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A recent article of ours covered opening rituals as a form of community building. Some of you read that and reached out to say that it wasn’t really possible before a community was established. What do you do if you’re in the 93% of streamers that have 0-5 viewers? We focus on the close.
One thing that is true for every stream is that it has to begin and it has to end. We spend a lot of time analyzing streamers and we find certain patterns that improve viewing experience, retention, and the streamer’s network. The opposite is also true. You can be turning people away with how you end your stream**. A solid closing ritual can convert lurkers and followers into active community members.** It is also something every streamer can do no matter how small their viewership is! It only takes three simple steps.
No Surprises
The first thing to do is to let your chat know a bit ahead of time that the stream is coming to close . The audience shouldn’t really be surprised the stream is ending. Also, some viewers that would otherwise leave may stick around to watch the stream to its end. Make sure to find a good stopping point. Ideally, you’re not fighting a boss battle or in the middle of a match while you perform the next steps.
Actually Saying Bye
The next step is the closing ceremony. There are a few elements and they are all equally important because this is where community gets built. Let them know you had a good time and you look forward to seeing them again (in your own way, of course). Tease the next stream or point them to your schedule. Ask the viewers to hit that follow button to get notified when you’re live again. Invite them to follow you on other socials.
Consider doing something unique. One streamer we love to watch signs off by giving the camera a really long and awkward kiss. He pretends he’s sneaking it past his wife and it is a secret between him and his viewers. It’s a genuinely funny bit. The audience sticks around for it, it’s on brand for his on-stream humor, and the community loves it. It doesn’t have to be extreme, but it should be something between you and your community. Be consistent with it and own it!
Raiding Tips
The last step is the raid. You should generally always raid out and it is one of the best ways to interact with other streamers. One of the simplest ways to pick a suitable raid is by asking the audience or running it by them as you pick. Think about it, we’re dropping off our viewers into another stream. If we want the raid to be effective, then it will help if our viewers stick around. That’s why they should be included in selection. This might reveal some viewer overlap and make your ties to another streamer stronger.
Also, don’t immediately leave. Stick around for at least a couple of minutes, chat with the streamer you raided and really develop that bond. Both audiences and the streamer will see that and you may organically receive follows and more viewers. More importantly, the streamer might raid you when the shoe is on the other foot.
Don’t Do This
The Don’ts are the exact opposite of the Do’s. Don’t just peace out abruptly (we’ve seen this). Don’t rage quit because the game you’re playing is frustrating to you. That ends on a bad note and is not attractive. Don’t be thankless. Don’t drop off your viewers in a random stream and immediately bounce.
There are a bunch of things that can be done to improve your streams. Better equipment, more background props, more art, channel rewards, drops, bots, music etc. Investing in the quality of your stream is important. Keep in mind that every stream has to end. Use that end to build your community.