Twitch

Twitch is a live streaming platform founded in 2011, initially focused on video game broadcasting. Acquired by Amazon in 2014, the platform has expanded its user base by hosting a variety of content types beyond gaming. Twitch enables users to broadcast live video streams and participate as viewers in these broadcasts.

Founding and Acquisition by Amazon

Twitch originated as the "gaming" category of the platform Justin.tv. This category, centered on live broadcasts of video games, quickly attracted significant interest and was spun off in 2011 as an independent platform under the domain name twitch.tv. From its inception, e-sport tournaments, in-game strategy demonstrations, and community interactions formed the core of its content.

The platform’s rapid growth led to its acquisition by Amazon for $970 million in 2014. Following the acquisition, Twitch’s technical infrastructure was enhanced, and integrated services such as Twitch Prime for Amazon Prime members were introduced. Under Amazon’s ownership, the platform became more deeply integrated into a broader technology ecosystem, providing users with greater tools and support for content creation.

Content Expansion and Community Dynamics

Although Twitch initially featured only video game broadcasts, its content range has since diversified. Under the category "Just Chatting", streams covering conversation, daily life, education, music, and art have been introduced. The growing number of content creators on the platform has fostered the formation of user communities and the emergence of specialized broadcast types catering to diverse interests.

Twitch is also distinguished by its infrastructure supporting interactive broadcasting. Real-time communication between streamers and viewers through chat enables audiences to directly contribute to broadcasts. This structure has transformed Twitch from a passive viewing platform into an active digital interaction space.

Streaming Economy and Service Models

Twitch has developed multiple methods to enable content creators to generate income. Subscription systems allow viewers to pay monthly fees to access exclusive benefits. The Bits virtual tipping system enables viewers to directly support streamers. Additionally, ad revenue sharing is conducted through Twitch’s partnership and collaboration programs.

Twitch’s streaming economy has encouraged content creators to spend more time on the platform and to view professional streaming as a viable career path. Through creator application systems, the platform allows users who meet specific criteria to attain statuses such as "Partner" or "Affiliate", granting them access to more advanced broadcasting tools.

Access, Applications, and Current Usage

Twitch is accessible via desktop browsers as well as through iOS and Android mobile applications. Users can create an account to launch live streams, watch other broadcasts, or view archived content. Twitch also provides the ability to archive and replay a portion of its streams.

The platform exhibits varying levels of usage intensity across different countries. In Türkiye, the number of Twitch streamers has increased in recent years, and the proportion of Turkish-language content has expanded. Direct communication between streamers and viewers has encouraged the growth of local content production.