Today, two fellow streamers did short one hour streams, and sited me as inspiration. Stating that if I could do it, so could they. It's incredibly flattering, but I just wanted to say, of course you can!
As a new streamer, or even a veteran one, the general accepted ideology is the longer the stream the better. Many sites and streamers say 4-8 hour streams should be your average cast time, and frequent marathons of 12+ hours are the best way to grow your channel. While this method may work great for some that doesn't mean it'll work for all, but it does sound like a great way to burn yourself out.
With my dysautonomia, I'll never be able to do a marathon stream without dire consequences. Between 4-6 hours is the maximum I could ever do in one sitting, and even then that pushes my physical limits. Because of that, and due to my life schedule I have a one hour morning stream and stream for 2-3 hour blocks at night. Granted my channel hasn't skyrocketed, and I'm not a partner, but I am fiercely proud of our community and the connections I've made here on Twitch with both my followers and fellow streamers.
I believe any length of time streaming can be successful if you stream consistently, if you communicate with your community, and you create great content. Streaming at the same time is more important than the length of time streaming. Starting at the same time every stream means that if a new person finds your stream, they will always know when to find you. The same can be said for those already a part of your community, and human beings are creatures of habit. I know I have a set group of streamers I watch everyday, because I know when they will be live and can count on them to provide me with great entertainment.
That being said, if you can't make your normal time of life happens and you have to change to a new time, communicate that with your community. Don't just mention it on stream one time prior to the change. Let them know through all your social media, as well as, discord, channel banner, website, or extension. I feel terrible when I have to cancel a schedule stream due to my POTS, but being open about my condition and explaining it to new members elicits better understanding for all.
Content for me isn't so much what specific game I'm playing, but more how am I presenting it. I don't mean fancy equipment or overlays, but is the content I am putting out something I really enjoy and want to share. Am I being my most authentic self right now, and does this make me happy.
My stream is normally my happy place during my day. My job isn't terrible, but it's not glamorous and it can be very tedious and frustrating most days. A lot of times, I can come home after a bad day, grab a glass of wine and turn on my stream and the stress melts off. However, life can be a bit much, and I just need some me time; furthermore, I believe anyone who has had experience with a mental illness, be it depression, anxiety or something else, can maybe understand what I mean by your being authentic self. Some days you just feel off. Those days sometimes my stream will make it better, and sometimes I just again need that alone time. Communicating that with your community and not just streaming "because you feel like you have to" means you'll be putting out consistently the best content possible.
People may find your stream because of the game you are playing, but they'll stay because of YOU. Be it a hour or twelve, as long as you are consistent, communicative and make great content you will build a community and that is the key to being a successful streamer.
