humiliating acts to drive viewer donations. It is popular mainly in Russia, Ukraine, and Poland, and has also appeared in Finland, relying on extreme behavior for entertainment.
Some streamers broadcast nearly all aspects of their lives for long periods. For instance, a Twitch streamer known as "Emily" streamed continuously for over 1,100 days, sharing routines, meals, and personal moments, highlighting the emotional toll and blurred boundaries of online performance. However, this specific claim is unverified and appears to be apocryphal.
In South Korea, streamers are called "broadcast jockeys." They have become popular for being more relatable than some celebrities, and many have appeared on T
- field
- Live streaming
- known_for
- Broadcasting live content to an audience, including video games, IRL streams, virtual avatars, and more
- nationality
- Global, with notable scenes in South Korea, China, Russia, Ukraine, Poland, and Finland
Lore & Background
Online streaming originated in the mid-to-late 2000s on sites like YouTube, where users could upload vlogs or Let's Plays. While not all content featured a live audience, users gained sizable followings and made a living from their content. Twitch later increased popularity with innovations such as video clippings and pay-for-play. Due to potential high earnings from multiple income streams—ad revenue sharing, endorsements, subscriptions—streaming became a much-yearned-for career option.
Reader's Guide
Online streamers have become a significant cultural and economic force, with the majority making their living from Let's Plays, live speedruns, and walkthroughs of video games. The biggest video game streamers, such as PewDiePie and Ninja, earn millions of dollars annually. Beyond gaming, streamers engage in IRL streams, virtual avatar streams (VTubers), pornographic streams, trash streaming, and marathon/lifestream broadcasting. South Korea has a distinct streaming culture where streamers are called 'broadcast jockeys,' and mukbang originated there. China is the largest marketplace for live streaming, with many streamers earning $10,000–$100,000 per month. The live streaming market in China grew 180% in 2016. Streamers have blurred boundaries between public and private life, as seen in marathon streams lasting over 1,100 days.
Did You Know?
- The biggest video game streamers include Ninja and Shroud, who make millions of dollars each year from streaming; PewDiePie, by contrast, is primarily a YouTuber known for pre-recorded content rather than live streaming.
- Mukbang, the live-streaming of eating a meal, originated in South Korea.
- In 2020
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