Types of Streams: There are two types of streams. The first is a live stream. This is when the streamer is online and is currently streaming. The second stream option is a past broadcast. After you stream Twitch archives your streams in the video section of your channel. You have the option to go back and view past streams that you missed to catch up. This is a way to watch your favourite streamer when they're offline.  

 

Subscribe: This button allows you to subscribe to the streamer your watching. To subscribe it cost 5 dollars a month, half of which goes to Twitch. Based on the streamer, subscribers can get different rewards like chat emojis, a shoutout from the streamer, and more privileges than a casual watcher. Subscribing is purely optional but is there to support your favourite streamer.

 

Get Bits: Bits are another way of supporting your favourite streamers.  Bits are bought with money but can be bought in bundles. This allows a viewer to donate money to several streamers instead of dedicating their money to one streamer.

 

Chat: Every stream has a chat. The chat is your way of communicating with the streamer and other viewers. In the chat, you can post your subscriber emojis or simply ask a question about the stream. Every streamer has different rules for their chat so be respectful and cautious about what you say. When you're in a past broadcast twitch records what the chat says so the experience is similar to a live stream.

 

Followed Channels: When you create an account on Twitch you can follow your favourite streamers for free. When you follow a channel you get notified every time their channel goes live. Your followed channels also appear on the side of your screen when watching streams. The heart with the green background signifies that you follow that stream. 

 

Donating: In every stream, you have the ability to donate to the streamer by linking your PayPal account to your Twitch account. Streamers usually give shoutouts and read your donation for the stream to hear so its encouraged.