With the release of highly anticipated games like “Persona 4 Reload,” “Marvel Rivals,” and “Metaphor: ReFantazio” in 2024, it was expected that the popularity of gaming streamers would spike. Watching the reactions of others to your favorite parts in a brand-new game is entertaining, right? However, another side of the streaming community gained traction: IRL streamers.
What are IRL Streamers?
IRL streamers, or In Real Life streamers, live broadcast their real-life experiences rather than games. For example, Kai Cenat specializes in hosting comedic streams through his at-home camera, during which he interacts with his friends and audience members. During 2024, IRL streamers experienced a significant increase in viewership, with some reports indicating an average rise of 12% in daily viewers compared to the past year.
On the other hand, there are gaming streamers, with over 7 million active streamers in this category on Twitch, and the number is steadily increasing. During these streams, games are broadcast live to the audience, allowing both viewers and streamers to enjoy the gameplay together. This layout fosters a strong sense of community and interaction among fans, making gaming streams the top choice for many.
As the streaming community continues to grow, students have their own preferences when it comes to their favorite content creators. After taking both gaming and IRL streams into account, here are the top three streamers that caught the attention and support of EFHS students in 2024:
1. IShowSpeed
Darren “IShowSpeed” Watkins Jr., known for his energetic and unpredictable streaming style, had a huge impact on streaming in 2024. He won Streamer of the Year at the 2024 Streamer Awards, as well as the Best International Streamer award.
“He makes me laugh,” a student wrote. “I’m glad he won; idk (I don’t know) who else would win besides him.”
2. Kai Cenat
Kai Carlo Cenat III is known for his chaotic comedic live streams. He has over 16 million followers on Twitch, making him the top subscribed streamer on the platform. In the 2024 Streamer Awards, Kai won Best Streamed Collab for his stream with Kevin Hart, Best Marathon Streamer for his “Mafiathon 2,” and Best Chatting Streamer.
“I like to watch him when I’m sad. He always ends up fixing my mood,” a respondent remarked.
3. CaseOh
Case Dylan Baker, more notably known as CaseOh, is a streamer known for his Roblox gaming streams; specifically, he plays “Dress to Impress,” which is a dress-up game. In 2024, CaseOh took home the prestigious Content Creator of the Year award at The Game Awards 2024.
“Ik (I know) that a lot of people like to make fun of people, but he’s very sweet, and I like that he takes every game he plays seriously,” a student stated. “I love his Dress to Impress streams.”
Live streaming isn’t anything new; Twitch officially launched in June of 2011. Individuals all around the world have always relied on streamers for entertainment, companionship, and community. With 41% of users being between the ages of 16 and 26, it’s expected that students will make up the majority of watchers, including a fair number of EFHS students. Whether you find joy in IRL streamers interacting with fans they come across while on a stroll through major cities or seek laughter in gaming streamers rage quitting, there is always somebody for you in the vast world of streamers.
