When it comes to the streaming platform Twitch, most people automatically think of gaming. That’s no surprise—today, the vast majority of streamers and followers on the website are focused on joining gaming communities for the world’s top titles.
Despite the popularity of eSports around the world, it’s Twitch’s top gamers who actually take home the lion’s share of revenue.
Still, despite the sheer number of gaming-first streamers on Twitch and the insane amount of sponsorships involved, not all channels are geared toward League of Legends and Call of Duty. In fact, Twitch has recently undergone a large-scale shift in order to welcome non-gamers onto the platform.
The goal is to bring on streamers of all stripes in order to curate a more general atmosphere that’s not entirely geared toward gamers—just like YouTube Live.
That being said, we still have quite a few years to go before this reality is achieved. Most non-gaming streamers are still setting up shop, so to speak.
If you’re interested in exploring the world of Twitch but don’t have an interest in video games, then try out one of the genres listed below. We’re covering some of the coolest niches on the platform today.
Poker
Poker remains one of the world’s most popular card games for a reason. Millions of players worldwide regularly compete via virtual platforms—so it’s no surprise that poker content is doing well on Twitch.
In fact, groups like PokerStars have even started to nab awards for their elevated streams, including taking home an award as the Fave Livestream at the 2024 Global Poker Awards.
While the content might sound dry—especially if you haven’t played Texas Hold’em before—that’s the magic of the stream. Broadcasters, entertainers, and poker pros all help unpack the allure of the game, from strategy to hand values.
Music Tutorials
Watching a poker stream will help you pick up a few pointers about the game—but watching a music tutorial will give you a hands-on creative skill.
Currently, most of the musicians on Twitch are focused on digital production, from mixing to audio effects. If you’ve ever wondered about the life of a DJ or electronic producer, then here’s your in.
But music tutorials cover a large scope. Along with learning the ins and outs of digital audio production, dozens of streamers focus on their favorite instruments. This means you can learn the basics of playing the cello, the piano, and much more. Or, if you just want to jam, you can also follow streams for live performances from indie musicians.
Tabletop Games
Along with poker, tabletop games have also enjoyed a resurgence on Twitch. These cover a huge range of titles, from Monopoly to Warhammer. We’re particularly excited about tabletop streams that uncover more involved and immersive tabletops, including RPGs like Dungeons and Dragons.
Perception Check is one of the most-followed channels in this genre. Multiple streamers work on the team where they dig deep into the inner workings of D&D, along with showcasing their live games.
Similar to poker, it’s about teaching the basics to newcomers, enjoying the ride as live games unfold, and demystifying some lesser-known elements of the game. Plus, there are puppets involved.
Animal Kingdom
Let’s round off our list with by far one of the coolest categories on Twitch: the animal kingdom. Under the Animals, Aquariums, and Zoos category, you can find all types of live streams that bring you closer to the flora and fauna of our world.
Some are simply backyard cams left on in remote places, allowing you to take a peak into nature.
CritterVision, one of the more well-known channels in this category (with 56k followers), offers a round-the-clock look at the creatures native to someone’s South Carolina, US backyard.
Others are a bit more involved, offering a look at animal residents of sanctuaries and zoos. There are also streams that cover pet stores and cafes that specialize in certain creatures, from ferrets to cats to frogs. Regardless of your specific animal interests, there’s probably a stream for you.
