Twitch raids are one of the most interesting and appreciated features on Twitch as they allow creators to share audiences and support each other, and here’s how streamers on both mobile and PC can initiate them.
Twitch has a number of features that make streaming more enjoyable and collaborative for all kinds of creators. Streamers can use raids to work with others to grow larger audiences together, and to share them. Whether using Twitch mobile or desktop, raids are yet another way to engage with the platform and other streamers, and to grow one’s following further.
A raid on Twitch is when one creator sends their audience to another channel by hosting that channel once the original streamer’s broadcast ends.
Twitch raids are a good way to collaborate with other streamers and boost viewership. Importantly, anyone can choose to raid another creator’s account, rather than some features on the platform that are restricted to partners.
There are a number of reasons to send viewers to another channel. One is because the streamer is collaborating with another account and wants their viewers to see shared content. Larger streamers can also raid smaller channels to help boost their numbers.
Unfortunately, some streamers have used the raid function to push their audience to harass other content creators. On the individual account level, users can protect themselves from this sort of behavior by choosing to turn off the raid function or have custom settings, like only allowing raids from accounts with a certain number of viewers or with a minimum account age.
Users can turn off the Twitch raid feature in their settings. Image credit: Twitch
Raiding someone on Twitch is easy and can be done either through mobile or desktop via simple commands.
To raid another account on Twitch, streamers need to enter the command “/raid” and the name of the desired channel into their channel’s chat. You can raid someone from either Twitch mobile or desktop via the same command. Those who want help finding a stream can go to the Raid Channel Quick Action button in the Creator Dashboard to see potential streams eligible for raiding.
Once the command is entered into the chat, viewers are able to opt out of joining the raid or can stay on to go to the next stream. The original host must then wait at least 10 seconds for everyone to make their choice before they can trigger the raid on the targeted stream. The raided streamer receives a notification including the name of the raiding streamer and how many viewers are joining. Both moderators and broadcasters can view recent raids in the activity feed and under tasks in the chat settings feature.
Streamers can also put raids on hold while live without fully shutting down all potential for them. They need to add the Stop Raids for 1 Hour quick action to their stream manager and enable it. To allow raids again, the streamer can either disable this action or let the timer run out. Chat settings also include more restrictions on what incoming viewers can say and whether they can spam the raided channel’s chat.
Twitch raids are a fun way to share viewers between channels and collaborate on streams, and another example of the Amazon-backed service finding ways to increase connectivity among its users. From encouraging loyal viewership through custom emotes and bits to the ability to create and share Twitch clips, there’s truly something for everyone on the popular streaming platform.
Featured image credit: Twitch
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