Buzz
In 2018, Facebook launched Facebook Gaming, a platform targeting competition with Amazon's Twitch. Streamlabs announced that from Q1 2018 to Q2 2019, the number of active streamers on Facebook Gaming surged by 236% to a record-breaking 153,000 individuals.
In September, Twitch had 2.94 million active streamers, marking a decline from last year's 3.67 million. This signals a loss of a significant number of streamers to rivals like YouTube, Mixer, and Facebook Gaming. Facebook holds the fourth position on the list. So, why is Facebook Gaming attracting so many streamers right after its launch?
Why do many streamers choose Facebook Gaming for earnings?
1. Facebook Gaming offers more advantages
Facebook provides two ways for gamers to earn money. Firstly, gamers can opt for Facebook's Level Up program, requiring streamers to have over 100 followers and stream content for at least 4 hours on 2 days within a 14-day period. These streamers are eligible to receive stars (tips from viewers worth $0.01 per person) and the ability to enable subscriptions for their channel. Twitch, YouTube, and Mixer offer similar tipping and subscription platforms.
On Mondays, Facebook selects top creators to be partners, signing contracts, agreeing to streaming quotas, and receiving regular financial support from Facebook. They also get to experiment with new features like ads and custom sticker packs. Twitch provides a mutually beneficial platform for streamers in a similar fashion.
Many gamers claim they earn more from Facebook Gaming than other platforms because building a large viewer base is easier with fewer competitors and direct access to Facebook's robust social network. While these statements may be anecdotal, they highlight that Facebook Gaming can attract ambitious streamers away from rival platforms with better salaries, partly due to the simplicity of live streaming on Facebook.
2. Facebook Gaming is a vast gaming ecosystem
In early 2019, Facebook consolidated livestreams, gaming groups, videos, and Instant Games (small games for Facebook and Messenger) into a dedicated tab within its social network.
Facebook declares that over 100 million active users participated in more than 340,000 gaming groups, and over 20 billion Instant Game sessions took place by the end of 2018. With such extensive reach, coupled with gaming videos and live streaming, Facebook Gaming has expanded its glory in the competition against Twitch, YouTube, and Mixer.
All three platforms do not provide mini-games, and their members often interact in online chat rooms rather than Facebook group newsfeeds.
3. Focusing on Emerging Markets
Facebook Gaming faces a tough battle against Twitch in developed markets like the U.S., but it has gained particular popularity in Brazil, Mexico, and the Philippines. This momentum supplements the growth of Facebook's core business, as the company increasingly relies on the expansion in emerging markets to compensate for slower growth in the U.S. and Canada.
In the final quarter of 2019, the monthly active users of Facebook increased by only 1% to 244 million in the U.S. and Canada, but rose by 2% to 385 million in Europe, 12% to 1 billion in Asia, and 8% to 782 million in the rest of the world. Streamlabs notes that Facebook Gaming streamers in Asia, Latin America, and Europe contribute significantly to the platform's growth. NexxuzHD, one of YouTube's top Spanish-speaking streamers, has recently begun streaming games on Facebook Gaming.
Therefore, Amazon, Microsoft, and Google would be wise to closely monitor the pursuit of gamers and streamers on Facebook Gaming in these international markets.
Facebook Gaming may be a latecomer in the game streaming platform scene, but its increasing allure for game streamers is undeniable. The popularity of Facebook Gaming in emerging markets and the support from the company's core social network indicate that it can still disrupt the global online gaming streaming market.
If you've decided to join Facebook Gaming, explore ways to earn money on Facebook Gaming for streamers here.
