... Read morePlanning a subathon, especially one with wild incentives like a pie-in-the-face, can be super exciting but also a bit overwhelming! Since my 2-year Twitch Affiliate anniversary subathon is coming up, I wanted to share some thoughts and tips on what goes into making these chaotic events a success.
First off, why the 'pie in the face'? Honestly, it's all about engagement and creating memorable moments. Viewers love to see their favorite streamers doing something silly and unexpected, especially when they can directly contribute to making it happen. It's a fantastic way to build community spirit and get everyone invested in the stream's goals. I've seen so many hilarious clips from other streamers doing this, and I knew for my big anniversary, we had to go all out!
When you're planning your own subathon incentives, think about what truly resonates with your community. For me, the 'pie in the face' was a no-brainer because my community loves a good laugh and a bit of controlled mayhem. But it's not just about the big, messy ones. I'm also planning other incentives, like a temporary face tattoo, which is a bit less messy but still super fun and visually engaging. Sometimes, even simple things like changing your stream layout or playing a specific game can be great incentives if your community is passionate about them.
One thing I learned quickly is to *plan, plan, plan*! You need to have your goals clearly defined – not just the total subscription goal, but also smaller milestones that trigger specific incentives. For my subathon, we'll have various sub goals for different levels of chaos. For example, maybe at 'X' subs, I get a temporary tattoo, and at 'Y' subs, the pie comes out! And yes, you need to prepare the 'props' in advance – make sure you have your pie (whipped cream is usually best, less sticky and easier to clean!), towels, and a camera-ready spot.
Beyond the pie, I'm also thinking about other ways to keep the energy high. The OCR results even reminded me about things like raffles! Maybe a special anniversary T-shirt raffle for those who subscribe during the event could be a fantastic bonus incentive. It adds another layer of excitement and gives back to the community directly. These kinds of incentives, whether it's a raffle for custom merchandise or even just a personalized shout-out, make people feel appreciated and part of something bigger.
The 'chaos' aspect is what makes these events so memorable. Embrace it! Don't be afraid to let things get a little messy or unpredictable. That's where the real fun happens and where inside jokes are born. But also, have a backup plan. What if you hit all your goals super fast? Have some bonus goals ready. What if the stream software crashes? Know how to troubleshoot quickly. Being prepared helps you stay calm when things get wild.
Ultimately, a subathon is a celebration of your community and your journey as a streamer. It's a chance to give back, have fun, and create unforgettable memories together. I'm genuinely excited for May 13th and can't wait to share all the pie-filled, tattoo-sporting, raffle-winning madness with everyone!
Live every Tues, Thurs, Fri, Sat @ 10 PM EST on Twitch - FasifyTV