YouTube Introduces “Super Chat” so Creators can Start Getting Tips like Twitch


YouTube is taking a cue from Twitch (and adult webcam models), and implementing a new feature that could potentially put a dent into Twitch’s stranglehold in the world of video game streaming.

It’s called Super Chat, and it allows people viewing content on Youtube to give a monetary tip to the content creator.

image: googleblog.com
image: googleblog.com

Tips are how many Twitch streamers manage to bring in thousands of dollars at a time from lonely billionaires and the like.

Twitch dominates in their niche of videogame streaming. Even thought Youtube and Facebook are much larger overall, they haven’t been able to take crack into game streaming like Twitch has. None the less, when you have giants like that looking over your shoulders, it’s only a matter of time until they start to leverage their advantages to take over the market. As Twitch grew larger and larger over the years they got a larger target on their backs, and other sites started adding various features with similar functionality, but never quite made the cross-over.

image: kittyplaysgames
image: kittyplaysgames

Now, with the option for live broadcasts, and Super Chat, it seems like Youtube is making a much more aggressive move into Twitch territory. Competition should be a good thing for content creators and their audiences alike. This will force Twitch to make improvements in certain areas where they’ve been complacent, especially considering that many top streamers on Twitch also already have large audiences on Youtube.

Back in 2014, Youtube first tried out a “Fan Funding” service but it never really caught on.

image: quarterlab.com
image: quarterlab.com

Time will tell how many major Twitch streamers will make the switch, or if Youtube will be able to lure them over with higher earnings, or if that’s even a part of Youtube’s master plan at all.