The modern era of live-streaming has seen fierce competition between Twitch and YouTube as the top two platforms for streamers. Last year saw a massive shift in the power balance, as popular streamer Ludwig left Twitch for YouTube just months after his highly popular subathon saw Ludwig climb to the most subscribed streamer ever on the platform. Viewers have seen several of Twitch's biggest streamers make the move to YouTube in recent years, with TimTheTatman joining YouTube Gaming in September and Dr Disrespect previously signing with the Google-owned platform.
The departure of top talents like Ludwig and Dr Disrespect have prompted many to wonder if other streamers on the platform may be eyeing an exit from Twitch in the near future. Popular female streamer Pokimane was previously rumored to be considering a switch when her contract with Twitch expired in early February, though she would later re-sign with Twitch. Now, with the ideas of streamers switching platforms becoming a hot topic amongst the live-streaming community, Mizkif recently addressed his own stance on what would convince him to switch during a discussion on Ludwig's move.
While reacting to a Ludwig video during a recent stream, Mizkif brought up the topic of what would convince him to make the switch from Twitch to YouTube. Mizkif defended Ludwig's move to YouTube, citing that the deal not only earned him a higher-paying contract but also served Ludwig's personal brand better, adding that he would also have chosen to leave Twitch if offered a similar deal from YouTube. Mizkif also confirmed that he encouraged Ludwig to make the move to YouTube, also seeing the move as beneficial for the popular streamer.
Mizkif also took an opportunity to point out a key difference in YouTube and Twitch as streaming platforms when discussing the deal. He referred to Ludwig as a person who likes to "go out and experience things" with YouTube offering him a chance to do that, while Twitch's policies encourage streamers to stream for long periods of time in order to generate revenue through in-stream ads. Mizkif also referred to platforms like YouTube and TikTok as much better areas for streamers to build their brand and reach a wider audience of potential viewers.
The recent trend of massive streamers like Ludwig and TimTheTatman leaving Twitch for YouTube has seen several new talents stepping up to take over as the platform's top talents. VTuber Ironmouse recently became the most subbed female streamer on Twitch and even climbed to the top of the site for active subscribers, passing big names like xQc and HasanAbi in the process. While many of Twitch's biggest streamers have been flocking to YouTube in droves, the platform still boasts some of the biggest names in online entertainment.