The streaming industry has increased in popularity in recent years, with top content creators making an impressive amount of money broadcasting on platforms such as Twitch and YouTube. As a result of the financial success of streamers like Ninja, xQc, NICKMERCS, and Pokimane, just to name a few, many gamers have made full-time streaming a goal. However, one top streamer recently had some words of warning for those looking to break into the business.
Among the streamers that have managed to strike it big in the industry over the past few years is Rachell “Valkyrae” Hofstetter. She currently has over 3.63 million subscribers on YouTube and is part owner of the lifestyle and gaming organization 100 Thieves. As one of the most-watched figures in streaming, she recently signed a deal to stay on YouTube Gaming through at least 2024. While she has reached stratospheric heights by making game-related content, she warned others that it was far from an easy path to get to where she was.
In a recent video, popular YouTube streamer Valkyrae gave fans some advice they probably did not want to hear. According to the streamer, those wanting to start streaming should not look at it as a primary source of income but rather as a hobby. “I’m telling you right now, don’t quit your job,” she warned. Valkyrae then went on to reveal the harsh reality of trying to break into professional streaming. She cautioned that anyone hoping to get famous quickly was in for a surprise, noting that it takes a very long time to make headway in the industry. “You have to do this for years and years and years and years,” she said in regards to streaming.
While Valkyrae explained the difficulties of starting out as a streamer, she offered some advice on improving the odds of success. First, she noted the importance of getting another job. According to the streamer, this allowed a person to have a stable source of income to support themselves while streaming. On top of this, she claimed that streaming to hardly any viewers would not get the job done. She pointed out that countless other people were trying to make it into the industry across all the streaming platforms as well.
With this in mind, Valkyrae emphasized the importance of building a brand. According to the streamer, it was vital to expand beyond streaming. In order to advance, it was important for aspiring streamers to make connections with possible fans and other content creators. "Collaborate with people,” she said. In addition, she suggested that up-and-coming streamers play various games and mix it up when something does not appear to be working. However, she claimed that regardless of the steps taken, it is a long uphill battle for those trying to make a living in the streaming industry.
Source: Dexerto