In a major shake-up of the streaming world, TikTok Live has officially overtaken Twitch to become the second most-watched platform of 2025 so far.
According to newly released data for Q1 2025, YouTube Live maintains a commanding lead with nearly 15 billion hours watched, but TikTok’s impressive 8.027 billion hours has vaulted it past Twitch, which trails in third with 4.847 billion hours.
TikTok’s meteoric 30% growth in live viewership is thanks to several key factors and it could signal deeper changes ahead for the streaming industry in the future.
Why TikTok Is Beating Twitch in 2025
StreamsCharts’ Product Manager Nazar Babenko gave his take on a few major advantages that helped TikTok rise over Twitch:
- Mobile-First Design: TikTok’s mobile-centric setup makes it easier for creators to go live instantly. Unlike Twitch and YouTube, where setup and production values can be a hurdle, TikTok’s accessibility lowers the barrier for both casual and first-time streamers.
- Algorithmic Discovery: TikTok’s powerful recommendation engine promotes live streams organically, driving higher engagement without heavy reliance on followers.
- Content Expansion: While gaming streams featuring popular titles like MLBB and Garena Free Fire remain a pillar, TikTok’s surge in IRL (in real life) content has been a major growth driver.
- Increased Media Attention: The early 2025 headlines surrounding a potential TikTok ban in the U.S. spiked user engagement, as audiences rushed to enjoy the platform while they could.
According to Babenko, “TikTok’s content strategy — especially the rise in non-gaming streams — has been a key driver. Popular games among younger U.S. audiences (e.g., Roblox, Minecraft) also helped anchor its gaming presence.”
Can Twitch Catch Up?
Despite maintaining strong IRL communities, Twitch’s reliance on gaming and its desktop-centric UX are causing it to fall behind TikTok and YouTube.
Babenko warns that Twitch needs to diversify its content, improve mobile experience, and expand into emerging markets like Southeast Asia and Latin America, where mobile-first consumption is booming.
He also suggests Twitch must "innovate in creator tools and monetization" to keep its top streamers from migrating to TikTok, YouTube, or Kick.
YouTube Remains King
While TikTok’s rise is impressive, catching YouTube remains unlikely at least for the next few years. YouTube's dominance is fueled by long-form videos, a robust creator ecosystem, major sports deals, and an entrenched global brand.
Still, TikTok’s momentum, especially among younger audiences, shouldn't be underestimated. “If TikTok continues 30% quarterly growth and expands creator monetization tools, it can narrow the gap," Babenko concluded.
As 2025 unfolds, the battle for viewership dominance is heating up and TikTok is proving it’s more than just a short-form video app.
Do you think TikTok will catch up to or pass YouTube eventually? Who would win between 100 men and 1 gorilla? Let us know your answers in the comments section down below!
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