Streamer Tim "TimTheTatman" Betar is abandoning Twitch for YouTube Gaming. TimTheTatman has quickly risen from Fall Guys fame to becoming one of Twitch's top streamers, but he's now leveraging his audience and popularity to move to YouTube Gaming after signing an exclusive deal with the platform. As of right now, no details have been offered regarding the dollar figure or length of the exclusivity, but it appears to be a lucrative deal for both parties.
TimTheTatman is not the only streamer making this platform shift, as DrLupo also signed a deal with YouTube Gaming recently, joining a number of other huge creators on the platform. YouTube appears to be making a stronger push into the gaming scene and wants to rival Twitch's hold on the market. TimTheTatman's announcement coincidentally fell on September 1, the same day many Twitch streamers and viewers chose to not use the platform as a protest against the website's perceived lack of action against harassment.
On Twitter, TimTheTatman announced his move to YouTube Gaming in a video that reflects on his past and future. Speaking to Business Insider, TimTheTatman noted that YouTube is a good fit for him, as it allows him to have a more flexible schedule and the platform seems "hungry" for expansion and innovation. TimTheTatman can also play with Dr Disrespect once again, something he was seemingly prohibited from doing under his Twitch contract. Betar's departure from Twitch is evidently an amicable one, as Twitch wished him well in a Twitter video. A Twitch representative stated the company is "proud of everything [TimTheTatman] has done for gaming" in a statement. TimTheTatman will begin streaming exclusively on YouTube on September 2.
Streaming deals are becoming more commonplace and they are also big money makers. A deal like this brings in thousands, if not millions of people from one platform to another and also brings revenue as well. Those who subscribed to TimTheTatman on Twitch will likely now bring their money to YouTube and offer up donations or other financial support. YouTube will also likely take a cut of that in the the process, helping rake in significant money.
With the likes of TimTheTatman, DrLupo, and Dr Disrespect on YouTube Gaming, it's clear the platform is building out a strong competitor. YouTube has existed for a while now and is really starting to find its footing in the space. Although competitors like Mixer never really took off in the way they'd hoped, YouTube is backed by one of the biggest tech giants in the world and is an incredibly successful platform in its own right. YouTube Gaming will likely only thrive, especially as it continues to recruit huge talent, which will probably be seen as lucrative to other streamers.
Sources: TimTheTatman/Twitter, Business Insider, Twitch/Twitter