Pokimane confirmed that she will use Twitch less and focus her attention on other platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
In her Why I took a break + What’s next for me video, Imane “Pokimane” Anys said she initially took the month-long hiatus because she “felt drained and tired of reading the same annoying comments.”
She goes on to explain how she started streaming as a hobby when she was 17 and did it full time around 21. “I’m 26 now, so I’ve been putting myself forward for nine years. It’s been a really fun ride, but I also recognize that putting yourself out there so much, especially streaming, revolves around this constant feedback loop of people telling you what they think of you.
She continued, “What I want for myself is the space to grow and evolve in how I want to change, not how people want me to change or just how other people react. . It’s really hard to do that when you’re glued to a screen for eight hours, reading comments regarding what people think of you.
She then talked regarding “coming to terms with my ever-changing content desires. My break really cemented in me this feeling that I have [that I] I want to do so much more than just stream,” she said, alongside a caption that said it was really hard for her to talk regarding it.
“I’ve played almost every major game in fashion. “I hope that doesn’t sound like overkill on my part, but nowadays when I see things on Twitch, I kind of feel like I’ve been there, I’ve done that. I just don’t want to be in the streaming rush. I have a feeling people might be disappointed to hear these things,” she added.
“When I wake up, I don’t want to run to my PC and play for eight hours straight. I still enjoy my gaming sessions here and there. It’s just not the same pace and frequency that I think is expected as a full-time streamer. There is such pressure on streamers to follow all the trends, to capitalize on the viewership, to stream longer than the guy next to them,” Pokimane explained. “It’s just a hyper-competitive industry. But at the end of the day, the reason I’m saying this is because I’m just at a point in my life where I don’t feel creatively fulfilling anymore.
I can’t believe how many creators have DMed me saying this resonated with them. It means a lot and I hope you all prioritize happiness and balance in your lives ❤️
— pokimane ???? (@pokimanelol) September 2, 2022
She goes on to say that she always wanted streaming to be “part of her arsenal,” but she just doesn’t want to feel the “pressures” that come with being a full-time streamer.
Speaking regarding the fact that she has already diversified her production, Pokimane said, “I always feel like there is this pressure that people put on me, that I put on myself, that companies put on me. , that the contracts put on me, that make me feel like Twitch has to be my bread and butter. This streaming and this game is something I have to do. I wanted to talk regarding it so I might mentally take that pressure off and feel free to create whatever content I wanted to create.
“I just spent time exploring other platforms,” she continued. “I feel like other platforms fit my lifestyle a bit better”
“Plus, I have the highest female demo on platforms like TikTok, and it’s so nice to connect with people on things that aren’t just games. She ended by saying “my heart yearns for more and to explore more.”
take time ❤️ pic.twitter.com/jwmizB26Xx
— pokimane ???? (@pokimanelol) July 19, 2022
In January, Pokimane was the subject of a ‘sexist’ hate raid and later called out viewers’ double standards when it comes to ‘attractive’ female streamers.
In June, she opened up regarding how “simp” hate reinforced sexism and misogyny on Twitch before taking a “mental reset” hiatus.
Earlier this month, Twitch amended its partnership agreement to allow streamers more flexibility on which rival platforms they might use.
