Twitch in 2017: A Look Behind the Curtain

In 2017, Twitch was primarily run by Emmett Shear, the CEO of Twitch Interactive. Reporting to him were a host of executives overseeing various departments, ensuring the platform continued its impressive growth trajectory and solidified its position as the dominant force in live streaming. Let’s delve into the leadership structure and examine the key figures who shaped Twitch during this pivotal year.

The Executive Landscape at Twitch in 2017

While Emmett Shear held the ultimate authority as CEO, the success of Twitch in 2017 relied heavily on a team of highly skilled and experienced executives. These individuals were responsible for managing different facets of the business, from content acquisition and partnerships to engineering and marketing. Understanding their roles provides a clearer picture of how Twitch operated.

Emmett Shear: The Guiding Force

Emmett Shear’s role as CEO was paramount. He was responsible for the overall strategic direction of the company, ensuring its continued growth and navigating the ever-changing landscape of online video and gaming. His leadership style, often described as data-driven and collaborative, helped foster a culture of innovation within Twitch. Shear’s vision was instrumental in transforming Twitch from a niche gaming platform into a broader entertainment hub.

Key Leadership Roles

Beyond the CEO, several other key leadership roles were vital to Twitch’s functioning in 2017. These included the heads of engineering, product, marketing, sales, and content partnerships. While specific names and individuals may have shifted throughout the year, these functions remained crucial.

• Engineering: The engineering team was responsible for maintaining and improving the Twitch platform itself. This included ensuring the stability of the video streams, developing new features for streamers and viewers, and addressing technical challenges as they arose.
• Product: The product team focused on defining the roadmap for Twitch’s future development. They analyzed user data, identified new opportunities, and prioritized features that would enhance the user experience and drive growth.
• Marketing: The marketing team was tasked with promoting Twitch to a wider audience and building brand awareness. They developed marketing campaigns, managed social media channels, and worked to attract new streamers and viewers to the platform.
• Sales: The sales team was responsible for generating revenue through advertising and sponsorships. They worked with brands and agencies to create engaging advertising experiences on Twitch and develop partnerships with streamers.
• Content Partnerships: The content partnerships team played a crucial role in attracting and retaining top streamers. They worked closely with streamers to provide support, negotiate partnerships, and help them grow their audiences. They are pivotal for content creator relationships.

The Amazon Influence

It’s crucial to remember that Amazon acquired Twitch in 2014. While Twitch maintained a degree of autonomy, Amazon’s influence was undoubtedly present in 2017. Amazon provided Twitch with significant resources and infrastructure, allowing the platform to scale rapidly and invest in new technologies. Amazon executives also likely played a role in strategic decision-making, particularly regarding financial matters and long-term planning.

Twitch’s Trajectory in 2017: A Year of Growth and Evolution

2017 was a significant year for Twitch. The platform continued to experience rapid growth in both viewership and the number of streamers. This growth was driven by several factors, including the increasing popularity of esports, the rise of influencer marketing, and Twitch’s expansion into new content categories beyond gaming.

During this period, Twitch implemented various features and initiatives aimed at improving the user experience and fostering a stronger sense of community. These included:

• Improved mobile apps: Making it easier for viewers to watch streams on the go.
• Enhanced moderation tools: Providing streamers with more control over their communities.
• Expanded support for non-gaming content: Attracting a wider range of creators and viewers.
• Twitch Prime benefits: Offering exclusive perks to Amazon Prime members who linked their accounts to Twitch.

These initiatives helped solidify Twitch’s position as the leading live streaming platform and set the stage for future growth. The year marked a period of significant maturation for the platform, moving beyond its gaming roots to embrace a broader range of content and audiences. Community growth was a key objective.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Twitch in 2017

Here are some frequently asked questions that provide additional context and insights into Twitch during 2017:

1. What was Twitch’s primary source of revenue in 2017? Advertising and subscriptions were the primary sources. Twitch relied on pre-roll and display ads, as well as channel subscriptions that provided viewers with benefits like custom emotes and ad-free viewing. Another important revenue stream was through bits (virtual goods viewers purchase to cheer for streamers).

2. How many concurrent viewers did Twitch typically have in 2017? Twitch’s average concurrent viewership was consistently high, often exceeding one million viewers at any given time. This number would fluctuate based on major esports events, new game releases, and popular streamer schedules.

3. What were some of the most popular games streamed on Twitch in 2017? League of Legends, Dota 2, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG), and Overwatch were consistently among the most popular games streamed on Twitch in 2017. These games benefited from large, dedicated communities and competitive esports scenes.

4. Did Twitch face any major controversies in 2017? Like any large online platform, Twitch faced its share of controversies. These often revolved around issues of moderation, content policy enforcement, and accusations of bias towards certain streamers. Twitch continuously worked to refine its policies and improve its moderation processes in response to these concerns.

5. How did Twitch handle copyright infringement in 2017? Twitch implemented a system to address copyright infringement, primarily through the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). Streamers were expected to respect copyright laws and avoid streaming copyrighted material without permission. Twitch would issue warnings and takedown notices in response to copyright claims.

6. What steps did Twitch take to support smaller streamers in 2017? Twitch implemented various programs and initiatives to support smaller streamers, including the Affiliate Program, which allowed streamers to monetize their channels through subscriptions and bits. They also offered educational resources and promoted smaller streamers through featured content and community events.

7. How did Twitch compete with YouTube Gaming in 2017? Twitch differentiated itself from YouTube Gaming through its focus on live, interactive content and its strong community. While YouTube Gaming offered both live and on-demand video, Twitch emphasized the real-time interaction between streamers and viewers. Twitch became known for a streamer-viewer community environment.

8. What role did esports play in Twitch’s success in 2017? Esports played a massive role in Twitch’s success. Twitch was the go-to platform for watching professional esports tournaments, attracting millions of viewers and generating significant revenue. The popularity of esports helped to legitimize Twitch as a mainstream entertainment platform.

9. What advancements were made in Twitch’s streaming technology in 2017? Twitch continued to invest in its streaming technology to improve the quality and reliability of its video streams. This included optimizing its infrastructure, developing new video codecs, and enhancing its CDN (Content Delivery Network) to ensure smooth streaming for viewers around the world.

10. How did Twitch use data analytics to improve its platform in 2017? Twitch heavily relied on data analytics to understand user behavior, identify trends, and optimize its platform. They analyzed data on viewership, engagement, and content preferences to inform product development, marketing campaigns, and content partnerships.

11. What were Twitch’s biggest challenges in 2017? Some of Twitch’s biggest challenges in 2017 included managing its rapid growth, maintaining a safe and positive community environment, and competing with other online video platforms. Effectively handling moderation and user safety proved crucial.

12. What were some of the key trends shaping the live streaming industry in 2017 that impacted Twitch? Key trends included the rise of mobile streaming, the increasing popularity of non-gaming content (such as IRL streams), and the growing importance of influencer marketing. Twitch adapted to these trends by expanding its mobile app, supporting non-gaming content, and forging partnerships with influencers. This helped contribute to Twitch’s expansion into new markets.