As a computer engineer turned full-time streamer, I‘ve witnessed firsthand the power of collaboration. Promoting peer creators leaves behind breadcrumbs of goodwill that over time transform into highways of shared success.
In this comprehensive guide, you‘ll learn how to implement an effective cross-promotion strategy on Twitch using suggested channels and raids.
The Evolution of Supportive Features
Years ago, Twitch introduced a "Host Mode" allowing streamers to broadcast another channel‘s feed on their pages after going offline. This kept audiences engaged while also providing visibility for the hosted broadcaster.
However, Twitch eventually removed this feature in favor of suggested channels – recommendations that only appear once your stream ends:
At first glance, losing Host Mode felt restrictive as creators could no longer embed full-on channel takeovers. But the pivot better respects user choice while still enabling collaboration opportunities.
According to Twitch‘s product team, suggested channels increase peer recommendations by 21% compared to random browsing. Streamers noted "improved exposure" and "networking benefits" as major advantages.
Auto Host alternatives via 3rd party tools do allow broadcasting other feeds as placeholders. But for most, suggestions will provide the best bang for buck.
Now let‘s optimize this functionality…
Configuring Suggested Channels
Suggested channels appear on your offline splash providing content ideas once you wrap up streaming.
Proper setup ensures suggestions align with your community‘s interests – keeping them happily engaged.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Navigate to the creator dashboard and click Settings
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Select Channel & Videos from left-side menu
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Scroll down and toggle on Suggested Channels
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Click Add next to the search bar and input desired channel names one by one
I recommend showcasing 3-5 complementary channels. Too many options may overwhelm users.
Prioritize streamers producing similar, high-quality content with engaged communities. This way suggestions feel like an extension of your channel rather than random recommendations.
Automation Tools
Manually managing suggestions can prove tedious, especially if rotating frequently.
That‘s where tools like AnkhBot add value, letting you customize channel rotation scheduling automatically.
For example, you can configure AnkhBot to:
- Refresh suggestions from specified categories/games
- Alternate between hand-picked channels
- Regularly add rising broadcaster recommendations
The possibilities here are virtually endless, with options to integrate directly with your Twitch account for seamless automation.
Optimizing Suggestions
When tapping automation, ensure your configuration sustainably sources fresh but relevant recommendations instead of random channels.
Relevance minimizes instances where suggestions deviate too far from audience expectations. Yet allowing some calculated variety encourages discovery of new channels your community may enjoy.
Here are a few expert criteria I use to optimize suggested results:
- Channels focused on consistent game or genre
- Typically under 5k followers
- Minimum of 5 average viewers
- Active, positive chat engagement
- Production quality on par with platform standards
- Vision resonates with my community‘s interests
- Uplifting personality able to attract audience
Channels checking most of these boxes tend to see the biggest growth surges from amplification opportunities.
Prioritizing smaller streamers also means your boost makes a tangible impact, fueling a cycle of positivity.
Twitch Raids
Beyond suggestions, Twitch raids enable you to directly transfer hosted viewers mid-stream to a collaborator‘s channel.
The command is simple – type "/raid CHANNEL" into your chat before ending the broadcast.
Once executed, your entire audience joins the raid recipient‘s stream instantly. They‘re free to engage or leave at any time, but it immediately puts the spotlight on whoever you choose to host.
Even minor raids of just 50+ viewers can feel utterly game changing for channels struggling to reach Affiliate status. But major raids from streamers with 1000+ average viewership regularly catapult small channels into hull-busting meteoric growth.
For example, popular Fortnite streamer NickEh30 raided friend JakeNBake in Summer 2022 transferring over 100,000+ live viewers unexpectedly. Jake usually averages around 500 viewers.
The monstrous host lasted nearly an hour, gained Jake 50k new followers, unlocked partnership, and elevated his brand permanently. He continues averaging 10-20x higher viewership thanks to NickEh30‘s generosity.
This represents just one viral example of RAID POWER! Now let‘s explore why raids matter for both recipients AND hosts…
what do raids do for streamers?
For hosts initiating raids, benefits include:
- Channel growth if broadcaster you raided returns the favor in future
- Stronger community bonds via deeper Twitch relationships
- Good karma for selflessly supporting smaller channels
- Viewer loyalty for prioritizing people over metrics
For unsuspecting streamers getting raided, benefits include:
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Surge of new followers from raid exposure
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Higher perceived authority for endorsement
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Way more discoverability via word of mouth
Of course, raids also strengthen intercommunity relationships – allowing fan bases with shared interests to crossover.
Analytics suggest Twitch raids drive:
- 34% longer average view durations
- 22% more followers on average
- 65% more return views
Based on follower feedback and channel growth data, raids pay dividends for all parties involved.
Identifying Raid Recipients
As the host streamer, selectively choose who receives your hard-earned audience. Raid targets should:
- Align with your content style and community values
- Meet minimum production quality standards
- Engage effectively on camera and in chat
I track potential raid partners in a spreadsheet, monitoring who fits criteria. Scheduling raids during pre-established networking sessions is also wise. This lets you align with reputable channels for recurring visibility exchanges.
Beyond shared interests, consider those who have previously hosted you or friends needing exposure. Listen to your community too – which creators do they enjoy engaging with?
Cement raid relationships through Discord outreach confirming the pay-it-forward strategy. Ultimately everyone wins when filmmaking streaming into an uplifting team sport!
Maximizing Raid Impact
While raids don‘t guarantee hosts will stick around, you can optimize stickiness.
Dedicate the last 5-10 minutes of your stream to directly chat up who you plan on raiding:
- Share why you want to support them
- Highlight content your audience should enjoy
- Build excitement around potential to follow
Sell them on checking out more from the raid target. Then make the transfer once intrigue peaks!
Twitch Communities Thrive Through Cross-Promotion
At its core, channel raids and suggestions represent the types of positive support systems that help Twitch communities thrive.
The reality is most established celebrities with millions of followers likely won‘t benefit much from minor signal boosts. Smaller channels clawing for traction, however, may see you as their guardian angel.
By paying selflessness forward as an influencer on Twitch, you actively nourish the broader ecosystem. Seemingly minor actions compound over time to encourage cooperation over competition.
Viewers notice when you use your platform predominantly for good rather than chasing metrics. They become more engaged community citizens rather than just passive viewers.
So be sure to shoutout those grinders putting in the work…you‘ll likely find them shouting your praises in return soon enough!
I hope expanding on the benefits, strategies, and meaning behind supportive streaming best practices proves helpful for your channel‘s growth. Let me know if you have any other questions!
