Video game livestreaming might be one of those activities that older Americans still scratch their heads at, but it’s remained popular among young people even beyond the era of COVID-19 lockdowns and social distancing.
In September 2021, 39% of Americans ages 13 to 44 said they use platforms like Twitch and YouTube Gaming to watch video game livestreams. This year’s reading of the same survey hardly budged: 38% of 13- to 44-year-olds said they watch livestreams.
The “pecking order” of livestreaming platforms remains the same, with YouTube Gaming standing as the only legitimate challenger to the industry giant, Twitch.
Video game playing habits are on the rise year-over-year, with a notable increase in daily and weekly players.
What sets a video game livestream watcher apart from others in the 13 to 44 age cohort? Well, for one thing, they’re way more likely to be into anime (Japanese animation). Nearly half of livestream watchers either subscribe to the anime streaming service Crunchyroll or intend to do so.
While we don’t necessarily want to call them “homebodies,” livestream watchers are also more likely to be heavily involved in the home delivery economy. They’re more likely to use food delivery, grocery delivery, and even clothing delivery than others their own age.
Livestream watchers are also more likely to invest in cryptocurrency and more likely to use online-only financial services than others their own age.
We know video game livestream watchers like to stay at home — but where are they living? The short answer: likely either in an apartment or staying at home with mom and dad. Non-watchers were much more likely to own their own homes — possibly in the suburbs.
Video game livestreaming is as healthy as ever among young Americans. This group is heavily invested in the stay-at-home economy and online-only financial services. CivicScience will keep an eye on the livestreaming sector moving forward.
