Twitch might still be the initial name that pops into people’s heads when discussing livestreaming, yet recent statistics reveal a different narrative about the worldwide scene.

As per the Q1 2025 Global Livestreaming Landscape report from Stream Charts, published on April 29, Amazon-owned Twitch has fallen to third position in the global livestreaming hierarchy. TikTok Live has made significant strides, now occupying the second position behind YouTube Live, which continues to lead the sector.

From January to March, TikTok Live accumulated over 8 billion hours viewed — a 30% rise compared to the prior quarter. This surge is chiefly due to the platform’s flourishing IRL (in real life) content and several high-profile gaming occasions in Southeast Asia that attracted enormous audiences.

Another important aspect contributing to TikTok’s ascent is its smooth integration of e-commerce, allowing users to interact with content and shop at the same time. Combined with the platform’s mobile-centric design, TikTok provides a seamless viewing experience that keeps drawing in more users.

One of TikTok’s most significant advantages over Twitch is its effective discovery algorithm. The platform is designed to highlight new creators, making it easier for users to find new content. In contrast, Twitch has long faced challenges with discoverability — an issue so critical that many Twitch streamers now depend on TikTok to market their content and direct traffic back to their channels.

Meanwhile, Twitch recorded 4.84 billion hours viewed in Q1, reflecting a slight drop of 1–2% from the previous quarter. While it remains a stronghold for gaming content, the platform’s overall expansion appears to have stalled.

Leading the charts, YouTube Live continues to dominate with a remarkable 14.98 billion hours viewed during Q1 of 2025. Its diverse content offerings and established user base provide it with a considerable edge in the livestreaming arena.

Even with its decline in rankings, Twitch stays among the elite tier of global streaming platforms. Rivals like Kick and Rumble still trail significantly, capturing only 2.9% and 0.5% of global watch hours, respectively.

For additional information on Twitch’s recent developments, including new restrictions on streamers’ uploads and highlights, be sure to read this article.