Live streaming websites like Twitch have had a major cultural impact recently. Countless gamers have used services like this to stream their gameplay or watch others do the same. These platforms allow streamers to make a living by doing what they love while entertaining their supporters.
However, while Twitch is still the most popular live-streaming platform, it is no longer the only option for those interested in trying out streaming for themselves. In recent years, Twitch, owned by Amazon, has faced more competition from other major companies like Microsoft and Google.
Mixer, a rebranding of the platform previously known as Beam, is owned by Microsoft and is quickly becoming one of Twitch’s largest competitors. As more popular streamers, like Ninja, move over to Mixer, it begs the question: Which is better, Twitch or Mixer?
Of course, the answer to this question is not a simple yes or no. Instead, you will have to take a look at the pros and cons of each to decide for yourself which is better.
Mixer vs. Twitch: Which is Better?
As I mentioned, the answer to this question is not a simple yes or no. Every streamer and viewer has different wants and needs — meaning Mixer might be better for some while Twitch might be better for others.
To determine the best streaming platform, we will look at key factors, such as competition, potential audience, ease of use, and similar factors.
So, without wasting more time, let’s look at Mixer and Twitch’s pros and cons.
What Does Mixer Do Best?
Mixer is still certainly the underdog when it comes to competing against Twitch. Its biggest disadvantage is that it simply does not have as large of an audience as Twitch — meaning it can be difficult for new streamers to build a significant audience.
Mixer has a mobile app known as Mixer Create. This allows users to broadcast mobile video games and live videos from their smartphones or other digital devices. Twitch also has a mobile app that only works for video broadcasting.
Mixer is particularly interactive. It has special sound effect buttons that can be pressed while watching and directly integrates with some of the most popular games in the world, Minecraft being a prime example.
Another one of Mixer’s very popular features is co-streaming. This enables several streamers to broadcast gameplay from their channels at the same time. It displays all those channels as a split-screen and can view whatever users decide to stream, whether art or tutorials. If users want to stream a few of them having a chat, that is fine too.
Mixer’s faster-than-light (FTL) streaming protocol also makes it so that makes it, so there almost no delay between viewers and streamers, which leads to a more interactive stream. Speaking of audience interaction, there is also a feature called Mixplay, which allows viewers to play select games with their favorite streamers.
Mixer has a strong community, many unique features, great customer support, and is very accessible.
What Does Twitch Do Best?
Twitch’s main advantage is simple: it is the world’s largest gaming and non-gaming content streaming platform. Amazon also owns Twitch, so Twitch users who have Amazon Prime get certain benefits, including free in-game items and free Twitch Prime.
Read: Is a Twitch Account Free?
Due to Twitch’s large community, it is typically the better option for any streamer who wants to build a significant audience. New Twitch streamers have a notoriously difficult time attracting viewers due to the platform being home to countless already-popular streamers.
Twitch is available on both Xbox and PlayStation 4, so those who do not have a PC can still stream straight from their consoles. Neither of them will work on a Nintendo Switch. However, you can watch Twitch on Amazon’s Fire TV. Although you can get Mixer to work on the PS4, it is only native to the Xbox family of consoles.
Twitch’s affiliate program is a great way for streamers to earn money. Twitch also holds an annual TwitchCon, which brings streamers and viewers together for a real-life event.
Ultimately, Twitch is still the industry standard for live streaming. Thanks to its user-friendly features, large audience, and other factors, Twitch is often considered the default option for those wanting to get into streaming.
Twitch vs. Mixer: Which is the Better Streaming Platform?
For years there have been several platforms for streamers, including YouTube Gaming, Hitbox, and Azubu, not to mention the two discussed in this article.
Twitch has to be the leader by far in both its branding and viewership. However, Mixer has upped its game and is becoming a serious contender. Microsoft has carefully considered what mistakes it thinks Twitch has made and has been careful not to emulate them.
Although they both, on the face of it, offer the same type of service, when you use them, they are very different. If you look at any forum discussing the better of the two, it seems this is down to personal choice. Some users that have been using Twitch for a long time stick with it because it is familiar, while others have decided they should try Mixer. This has resulted in the number of viewers and players using Mixer growing fantastically.
How many of those stay with Mixer and perhaps return to Twitch or go to one of the other streaming platforms remains to be seen.
