If there’s anything that online platforms have brought, it’s a renewed sense of connectivity and togetherness – not only between those that we know but also between people and communities often thousands of miles away. And while the go-to targets for online interaction and communication tend to be platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp, there are other mediums that often have massive users that facilitate communication between individuals – the top among them being Twitch.

While most popularly known as a gaming platform, Twitch also hosts ‘Just Chatting’ streams where, as the name suggests, streamers talk about a certain topic and also allow people from the audience to join in on the stream. Although widely used, Just Chatting streams can pose some problems of their own – namely that users tend to get bored or uninterested if a streamer is talking about a topic for long periods of time.

In order to avoid being labeled as a Just Chatting streamer that is not worth being watched, streamers can take some steps to make their stream more interesting, engaging, and interactive.

Here’s how you can set up a Twitch Just Chatting stream and make it grow:

1. Use Custom Twitch Panels

Whatever it is you’re talking about, the first goal of your Just Chatting Twitch stream should be to grab users’ attention – especially those that haven’t converted onto your stream yet. And what better way to do that than with customized Twitch panels?

Not only do Twitch panels allow you to provide users with a snapshot of your content, but by utilizing the space effectively, you can also create hype around your channel, successfully gaining a greater audience. And if you’re thinking about the design aspect, well, PosterMyWall has got you covered with its range of Twitch panel templates.

With thousands to choose from, you can easily select a panel template, edit and customize it to match your content, and put it up on your Twitch profile. Soon, you’ll have users with similar interests and aesthetics pouring in!

2. Cook a Recipe

While it’s called Just Chatting, a Twitch stream where all you do is talk to your audience might get a bit boring – which is why it’s important to keep yourself and your viewers entertained! And what better way to do so than by dipping into the world of culinary?

It’s as simple as whipping out a recipe and cooking it while living on your Just Chatting Twitch stream. Now there are lots of ways that you can take this – for instance, you can host a cooking series based on nostalgic childhood dishes, international cuisines, or even audience-suggested creations. Or, you could have your audience members join in and cook alongside them as they prepare something in their kitchen while you work away at yours.

As for the process itself, be sure not to get too immersed in your cooking and forget your Twitch audience altogether. Keep interacting and talking to your viewers, allowing them to join in too and of course, discuss what you’re making. It’ll be a blast for everyone!

3. Make a Show of it!

Podcasts, late-night talk shows, morning shows – you name it and there’s a talking arrangement on one medium or the other. Well, why not join these forces and host a show on your Twitch Just Chatting stream? Not only will you be able to keep your audience well-entertained, but you’ll also have a better sense of direction as to where your chatting stream is going, helping you better prepare for your stream’s future.

Pick a topic, build a narrative around it, and go on to host it on your stream. And to make things even more interesting, you can also invite guests onto your show – these could range from people you know or look up to in your daily life, other Twitch streamers, or even someone from your audience. Just be sure to put in the time and plan your content to make sure it’s engaging and attention-grabbing, and soon, your Twitch followers will shoot!

4. Explore the Internet

The internet is a wide, wide place with activities and information of all sorts available at a finger’s click. And you can put it to good use during your Just Chatting Twitch streams! You can do everything from trying out internet riddles and trying to solve them with the help of your audience, visit and watch ‘try not to laugh’ videos and see how long you’re able to hold up, take online quizzes, or even visit websites requested by your viewers and exploring them together.

Of course, if you are going ahead and visiting fan-suggested pages, then it is best to vet these websites beforehand so you can avoid streaming any content that may be against Twitch guidelines or your own stream’s personal beliefs. Or, you can simply pull up the content on a separate screen, adjusting sharing settings as and when needed. Whichever route you choose to go on, it’s best to immerse yourself in the content so that you have substance to talk about – and if a topic isn’t your expertise or interest, you can always have your viewers join in!

5. Dip into the Arts

For many people, logging onto Twitch after a long tiring day may be akin to their version of therapy – the place that they visit to relieve some stress and feel better after a tough day. While it’s great that your content has the ability to make people’s day better, it also means that your content now has a responsibility to walk on that line – and what better way to provide some stress relief than with a dip into the arts? And we’re not restrictive when we refer to the arts!

You can host a live karaoke where you have fun jamming out to some of your favorite songs – don’t worry if you’re not a great singer! – and even have some of your subscribers join in on the fun. Or you can take the more traditional art route and paint a picture, make a sketch, or even crochet something.

As you engage with your art, you can talk about different topics on your stream and even turn the discussion back to your project, immersing viewers in the process that you’re following. You can even plan ahead and ask viewers to bring certain supplies in advance so that they can follow along and create art with you – there’s just no beating shared art projects!

So, if you’re looking to set up your Twitch Just Chatting stream, then these tips and tricks are all you need to succeed. Simply make adjustments according to your content and niche, and apply them to your channel – your subscribers will soon follow!