The Rise of Subathons in Twitch Streaming
The concept of a subathon on Twitch combines the words “subscriber” and “marathon” to create a unique streaming event. Its goal is to attract a surge of subscribers by hosting an extended stream.
This idea gained popularity through an event organized in 2021 by Ludwig, who is now a YouTube streamer.
Ludwig’s subathon began in March and lasted for 31 consecutive days, even while he was asleep. During that time, he achieved the record for the highest number of concurrent subscribers on Twitch, reaching around 282,000. Although this record was later broken by another streamer, Kai Cenat, with over 300,000 subscribers. Ludwig’s effort and dedication yielded tremendous results.
However, hosting a subathon involves more than simply streaming for a long duration and utilizing catchy stream titles.
Understanding the Subathon Concept on Twitch
A subathon can be likened to a game that streamers engage in with their audience. It typically begins with a countdown timer, and in Ludwig’s case, he started with 24 hours on the clock. When the timer hits zero, the subathon concludes.
However, here’s the twist: for each new subscriber, additional time is added to the timer. This allows viewers and fans to extend the stream by subscribing or gifting subscriptions.
While Ludwig’s month-long subathon is the most well-known, other streamers have also utilized this strategy to varying degrees of success.
Types of Subathons on Twitch
Every content creator may have different rules and limitations for their subathons. Some set a maximum duration for the stream, while others determine how much time is added for each new subscription.
Although the subathon’s conclusion depends on reaching the time limit or the timer hitting zero, there are several subathon variations, including:
- Challenge marathon: Streamers incorporate various challenges, involving themselves or their viewers, to make the subathon more engaging.
- Charity stream: Subathons focused on charity aim to raise funds for one or multiple charitable causes. Despite potential subscriber benefits, streamers typically donate their proceeds.
- Play-a-thon: Play-a-thons involve streaming a specified number of games in succession. This type of subathon is best suited for streamers who specialize in particular games.
The Longest Subathon on Twitch
The longest ongoing subathon on Twitch is being held by streamer Emilycc. As of May 17, 2023, she has been streaming non-stop, 24 hours a day, seven days a week for over 550 days. Although she does sleep during the stream, the broadcast itself remains active. This record is approaching GPHustle’s continuous stream, which lasted an impressive 634 days before concluding.