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If you’re a Twitch streamer or simply an avid user, there’s a chance you’ve experienced a streamer using hosts or raids. Though serving two distinctly different purposes, they may be easily confused. Simply put, Twitch Hosts and Twitch Raids are ways to support other streamers by redirecting your viewers to their channel. To some degree, Twitch Hosts and Raids are great ways to network with other streamers. Additionally, it’s a mutually beneficial way to grow on the platform.
Though hosts and raids can be done anytime, these commands are most commonly used when streamers are planning to go offline and wish to spread love to fellow streamers. In this article, we’ll outline the key differences between Twitch hosts and raids to help you decide which of the commands can work best for you and your channel.
What Is Hosting on Twitch?
As briefly mentioned, Twitch streamers host other streamers to show support. A Twitch host, which is started by inputting the command “/host USERNAME” in the chat (replacing username with the name of the channel you wish to host), allows viewers to watch another streamer directly from your channel.
One key thing to note about hosting on Twitch is that even though viewers may not be watching your stream, they are still on your channel, which leaves you in charge of moderating the chat. You can check out this article for an in-depth tutorial on how to host someone else’s channel on Twitch. Below are some pros and cons of Twitch Hosts.
Pros:
- A ton of channel exposure
- A chance that viewers from the hosted channel may follow or sub you
- Chat alerts appear announcing the host
Cons:
- You’re responsible for moderating the chat
- The streamer must be online to be hosted (although you don’t have to be online to host)
What Are Twitch Raids?
While raids are another valuable networking and growth tool for Twitch, there’s one key difference between raiding and hosting—where your viewers are directed. A Twitch raid which is started by inputting the command “/raid USERNAME” in the chat (replacing username with the name of the channel you wish to raid), directs users to another channel entirely. Once the raid begins, your viewers are warmly handed off to the streamer you chose to raid. You can check out this article for a complete overview of Twitch raids. Below are some quick pros and cons you need to know.
Pros:
- No need to worry about moderating the chat
- Potential to get a ton of exposure for your Twitch channel
- Combines different communities into one chat
Cons
- It doesn’t allow you to speak directly to your viewers about the content they’re viewing
- Some streamers will intentionally send offensive raids to channels (never do this!)
While both Twitch hosts and raids offer a ton of potential for cross-promoting channels, one thing to remember is the importance of choosing the right channels for hosting and raiding. If you align with channels that share similar content to yours or have a similar vibe, the chances are that both channels can reap the benefits or more followers from either of these collaborative efforts. If you end up hosting or raiding another channel, let us know how it goes.