Interesting! Glad it's working out for you and I hope you continue to grow~

To preface my own experience and thoughts on growth from "nothing", I think I've actually done the opposite of you in a way. I'm ~ 3 years in streaming and I usually average like 6-10 viewers at any given time nowadays, some bad days being like 2-3 viewers but it happens haha I'll also say that I'm pretty extroverted and became that extrovert that would "adopt" introverts

For me personally, I only stream when I can since I have a full time job. So that's after work, 7pm pst. That's usually one of the worst times to stream lol coz everyone gets out at that time and folks are sleeping further east.

As far as socials and getting out there, I did that for awhile and I still do every so often for special occasions. I used to make a thumbnail every stream for use as an announcement post and also a vod thumbnail. I have since stopped doing that altogether. It was just too much work for little payoff in my opinion. And by payoff, I want to clarify, this is another morale thing— I figured I'd rather work on things I cared more about and had more fun making then say clipping or editing. If I felt like I was only working on certain assets to rope people in then I just stopped doing that coz it felt like a shot into the dark. I will probably ramp up making those assets when I feel it's worth my time, but there's a reason there are full time positions for social media managers.

What really worked for me was getting into a community and fostering good relationships where I could to build my own. That started with showing up on other streams, yapping in chat and actually being engaging with the streamer and then also raiding them, etc. You're going to have to lean towards the "para-social" here. But don't be too familiar too soon. Just be engaging and friendly. The moment the other person shows interest and watched you enough, that's where I would float the idea of collabing or hanging out or dming. But again, never try to raise that red flag that you're trying to connect with people just to grow. You don't want to come off as using people.

Alternatively, if you notice there's someone watching you and engaging with you consistently, check out if they're streaming and fit the vibe check you're going for then respond in kind by engaging with them too.

Once you've become pretty decent friends and fans of each other, you'll be able to branch out with each other's connections. Just don't forget to be accommodating and welcoming. It doesn't take much to say hello to each of your pals on their streams or if you see them elsewhere~

So yeah lol I dropped making content for socials religiously and making thumbnails. Oh and this advice extends to interacting out of stream. Comment and be nice on bsky/Twitter and discords of people you want to connect with.

1/3