Pokimane on COVID-19, Streaming, and Internet Trolls | How I Built This with Guy Raz | NPR

Transcript

hello and welcome to how i built this resilience edition from npr i'm guy roz if you're just joining us for the first time this is our twice weekly um live conversation that is part of our podcast how i built this we talk to entrepreneurs who are building resilience during this challenging time and today i'm so excited actually my kids are even mor... Read More

Summary

In this episode of How I Built This: Resilience Edition, Guy Raz interviews Iman Anis, better known as Pokimane, a popular video gamer and live streamer. She explains the world of video game streaming and how she turned it into a successful business. Pokimane discusses her journey from being a college student studying chemical engineering to becoming one of the most well-known streamers on Twitch. She shares insights into the challenges and opportunities of being a content creator, including sponsorship deals, subscriptions, and collaborations. Pokimane also talks about the importance of building a supportive community and setting boundaries, as well as the responsibility she feels in representing diversity in the gaming industry.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is video game streaming and how does it work?

Video game streaming is like watching a live YouTube video where viewers can tune in at any time and watch a broadcaster play video games. It involves interaction through chat with both the broadcaster and other viewers. It can be compared to watching professional sports or simply watching people do things you enjoy.

Q: How did Pokimane get into video game streaming?

Pokimane started playing video games at a young age and became interested in streaming after discovering Twitch through her gaming community. She bought a PC, upgraded her internet, and started streaming as a hobby while studying chemical engineering in college. Over time, her stream gained traction and started growing, leading her to make the decision to focus on streaming as a career.

Q: How did Pokimane gain followers and grow her stream?

Pokimane gained traction through networking, luck, and organic growth. Some of her viewers mentioned her stream to other streamers, which helped her make connections and expand her community. She also engaged in intentional marketing by participating in relevant Facebook groups and creating opportunities for viewers to discover her stream.

Q: How did Pokimane monetize her streaming career?

Pokimane monetized her stream through sponsorships and subscriptions. Companies started entering the streaming space and offering sponsorships to streamers like her, where she promotes their products or uses their branding on her stream. Additionally, viewers can subscribe to her channel on Twitch for a set monthly fee, which provides them with benefits like chat icons and emotes.

Q: How does Pokimane interact with her audience while streaming?

Pokimane interacts with her audience through real-time chat, where viewers can message her and engage with each other. She responds to viewers' messages, makes jokes, and tries to have a good time. Chat interaction is an important aspect of streaming and helps create a sense of community between the broadcaster and viewers.

Q: How does Pokimane balance her live streaming career and personal life?

Pokimane sets clear guidelines for herself and establishes boundaries between work and personal life. She starts her streaming day after taking time for herself in the morning and ensures she has a routine to get ready for the stream. While streaming, she tries to minimize breaks to avoid dead air and keeps a balance between being interactive and taking care of her personal needs.

Q: What challenges does Pokimane face as a female streamer and how does she handle them?

Pokimane faces threats and sexist behavior online, which can be difficult and scary to deal with. She recommends finding a supportive community of women who can understand and empathize with the challenges. Documenting incidents for safety purposes and not giving attention to negative individuals is also crucial. Validating one's own feelings and recognizing that bad days happen but bouncing back and continuing to create content is important.

Q: Does Pokimane feel a pressure to broaden representation in the gaming industry?

As one of the most well-known female streamers, Pokimane recognizes that she represents women in gaming to some extent. She feels a responsibility to uplift and support more women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ individuals in the gaming industry. She believes in fostering diversity and creating a space where everyone can feel included and belong.

Q: How does Pokimane think e-culture will change pop culture?

Pokimane sees e-culture and pop culture becoming more intertwined as traditional celebrities and content creators delve into different platforms. The lines between pop artists and creators are blurring, with pop artists venturing into TikTok and content creators exploring music and other forms of entertainment. The integration will continue, and public figures will be expected to have a presence across various platforms.

Q: How does Pokimane plan to diversify her business outside of gaming?

Pokimane sees herself as more than just a content creator and has diverse interests. She has collaborated with brands for makeup products and co-owns a clothing brand. She mentions her passion for product development and creating things that provide value to people. She is open to exploring different avenues like writing a book and exploring skincare to diversify her business.

Takeaways

Pokimane's journey from a college student to a successful video game streamer showcases the opportunities and challenges of being a content creator. She emphasizes the importance of community support, setting boundaries, and staying resilient in the face of online negativity. Pokimane has monetized her streaming career through sponsorships, subscriptions, and collaborations, and she actively seeks to uplift diversity in an industry that has traditionally been dominated by men. She sees the integration of e-culture and pop culture continuing, with public figures expected to be present on multiple platforms. Additionally, Pokimane plans to diversify her business by exploring various product categories and pursuing her passion for creating value for her audience.